Stockmen, Shearers, Sunsets and Smithy’s: The Best Things to See and Do in Longreach
Longreach is often described as the heart of the Outback. And we certainly agree. Here you’ll see incredible sites and experience amazing activities that you can’t see or do anywhere else. And with each one of those you’ll also feel that special something that makes the Outback such an iconic and utterly unmissable adventure.
So, get ready for a ride into Outback Queensland! Here are the best things Blue Bus Tours suggest you see and do in Longreach.
Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame
The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame has just finished a major renovation (reopening on 1 April 2021), and we’re excited to see the new exhibits and state-of-the-art interactive features.
There are themed galleries each depicting a part of Australia’s pioneering history. The Outback Stockman’s Show brings the traditional stockman’s experience vividly to life. And there’s even a fully immersive cinematic encounter, with real and virtual footage. Without a doubt, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
QANTAS Founders Outback Museum
Touring the QANTAS Founders Outback Museum is a not-to-be-missed experience in Longreach. It’s not just a display of the airline’s beginnings (though it’s that as well), but an interactive demonstration of Australian spirit and grit. Don’t miss the spectacular ‘Luminescent’ night show – a light and sound experience that projects a movie history of Qantas onto the side of a Boeing 747. You can explore a full-scale replica of QANTAS’ first ever aircraft, wing walk along a Boeing 747 two stories above ground (fully harnessed, of course) and even go inside the cockpit of these incredible machines. Or let your secret engineer free and stand inside one of the Rolls Royce engines, an experience you’ll never forget.
The Welcome Home Cafe, Tearoom and Stonegrill
A modern saloon in an Outback town, The Welcome Home Café, Tearoom and Stonegrill proves that Outback cuisine is more than meat pies and sausage rolls. The venue itself is filled with iconic Aussie charm and staffed by friendly locals who are always ready with a recommendation. Grab a seat and try the lamb shanks or the Bushman’s burger. Or if you’ve just stopped by for a smoko, the country-style slices and cakes are just the pick-me-up you need to get you to the next stop on your Longreach adventure.
Sunset Cruise down the Thomson River
If Longreach is the heart of the Outback, a Thomson River experience is at the heart of Longreach. And a sunset cruise down the Thompson is the best way to end the day. See how many species of birdlife you can spot coming home to roost along the sweeping floodplains and river banks. Then, and as the day slips into dusk, listen to the sounds of the night birds and flying foxes, while the moon shines along the waterway.
Smithy's Outback Dinner and Show
A night at Smithy’s might be our favourite Longreach thing to do. After all, what can be better than a delicious two-course, camp-oven themed dinner followed by freshly baked damper and billy tea, all while experiencing the live performance of Outback songs and stories. There’s also a licensed bar, too, and we just love settling back in our chairs, glass of wine in hand, under the vast starry night sky, along the Coolibah-lined Thomson River. There’s nothing more Outback than that.
Blue Bus Tours travel to Longreach on our Qld Outback Tours.
Call us to find out our departure dates. Longreach is everything you hope it will be, and more. Book today for your Qld Outback adventure!
Please call Blue Bus Tours to book on: (07) 3820 7815.