LONGREACH & DISTRICT

Longreach with a population of 3700 is located right in the centre of Queensland on the Tropic of Capricorn 700kms west of Rockhampton and 1200kms northwest of Brisbane on the Landsborough Highway.

This amazing destination is serviced by the Longreach Regional Council and covers an area of 40,638 sq. kms, embracing the towns of Ilfracombe, Isisford and Yaraka with a total population of 4700.

It is strategically located within easy travelling distance of a number of premier tourist attractions.

Our fascinating tours and attractions offer the visitor a wide and varied experience so click onto the following to find out more.

TOURS & ATTRACTIONS

MV Longreach Explorer Sunset Cruises

Enjoy a late afternoon and early evening of peace and tranquility gliding along the smooth waters of the coolibah lined Thomson River aboard the MV Longreach Explorer.

Your three hour tour will enable you to view the unforgettable, ever changing sunset as the colours fade into the night skies revealing a breathtaking galaxy of stars.

Whilst travelling the expansive waters of the Thomson River, guests can enjoy savouries and BYO drinks on the top deck; a perfect vantage point to also view the numerous species of flora and fauna and the stopover at the turtle rookery.

After soaking up the views from the top deck, guests retreat to the lower deck to enjoy a delicious candlelit dinner.

Our friendly captain and staff will keep you entertained during the cruise to ensure your experience is both fun filled and memorable.

A courtesy bus is provided to collect and return guests to their accommodation.

Experience the real thing –
Cruise the Thomson River on the MV Longreach Explorer –
a perfect way to end your day.

Book your ticket for the MV Longreach Explorer cruise by phoning 07 4658 2322, emailing info@outbacksunsetcruises.com.au, or visit www.outbacksunsetcruises.com.au

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Qantas Founders Museum

Qantas Founders Museum is the only place in the world where you can tour two fully equipped passenger jet aircraft.

The ex-Qantas 747-200 VH-EBQ is permanently located at the Museum and is open for guided tours including a unique wing walk experience.

Also available for guided tours is the recently arrived, fully restored Boeing 707 VH-XBA, the very first passenger jet registered in Australia and Qantas’ first jet aircraft.

Come and see the museum housed in the air conditioned main exhibition hall and in contrast wander into the original Q.A.N.T.A.S hangar to discover what it was like in the 1920s.

A Qantas Empire Airways DC3 aircraft is resplendent in its original livery at the museum. Climb on board and discover for yourself what it would have been like to fly in this old aircraft in the 1940s.Visit www.qfom.com.au

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Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Outback Heritage Centre

Since its opening in 1988 the Hall of Fame has played host to over one million interstate and international visitors, providing each one with a spectacular outback experience.

With its unique design, the Hall of Fame stands comfortably amongst the rugged yet vibrant rural Longreach landscape.

Inside, the Centre’s five themed galleries proudly display the history behind some of Australia’s greatest and bravest explorers, stock workers, pastoralists and Aborigines.

For more information visit www.outbackheritage.com.au

Kinnon & Co. – Hats, Horses, History & Hospitality

Richard and Marisse Kinnon have renovated a heritage hotel building and recreated in loving detail a traditional Cobb & Co Changing Station which now serves as the Kinnon & Co Station Store.

The stagecoach services operate right outside the front door. Experience first hand the days of Cobb & Co with a live experience aboard Richard’s stagecoach or join his overnight Clancy’s on the Thomson tour or shop at the Station Store for a unique Australian outback shopping experience. For further information visit www.kinnonandco.com.au

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Longreach Powerhouse Museum

Discover one of Longreach’s best kept secrets. A local history museum featuring the largest preserved rural generating station in Australia.

Open 7 days from April to October from 2pm–5pm.
Open weekends from November to March from 2pm–5pm

A community history project of the Longreach Regional Council.
For more information phone 07 4658 4111

Longreach School of Distance Education

The Longreach School of Distance Education or ‘School of the Air’ is one of the largest classrooms in the world. Experience first hand a ‘School of the Air’ lesson in progress.
Find out how education is delivered in the bush.

