Ask an old bushie for directions and more than likely he'll grab a sharp stick and draw a map in the earth - a mud map - not because it's been drawn in mud, but because the directions are usually as "clear as mud".

If you are heading into outback Queensland, here are some self-drive mud map tours to enjoy around the Winton district. All distances are approximate off the main track. Please exercise care when driving on dirt roads and avoid dirt roads altogether during the wet season. ALWAYS carry water. Remember to close gates and look after the wildlife and domestic animals you see on your travels.

self-drive Mud Map Tours in Matilda Country

The Dinosaur Stampede Tour : 218km Fossilised footprints at the unique Lark Quarry environmental park graphically record a dinosaur stampede that occurred 93 million years ago.

Route of the River Gum : 72km Starting south of Winton this tour will take you into the great Australian outback and to many locations of historical significance.

Old Cork Station Tour : 321km Visit the historic ruins of one of the early pioneer stations and drop your fishing line at the waterhole to see if the yellow belly, black bream or crayfish are biting.

Combo Waterhole Tour : 332km See where the "Waltzing Matilda" legend began and visit Australia's most famous billabong, immortalised by Banjo Paterson.

Source: 'Winton Mud Map Tours', compiled by Winton Shire Council.

Come 'a Waltzing Matilda You can find out more about the song, the legend and the region known as Matilda Country, by visiting Winton's Waltzing Matilda Centre online. (The site will open in a new browser window. You can exit and return here at any time by simply closing the window.)

Purchase Opals from Pat or ask for a half day or full day noodling tour at a reasonable price!