Get a true blue outback experience in Longreach

25 Feb 2020

Ever wondered what it would be like to explore Australia’s pioneer past? If so, the Longreach region in Queensland’s iconic outback is calling your name.

On a trip to Longreach, you’ll step back in time to discover a unique history and fascinating way of life.

If you’re ready to leave the big city behind and venture deep into the country’s pioneer heartland, here are five quintessentially outback experiences you can enjoy in Longreach.

1. EXPLORE A HISTORIC WORKING STATION

The station is the heartbeat of outback life. In Longreach, the hard-working Kinnon family – graziers with a great passion for the real Australian outback – open their world to visitors and share amusing yet inspiring tales of both the past and present at the working Nogo Station.

The Kinnons will introduce you to the merinos and tell you the story of wool production in the historic shearing sheds. They’ll take you on a station safari where you can see local wildlife, cattle, stock-horses, desert camels, wild donkeys and more roaming the vast plains from an open-top double-decker. If you’re keen to connect with the pioneering spirit of the outback, this is an experience not to be missed. 

2. RIDE THE OLD MAIL ROUTE BY STAGECOACH

No stay in Longreach is complete without riding the old Longreach-Windorah mail route on the only stagecoach gallop in Australia.

You’ll board a restored stagecoach originally built by Cobb & Co – the pioneers of stagecoach travel and mail services to the goldfields in the late 19th century, and later across regional and remote areas of outback Australia. The journey begins at a leisurely pace through town, before the impressive horses pick up speed for an exhilarating stretch along the outback dirt road. 

3. CRUISE THE THOMSON RIVER AT SUNSET

Slow down in style and absorb the sights and sounds of the majestic Thomson River on a splendid sunset cruise.

Whether you board the historic Thomson Princess Riverboat or the only operating paddle wheeler west of the Great Divide, there’s no more relaxing way to enjoy a timeless outback journey.

Avid photographers will relish the beautiful bush surroundings and the outback sunset overlooking the river.

Love a traditional feast? Make sure you’re hungry for the stockman’s campfire dinner followed by billy tea and damper, with a touch of barefoot bush poetry to keep you entertained.

And if that wasn’t enough, the tour also includes the exclusive Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show – a unique, bush-illuminating big-screen presentation about the adventures of notorious cattle thief “Captain Starlight”. 

4. LAUGH OUT LOUD AT A BUSH THEATRE TRIBUTE SHOW

Keen to crack up at some classic Aussie outback humour? The hilariously entertaining Harry Redford Old Time Tent Show – based on traditional outback travelling shows – features a mix of animals, stockmen and improvised live theatre that will have you in stitches.

The show is set around the time of Harry Redford (Captain Starlight), telling a fabulous fictional story of his infamous adventures.

5. FOLLOW FAMOUS FOOTSTEPS TO WINTON

If you’re staying in Longreach for long enough, why not take the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Australia’s best-known bush poet, Banjo Paterson, as well as the dinosaurs, on a full-day coach tour of Winton?

Located 180km from Longreach, even deeper into the Queensland outback, Winton holds a special place in Australia’s history – and prehistory! The town is famous for its dinosaur fossils, and you can visit the award-winning Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum to learn all about these amazing creatures that once walked this part of the world.

As for Banjo’s own links to the region, he wrote the classic bush ballad “Waltzing Matilda” at Dagworth Station near Winton in 1895. It is said the Aussie icon first performed the song at Winton’s North Gregory Hotel, where you can still enjoy a delicious lunch on your day trip.   

PLAN YOUR OWN TRIP TO LONGREACH

Based in Longreach, Outback Pioneers is a Longreach holiday specialist that offers all the above and more. For a uniquely Australian outback experience, visit the website and start planning your Longreach adventure.