Your visit to Winton awaits

Come waltz with Matilda and unearth dinosaurs

Discover a world of wonder in Winton

Welcome to Big Sky Country, where the blue sky stretches from one endless horizon to the other. And in between a spectacular landscape of rolling Mitchell Grass Downs, mesa formations, rustic red earth and spinifex country as far as the eye can see. Winton is small and remote. But everything else here is big. The history of this region and its emotive ties to the heart of Australia in the words of Banjo Paterson’s ode, is big. The contribution of pastoralists and the progression of commercial aviation in the outback is big. And there’s no doubt that the dinosaurs that roamed this region in prehistoric times were big. Winton is a place you don’t want to miss. If The Australian Age of Dinosaurs and Waltzing Matilda Centre aren’t enough for you, this small town of only 1000 residents packs a punch with a host of quirky characters, historically important attractions and a remarkable natural landscape to inspire.

Take a Fun Over 50 tour to Winton

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
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Tour duration:
13
days

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.

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
10
days

Embark on the Great Outback Queensland Adventure, where you'll explore the Roma Saleyards, stargaze at the Big Sky Observatory, and stay at Toogunna Plains Farmstay for sunset drinks over red sandhills. Discover Emerald’s mosaic pathway and the world’s largest Van Gogh sunflower painting, as you experience the true heart of Queensland’s outback. Don’t miss this extraordinary journey – book your spot today for an unforgettable adventure!

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
2 - Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
9
days

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.

There are so many things to do in Winton

Whether you choose a Winton day tour or opt to stay for longer, this little town has many Winton attractions that you should add to your list. The big-ticket items are of course the Waltzing Matilda Centre and Australian Age of Dinosaurs.

The Waltzing Matilda Centre tells more than just the story of Banjo Paterson’s Waltzing Matilda. Here the exhibition and art gallery space attract renowned artists from across Australia. And the Qantilda Museum showcases the story and history of the Winton Shire, including the Great Shearers Strike of 1891 and the birth of QANTAS.

Come waltz with Matilda and unearth dinosaurs
Come waltz with Matilda and unearth dinosaurs

Dinosaurs galore

24km southeast of Winton, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs houses the most extensive collection of Australian dinosaur fossils in the world. Sitting atop the Jump Up, a stop here requires at least three hours to visit the three facilities: the Fossil Preparation Laboratory, Collection Room and Dinosaur Canyon.

For tips about getting here and the best time to visit this region, head over to our Longreach page; these two destinations go hand in hand.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get to Winton?

Winton is 177km northwest of Longreach and around 1350km from Brisbane. That’s an epic 15-hour drive, so many visitors choose to travel by coach, plane or train into Longreach and then on to Winton.

Are there any National Parks near Winton?

Bladensburg National Park is just 7 km from Winton town and conserves around 85,000 hectares of Mitchell and Flinders grass downs and Channel Country. It’s a haven for birdlife, including emus, brolgas, bustards, and spotted bowerbirds. Red and eastern grey kangaroos and wallabies can also be seen.

What is Winton famous for? Any attractions I should see?

Firstly, plan a trip to the historic, heritage-listed Corfield and Fitzmaurice general store, which now houses a mini-museum and fascinating Dinosaur Diorama. 

Next, head to the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument, which is 110km southwest of Winton in Lark Quarry Conservation Park (the world’s only definitive record of dinosaur stampede behaviour). The eclectic Arno’s Wall and quirky Musical Fence (the only one in the world) can also be found in town. A Red Dirt Tour will help you tick most of these Winton attractions off your list.

If you’re looking for more tour ideas, make yourself a cuppa and explore our full list of all-inclusive Queensland coach tours.

What’s there to do in Winton?

There’s plenty to do in Winton and the surrounding area, and the best way to experience it all is on one of our all-inclusive coach tours! Here are a couple of recommendations to get you thinking:

When is the best time to visit Winton?

Australian summers are absolute scorchers — and they only seem to get hotter in regional towns. Winton can get quite hot during the spring and summer months. We recommend visiting Winton during the cooler winter months of June, July and August.

Where is Winton in relation to Brisbane?

Winton is 177km northwest of Longreach and around 1350km from Brisbane. That’s an epic 15-hour drive, so many visitors choose to travel by coach, plane or train into Longreach and then on to Winton.

See nearby cities, sights, and festivals

Get in touch if you have any questions

Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.

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