This Winton guide is all you need for your outback getaway

Say g’day to one of Queensland’s most intriguing destinations with a trip to Winton, an outback town that feels distinctly different. The dinosaur capital of Australia and the birthplace of Waltzing Matilda, Winton may be small in stature but it’s big in offerings, particularly of the cultural variety. Not to mention the burgeoning film scene to explore - dubbed the "Hollywood of the outback", Winton these days is a popular film location and home to a host of significant events including an annual cinema celebration.

Located 15 hours' drive from the Queensland capital of Brisbane, you'll find plenty to see and do in Winton - and many unexpected experiences along the way. Let this Winton guide show you the ropes.

Where is Winton?

You’ll find the small town of Winton some 1,300 km away from Brisbane, and 177 kilometres north-west of Longreach. But there are a number of different ways you can make your way to the remote town.

The most scenic may well be via rail with Spirit of the Outback rail services running twice-weekly to and from Brisbane to Longreach. Though the most time-savvy option is to fly: QantasLink offers regular flights between Brisbane and Longreach (where you can rent a car and travel to Winton) while Regional Express (REX) services between Townsville and Winton twice-weekly. 

Keen for a total outback adventure? Choose to make the 15-hour pilgrimage from Brisbane. There are a dozen different road trips to explore, and each offers something different. Like the Winton to Tambo trip, exploring Matilda Way from Cunnamulla to Karumba, or the immersive Dinosaur Way, an archaeological focused trek for the whole family to enjoy.

Things to do in Winton

On arrival you’ll be greeted with an army of activities to occupy your time while in town. But first, make a visit to the Winton Visitor Information Centre - a wise way to shape up an itinerary when you first arrive.

As Australia’s dinosaur capital, there’s no shortage of bone-focused opportunities for visitors. Budding paleontologists can’t afford to miss out on a chance to visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, an award-winning centre which offers a bevy of tours which peruse the world's largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils. Then, make your way to the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument in Lark Quarry, where you can experience the thrill of standing where dinosaurs once roamed - and until recently had been known as the world’s only record of a dinosaur ‘stampede’, which took place some 95 million years ago and involved some 150 dinosaurs.

You can see both these destinations as a part of Red Dirt Tours experiences, which will also take in outstanding local scenery. The local guides offer a range of unique and unexpected experiences in the outback, from opal fossicking to national park tours.

Or, immerse yourself among Winton's heritage landmarks instead. The Waltzing Matilda Centre is a popular one, the world’s first museum devoted to a single song, and an iconic one at that. Kids in tow? Drop by the Winton Music Fence. Designed by percussionist and composer Graeme Leak, it’s a wire fence installation that can be played as a musical instrument.

Take to the outdoors with an explore of the stunning natural beauty surrounding these parts. Take a dip at the Combo Waterhole, the inspiration behind Waltzing Matilda which straddles the Diamantina River. Or try your luck fossicking the opal fields in Opalton, situated 123km from Winton. Of course hard work isn’t essential around here - you could keep things leisurely instead by catching a film at the historic Royal Open Air Theatre, one of the few open air picture theatres in Australia still in operation.

Where to eat and drink in Winton

Get ready to gorge yourself silly in Winton, as there are plenty of places to eat and drink in town. Indulge in some proper pub grub at the North Gregory Hotel - built in 1879 this iconic establishment remains one of Winton’s best places to grab a bite to eat. These days there’s even a revamped beer garden out the back, where the wood fired pizzas, roasts and camp-oven dinners have become legendary.

But that’s not the only popular pub in these parts - you’ll find Tattersalls Hotel and Winton Hotel equally well-versed in casual fare and icy cold beers to quench your thirst in the desert heat. After something on the go? Drop by Balamara Bakery, which sells a smorgasbord of homemade pies, cakes, bread, and sandwiches, not to mention a decent coffee.

Winton accommodation

Looking for somewhere to stay that's an experience in itself? Check into Rangelands Outback Camp. A little outside of town, this is a luxury glamping-style accommodation that accommodates up to 12 guests at a time - where the expansive outback views might only be outdone by the chef-prepared gourmet meals, plush king-size bed and exclusive guest tours. 

But you’ll find a bevy of different Winton accommodation options at your disposal, enough to satisfy every kind of traveller, and every kind of budget. If you prefer a bed to a sleeping bag you’ll be delighted to hear that a handful of hotels and motels can be found in town central. Among them sits local landmark the North Gregory Hotel, the birthplace of Banjo Paterson’s Waltzing Matilda and host to a series of basic rooms, as well as caravan spaces out back. Or the budget-friendly Winton Outback Motel, a space popular with families that’s conveniently located within arm’s length of the airport and the Machinery Museum.

If you’ve found yourself with a caravan in tow, you may prefer to make way for Matilda Country Tourist Park, a stretch of land boasting powered and unpowered sites, as well as air-conditioned cabins. As an added bonus for those travelling with pets, they are welcome to stay. Or you can forgo town altogether and pitch a tent among the handful of free camping sites scattered nearby, Long Waterhole and Mistake Creek included.

Winton events

This outback town plays host to outstanding events throughout the year. Most famously, it’s in Winton that you’ll find the annual Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival each June. Inspired by the Sundance Film Festival, this multi-day film foray is a true celebration of cinema and Winton’s burgeoning involvement in the industry.

Also in June and leading into July is the Outback Queensland Master, open to golfers of all abilities and ages. Stop by for two nine-hole rounds at one location or join in at all six locations –  the choice is yours.

Found yourself in town in April? Give Way Out West Fest a whirl, a roving event which toasts to true blue Australian music. Or you can throw yourself fully into life on the land with the Biennial Outback Festival. The month-long festivities held across town salute the outback and its endeavours with a series of immersive (and rather quirky) events for young and old, with the most popular offering the Quilton Australian Dunny Derby.

Get to know the outback's unmissable events here.

Looking for more adventures? Here are 30 things to do in Outback Queensland.