Discover what’s new in Longreach

25 Aug 2020

There’s no mistaking the shimmering curved roof of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame as you roll into Longreach along the Landsborough Highway.

Now 30 years young, this icon of the west is undergoing a multi-million dollar revamp, and now features the new Outback Cinematic Experience.

From the moment you take your seat, surrounded on three sides by a huge 16-metre screen, you are invited into the world of the Aussie Stockman. Using the latest technology and the perfect blend of real and virtual footage, it’s truly a sensory outback adventure.

Meanwhile, if you’re in need of a coffee and tasty morsel while you're there, then you’ll love the new Garraway Café or the Billabong outdoor dining space. 

Qantas Founder's Museum

Across the road, it’s lights, camera, action at the Qantas Founders Museum.

The first thing you’ll see is the enormous Airpark roof shading their impressive aircraft collection. Dominating the skyline from kilometres away, this incredible all-weather structure is the venue for a supercharged state-of-the-art light and sound show, Luminescent Longreach.

Prepare for 20 minutes of awesomeness as you stand surrounded by historic aircraft doubling as the canvas for this amazing show. Featuring high-tech 3D animation and illustrations, you’ll be taken on a fascinating narrative of Australia’s aviation history.

Glamping at Mitchell Grass Retreat

Longreach has always had a good selection of accommodation, but this year it has definitely ramped up the offering with the opening of the new glamping experience, Mitchell Grass Retreat.

Those who have previously shied away from “camping” might want to take a look at these stunning luxury glamping tents that feature a gorgeous ensuite bathroom and private deck.

The opening of a new property during a pandemic might be viewed as unlucky, but with the strong push for domestic travel, it has turned out to be a winner. The high-end touches and facilities offered by Mitchell Grass Retreat and sister property Saltbush Retreat are proving to be real drawcards to traditional outbound travellers with their international wings clipped.

Drover's Sunset Cruise

An attraction in its own right, the award-winning Drover’s Sunset Cruise operated by Outback Aussie Tours has stepped up another notch in guest experience. From the moment you board the courtesy coach from your accommodation, there’s no doubt you are travelling with a master guide – a Savannah Guide in fact.

Board the Longreach Explorer and relax on the top deck as it glides peacefully along the mighty Thomson River to Sunset Bend. Tuck into some onboard nibbles, purchase a cool drink from the bar and simply take in the moment. Top off the experience with a delicious two-course camp oven dinner and live entertainment at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show. Be sure to sample the freshly cooked damper with syrup and billy tea too.

The team at Outback Aussie Tours are locals and are your “go to” operators for exploring Longreach and surrounds.

Currently, they are offering a selection of Longreach and Outback Queensland packages with departures from now right through to the end of 2021.

If you’re keen to head outback soon, take a look at the Longreach Outback Summer Getaway deal packaged up with 2 for 1 rail on the Spirit of the Outback. These 7-day packages from Brisbane feature all the hero Longreach experiences, station visits, river cruises, Winton day tour, motel accommodation and meals.

Choose to travel First Class overnight on the Spirit of the Outback or you may prefer to fly with QantasLink from Brisbane (or perhaps a mix of both!).

If you are keen to sample some of the new Longreach accommodation experiences, then ask Outback Aussie Tours about their upgrade options.