Driving inland from NSW up to Cairns — what towns, national parks, or weird stops are worth it?

Hi all,

Just posting as I’m planning a road trip heading inland through NSW and Queensland and then on my way up to Cairns instead of sticking to the coast. I’m aiming to go around the end of June. My starting point will be Taree and I ChatGPT it🙈 and it gave a route like this:

Inland section (avoids the coast)

Taree

↓

Tamworth

↓

Narrabri

↓

Warrumbungle National Park

↓

Lightning Ridge

↓

Moree

↓

Roma

↓

Longreach

↓

Winton

↓

Boulia (camel races)

↓

Hughenden

↓

Charters Towers

↓

Townsville

↓

Cairns

Just wondering if ye reckon it’s a decent route and if not I’m 100% open for recommendations/alternative route (although I’d definitely like to be in Boulia for the camel racing🙈)

I’d love recommendations for:

• cool small towns

• national parks / hikes

• unique or weird stops

• good food spots in the middle of nowhere

Happy to detour if something is worth it.

Can’t wait to hear what the inland’s have to offer🙂