A local's guide to Longreach
GUIDE
By Catherine Blake
Looking at a map of Queensland, Longreach falls pretty much dead centre. 1200km north-west of Brisbane, and about 700km from everywhere else, it’s no surprise this outback town is known as the heart of Queensland.
First time visitors will know to visit the Stockman’s Hall of Fame to learn all about the history and heritage of outback Australia, and Longreach’s claim to fame as the birthplace of Qantas.
But if you want some of the local flavour, look beyond the main street. This wrap will help guide you to the best meals, most incredible views, and most interesting things to do in Longreach. Expect plenty of history and plenty of heart, making this humble township one of the finest destinations for an outback road trip adventure:
Can’t-beat-it-breakfast
When it comes to breakfast, Longreach has some incredible bakeries that you’d be mad not to visit. Pies and sausage rolls get all the glory in the outback, but make sure you save room for dessert so you can try a local delicacy: the peach blossom cake. The Merino Bakery is famous for these little treats made from two pieces of ultra-light sponge, sandwiched together with cream and jam, rolled in coconut, and dyed pink to look like fluffy little peaches. It’s like a lamington with the presentational flair of a cupcake.
Favourite restaurants
As a branch of the Outback Pioneer Experience, The Welcome Home is where you’ll find a quintessential outback feast. Housed within an historic heritage building, everything from the smile that greets you to the battered RMs by the door is an emblem of rural Queensland hospitality. For dinner, it’s all about the Stonegrill. Replicating campfire cooking, Stonegrill lets guests cook their own protein on a hot stone at their table and round it out with sides. The most authentic outback dining experience you can get without making camp.
Top spot for a tipple
Being a classic Aussie town, Longreach has its fair share of pubs that will pour you some ice cold frothies and let you have a go on the dart board. But with some of the clearest, uninterrupted views of the night sky and the outback horizon, the best spot for a few sundowners is an hour out of town on a small rise called ‘Starlight's Lookout’. The road there is dirt, but graded, and well worth heading out in the 4WD. Get there an hour or so before sundown and climb to the top with a few drinks and some snacks. Once you reach the lookout all that’s left to do is sit back and soak up sunset. This is big sky country so you can be guaranteed the most glorious sunsets in the country.
Best activity for under $50
If you’re looking to do something on a hot day (and with Central Queensland’s desert temperatures this is pretty much a guarantee) seek safety from the heat inside at the Qantas Founders Museum. Australia’s most iconic airline commenced operations in Winton, just 122km north of Longreach, in 1921. A day wandering around the exhibits will step you through the history of Qantas and the early days of flight.
Best way to spend a Sunday
When you imagine a day in the centre of outback Queensland, the first thing you think of is the heat. Longreach summers hover around 36 degrees, while winters dip to barely below 23, so it’s no wonder the locals know all the best ways to cool down. This often means rolling around to the banks of the Thomson River with some mates. It’s a prime spot for waterskiing, catching yabbies, or just paddling near the shore, and one of the natural treasures of outback Queensland. When the midday heat gets too much, head over to the RSL for a Sunday lunch.
Must-see attraction
Being the heart of Queensland, Longreach is an attraction in and of itself. But it’s not what you see, but how you see it. For a truly spectacular sight, make like the Founders and take a light plane tour over the township. There are quite a few companies offering day tours and scenic flights over Longreach. Simply choose your preferred tour and method of flight and they’ll shoot you up into the sky for a clouds-eye view of the Artesian Country red expanse.
Secret only a local would know
Photo by @hollyaxsentieff
One hour from town there’s a small rise called ‘Starlight's Lookout’. The road there is dirt, but graded. It’s a must for anyone visiting. The key is to get there an hour or so before sunset, climb up the top with some drinks and snacks and watch the sunset over big sky country. Magnificent.
