Top Longreach How to Get Around

For a town of fewer than a thousand people, Winton has played an outsized role in Australian life - it’s where "Waltzing Matilda" was first performed, and it was the birthplace of the country’s flag carrier airline. Discover some of that legacy on this full-day tour. Although you can organize your own Winton tour, this tour cuts out the hassle of outback car rental and finding your way on dusty desert roads.

All aboard our heritage Rail Motor as it travels over the Thomson River and its flood plains, highlighted by the stories that connect the romance of rail with a special slice of western Queensland life outside your window. This tour offers travellers and families a short immersive rail experience.

Follow the trail of Australia’s outback pioneers on this tour down the Longreach-Windorah mail route. Gallop through the bush and down dusty roads on a restored stagecoach, just like settlers used in the 19th century. This family-friendly outback throwback includes a traditional smoko (scones with jam, cream, and tea), a classic Australian bush movie screening, and time to browse the Cobb and Co Courtyard collection.

Embark on a gorgeous sunset cruise along the Thompson River. The crew shares stories about the wildlife and indigenous cultures as you enjoy the scenery and on-board bar with complimentary snacks. As the stars come out, you’ll dock at Smithy’s Out back Dinner & Show for a memorable two-course camp-oven-style dinner with live entertainment.

The colours of the outback come alive at sunset as you glide down the Thomson River aboard the M.V. Longreach Explorer. After a warm welcome by our experienced crew, take your seat on the top deck ready to capture 360-degree sweeping, river and floodplain views. Our Captain will enthral you with captivating stories about the river, its wildlife and Indigenous heritage. Enjoy complimentary nibbles on board, and purchase icy cold drinks from our licensed bar. Photo opportunities are endless, but our stop at Sunset Bend is a hands-down favourite. As we leisurely cruise back to our dock, you will see stunning vibrant sunset colours as they fade into starlight.

Go on an open-top double-decker safari through the Australian outback on the Kinnon-family hosted Nogo Station Experience. Starting with a heritage tour of Longreach, you’ll then head out to Nogo Station’s historic shearing sheds, where you’ll learn about the prized Merino wool. From there, you’ll head out on safari across the vast outback plains, before wrapping up with a traditional pioneer ‘smoko’ under the gum trees at Captain Starlight’s Camp.

Experience our heritage Rail Motor en-route to the one pub town of Ilfracombe, with stories of nostalgia to tell your mates about for years to come. Feel the freedom of the vast open plains to Ilfracombe before disembarking in Ilfracombe to explore the unique attractions in “the Hub of the West” like the Wellshot centre, the Machinery Mile and grab some lunch at the Famous Wellshot Hotel. After a great break exploring this historic town, re-board the train for the journey back to Longreach Railway Station.

Go behind the scenes and travel back in time to those early years of Qantas with a Long reach local and fellow enthusiast. Be mesmerized when you tour the inside of the four iconic aircraft located under the 8000m2 airpark roof and feel like a rockstar when touring the Boeing 707 – a private jet! The storytelling takes guests back to the beginnings of where Qantas started in the amazing Outback Queensland. Come along and visit Long reach, the home of Qantas; right where it all began.