Longreach Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Longreach, a hidden gem in Outback Queensland, with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, activities, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Longreach

Longreach is a legendary town located in Outback Queensland, Australia, which attracts travelers from far and wide to experience its unique charm and rugged landscapes. Longreach is a place where time slows down, and you can immerse yourself in the wild west history of Australia. Visitors to Longreach often remark on how welcoming the locals are and how much they learn about the region’s past and present. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your visit to Longreach and uncover the best things to see and do in this extraordinary part of Australia.

List of Places to Visit in Longreach

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Qantas Founders Museum

The Qantas Founders Museum is an iconic Australian aviation museum that highlights the heritage of Qantas Airways, the country’s flag carrier airline founded in Longreach. You can take a guided tour of the museum and learn about the aviation industry and the history of Qantas Airways. The museum also features interactive exhibits, including the 747 jumbo jet and the world’s only full-scale replica of the Wright Flyer.

Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre

The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre is a national institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the Australian outback heritage. You can explore five galleries that feature exhibits on the outback’s explorers, pioneers, pastoralists, and Aboriginal people. The museum also has a live horse show, which showcases horse skills and the connection between humans and animals.

Longreach Powerhouse Museum

The Longreach Powerhouse Museum is a museum that showcases the history of Longreach’s electricity supply. You can find exhibits on the generator and its history, how electricity was distributed throughout the town, and how it was used in households and businesses. The museum has interactive displays for children and adults, fun games and challenges for engineering enthusiasts and insightful educational tours of the grounds.

Natural Attractions of Longreach: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Thomson River Sunset Cruise

The Thomson River Sunset Cruise is a memorable outback experience where you can enjoy the beautiful sunset while cruising on the Thomson River. The tour includes commentaries on the local environment and history, sharing Indigenous Dreamtime stories, showcasing local music, tasty outback cuisine, and refreshing drinks. You can sit back, relax and admire the stunning scenery as the sun sets over the river.

Starlight’s Lookout

Starlight’s Lookout is a must-visit for anyone looking for panoramic views of the outback landscape and stunning sunrises. The lookout point is at the top of a hill, offering unobstructed views of Longreach’s vast plains and rolling hills. This lookout is named after the infamous cattle thief, Captain Starlight, who took refuge in the area during the late 1800s.

Ilfracombe Machinery and Heritage Museum

The Ilfracombe Machinery and Heritage Museum is a fascinating open-air museum that showcases the machinery and agricultural tools used in Australia’s West. You can see old trucks, tractors, steam engines, and other machines, which played pivotal roles in the evolution of the Outback.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Longreach

Hiking Trails

Longreach Railway Heritage Walk

The Longreach Railway Heritage Walk takes you on a journey through Longreach’s railway history and the construction of the Outback railway line. The trail’s primary feature is the iconic historic railway station, which has been preserved and restored to its former glory.

Camden Park Nature Reserve

The Camden Park Nature Reserve is a wildlife sanctuary with various walking tracks through the Australian bush. You can spot many native species like kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and more. The reserve also has a natural rock pool for swimming.

Biking Trails

Longreach Esplanade and Riverside Trail

The Longreach Esplanade and Riverside trail is perfect if rock gardens, bridges, and scenic views inspire the rider. This dual-use paved walk and cycle path stretches along the Thomson River through the heart of Longreach.

Barcoo River Biking Trail

The Barcoo River Biking trail is a 30-km bicycle trail consisting of gravel tracks. The trail follows the Barcoo River and offers natural scenic landscapes and vast skies.

Best Things to Do in Longreach: Activities and Tours

Outback Stockman’s Show

The Outback Stockman’s Show is an authentic event showcasing stockmen performing their stock handling, horsemanship, and whip-cracking skills. Visitors can see a variety of livestock, including cattle, sheep, and goats, and even barbecue a substantial bush meal at the show’s conclusion.

Larc Tours

Larc Tours offer visitors the opportunity to explore the Thomson River by amphibious vehicle. The tour takes you through the river’s waterways and over sandbars to remote locations where you are likely to see local wildlife and witness stunning natural features.

Outback Astronomy

Longreach is one of the best places in the world to stargaze due to its low light pollution and clear skies. Outback Astronomy provides visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the outback’s night sky and its rich history. The tours include telescope observations and commentary from the tour guide and are popular among astronomy enthusiasts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Longreach

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Longreach and settle into accommodation
2 Explore Qantas Founders Museum and Australian Stockman’s Hall
3 Relax with a Thomson River Sunset Cruise and campfire dinner
4 Visit Longreach Powerhouse Museum and Barcoo River Biking Trail
5 Outback Stockman’s Show and lunch
6 Larc Tours at the Thomson River and Outback Astronomy at night
7 Explore the local markets and experience local food and culture

Food and Drink Scene of Longreach

Must-Try Dishes

Mud Crab Rendang

The Mud Crab Rendang is a delicacy found in the Longreach region that combines fresh crabs with complex spices and herbs, including cinnamon, ginger, lemongrass, and turmeric. This dish usually comes with steamed rice and greens.

Barramundi Fingers

Barramundi Fingers are a tasty snack made of diced barramundi fish, deep-fried, and served with tartar sauce. This dish is a popular choice among travelers as it is easy to eat on-the-go and tastes fantastic.