Guided Tours from 9am–10.30am Monday to Friday exc public & school holidays
For more information phone 07 4658 4222 or visit www.longreacsde.qld.ed.au

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Starlight Lookout

Mention the name Harry Redford in Longreach and you’re sure to be greeted with tales from local residents that have been handed down from their parents and grandparents.

During the past 117 years the man has become something of a local legend. He became part of the outback folklore when in 1870, in the company of two other men, he set out from Bowen Downs with about 1000 head of stolen cattle. His story makes fascinating reading. Visit www.longreach.net.au/lre_readford.html

Redford’s famous landmark in the Longreach district is ‘Starlight Lookout’ also known as Cassidys Knob. On this hill that rises gently over the surrounding plains, Redford is purported to have placed a man to keep watch whilst he was mustering the Bowen Downs cattle for their epic journey south.

Take a leisurely three hour drive and imagine the way Captain Starlight took advantage of the magnificent vistas and spectacular panorama as a lookout whilst mustering the stolen cattle.
For further information contact the Longreach Regional Council’s Tourism Office on 07 4658 4142.

Lily Lagoon

Don’t miss the beautiful Lily Lagoon; a hidden oasis off the main Thomson River waterway, an easy 15 minute drive from Longreach. See the variety of wild life including water birds normally confined to coastal areas. After flooding, the lagoon is filled with beautiful lilies and is a perfect photo stop.
For further information contact the Longreach Regional Council Tourism Office on 07 4658 4142.

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Ilfracombe

The development of Western Queensland is immortalised within the streets of this special outback town. Located on the Matilda Highway, just 27kms from Longreach, where all attractions in the town are free, you can visit the Wellshot Centre, Langenbaker House, Great Machinery Mile, Ilfracombe Folk Museum, Hilton’s Bottle Display, Romani Hall Memorial and the Artesian Spa and Pool.

Treat yourself to something very Australian; share a cold beer with the friendly locals at the historic Wellshot Hotel.

For further Tourist information contact the Wellshot Centre on 07 4658 2233

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Isisford & Yaraka

South of Ilfracombe and on the outer Barcoo by-way, is Isisford boasting attractions such as the Prehistoric Crocodile – ‘Isisfordia Duncani’, Barcoo River and Oma Waterhole, Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre and Whitmans Museum. This quaint town should form part of your travel itinerary. Just 20kms down the road is the famous Isis Downs Shearing Shed which is the largest in Australia.

Heading south from Isisford is Yaraka, a picturesque little town offering visitors the opportunity to visit the Railway Museum, the Yang Yang Range and Mount Slowcombe.
Make sure you have your camera to capture the panoramic views and glorious sunsets.

For further information phone 07 4658 8900 or visit www.isisford.qld.gov.au

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BLACKALL & TAMBO

The Blackall and Tambo towns lie beside the historic Barcoo River on the Matilda Highway. Blackall is a remote community with a population around 1560, whereas Tambo is a rural community with a population of 620.

This region has an extensive history of cattle, sheep and wool production. The legendary Jackie Howe lived and worked in the area.

Serviced by the Blackall – Tambo Regional Council, the area offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy unique and fascinating tourist facilities and attractions.

Tambo

The well kept, friendly town of Tambo is home to the famous Tambo Teddies. Locally made from sheepskin and filled with wool, each bear is numbered and has a district property included in his or her name. Made in different styles, you can almost be assured that your name will be on one of them.
Tambo Teddies – A lifetime of huggability, lovability and snuggability. Ph 07 4654 6223

When visiting Tambo, make sure you take in the Heritage & Coolibah Self Guided Walking Tours. The Heritage tour points out the sites and buildings of historic significance whilst the Coolibah Walk, best undertaken early in the morning or late afternoon, is a track along the famous Barcoo River. The bird song is sure to keep you entertained and you will come across the Qantas crash site that occurred in 1927.
For further information contact Tourism Tambo on 07 4654 6133 or visit www.btrc.qld.gov.au

Blackall

The Blackall Woolscour is a living museum and a direct link to Australia’s pioneering past. Open all year round from 9am – 5pm, this museum is the last remaining example of a working steam powered wool washing plant with a twenty stand shearing shed attached.
It is unique, totally authentic and full of history. Tour guides on site daily.

