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Welcome to Longreach – where 1001 stories meet

Slow down, change gear and discover a different world

Longreach feels like a town of adventurers. In remote central-west Queensland on the Tropic of Capricorn, this is where the pioneering past meets the present, where overland travellers stop to discover the outback’s heritage and chat about their journeys, where stockmen tip their hat to you and the Cobb & Co stagecoach clip-clops through town. It’s where the Qantas pioneers of flight are remembered and where the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame is a well-known landmark.

It’s the perfect destination for a few days or more. Come and explore with us. The crew at Outback Pioneers looks forward to welcoming you.

Finding your way around

You’ll notice our streets have bird names. Those named after land birds run north-south, those named after water birds run east-west. Eagle Street is the main street. The railway station is at the top of Eagle Street and the airport is a couple of kilometres out of town on the Ilfracombe road. You’ll find all the shops and services you’re likely to need in town, including a pharmacy, medical facilities, hospital, churches, petrol and car repairs.

Food and restaurant choices

Longreach has a number of restaurants, pubs, cafés and takeaways to suit different tastes and budgets. There is an IGA food store in the centre of town or a Foodworks on Ibis Street if you’re self catering. You can get delicious snacks, coffees and lunches at The Welcome Home Café & Tearoom, and The Welcome Home also offers a big, country buffet breakfast and evening meals six days a week.

Shopping outback style

Wander down Eagle Street under shaded walkways and find everything you need from the famous Merino Bakery to a newsagent and clothes shops. A highlight is The Station Store, which recreates the experience of shopping in pioneer times. Allow time to explore this incredible outback emporium with outdoor wear, stockman’s supplies, gifts, toys, books, merino knitwear, opals and more. Please buy local and support our outback community.

Accommodation

If you’re not staying at The Staging Post on an Outback Pioneers holiday, there are plenty of other options including a range of motels, and the tourist park for caravans and RVs. We advise booking in advance for the popular winter months (June-September). Most of the Outback Pioneers experiences include coach pick-ups and drop-offs from accommodation in town.

The famous attractions

As well as enjoying the Outback Pioneers experiences, you’ll want to visit the Qantas Founders Museum and the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Both of these are on the Longreach-Ilfracombe Road, where you’ll also find the airport. The ‘Botanical Walk’ connects the museums to the centre of town – a 2.5 kilometre flat pathway, which makes a very pleasant walk on winter days when it’s not too hot.

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!

From $149 per person

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.

From $149 per person

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…

From $149 per person

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.

From $299 per person

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.

From $30 per person

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.

From $364.50 per person