Longreach has a way of feeling wonderfully removed from the everyday — and that is part of its charm. The good news is, driving here by EV is easier than many people imagine.
With fuel prices front of mind for many travellers, more people are looking for road trips that feel comfortable, sensible and easy to plan. And that is where Longreach might surprise you. The main drive routes into Longreach are fully sealed, and Queensland’s growing EV charging network is helping make a western road trip far more practical than it once was.
There is something satisfying about heading west under your own steam, watching the country open up and knowing the stories of Longreach are waiting at the other end.
The road west is more straightforward than people think
If you are driving from Brisbane, the route to Longreach is about 1,200 kilometres via Roma, and all listed road routes into town are fully sealed. That means you do not need a 4WD for the main journey west.
That is worth saying, because plenty of people still picture outback travel as rough, remote and only suited to off-road vehicles. For the main Brisbane to Longreach drive, that simply is not the case.
Yes, an EV can do this trip
One of the nice things about travelling west in an EV is that the journey naturally breaks into manageable stages. Rather than one long haul, it becomes a series of comfortable driving days, with time to stop, recharge and enjoy the changing country along the way.
A comfortable way to break up the drive
- Brisbane to Roma
Approx. 476 km | 5 hr 30 min
A good first leg, with time for a proper break and a look around Roma before heading on. - Roma to Blackall
Approx. 487 km | 5 hr 10 min
This is where the country really starts to open up and the drive begins to feel properly outback. - Blackall to Barcaldine
Approx. 107 km | 1 hr 10 min
An easy stretch, and a nice chance to pause again before the final stages west. - Barcaldine to Longreach
Approx. 107 km | 1 hr 10 min
A short final run, with Longreach just ahead.
Drive times are approximate and can vary depending on stops, road conditions and your vehicle’s range and charging needs.
The stops are part of the story
One of the nicest things about EV travel is that it encourages you to ease into the journey. Rather than pushing through, you stop, recharge, stretch your legs, have a look around and enjoy the towns along the way. And on this route, there are some very good places to do exactly that.
Miles
Miles is a handy early break from Brisbane and a good place to settle into road-trip mode. If you feel like adding a little history to the journey, the Miles Historical Village Museum is well worth a look.
Roma
Roma is one of the big anchor stops on the drive west, and well worth more than a quick coffee. The Big Rig tells the story of Australia’s oil and gas industry, and the Roma Saleyards add another layer to the region’s outback character.
Mitchell
Mitchell is a lovely place to slow the pace. Its best-known attraction is the Great Artesian Spa where naturally heated artesian water offers a very welcome break from the road. It is the sort of stop that turns a drive into a holiday.
Blackall
By the time you reach Blackall, the trip really starts to feel like the outback. The town’s Black Stump is tied to the old phrase “beyond the Black Stump”, and it is one of those classic western landmarks that gives the journey a proper sense of place.
Barcaldine
Barcaldine is another stop worth making, especially for the Tree of Knowledge Memorial, which is closely linked to the 1891 shearers’ strike and an important chapter in Australian history.
A little planning, then let the journey unfold
Every outback trip starts the same way — with a little planning. Before you head west, it is worth checking charger availability and current road conditions, particularly if there has been rain.
After that, you can relax into the drive.
Longreach is not nearly as hard to reach as people sometimes imagine. The main routes are sealed, you do not need a 4WD, and for EV travellers, the journey is more within reach than ever.
Getting to Longreach is easier than many people think — and once you are here, Outback Pioneers can take care of the rest. Book one of our holidays, and your accommodation, experiences and many of the details are already sorted, so all you need to do is enjoy the drive and arrive ready for the outback.