The mighty blade shearer, Jackie Howe lived and died in Blackall. In 1982 he shore a record 321 sheep in seven hours and forty minutes. Visit the Universal Garden Centre and view the Jack Howe memorabilia and his memorial statue located outside.

Rest, relax and revive in the Blackall Artesian Pool & Spa. With the therapeutic benefits of the artesian water, in quiet outdoor surrounds, it is a perfect place to rest and relax. Blackall is also famous for the Black Stump.

For further information about these attractions and other local information contact the Blackall-Tambo Visitor Information Centre on 07 4657 4637 or visit www.btrc.qld.gov.au

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BARCALDINE & REGION

Barcaldine

Barcaldine is well known as the Garden City of the West with a population of about 1900. It is situated at the junction of the Capricorn & Landsborough Highways; 528km west of Rockhampton, with Longreach a one hour drive further west.

Barcaldine has a special place in Australian history as it was here in 1891 that the Shearers Strike took place, resulting in the formation of the Australian Labor Party under the Tree of Knowledge. It is also the home of the Australian Workers Heritage Centre.

Serviced by the Barcaldine Regional Council, it also embraces the towns of Aramac and Muttaburra.

Australian Workers Heritage Centre.

The Australian Workers Heritage Centre is the only national attraction dedicated to celebrating the lives and proud heritage of ordinary working people – telling the stories of the railway workers, blacksmiths, farmers, nurses and teachers who shaped the nation.

It is set in two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding a tranquil billabong and is open to the public daily. For more information phone 07 4651 2411 or visit www.australianworkersheritagecentre.com.au

The Tree of Knowledge

The Tree of Knowledge at Barcaldine is one of Australia’s most historical trees. Eucalyptus Papreana, a 150 year old ghost gum, earned its claim to fame as the founding site of the political movement known today as the Australian Labor Party.

The Great Shearer’s Strike took place in 1891 under its boughs when about 3000 striking shearers marched under the Eureka flag to put forward their protest against poor working conditions and low wages.

The Tree was included in the National Heritage list in January 2006 but sadly was poisoned during that year and never fully recovered. A $5 million memorial to the Tree of Knowledge was opened in Barcaldine on the 2nd of May 2009.
For more information visit www.treeofknowledge.com.au

Between the Bougainvilleas

Between the Bougainvilleas is an award winning heritage trail, which showcases some of Barcaldine’s varied and colourful history. Maroon signs featuring a windmill logo have been placed at significant historical sites around Barcaldine. Each sign gives a brief history of the site and a photo of what originally stood at that site.

The Between the Bougainvilleas Heritage Booklet is available from the Visitor Information Centre. You can either drive or walk the heritage trail at your leisure.
For more information phone 07 4651 1724 or visit www.barcaldine.qld.gov.au

Aramac

Located 68kms north of Barcaldine on the Aramac Creek, the township of Aramac has a population of 340 friendly residents. It is home to the Harry Redford (Captain Starlight) Interpretive Centre & The Harry Redford Cattle Drive – visit www.harryredford.com.au

Harry Redford’s trek with 1000 head of stolen cattle from Bowen Downs to Adelaide has now become outback folklore. A visit to the main street of Aramac will enable visitors to view the replica of the famous white bull that led to Harry’s trial.

The Aramac Tramway Museum provides visitors with a fascinating insight into the transportation undertaken by our pioneers between the remote towns of Aramac and Barcaldine in the early nineteen hundreds. Open daily from 9.am – 4.pm

A visit to Lake Dunn, more commonly known as ‘The Lake’ should be on every tourist’s itinerary. Located 68kms northwest of Aramac, this freshwater birdwatchers’ paradise is 3.21kms long and 1.6km wide. The lake is home to over 80 different species of birds. It is also an excellent fishing spot for Golden Perch (Yellowbelly) and Black Bream and perfect for swimming, water skiing, windsurfing and sailing.
For more information phone 07 4651 0565.

