Soak up Outback Queensland with 5 days in Longreach

Soak up the history of Outback Queensland with 5 days spent in Longreach. This oasis in the midst of miles of red dirt demands some of your time to explore its culture and character, no matter whether it’s the region’s landscapes, locals, or heritage which initially lures you in. This guide will show you just where to explore, dine, and stay during your time in the desert.

Day One

Morning

Welcome to Longreach. A desert-rimmed oasis that’s famous for being the birthplace of the iconic Qantas. Dive straight into your 5 days in Longreach with a morning visit to the Qantas Founders Museum. The not-for-profit tracks the tale of the Australian airline, from inception to present day, with historical artefacts and interactive displays galore.

Afternoon

Step back in time with an evening spent with Outback Pioneers. The company has forged a reputation for its immersive outback experiences - drop by living relic Nogo Station, a family-run sheep station. Or hitch a ride along the original Cobb & Co path aboard the Stagecoach Experience.

Evening

You’ll spend the night at the new accommodation offered by Outback Pioneers, The Staging Post. This boutique accommodation consists of a trio of options - The Stables, The Outriders Huts, and The Couch Inn - all boasting pioneer-inspired features. Not to mention the big breakfasts and outback dinners on offer at the neighbouring The Welcome Home.

Day Two

Morning

Greet the day with a visit to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame to gain even more insight into the region’s history. Spend a few hours exploring, taking in the sights and sounds of its films, themed galleries on display at the museum, and the bond between man and animal working together with the Stockman’s Live Show.

Afternoon

Drive 55 kilometres outside of Longreach to catch the sunset (and some delightful views) from Captain Starlight’s Lookout, named in ode to notorious cattle thief Harry Redford who used the destination to scout for police. But be warned - you have a bumpy road ahead, with an unsealed road that’s not passable in wet weather.

Evening

Soak your limbs weary from exploring at Camden Park Station, a must-do during your 5 days in Longreach.. The historic homestead is a working sheep and cattle station that sits on Australia’s Great Artesian Basin, with a spring and bore on site. Not to mention the bush camp here is Longreach’s newest accommodation addition, designed with self-sufficient travellers in mind.

Day Three

Morning

Get better acquainted with the realities of life on the land with a visit to the Longreach School of Distance Education - one of 16 distance education schools in Australia, and one of seven in Queensland. Observe the school in action on a tour, learning how an education is delivered in the bush.

Afternoon

Drop by Harry’s Restaurant at Longreach Motor Inn to enjoy one of the best steak dishes in town. Named again in ode to local legend Harry Redford, this venue is local by name and local by nature, utilising fresh, seasonal produce to craft its contemporary Australian menu.

Evening

Don’t feel like eating out tonight? You don’t have to. If you choose to spend the night at the adjoining Longreach Motor Inn, you can enjoy Harry’s as a part of room service.

Day Four

Morning

Today marks your last full day on this 5 days in Longreach odyssey. Don’t depart before stopping by Kinnon & Co The Station Store for a souvenir. Based on the traditional outback stores that sold everything pioneering families could possibly want, you’ll find here shelves of outback clothing, hats, boots, leatherware, local crafts, toys, books, homewares, and haberdashery.

Afternoon

After a morning perusing the shoppable goods on offer, prepare for an evening of entertainment. Join the multi-award winning Outback Aussie Tours for the Drover’s Sunset Cruise, coupled with Smithy’s Outback Dinner and a Show. Cruise the Thomson River while the sun takes its time to set (tucking into nibbles all the while) before you dine under the stars on the river’s bank. A two-course camp oven-themed dinner is on the menu, accompanied by the stories and songs of an outback performer.

Day Five

After 5 days in Longreach, it’s time to say your goodbyes to your temporary desert home. Not quite done with your adventure? Why not hit the bitumen, but on your way back to the Queensland capital of Brisbane make a pit stop at the likes of Winton, or the garden city of Toowoomba? Or head east instead, making your way to the coastline, but not before saying hello to the beef capital of Rockhampton first.