There's no better place to experience the epic tales of the harsh Queensland Outback than in the town of Longreach. From Indigenous Dreamtime stories to pioneering adventures and the realities of life on the land, Longreach showcases them all. This is a town surrounded by a relentless landscape of seemingly endless horizons, stony desert and vast blue skies. You may feel small, yet like the bush poets the region has inspired, you’ll become a part of something bigger.
Longreach is home to a unique collection of award-winning cultural and heritage experiences found nowhere else in the world. The iconic Qantas Founders Museum and Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame with its Outback Stockman’s Show are the big-ticket names here. But Longreach is so much more; come and discover a world of Outback characters, natural wonders and exhilarating attractions.
Take advantage of discounted low season fares and make tracks for Longreach on the Spirit of the Outback, an historic rail journey like no other. Then delve deep into outback life visiting The Stockman's Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum, Camden Park Station and a trip to the Age of Dinosaurs exhibit in Winton. We then depart the Outback and make our way to the Town of 1770 where we spend two nights. Take in the highlights of Agnes Water by land and sea onboard a unique LARC amphibious vehicle.
Make tracks for Queensland's central west on the Spirit of the Outback, an historic rail journey like no other. Then delve deep into outback life staying in Longreach, Toogunna Plains Station and Roma. Visit the Stockman's Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum. Take a Station tour and Thomson River sunset cruise. Unearth dinosaurs in Winton, Waltz with Matilda, take a station tour with insights to the land overseeing all of Queensland’s iconic outback.
Traverse the state of Queensland through Roma, Barcaldine, Emerald, Longreach, and Cloncurry to the Gulf of Carpenteria to experience an epic Gulf sunset and Sand Island dinner. See the outback come to life, learn about the heritage of mining, discover the indigenous culture, and ride the legendary Gulflander train as touring heads through Cobbold Gorge and Undara to tropical Cairns on this journey showcasing the best of Queensland.
Experience the charm of Picnic Point Toowoomba and a night in Roma, where you'll witness a live cattle auction alongside local graziers. Explore Charleville with a local guide and take in the historic Hotel Corones. Don't miss the enchanting twilight tour and stargazing at The Cosmos Centre. Venture further into the Outback with a local guide to Quilpie before indulging in 2 nights of deluxe cabins at Toogunna Plains Station. Explore the Eromanga Natural History Museum, where prehistoric fossils come to life, and savor a Taste of the Outback dinner. Immerse yourself in the vast Mitchell Grass Plains of Longreach with 3 nights of glamping. Delve into the ancient past at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum and explore the Waltzing Matilda Centre. Pay tribute to Australian stockmen at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Cruise the Thomson River at sunset, dine under the stars, and enjoy an authentic outback show. Conclude your adventure with an overnight rail journey in sleeper cabins aboard the Spirit of the Outback.
Longreach is quite literally in the middle of Queensland and is undoubtedly ‘off the beaten track’ by most people’s standards. The trip is well worth it though, and there are several options to get you to this remote wonder in the Outback. At around 1,180km from Brisbane, Longreach is a hefty drive, but the roads are sealed, making for an easy journey. Considering the distance, you may want someone else to do the driving for you. Coaches depart daily from Brisbane bound for Longreach. However, if coach is your preferred mode of transport, choose one of our Longreach tours for a comfortable, hassle-free and informative option. Queensland’s iconic rail journey, ‘The Spirit of the Outback’, departs Brisbane twice a week, travelling to Longreach via Rockhampton.
There is so much to see and do in Longreach. Make sure your list includes a Thomson River Cruise (the sunset cruise option is our favourite), a visit to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame (don’t miss the Outback Stockman’s Show), Qantas Founders Museum (and add in the new Luminescent show), Camden Park Station (for an authentic account of life on the land), and a night at Smithy’s camp oven dinner and show (for some rollicking outback entertainment). Whilst you’re here, add a Longreach day tour to neighbouring Barcaldine or Winton, where you can get to know the local dinosaurs.
Longreach is best enjoyed during the winter months, from April to the end of October, when temperatures during the day are warm and dry (still well into the 20s), and nights are cool. For those who feel they can handle the summer heat, some great deals can be found to visit the region from November to February/March.
Regardless of what time of year you visit, essential items for any outback journey include a hat, sunscreen, glasses, and light clothes with long sleeves. The outback climate can be harsh. For visits in winter, you will need warm clothes to rug up at night (especially when you’re out enjoying the amazing night sky).
To experience the outback way of life, you can visit working cattle stations, take a scenic helicopter ride over the vast landscape, or go on a guided tour to learn about the region's history and indigenous culture. You can also enjoy activities like horseback riding, campfire dinners, and stargazing in the outback surroundings.
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