Drive North A new discovery around every corner

DriveNorth nd Queenslaqueensland.com.au www.drivenorth

www.drivenorthqueensland.com.au Great Tropical Drive Where Natural Wonders are around every corner

The Great Tropical Drive is a 2079 km self drive touring loop that will take you on an amazing journey from the through rainforests of the Wet Tropics and into the Golden Savannah and Outback Queensland. Take the time to experience the whole drive, or chose one or a few of its’ spectacular 14 Discovery Trails, each taking you on a journey of unforgettable discoveries of natural wonders, adrenalin fuled adventures, breathtaking beaches and world heritage rainforests. For detailed information visit www.drivenorthqueensland.com.au

Tablelands Folk Festival– Feast of the Senses Australian Italian Festival OCTOBER INNISFAIL APRIL INGHAM AUGUST The longest running folk festival in Queensland, held A sensual celebration of exotic produce, art and This famous festival, held at the award winning Tyto annually in Yungaburra Heritage village surrounded by entertainment from the Tropical North. Food and wine Wetlands Centre overlooking lagoons and unique facets of rainforest and crater lakes. Featuring a vast variety of tastings, live cooking demos from local and celebrity nature, showcases the Italian culture with great food, wine entertainment over five stages presenting over 75 concerts chefs.. This event showcases the variety of our exotic and first class entertainment. It’s motto being “Eat, Play and celebrating music, friendship and cultural understanding. fruits, seafood, meats, wines and more. Love” make it a wonderful Australian Italian experience.

Port Douglas Carnivale– Magnetic Island Race Week– Adventure Festival– MAY MAGNETIC ISLAND AUGUST/SEPTEMBER CAIRNS JUNE A magical festival held during the last two weeks of The Magnetic Island regatta is old fashioned Set in one of the world’s most iconic tropical May within the seaside resort village and its surrounds. affordable fun. It’s sailed out of a well laid out marina locations, the 2012 Cairns Airport Adventure Festival There’s music, arts, sports, food, culture and all styles of and the social calendar is sure to have something for will take place from 2 June to 9 June 2013. entertainment every reason to head to Port Douglas for everyone with shore side activities happening every The festival features 10 jam-packed days of events. a ‘taste of paradise’. day during the regatta.

AYR - TOWNSVILLE - INGHAM - CARDWELL - MISSION BEACH - INNISFAIL - CAIRNS - PORT DOUGLAS - DAINTREE - COOKTOWN - CHILLAGOE - UNDARA - ATHERTON - CHARTERS TOWERS Great Tropical Drive Drive Highlights - Great Tropical Drive COOKTOWN LIQUID GOLD Where Natural Wonders are around every corner Cooktown › › Townsville › Ayr › Townsville (350 km) Laura › Cooktown (279km) A great, relaxing 2 day drive passing through Explore deep into the past from the national park, bushland areas and sugar cane present on a journey that explores fields. Explore legendary ghost stories in historic Cape York Peninsula, ancient Ravenswood, WW2 sites, the Brandon Historic Aboriginal culture, early colonial Precinct and the fascinating Gudjuda Indigenous history and remote ’s Culture Centre. Finish in Towsville by visiting the contemporary lifestyle. TYTO wetlands.

HINCHINBROOK Ingham › Lucinda › Hidden Valley › Ingham (462km) DARWIN G R E Experience the delights of beaches, rivers, valleys, A T B A R R CAIRNS I E R a dormant volcano, wetlands and Australia’s

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E F highest single drop waterfall, Wallaman Falls. AUSTRALIA Explore Hinchinbrook Island and meet friendly BRISBANE country folk along the way. CANBERRA PERTH ADELAIDE SYDNEY

MELBOURNE

HOBART WATERFALLS Cairns › Malanda (326 km) Head up the coastal range to the Atherton Tablelands Tropical ’s food bowl featuring lake Tinnaroo dam, Yungaburra village home to Australia’s first Avenue of Honor, COOKTOWN Malanda Falls, Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine Laura crater lakes, the famous Curtain Fig Tree and so much more.

