Meet outback Queensland’s pioneering Kinnon family
Living the outback
For decades, the Kinnon family have been graziers with sheep and cattle stations near Longreach. Richard and Marisse Kinnon brought up their three children here. Those children are now adults and have little ones of their own.
With drought an ever-present challenge in this wide, brown land, the Kinnons founded their tourism enterprise in 2006 to supplement their grazing income. Starting with the Cobb & Co stagecoach, they discovered a passion for sharing the local heritage with visitors. The rest, as they say, is history. The tourism enterprise grew into today’s Outback Pioneers – a winner of multiple tourism awards for holidays, accommodation and experiences.
Pioneering values
The Kinnon family take inspiration from the pioneers and Indigenous peoples who cared for this land before them. Their mission is to inspire and educate people to experience and preserve the real Australian outback.
Valuing resilience, ingenuity, and a sense of humour, the family continues to create ways for guests to immerse themselves in the iconic pioneering lifestyle. Supported by a dedicated crew, they want every visitor to go home enriched by an authentic and entertaining outback experience.
Our outback ambassador
Richard Kinnon, joint founder and owner of Outback Pioneers, is a natural storyteller and passionate spokesperson for the outback way of life. When he’s not down in the paddock with the horses or hosting a tour at Nogo Station, he travels far and wide visiting schools and clubs to share stories of pioneering heritage and the outback way of life.
If you don’t catch him while you’re in town, you’ll almost certainly meet sons Jeremy and Lane at Nogo – or take home some of daughter Abigail’s food range.
The Welcome Home
The hub of Outback Pioneers’ tourism operations is The Welcome Home. The Kinnon family have restored the original Welcome Home Hotel in the heritage heart of town. It is now a booking office, accommodation reception, dining and tea room.
When you come to Longreach, start here for warm hospitality, good food and entry to another world. Check in for The Staging Post accommodation, pick up your tickets and become an outback pioneer! The 1920s building is at 128 Eagle Street.
Discover our experiences
Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience
Don’t miss this exhilarating Cobb & Co stagecoach ride, which takes you on the original bush mail route. Hang on to your bonnets for the gallop! This is pioneer travel!
Nogo Station Experience
Discover real station life with the people who live it. With your Outback Pioneers host, you’ll meet the merinos in the historic shearing sheds, go on a station water run and more.
Starlight’s Cruise Experience
This is the original and much-loved Thomson River sunset cruise with a real stockman’s campfire dinner and entertainment with our Bush Poet…
Winton Discovery Day Tour
Travel from Longreach with our local guide to see the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum, the Waltzing Matilda Centre and have lunch at the North Gregory Hotel.
Old Time Tent Show
Paying tribute to the traditional tent shows with plenty of humour and slapstick, this is simple family-friendly entertainment from a bygone era.
Live-it Saver Pass
If you have your own accommodation, caravan or motorhome, this pass gives you a 10% saving for booking our three most popular experiences. You still need to book your experiences in advance to reserve your places.