Uncover history at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame is widely regarded as the jewel in Longreach’s crown, so trust us when we say it’s well worth a visit. Since opening in 1988, this premier outback heritage institution has lured in more than one million visitors with an authentic and entertaining outback experience that depicts the lives and history of early bush custodians of Australia. Inside the museum you can discover a bounty of themed galleries, a live show with working dogs and sheep, a cinema and much more. It’s the ultimate immersive Longreach experience.

Learn about sky-high dreams at the Qantas Founders Museum
Always wanted to learn about Australia’s aircraft history? Look no further than the Qantas Founders Museum, where you can learn all about Australia’s national airline, from its early days in outback Queensland to now. You can traverse through life-size exhibits, have a gander at historical artefacts and explore interactive displays including the National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar. You can also enjoy informative guided tours of the Boeing 707 and Boeing 747! You won’t go hungry either with the on-site McGuiness Restaurant serving up hearty meals that are sure to sate your appetite.

Stock up on delicious baked goods
There’s nothing quite like a country town bakery, and Merino Bakery has a treasure chest – or rather a stacked cabinet – full of belly-warming goods. You can pick up meat pies, sausage rolls, freshly baked bread, croissants, doughnuts, custard tarts and perhaps the most delicious and decadent treat of them all – a vanilla slice. We suggest bringing a cooler bag so you can take a bunch of baked goodies for a picnic – our spot of choice is along the banks of Thomson River, which is just a short drive from Longreach.

Jump on a Cobb and Co stagecoach
For a true outback experience, make sure to hop on a Cobb and Co stagecoach along the original Longreach-Windorah mail route through the bush with Outback Pioneers. Hold on to your hats during the 45-minute stage coach ride, which is followed by photos, a traditional smoko (hello, tea and damper), a classic Australian movie in retro cinema seats and the Harry Redford Old Time Tent Show, a family-friendly tribute to the old travelling shows.

Sail the river on a sunset cruise
The colours of the outback come alive at sunset and there’s so better way to see this then by gliding down the Thomson River aboard the Longreach Explorer on a sunset river cruise. Run by Outback Aussie Tours, this above-water voyage features sweeping river and floodplain views. Grab a drink and take a seat on the deck as the captain tells captivating stories about the river, its wildlife and Indigenous heritage. As dusk settles, you’ll dock at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show, where you can enjoy a camp-oven themed dinner under the stars while live performers entertain you with their songs and stories.

Wine and dine at a Longreach icon
Talking of Harry Redford, there’s a whole restaurant named after the local legend who, in his time, was a stockman, drover and cattle thief. Harry’s Restaurant, which is nestled on Galah Street, is the perfect place to hang your hat and fill up on some grub. And by grub, we mean sensational fare created using fresh, seasonal produce. You can dig in to the likes of Humpty Doo barramundi with avocado and mango salsa, green-mango salad, red-pepper coulis and lime cheek, char-grilled spatchcock with roast-vegetable melange, spinach, fresh herbs and garlic labneh, and prosciutto-wrapped 12-hour slow-cooked roasted lamb shoulder with braised French lentils and sauteed pak choy.​

Discover dinosaurs on a day tour to Winton
A two-hour trip from Longreach lands you in Winton, a scenic outback town known for its Banjo Paterson history and its abundance of fossilised dinosaur bones. On this guided tour (once again hosted by Outback Pioneers), you’ll discover the famous North Gregory Hotel, which is where Waltzing Matilda was first performed. You can also visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, which includes entry to the famed Dinosaur Canyon, as well as tuck in to a delicious lunch at the North Gregory Hotel.

Have an electrifying great time at the Powerhouse and Historical Museum
Always wanted to know how electricity was generated back in the day in Outback Queensland? The Longreach Powerhouse and Historical Museum has all of the answers. This educational hub houses local history, stories and artefacts as well as being the largest preserved rural generating facility in Australia. You can find out how electricity was generated and distributed throughout the area, while checking out the various tools used to maintain the engines.

Throw back a frothy one at The Birdcage Hotel
Located a stone’s throw away from the main street of Longreach, The Birdcage Hotel is a family-friendly spot that’s a perfect place to make a pit stop for a pub feed and to indulge in pint. You can treat your taste buds to pulled-pork burgers, barbecue chicken pizzas, barramundi spring rolls, steak sandwiches, bangers and mash, and the almighty chicken parmi.

Hire a car and venture further out to Ilfracombe
Located 27 km from Longreach is the town of Ilfracombe, a rural locale that calls itself The Hub of the West. It’s here where you can take a stroll along one mile of farm machinery, historic cottages and a Light Horse display at the Lynn Cameron Machinery Mile & Historic Precinct. Those thirsty after a spot of walking can perch at the Wellshot Hotel, which is more than 120 years old. The hotel is known for its unique hat collection, money stuck to the roof and an assemblage of unusual bar stools.  

Get back outback and fly direct with Qantas from Brisbane to Longreach, regional Queensland’s beautiful backyard. Book your flights on the Qantas website. 

This article was written in partnership with our friends at Queensland Airports.