Daintree DAINTREE EXPLORER PORT DOUGLAS Port Douglas › Cape Tribulation › Cooktown (Bloomfield Track) › Port Douglas (427 km) Mt Mulligan CAIRNS This is where the rainforest meets the reef as Chillagoe two world heritage areas combine to some of the ATHERTON most spectacular scenery. Travel north along the

Ravenshoe INNISFAIL Bloomfield Track to Cooktown and back via the rugged outback of the inland road.

TULLY MISSION BEACH

Georgetown CARDWELL THE GREAT GREEN WAY Hinchinbrook Island

Einasleigh Townsville › Cairns (475 km)

Wallaman Falls Starting from Townsville, Spot Koalas in the wild INGHAM The Lynd Junction on Magnetic Island, discover Cassowaries and Crocodiles, watch Minke Whales and colourful PALUMA marine life of the reef, have breakfast with the TOWNSVILLE birds and lunch with the wallabies.

AYR

CHARTERS TOWERS Ravenswood

Pentland

AYR - TOWNSVILLE - INGHAM - CARDWELL - MISSION BEACH - INNISFAIL - CAIRNS - PORT DOUGLAS - DAINTREE - COOKTOWN - CHILLAGOE - UNDARA - ATHERTON - CHARTERS TOWERS Savannah Way Australia’s Adventure Drive

The Savannah Way stretches from Cairns to Broome across Australia’s tropical savannahs, 3699 km of adventure including five World Heritage Areas and a host of spectacular sights. The Queensland section is sealed from Cairns to Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria then offers unsealed experiences from Normanton to and on to the NT border. Explore Queensland’s Gulf Savannah for outback camping and fishing, geological wonders, vintage rail journeys, pioneer stories and wide open spaces. Taste the outback in a weekend or take your time and feel like a local. For detailed information visit www.savannahway.com.au

Opera in the Outback Forsayth Turn Out Poddy Dodgers Festival UNDARA EXPERIENCE OCTOBER FORSAYTH AUGUST CROYDON JUNE An iconic event which sees hundreds of visitors A classic outback mini-show with horses, cattle, Join in rural heritage fun including the World Title from all over Australia find their seats in a river bed stalls, food and festivities including the Greasy Pig Wild Cow Milking competition, Mutton Busting (kids in the bush for three nights of world class Opera in a Chase and Whip Cracking, combined with a field day rodeo on a sheep), Greasy Pig Chase, Steer Wrestling, beautiful and unique setting. featuring equipment that bush people need, from Poddy Dodging Challenge, Kids Horse Sport Events, little engines to water tanks. Camp or stay nearby. Bullock Ride and Camp Oven Cook Competition.

Normanton Show, Rodeo & Campdraft Cairns to Karumba Bike Ride The Morning Glory Festival NORMANTON JUNE FROM CAIRNS JUNE/JULY BURKETOWN SEPTEMBER A district show, gymkhana, campdraft and rodeo, Riders, supporters and volunteers are welcome Celebrate the Gulf of Carpentaria’s unique Morning complete with opening street parade, sideshow on this epic adventure that you will talk about for Glory cloud formations. A dazzling program includes alley, live entertainment, demonstrations and a lifetime. Road riders tackle the 780km bitumen cloud gliding demonstrations, a short film festival, exhibitions bringing a fun local crowd. A great family while the Dirty Boys (mountain bike riders) take on photographic competition, Camp Draft and Rodeo, live weekend. outback tracks, rivers and creeks. music, Indigenous art, dance and Ranger tours.

UNDARA - MOUNT SURPRISE - GEORGETOWN - COBBOLD GORGE - SAVANNAHLANDER TRAIN - FORSAYTH - EINASLEIGH - CROYDON - NORMANTON - GULFLANDER TRAIN - KARUMBA - BURKETOWN - LAWN HILL GORGE Savannah Way Drive Highlights - Savannah Way Australia’s Adventure Drive UNDARA EXPERIENCE COBBOLD GORGE Walk in the world’s longest lava Cobbold Gorge is a hidden oasis in the Gulf tubes with Savannah Guides, sleep Savannah. Cruise the silent gorge to explore its in an antique railway carriage, see ancient geological landforms on a guided tour abundant wildlife and chat by the or learn about running a cattle station. Discover campfire. An easy drive from Cairns, wildlife, go bushwalking or just relax! Undara is the accessible outback.

