The Outback Region is spectacular and accessible.
The outback region offers vast landscapes of open savannah plains, exposed granite mountaintops, rugged gorges and escarpments. It is in stark contrast to the rolling green hills and pockets of rainforest to the east.
West of Mareeba, drive the Wheelbarrow Way through towns like Mutchilba, Dimbulah, and onto Chillagoe. Take a side trip from Dimbulah out to the escarpment of Mt Mulligan.
Head west to Herberton, it is less than half an hour from Atherton, Malanda or Ravenshoe. Spend some time exploring this pretty and historic mining town. 28km west of Herberton is Irvinebank. Most of the road between Herberton and Irvinebank is unsealed, but it is worth the trip to step back in time, and discover this outback town. From Irvinebank you have the option of going back the way you came, or continue onto Petford and join up with the Wheelbarrow Way. From Irvinebank to Petford is 4 wheel drive only, and recommended to travel during the dry season only.
Southwest from Ravenshoe, travel the Savannah Way to Mt Surprise, stopping at the Undara Volcanic National Park to take a tour of the Lava Tubes.
Another option to see the vast outback, is by rail . The Savannahlander is a classic 1960s rail motor, and the weekly journey brings to life great stories from the past, as it travels at a sedate 50 kph through the Savannah Region southwest of Cairns. It departs from Cairns, rattling its way up the scenic Kuranda railway, stopping at Mareeba, Dimbulah, Lappa, Almaden, Mt Surprise, Einasleigh and Forsayth.
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