Queensland’s got plenty of coastline to marvel at but the Outback is just as awesome. Head inland on this nine day, fully sealed, drive and treat yourself to some amazing scenery.

Start things off in Rockhampton, the beef capital of Australia. Spend some time at Mount Archer and Archer Park Railway Museum for some local nature and history before making your way to Dingo, home of the annual World Championships of Dingo Trapping.

Once you end up in Emerald, you will find a few artistic gems including the huge reproduction of Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers.’ 30 minutes from Emerald is Fairbairn Dam, a lake three times the size of Sydney Harbour.

In the morning, get an early start at the gemfields of Rubyvale and Sapphire which are amongst the largest sapphire fields in the Southern Hemisphere.

The next stop, Barcaldine, is the location of the great shearer’s strike of 1891 which led to the formation of the Australian Labor Party. The Tree of Knowledge commemorates this time and the Australian Workers Heritage Centre plays an important part in our national character.

In Longreach, there is plenty of history to explore including The Stockman’s Hall of Fame, a tribute to Australia’s rural history, and the Qantas Founders Museum which tells the humble beginnings of our national airline.

Five hours west, Springsure is a quaint township surrounded by an incredible mountain range and home to the famous Virgin Rock which resembles the Virgin Mary. The Old Rainworth Fort is also worth a look for its compelling history.

71 Kilometres south of Springsure is Rolleston, the best access point to Carnarvon National Park. The route includes about 20 kilometres of unsealed road but is generally in very good condition. Make some time for Carnarvon Gorge while you’re here and enjoy the incredible Aboriginal art, waterfalls and rock pools.

Back on the highway to Biloela, you will pass through Banana, the agricultural heart of Central Queensland. Just east of Bileola is Kroombit Tops National Park, a great spot if you want to drop off your caravan and do some off-roading. Head back to William Golding Memorial Lookout atop Auckland Hill for a beautiful view over Port Curtis and then make your way back to Rockhampton to complete the trip. 

This article was originally featured on Queensland.com