THE GULFLANDER KARUMBA

A rail journey unlike any other. The prawn and barramundi fishing capital of Journey to Croydon over two days or Australia at the mouth of the Norman River was take a shorter railmotor excursion once a flying boat base. Visit the Barramundi from Normanton. This isolated Discovery Centre for a great insight into sustaining heritage listed railway will take you this industry. Excellent coastal and mangrove on a journey of the diverse Gulf birdwatching habitats. landscape and its rich past.

LAWN HILL GORGE

Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park & the World Heritage listed Miyumba (Riversleigh) Fossil Fields are magical spots in a vast landscape. Bushwalk to grand lookouts, canoe, swim in spring fed waterfalls and feel the ancient nature of Australia.

Bamaga

CROYDON

A legendary town, with its historic precinct now restored to its goldrush glory. Take a self guided

Coen walking tour to relive the past and stop at the pub and General Store. Lake Belmore is great for swimming and fishing.

Laura Cooktown Kowanyama Lakeland Cape Tribulation DARWIN Daintree G R E A T B A R Port Douglas R CAIRNS I E

R Kuranda R Mareeba Cairns E E

F Chillagoe Karumba Atherton Innisfail AUSTRALIA Normanton BRISBANE Croydon Mt Surprise Mission Beach Burketown Georgetown CANBERRA Cardwell PERTH Hell’s Gate Undara ADELAIDE SYDNEY Ingham Lawn Hill MELBOURNE NP Gregory Downs HOBART Townsville

Tennant Creek Camooweal UNDARA - MOUNT SURPRISE - GEORGETOWN - COBBOLD GORGE - SAVANNAHLANDER TRAIN - FORSAYTH - EINASLEIGH - CROYDON - NORMANTON - GULFLANDERCharters Towers TRAIN - KARUMBABowen - BURKETOWN - LAWN HILL GORGE

Cloncurry Julia Creek Hughenden Mt Isa Richmond Mackay Overlander’s Way Townsville to Tenant Creek

For more than 100 years pioneers have been discovering the Overlander’s Way. Today, travellers can follow in their footsteps on a 1,550 kilometre driving adventure across the breadth of Queensland and into the , linking the wonders of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef to the rugged Aussie Outback.

The Overlander’s Way follows the paths of our droving heroes who herded cattle from the east Kimberely to the coast. The route starts at Townsville and takes in the outback towns of Charters Towers, Hughenden, Richmond, Julia Creek, Cloncurry, Mount Isa, Camooweal and Tennant Creek.

Julia Creek Dirt n Dust Festival Outback Fossil Fest 10 Days in the Towers JULIA CREEK APRIL RICHMOND MAY CHARTERS TOWERS APRIL/MAY Experience real outback hospitality over three full The weekend promises fun for everyone! Admire An outback festival that includes all you would days of fun and entertainment. Watch triathlon teams the skills of cowboys at the rodeo, test your strength expect – country music, line dancing, talent quests, in action, back a winner at the Artesian Express in the World Championship Moon Rock Throwing, bush poetry and historic tours. Pull up a chair and horse races, kick on with nightly outdoor concerts or cheer on your favourite at the Bush Race Meeting get amongst an Aussie Outback experience. check out the spectacular Dirt n Dust bull ride. and boogie to the live music at the street party.

Curry Merry Muster Troy Dunn PBR Invitational Pentland Races CLONCURRY JULY/AUGUST TOWNSVILLE NOVEMBER PENTLAND NOVEMBER Witness the thrills and spills of competitors battling One of the greatest bull riding events in Australia The annual Pentland Races are always an excellent it out in Australia’s highest single payout rodeo. brings all the action, glamour and fanfare of the family event with horse racing, fashions on the field, Unwind with bush poetry, steer wrestling challenge, toughest sport on dirt to Townsville. It doesn’t matter footraces, stalls, tug-of-war, fashion parade and live entertainment, watch the street parade and then if you are a seasoned ringer or a city slicker dust off entertainment. dance the night away at the Bushman’s Bash. your Akubra and join in the action.

