OVERLANDERS WAY
The Economic & Cultural Spine of the MITEZ Region
TOWNSVILLE – MOUNT ISA – TENNANT CREEK
The Overlanders Way stretches from the tropical coastline of Townsville to the mining powerhouse of Mount Isa, continuing west to Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. More than a road trip, this legendary route forms the backbone of the MITEZ Corridor — a corridor where industry, community and country intersect across the heart of Northern Australia.
Following approximately 1,100 kilometres of sealed highway, the Overlanders Way links seven Queensland Local Government Areas, dozens of communities, and thousands of years of cultural, economic and environmental heritage. It is a pathway of opportunity for locals, visitors, investors, workers and the industries that power the North.
A Corridor of Possibility
MITEZ champions a region of Queensland where mining, minerals processing, agriculture, logistics, renewables and outback tourism intersect. The Overlanders Way forms the principal east–west spine that moves freight, visitors and ideas – linking pit, processing and port, and strengthening the liveability and prosperity of our communities.
Community & Culture
From First Nations stories and droving heritage to modern industry and events, the route binds together a shared identity. That unity is central to our region’s resilience and future growth.
One of Queensland’s Great Drive Journeys
For travellers, Overlanders Way is a chance to follow in the footsteps of drovers, pioneers and adventurers. Along the route you will experience:
- Dinosaur country and worldclass museums
- Historic mining sites and outback heritage
- Warm, welcoming local communities
- Spectacular gorges, sunsets and open skies
- Sealed, safe, family friendly roads
- Unique Queensland and Territory attractions
Whether you travel a few hours or the full journey to Tennant Creek, you’ll discover places shaped by country, community, and the wide-open spaces of the North.
The Route at a Glance (Town by Town)
From oceans to outback, from ancient landscapes to bustling industry, the Overlanders Way is an unforgettable east–west journey across the heart of Northern Australia.
Explore the route. Meet the communities. Discover the opportunities.
Your journey starts here:
- Townsville – Coastal gateway, major port, and defence/industry hub
- Charters Towers – Historic gold city, agriculture and heritage tourism
- Hughenden & Richmond – Dinosaur discoveries, renewable energy potential, access to Porcupine Gorge
- Julia Creek & McKinlay – Artesian experiences, iconic outback hospitality
- Cloncurry – Minerals, logistics, heritage museums and rail connections
- Mount Isa – Mining powerhouse, processing, Outback at Isa experiences
- Camooweal – gateway to the Northern Territory and outback landscapes
Trip Planning
For itineraries and trip planning, visit these official tourism pages:
QUEENSLAND.COM - Overlanders Way Road Trip Itinerary | Queensland
OUTBACK QUEENSLAND - Outback Queensland Overlander's Way - Outback Queensland
NORTHERN TERRITORY - The Overlanders Way in 4 days | Northern Territory
DRIVE QUEENSLAND - Overlander's Way
Visitor Information Centres along the Overlanders Way
“Key Stops Along the Way”
- Townsville – Reef meets Outback – start your Outback adventure
- Charters Towers – Goldrush heritage
- Hughenden – Dinosaur country
- Richmond – Marine fossils, Kronosaurus
- Julia Creek – Artesian baths
- Cloncurry – Drovers & mining history
- Mount Isa – Rodeo, mining tours, Lake Moondarra sunsets
- Camooweal – gateway to the Northern Territory and outback landscapes
Why MITEZ Supports the Overlanders Way
MITEZ plays a central role in strengthening, promoting and advocating for the towns and industries along this corridor. Our vision is to:
- Support sustainable regional development
- Elevate the stories and strengths of each community
- Improve liveability and connectivity
- Highlight the region’s tourism, cultural and economic significance
- Foster collaboration with councils, operators and partners
As the economic development organisation for the inland North, we see the Overlanders Way as both a journey for travellers and a lifeline of regional opportunity!
Let’s Connect
Have a story, partnership idea or enquiry? We’d love to hear from you.
How MITEZ can help:
• Media or partnership enquiries
• Tourism operator engagement
• LGA content coordination
• Story submissions and community features
• General questions about the route
Email:
[email protected]
Follow us on Facebook
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We acknowledge the Traditional caretakers of the land, seas, and waterways across the MITEZ region. We recognise their enduring connection to this region as places of community and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge community leaders who have shared knowledge and stories with us.
follow us: