Mt Isa, some 887 kms west of Townsville is the only major city in this part of the Outback. It has the largest silver and lead mine found in Australia, indeed the world. Places of interest there include the ’Outback at Isa’ where you can take mining tours and the Riversleigh Fossil Centre.

Burketown, on the Gulf Savannah once played the role of a major port for the region and is surrounded by the flat, grass plains south, with the vast salt flats and tropical wetlands in the north.

The Gulf Savannah covers more than 350,000 square kilometres, or 135,000 square miles. Covered by savannah grasses, the area boasts abundant bird and wildlife and you can find 1,000 sq. kms cattle stations. Seek reliable local advice before driving in and around these remote areas.

Cloncurry is the site of where the The Royal Flying Doctor Service was first launched, as well as the idea for Qantas. Sheep and cattle are the economic mainstay of the surrounding areas.