CHARTERS TOWERS - HUGHENDEN - RICHMOND - JULIA CREEK - CLONCURRY - MOUNT ISA - CAMOOWEAL - TENNANT CREEK Drive Highlights - Overlander’s Way

GOLDEN HISTORY DAM DISCOVERY Charters Towers › Ravenswood (90km) Townsville › Burdekin Falls Dam › The Burdekin (385km) Tucked away amongst the rolling Point your wheels south west and leave the city hills, just an hour from Charters behind in a cloud of dust. The sheer size of the Towers, is the small mining town of Burdekin Falls Dam will inspire you as you drive Ravenswood. Discover the beautiful across the spillway – only during the dry season. old buildings, mullock heaps and Continue on to the Burdekin Shire sugar capital of chimney stacks, or climb to the top Australia, fishing mecca and bird watching paradise. of the local lookout to view the open cut mine. McKINLAY TRAIL Julia Creek › McKinlay › Kynuna › Julia Creek (286km) GHOSTS OF GOLD Visit the communities of McKinlay and Kynuna Townsville › Charters Towers (139km) and experience the Gidyea Bug Byway. The Driving through the streets of Charters McKinlay Shire boasts beautiful sunsets, open Towers is like viewing a living montage plains and pristine blue skies. Take a dip in a of Australian history and heritage. The waterhole, go bird watching, have a beer at an Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail will have outback pub or even try your luck at fossicking. you reaching for you camera, as you This trail offers something for everyone. take in the Stock Exchange Arcade, the World Theatre, City Hall and the

Post Office Tower. LAWN HILL AND RIVERSLEIGH Mount Isa › Riversleigh › Lawn Hill › Mount Isa (666km)

Bamaga Get off the beaten track and experience DINOSAUR TRAIL Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park - one Winton › Richmond › Hughenden (558km) of Queensland’s most scenic national parks. Discover world class fossils on Situated within the remote north west highlands of Australia’s Dinosaur Trail, an Queensland, the park features spectacular gorge adventure through Queensland’s country, sandstone ranges and World Heritage Outback, taking in the towns fossils. Lawn Hill Gorge is formed by Lawn Hill Weipa of Richmond, Hughenden and Creek, which is fed by numerous freshwater

Winton. Today you can journey Coen springs from the limestone plateau to the west. back 100 million years and discover DARWIN G R E A Australia’s largest, most unusual T B A R R CAIRNS I E

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prehistoric locals on the one and F AUSTRALIA only Australia’s Dinosaur Trail. BRISBANE

CANBERRA PERTH ADELAIDE SYDNEY Laura Cooktown Kowanyama MELBOURNE Lakeland HOBART Cape Tribulation Daintree

Port Douglas Kuranda Mareeba Cairns Chillagoe Karumba Atherton Innisfail Normanton Croydon Mt Surprise Mission Beach Burketown Georgetown Cardwell Hell’s Gate Undara NORTHERN Ingham Lawn Hill NP Gregory Downs QUEENSLAND TERRITORY Townsville

Tennant Creek Camooweal Charters Towers Bowen

Cloncurry Julia Creek Hughenden Mt Isa Richmond Mackay

CHARTERS TOWERS - HUGHENDEN - RICHMOND - JULIA CREEK - CLONCURRY - MOUNT ISA - CAMOOWEAL - TENNANT CREEK Epic Cape York Adventure to the Top of Australia

Take a journey of epic proportions when you go on an adventure to the tip of Australia. This mostly unsealed road is 1100km one way, starting with a sealed section to Laura and across to Cooktown, before heading north through sandstone escarpments, unique savannah landscapes and open woodlands. Enjoy the tranquillity of pristine waterways, lagoons, and wetlands, and marvel at the abundance of wildlife. Great bush camping is on offer in the many national parks and indigenous homelands that take in mountain ranges, lowland rainforests, floodplains, and unspoilt beaches. The Cape is also an area of rich pioneering history, and WWII memorabilia. Make sure you drop in to one of the iconic Roadhouses along your way to share a yarn with some of the locals and gather some inside info on the Cape’s many ‘secret’ spots.