Local Beverages

XXXX Gold Beer

XXXX Gold is a local Australian beer, produced in Queensland, with a smooth malt flavour and subtle hop aroma. It’s a refreshing brew that pairs well with the local cuisine and activities.

Bundaberg Ginger Beer

Bundaberg Ginger Beer is an Australian classic that is brewed from the finest ginger root and exotic spices. It’s an ideal thirst-quencher and goes well with spicy meals and desserts.

Where to Stay in Longreach: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Longreach has many accommodation options to suit the needs of all travelers, with ample choices of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

Accommodation Options

Jumbuck Motel

The Jumbuck Motel is a top-rated Longreach motel situated close to all major attractions, including the airport, restaurants, and shops. The accommodation has excellent guest facilities, comfortable rooms, and helpful staff.

Albert Park Motor Inn

The Albert Park Motor Inn prides itself on high-quality rooms, excellent amenities, and customer service. This accommodation is situated in the heart of Longreach and is in close proximity to restaurants and airport.

Longreach Tourist Park

Longreach Tourist Park is convenient pet-friendly accommodation located close to Longreach airport and attractions. The Tourist Park has excellent amenities, including a pool, BBQ area, and laundry services.

What to Buy in Longreach: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Souvenirs

Handmade Leather Goods

Longreach is home to various leather manufacturers, producing high-quality cowboy boots, belts, and hats. These handicrafts are known for their durability and Australian style.

Qantas Merchandise

The Qantas Founders Museum has a gift shop that sells merchandise related to Qantas Airways and the aviation industry. You can buy model airplanes, clothing, and various souvenirs.

Local Products

Fresh Cattle Meat

Longreach is known for its high-quality cattle meat, which is fresh and locally sourced. Visitors can buy various cuts of beef, including ribeye, sirloin, and T-bone.

Australian Liqueurs

The Australian rum and liqueur manufacturer, Bundaberg, is located near Longreach. Visitors can purchase various aged rums, ginger beers, and other cocktail mixers.

Local Culture and Customs of Longreach

Longreach, like much of Outback Australia, has a strong connection to the land and animals, demonstrated through its unique customs. The locals take immense pride in their outback heritage and are known for their hospitality and resilience. Visitors to Longreach should respect the local customs and cultures, take local tours to learn more about Aboriginal Dreamtime stories and support local businesses by purchasing locally made handcrafts and products.

Best Time to Visit Longreach

The best time to visit Longreach is from April to August, during the Australian winter months, where the outback area boasts clear skies, mild temperatures, and low humidity. Temperatures can still reach up to 30 degrees Celsius during the day, so visitors should still plan to dress appropriately and stay hydrated.

Do’s and Don’ts of Longreach

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Learn about the outback’s history and heritage.
  • Support local businesses and the community by purchasing local products when possible.
  • Take plenty of water and sunscreen when exploring Longreach.

Don’t:

  • Touch or interfere with the local wildlife.
  • Drive off-road without permission.
  • Ignore signs or warnings about potential hazards.

Safety and Health

Safety in Longreach

Longreach is a generally safe place for visitors. However, visitors should take precautions when exploring the outback and follow safety guidelines. This includes carrying enough drinking water, wearing appropriate clothing and footwear and avoiding exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day.

Health in Longreach

Longreach has one hospital and several medical centers that visitors can access in case of emergencies. Visitors should carry any necessary medication with them and ensure they have appropriate travel health insurance.

Getting to Longreach: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Longreach

Longreach has a domestic airport that offers regular flights to Brisbane and other major cities in Australia. Airlines that serve Longreach include Qantas and Regional Express.

Bus Stations Near Longreach

Longreach has a bus station that serves regional areas of Outback Queensland. Greyhound coaches, Queensland Rail’s Spirit of the Outback train service and Australasia’s largest bus service, Bus Queensland operate services to and from Longreach.

Other Options

Longreach is accessible by road via the Matilda Way and the Landsborough Highway, both of which connect to other major cities in Queensland. Visitors can also take the scenic railway journey aboard Queensland Rail’s Spirit of the Outback train service.

How to Get Around in Longreach

Visitors to Longreach can get around the town primarily on foot or by hiring a car on arrival. Local and guided tours are also available for visitors to get around to the attractions with ease and without worry about transport.

Where to Go Next from Longreach: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Barcaldine

Barcaldine, situated 105km east of Longreach, is affectionately known as the ‘gateway to the outback’. Visitors can explore the local history of the region by visiting the Barcaldine Heritage Precinct, including the Australian Workers Heritage Centre and the Tree of Knowledge.

Winton

Winton is a historical town situated 180km northwest of Longreach and is known for its artistic community, dinosaur fossils, and rugged landscapes. The musical note sculpture marks the home of The Waltzing Matilda Centre, which reopened in 2018.

Conclusion

Longreach is a hidden gem in Outback Australia, attracting travelers from all over the world who are seeking a different Australian experience. Its rich history, heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming locals combine to create a must-visit destination for those who want to immerse themselves in the Outback way of life. With this comprehensive guide to Longreach, visitors can make the most of their time in this extraordinary part of the world, gaining unforgettable memories and experiences.

Qantas Founders Museum Qantas Founders Museum