Stretching from Barringun on the New South Wales border to Normanton in the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Matilda Highway is a place of colourful characters, remarkable history and a changing landscape. Fully sealed, the Matilda Highway is the backbone of the Outback and the access point for many different side trips for you to explore and discover more of Queensland’s Outback.

6. Charleville Cosmos Centre, Charleville
The Cosmos Centre has been redeveloped to give visitors a tour of crystal clear night skies and how Aborigines used them for food gathering and navigation. An observatory with four telescopes, plus a multi-media Indigenous Theatre, a history of astronomy
and new exhibits provides visitors with a more interactive and educational
experience.

7. Blackall Woolscour, Blackall
Australia's only remaining steam-driven woolscour has been lovingly restored
to its original condition. After it closed in 1978, the woolscour remained untouched for more than a quarter of a century, before the Blackall community with the help of the Queensland Heritage Trails Network, restored the complex to working order. Colourful local characters have been recruited as guides to show its inner workings.

8. Australian Workers Heritage Centre, Barcaldine
A tribute to Australia's working men and women, featuring displays and exhibitions in recreated historical work precincts. The centre now features a new exhibition - "Women in Australia's Working History" - to help redress the balance in our nation's history books.

9. Longreach
Qantas Founders' Outback Museum
The Qantas Founders' Outback Museum traces the history of our national airline and its very important links to the Outback and its towns. The project was borne of the Longreach community's commitment to creating a lasting legacy to the role of Qantas in the Outback. The new building, which links to the original heritage-listed 1922 Qantas Hangar, houses the museum, theatrette and exhibition hall, a visitor information centre and restaurant. The displays eloquently tell the inspirational stories of an Australian business success and the people that made it happen.

9. Longreach
Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame
A multi-million-dollar redevelopment is breathing new life into one of the true icons of the Outback. As part of the upgrade, new displays and exhibits are being introduced with more focus on Aboriginal workers' contribution to the development of Australia's great pastoral industry. A restaurant is being added and Australian bush legend RM William's original cottage restored.

10. Winton
Waltzing Matilda Centre
A tribute to what some call our national song, the Waltzing Matilda Centre opened in 1998 and shares with you the story of its namesake's origin. Thanks to the Queensland Heritage Trails Network, a visit back to the centre will be necessary to appreciate the enhanced displays, a new audio-visual theatrette and other improvements to the visitor facilities. External signage and banners and landscaping will also add to the centre's new lease on life.

10. Winton
Lark Quarry - Dinosaur Trackways, near Winton
Set in a spectacular Outback location, Lark Quarry is believed to be the only preserved evidence in the world of a dinosaur stampede. The trackways lay undiscovered until 1962 and were excavated by the Queensland Museum and the Australian Army between 1971 and 1977. As part of the Queensland Heritage Trails Network, major conservation work has been carried out to preserve this prehistoric marvel for future generations. Visitor facilities including walking trails and interpretation at the site have been significantly upgraded.

11. Cloncurry Shire Hall, Cloncurry
The beautiful Cloncurry Shire Hall has been conserved and upgraded with the addition of a new art gallery and meeting rooms to reclaim its place as the social heart of the town. An annexe of the library houses "Portrait of Cloncurry" - a visitor orientation exhibition that presents an understanding of the history, heritage and local characters of this town that prides itself as the 'Friendly Heart of the Great North West'.