Cooktown Discovery Festival Weipa Fishing Classic Laura Rodeo & Races COOKTOWN JUNE WEIPA JUNE LAURA JUNE Featuring a fully costumed re-enactment of the This 3 day tournament, luring competitors to try their This is a major social event for locals and visitors landing of Captain and his first meeting luck at landing one of the 11 eligible fish species. competing in traditional events such as bull riding and with the Guugu Yimithirr people, and celebrations all There are plenty of activities to enjoy while fish are barrel races. Talented jockeys vie for position on the weekend throughout the town, including live bands, being weighed, including live music, lure casting and outback track, while ringers and stockmen compete markets, races, tours, and competitions. cast net throwing competitions, and prize draws. with rodeo riders for a chance to take home prizes.

Laura Dance Festival Wallaby Creek Festival Bramwell Cup Bush Carnival LAURA JUNE ROSSVILLE SEPTEMBER BRAMWELL STATION JULY This biennial event is one of the largest gatherings of A three day festival celebrating music & the arts in Join the gang on Bramwell Station for a 3 day Bush Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, the rainforest. Music is on 2 Carnival, featuring local horse races and numerous and the most varied display of Indigenous culture in main stages, as well as workshops, children’s festival other events including: poddy rides, foot races, the world. 500 artists, 20 Cape York Communities and activities are plentiful and include craft, sculpture, face and talent quests as well as evening music and guests, 5,000 visitors, 40,000 years all in three days. painting, movies, the Pied Piper Parade and more! entertainment.

COOKTOWN - LAKELAND - LAURA - COEN - WEIPA - LOCKHART RIVER - BAMAGA - SEISIA Drive Highlights - Epic Cape York

JOURNEY TO THE TOP COOKTOWN TO RINYIRRU Cairns › Bamaga (935km) approx. 3 days (LAKEFIELD) NP Travel to the northern most point of Musgrave Station via Rinyirru (Lakefield) Australia, through rugged sandstone National Park: (281kms) approx. 1-2 days escarpments, savanna grasslands, Experience Indigenous Culture in Laura by taking open woodlands, heathlands and a tour of the Quinkan rock art galleries which are many other spectacular landscapes now listed by UNESCO as being amongst the top that make this region so unique. Stop 10 rock art sites in the world. Then continue on off at one of the historic Roadhouses through Rinyirru, Qlds second largest National Park, along the way to refresh, or visit where braided rivers meander among wetlands and one of the cultural centres for an lagoons across this large floodplain. Take your time opportunity to learn about the and enjoy some of the many camping sites. indigenous people of Cape York.

IRON RANGE CAIRNS TO COOKTOWN Chili Beach, Portland Roads, & Lockhart River via the Bloomfield Track (233km approx.) Community (140km) 1-3 days or CREB Track: (240kms approx.) 1 day Loop off the PDR, ford the famous Wenlock & Wind your way along the coastal road Pascoe Rivers and on to the Cape’s largest tropical situated between two world heritage lowland rainforest. Bird watching, Indigenous areas, Rainforest and Marine, before art, WWII history, & the iconic Chili Beach. For choosing either the Bloomfield Track adventure 4WD go back to the PDR via the which is 4WD recommended, or Frenchman’s track! the CREB Track which is definitely adventure 4WD. Both of these bring you to the indigenous community WEIPA/MAPOON LOOP of and then head on to Cooktown. Take a detour left towards Weipa, a land of beautiful sunsets, and even better fishing, with 15 operators offering chartered tours and a wealth of local Bamaga knowledge to help you catch some great fish. Weipa is also home to the world’s largest bauxite mine, with tours available through the camp ground operators.

Mapoon Bramwell Junction OVERLAND TELEGRAPH TRACK Bramwell Station (OTT) Portland Roads 2 days Weipa Lockhart River The highlight for many visitors to Cape York is taking on the famous OTT, a mostly unmaintained road negotiating several creek crossings, some of Aurukun which have challenging entry and exit points; so you will need all your recovery gear! The creeks flow with Coen crystal clear water and include Fruitbat and Elliot/ Twin Falls, a great place to stop for a swim. Camping is possible at most creek crossings. Musgrave Roadhouse Pompuraaw