Additional local tourist information can be sourced by phoning 07 4561 3311 or visit www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

For more than a century, travellers to the Aramac region have left a record of their passing by carving their names into the soft sandstone surface of Gray Rock, located 47kms east of the town. In the 1870’s it was the site of a shanty hotel where Cobb & Co coaches stopped for the night. Near to Gray Rock are a number of natural gorges that were used as spelling areas for the coach horses. About 1.2kms away is Horsetailers Gorge, a resting place for drovers. Visit these historic sites and learn how the Horsetailers looked after the drovers’ horses, driving them into the gorge at night and having them saddled and ready before daylight each morning.

Additional local tourist information can be sourced by phoning 07 4561 3311 or visit www.barcaldinerc.qld.gov.au

Muttaburra

Muttaburra was established in the 1870’s by the teamsters who carried supplies from the coast to Mt. Cornish, an outstation of the vast Bowen Downs Run. Today, the town, with a population of 160 is capitalising on its long history, with a well signed Heritage Walk and an excellent Medical Museum. The Muttaburra Motel provides a comfortable and friendly stopover for travellers.

For more information about Muttaburra and district phone 07 4651 3311 or visit www.muttaburra.com

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WINTON

Winton is a comfortable two hour drive north of Longreach on the Matilda Highway.

Serviced by the Winton Shire Council, the total locale is approximately 54,000sq.kms. The overall population is just short of 1000 with 200 residents living in the town. It is a significant sheep and cattle grazing area with its major industries being livestock transportation, opal & gypsum mining and tourism.

Tourist attractions in Winton are both iconic and steeped in history. Nothing more so than the home of Waltzing Matilda.

Waltzing Matilda Centre

The Waltzing Matilda Centre is the first museum dedicated to a song and a famous one at that. The Waltzing Matilda Centre incorporates interactive and technical displays and an innovative light and sound show. It also houses the Outback Regional Gallery that exhibits wonderful art and photographic works. The Waltzing Matilda Centre is a world class attraction not to be missed.
The Visitor’s Information Centre is located inside the building.
Ph: 1300 665 115 or 07 4657 1466 or visit www.matildacentre.com.au

Royal Open Air Theatre

One of the few remaining open air picture theatres in Australia and home to the World’s Largest Deckchair. Originally established in 1918, the historic Royal Theatre offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the movie the old fashioned way – laid back in canvas seats under the stars. Nostalgia nights are on Wednesdays from April through to September.

Arno’s Wall

 A modern wonder of art and architecture, Arno Grotjahn’s wall contains almost every household item you can imagine and more.

The walls reach two metres in height and extend for at least seven metres. They are constructed of concrete and rock brought from Arno’s opal mine at Opalton and studded with rusted lawnmower parts, boat propellers, vintage typewriters, sewing machines and even a couple of complete motorbikes.

Australian Age of Dinosaurs

Welcome to the fascinating world of Paleontology – Welcome to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs. Located 20kms south of Winton, just off the Matilda Highway at the Jumpup, you can view the discovery and preservation of dinosaur age fossils. Construction of the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History is currently in progress.

Lark Quarry

Lark Quarry Conservation Park is situated 110kms southwest of Winton. A Station Manager of a nearby property first discovered the Dinosaur Trackways located there in the 1960s. Queensland Museum sent a paleontologist to research the find. It was ascertained that these Trackways dated back to the Cretaceous Period, 95 million years ago and is also the world’s only recorded evidence of a Dinosaur Stampede.

Interestingly, the stampede scene in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park was based on the evidence of these Trackways.

Fully guided tours daily. For further information contact the Waltzing Matilda Centre or visit www.dinosaurtrackways.com.au

For a complete overview of Winton’s tourist attraction visit www.experiencewinton.com.au

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