Local Information - Western QLD

Large areas of western Queensland are very arid, outback areas, used primarily for farming and mining and characterised by wide open spaces, rugged terrain, rodeos & country festivals. It is much more rural and sparsely populated than coastal Queensland, where most of the population is concentrated in the south east corner of the state. Rural centres in western Queensland include Longreach, Mt Isa and Charleville.

Much of Queensland has a wet and dry season due to its latitude, and this is more notable further north you travel. Because of its size, there is significant variation in climate across the state. Low rainfall and hot summers are typical for the inland west, and a monsoonal 'wet' season in the far north. Inland and in southern ranges low minimum temperatures are experienced.

There are several climatic zones in Western Queensland,based on temperature and humidity: * hot humid summer (far north and coastal) * hot dry summer, mild winter (central west) * hot dry summer, cold winter (southern west) * temperate - warm summer, cold winter (inland south-east, e.g. Granite Belt) However, most of the Queensland populace experience two weather seasons: a "winter" period of rather warm temperatures and minimal rainfall and a sultry summer period of hot, sticky temperatures and higher levels of rainfall.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org