DARWIN Hopevale G R E A T B Cooktown A R Kowanyama R Laura CAIRNS I E

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Helenvale R E

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F Lakeland Wujal Wujal AUSTRALIA BRISBANE Daintree Port Douglas CANBERRA PERTH Mount Molloy ADELAIDE SYDNEY Kuranda Cairns MELBOURNE Mareeba HOBART COOKTOWN - LAKELAND - LAURA - COEN - WEIPA - LOCKHART RIVER - BAMAGA - SEISIA Top Travel Tips Getting there Australia is a “Great Southern Land ” with plenty of open spaces North Queensland is a remote region and amazing adventures to be had. To prepare yourself for a drive geographically and that is one of our greatest journey in Australia we strongly encourage you to visit the following attractions. That said, the region is a major helpful sites before you leave; tourist destination and it is easy to find your way to paradise. Our major cities of Cairns, and www.drivenorthqueensland.com.au Drive North Queensland Townsville are well serviced by Airlines, Rail, www.driveqld.com.au Qld Drive Tourism info hub Coach and Cruise options or you can stop in as a www.racq.com.au Qld automobile association highlight of a major drive holiday. www.131940.qld.gov.au Qld Road conditions hub Once in the region there is a multitude of transport www.bom.gov.au National weather info hub options available. The following key websites may assist you with planning your visit; Basic Road Safety www.jetstar.com › All vehicles travel on the left side of the road. www.virginaustralia.com › Do not travel faster than the signed maximum speed limit. www.qantas.com www.queenslandrail.com.au › Calculate your distances, ask the locals and share the driving with www.greyhound.com.au regular rest stops www.avis.com.au / www.thrifty.com.au and www. › Always carry a current road map. britz.com / www. apollocarrentals.com.au › Ensure your vehicle is in good working order and has been serviced recently. › Slowdown in country areas and on unsealed roads. More information › Watch out for wildlife especially when travelling into the night. For more ideas and assistance when planning Slow down but DO NOT swerve. your adventure; › In an Emergency, phone 000 for police, fire or ambulance. www.savannahway.com.au › Carry sufficient water on board as lengthy delays may be www.savannahguides.com.au experienced if you have a breakdown. www.overlandersway.com › Be aware of road hazards including road trains, potholes and animals on the road. www.cairnsgreatbarrierreef.org.au › Queensland can have seasonal weather events and flooding. www.kuranda.org.au › Seatbelts - All occupants of a vehicle must wear seatbelts at www.athertontablelands.com.au all times. www.racq.com.au › Crash Helmets are compulsory on all motorbikes, scooters and cycles. www.townsvilleholidays.info › Hand-held mobile telephone - Drivers are not allowed to use www.tourismcapeyork.com mobile phones whilst driving. Join the conversation at › Drink-Driving - Avoid drinking alcohol before driving. Australia www.facebook.com/tropicalnorthqueensland has strict laws on ‘drink-driving’. Some indigenous communities have alcohol restrictions. Download the Drive North Queensland app for free from www.drivenorthqueensland.com.au. Help along the way Available on iPhone, iPad and Android phones. › Many towns throughout Queensland will have accredited Visitor Information Centres which are staffed by local volunteers. They can be identified by the yellow “I” symbol which is widely recognised as a professional and reliable source of information. Staff are generally passionate and knowledgeable about the local area and can steer you into some hidden secrets and local events. › Fuel stops and roadhouses are also a reliable source of up to date information on localised road conditions. › Your vehicle is just a part of the journey. To get the most out of your experience we encourage you to explore and some great ideas include; take a walk in our National Parks, join a local day tour, visit a local attraction, take a scenic flight or join in one of many local events along the way. Bamaga Great Tropical Drive

Savannah Way

Mapoon Bramwell Junction Overlander’s Drive Bramwell Station

Epic Cape York Portland Roads Weipa Lockhart River

Aurukun

Coen

Musgrave Roadhouse Pompuraaw

Hopevale Kowanyama Laura Cooktown Helenvale Roper Bar Lakeland Wujal Wujal Lorella Springs Daintree Port Douglas Mount Molloy Kuranda Cairns Cape Crawford Seven Emu Mareeba Station Chillagoe Karumba Atherton Innisfail Normanton Croydon Mt Surprise Mission Beach Burketown Georgetown Cardwell Hell’s Gate Undara Ingham Lawn Hill NP Gregory Downs Townsville

Tennant Creek Camooweal Charters Towers Bowen

Cloncurry Julia Creek Hughenden Mt Isa Richmond Mackay

racq.com Drive North Queensland