An inquest into the cold case murders of three people travelling across outback Queensland will probe the identity of those seen with the trio almost 50 years ago.

Karen Edwards, 23, Timothy Thomson, 31, and Gordon Twaddle, 22, were found shot dead in bushland at Spear Creek, near Mount Isa, in October 1978.

They had been on a motorcycle trip from Alice Springs to Melbourne.

Their bodies were discovered by a couple who were exercising their greyhound dog.

The court heard one of the dog's owners raced after their pet as it chased down a wild pig, and came across a human body that was later identified as Mr Thomson.

The next day, Ms Edwards and Mr Twaddle's bodies were discovered about 50 metres away.

First inquest could not determine circumstances

Counsel assisting the coroner Amelia

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