Get outback to Charters Towers

​​​​​​​​​​​Get outback to Charters Towers​​​​

Howdy neighbour! Welcome to the wild west, once the richest place in Australia and more recently home to the 2022 Australian Survivor TV series and must-see attraction, 'The World'.

This outback town, 130km west of Townsville along the Overlanders Way, might seem like your average quiet community, but let us help you unearth some outback secrets and stories of yesteryear. Once the largest goldfield in Australia, Charters Towers is now home to 10,000 residents, and you’ll be glad to know still has a pub on many corners! Surrounded by quintessentially outback landscapes and home to some of the most unique experiences and attractions, Charters Towers is a must-do for the young and young-at-heart.

Here are some of the best things to do in The Towers.

Are you a Survivor… fan?​​

If you are then you may already know that the 2022 season of Australian Survivor was filmed in Charters Towers. The region’s Big Bend and Echo Hole (along the Burdekin River) was home to the contestants and crew for over two months during filming, now allowing visitors to relive their favourite scenes. Whether a day trip or camping adventure, see if you can Outwit, Outlast and Outplay your family and friends in the Australian Outback!

Big horns and an even bigger personality​

Often referred to as the ‘horniest place in town’, you can’t go past a Wagon or Safari Tour at Texas Longhorns. Home to one of the largest herds of Longhorn cattle outside Texas, this place is one-of-a-kind. Owners Michael and Lynda Bethel, along with their pet kangaroo Penny, will show you what life on the land looks like and shower you with genuine country hospitality. Billy tea and damper are included, and the yarn is on the house.

Note: Texas Longhorn Tours run from May to October each year.

Wildlife, war and lots more​​

Any trip to Charters Towers must include a visit to the top of Towers Hill. Enjoy vast outback horizons and get up close and personal with some furry friends – the Allied Rock Wallaby. There’s more to Towers Hill then meets the eye. Dotted around the hill are several artillery bunkers from World War II. Relive some of these military moments with interactive displays and an augmented reality experience.​​

​Two people sitting on the ground in front of a mural
A gold rush mural in Charters Towers
​Visitors at the Venus Gold Battery crushing mill
Visitors at the Venus Gold Battery

​Rich in history

Ever wondered how they got so much gold out of the dirt of Charters Towers? Well wonder no more – The Venus Gold Battery was one of the original crushing mills to open in the area in 1872, soon after gold was discovered by Jupiter Mossman. Today you can take a tour through the heritage-listed mill and learn about the process of turning quartz and rock into gold and experience the stories of the original mill owners and workers. 

Historic Australia, tour operators of the Venus Battery, also run Ghost Tours around Charters Towers during the winter months. If you are a fan of all things spooky then make sure you find out more at the Visitor Information Centre. 

Don't forget to drop in and see historical monument, 'The World' as well as the Wall of History mural at Goldtower Central. Created by award winning artist Trisha Lambie, it's Australia's largest mosaic mural, made up of approximately five million hand-crafted tiles, spanning over 80 metres long and seven metres high! 

Decided there is just too much to see in one day? Don’t worry, rest your head at some of Charters Towers’ popular stays! 

Kernow Charters Towers is a beautifully restored overnight and short stay accommodation featuring a mix of studio rooms and apartments, and only five minutes from the CBD! 

If you have a van or are looking for somewhere the kids can run free, then pull up stumps at Charters Towers Tourist Park. There’s a range of powered and non-powered sites for tents and vans plus an array of cabins to suit the budget-savvy traveller. Owners Raylea and Brad also offer a ‘Towers Hill Sunset Experience’ that includes transfers to Towers Hill, an antipasto platter to share and a few cold drinks to enjoy as the sun sets over the horizon. 

Prefer sleeping under the stars? Head to Dalrymple National Park (permits required), 45km north of Charters Towers and set up camp for the night, or longer. Bookings are required. Situated on the banks of the Burdekin River, reconnect with nature in the most Aussie way we know how – campfire and cool drink in hand.

Information sourced from Townsville Enterprise Limited townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au (opens in new tab)

Take the train

Hop on board the Inlander from Townsville to Charters Towers with fares starting from $22*. Book online now >>​


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