Driftwood Tours Airlie Beach Animal Encounter

Discover the Raw Heart of the Whitsundays: Outback Heritage Trail
Get ready for an unforgettable day as we take you beyond the palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters of the Whitsundays, deep into the untamed west—where history, rugged landscapes, and outback character collide in the most unexpected way.
Step into the soul of the Outback, where coal built a town and legends were born. 85km inland from the coastal charm of Bowen lies Collinsville, a historic mining town tucked beneath the dramatic Clarke Range and known as the “Heart of the Outback.” This region is rich in stories—from ancient Indigenous pathways to the gritty determination of early pioneers—and it’s all waiting to be uncovered on our immersive Outback Heritage Trail.

Your day kicks off at 7am from Airlie Beach as we head to Bowen for a scenic stop at Horseshoe Bay and Flagstaff Hill. Breathe in the ocean air before we leave the coastline behind and watch the scenery shift dramatically—fields of fruit and vegetables give way to rugged ridgelines, wide open skies, and a landscape that feels worlds away from the islands.

This is the Whitsundays like you've never seen it—raw, real, and absolutely unforgettable. As we make our way toward Collinsville, your guide—an enthusiastic storyteller with a passion for regional history—shares tales of the Birri people and the coal-fuelled development that turned this outpost into a hub of industry and resilience. Keep your eyes peeled—we often pass coal trains hauling their heavy load from one of the three operating mines nearby.

Once in Collinsville, enjoy morning tea at a lookout with sweeping views of the Clarke Ranges. Then, dive headfirst into the region’s rich heritage at the Coalface Experience , an interactive museum that vividly brings to life the tough, transformative mining history of the area.

But the journey doesn’t stop there. A short drive takes us to Scottville, a once-bustling mining hub where a retired miner guides you through the remnants of a working mine—sharing gripping, personal stories that you won’t find in any guidebook. From there, it’s on to the local kangaroo sanctuary, where you’ll meet an inspiring wildlife carer and help feed injured and orphaned roos. A truly heartwarming experience.

With appetites growing, we’ll head to a classic country pub for a hearty lunch—country hospitality at its finest. And if conditions allow, we’ll take a detour to the legendary Bowen River Hotel , built in 1861. This rustic relic of the frontier era is steeped in history—and maybe even haunted, so keep an eye out for the hotel’s ghostly guests!

On the way back, we’ll make one last stop at the iconic Big Mango before cruising down the coast to Airlie Beach.

This is no ordinary tour. It’s a journey for history lovers, outback explorers, and curious travelers looking for something truly different in the Whitsundays. Wild landscapes, unforgettable stories, and authentic country encounters—this is a day trip that leaves a lasting impression.