Longreach
Town
Population 2977
Longreach is the largest town in central-west Queensland. Lying on the Tropic of Capricorn, this 'boom and bust' country is affected by flooding rains and devastating drought. It epitomises the outback and features the renowned Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame, devoted to the outback hero. In 1922 Longreach became the operational base for Qantas and remained so until 1934. The world's first Flying Surgeon Service started from here in 1959. Longreach is bisected by the Thompson River, the vast length of which is this town's namesake.
Visitor Information
Qantas Park, Eagle St; (07) 4658 4150
Nearby national parks
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Idalia National Park
Set in the Gowan Range in central western Queensland, Idalia National Park is a dry, remote wilderness. Although the park encompasses the...more
Nearby towns
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Isisford
Isisford is a small outback community south of Longreach. In the mid-1800s large stations were established in the area. This brought...more -
Muttaburra
Despite being a tiny outback community, Muttaburra has much to promote in its history. Famous cattle duffer Harry Redford (Captain...more -
Barcaldine
This pastoral and rail town is located some 100 kilometres east of Longreach. Known as the ‘Garden City of the West’, it was the...more
In Town
Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre Opened in 1988 by Queen Elisabeth II, this impressive centre is a tribute to the men and women who pioneered outback Australia for settlement, industry and agriculture. Its many educational and interactive displays include everything from Australia's indigenous heritage and the challenges of outback education to the life of the modern-day stockman. Highlights include a photo gallery, an old blacksmith's shop and a 1920s kitchen. Landsborough Hwy; (07) 4658 2166. Qantas Founders Museum This modern museum details the commercial flight history of the second oldest airline in the world. Explore the restored 1922 hangar which features displays on early flights and a replica Avro 504K. Visit the exhibition hall to see how flying has evolved over the last century. Longreach Airport, Landsborough Hwy; (07) 4658 3737. Powerhouse Museum: displays of old agricultural machinery, power station and local history museum; open 2pm–5pm Apr–Oct; Swan St. Botanical Gardens: walking and cycling trails; Landsborough Hwy. Banjo's Outback Theatre and Woolshed: bush poetry, songs and shearing; near airport. Qantas Park: replica of original Qantas booking office which now houses the information centre; Eagle St. Heritage buildings: highlights include the courthouse (1892) in Galah St and the railway station (1916) in Sir Hudson Fysh Dr. Kinnon and Co: offers horse-drawn adventure tours; bookings through The Station Store; (07) 4658 2006.
Nearby
Lochern National Park Waterholes created by the Thomson River are a sanctuary for a variety of birds. Camp beside the billabong in true outback style at Broadwater Hole and watch the brolgas and pelicans. For visitors passing through, drive the 16 km Bluebush Lagoon circuit to see the natural attractions of this park and glimpse Australian favourites – the kangaroo and emu. Visitors must be self-sufficient. Check road conditions before departing – roads may be impassable in wet weather; (07) 4652 7333. Turnoff 100 km S onto Longreach–Jundah Rd, then further 40 km. Thomson River: fishing, bushwalking and swimming; 4.6 km NW. Ilfracombe: once a transport nucleus for the large Wellshot Station to the south, now an interesting outdoor machinery museum runs the length of this town on the highway. Another feature is the historic Wellshot Hotel, with a wool-press bar and local memorabilia; 27 km E. Starlight's Lookout: said to be a resting spot of Captain Starlight. Enjoy the scenic view; 56 km NW. Sheep and cattle station tours: visit local stations to try mustering and shearing; contact visitor centre for details. Thomson River cruises: contact visitor centre for details.
Eco-friendly activities around town
Lark Quarry Conservation Park 171 km
Situated 110 kilometres south-west of Winton, some 4000 fossilised footprints here tell the only known story of a dinosaur stampede that took place an estimated 95 million years ago. Access to the trackways is only with... Find out moreCampsites around town
Longreach Waterhole camping area 5 km
The Longreach Waterhole is reached from the Landsborough Hwy, about 4 km north-west of Longreach. There’s a toilet block, picnic tables and shelters in the adjacent day-use area, but you need to be totally... Find out moreBarcoo River camping area, Isisford 92 km
Camping is permitted beside the Barcoo River in Isisford. The camping area has a toilet block; the nearby park has an amenities block with showers. The Barcoo River offers excellent fishing, camping, canoeing and... Find out moreOma Waterhole camping area 94 km
The Oma Waterhole for self-sufficient campers is set beside the Barcoo River on Yaraka Rd, 13 km south of Isisford. The river offers excellent fishing, camping, canoeing and birdwatching. Isisford is about 120 km west of... Find out moreMuttaburra Caravan Park 99 km
Muttaburra Caravan Park is on Bridge St in Muttaburra, about 85 km north-west of Aramac. Aramac is part of the Barcaldine Regional Council, one of the largest cattle-producing regions in central western Queensland.... Find out moreBarcaldine Tourist Park 106 km
About 1.5 km from the centre of town on Box St (Matilda Hwy), this tourist park with drive-through grassy sites has an excellent range of facilities including wireless internet, and free use of the washing machines and... Find out moreAramac Caravan Park 115 km
This campground is next to the Aramac Showgrounds on Booker St in Aramac. There are some powered sites and laundry facilities available. Aramac is part of the Barcaldine Regional Council, 440 km west of Rockhampton, one... Find out moreBroadwater Waterhole camping area 121 km
Camping for self-sufficient campers is permitted at Broadwater Waterhole, 2 km north of the access road. There are no walking tracks, but the waterhole is a great spot for watching wildlife such as birds and turtles.... Find out moreStonehenge Caravan Park 141 km
You’re unlikely to find green rolling hills or ancient monuments around here, but this caravan park is on the corner of Salisbury and Stratford streets in Stonehenge. The town of Stonehenge is part of Barcoo Shire,... Find out moreOpalton fields camping area 154 km
The Opalton Field is one of the largest and most extensively worked opal deposits in Queensland. The camping area is about 110 km south of Jundah Rd; the turn-off is signposted 15 km south of Winton. Basic cabins are... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Discovery Holiday Parks – Longreach 2 km
Longreach is a busy tourist centre during the cooler months and a booking is important even though the park has expanded recently. It is within walking distance of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and about 2... Find out moreBarcaldine Tourist Park 106 km
A newer park on the southern outskirts of town, this park is easily accessible from the Matilda Highway. It has good facilities and offers free billy tea and damper in the tourist season. Bookings are required in peak... Find out moreBlackall Caravan Park 165 km
Easily accessible from the Landsborough (Matilda) Highway, the park is just a short walk from the town centre. It is popular during the winter tourist season, offering camp-oven meals each evening. Bookings are required... Find out moreMatilda Country Tourist Park 171 km
Winton is a popular tourist town and visitor numbers peak during the cooler winter months. This tourist park has good amenities, basic facilities and is an ideal base from which to explore the area. The park is about 1... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Rest areas around town
Macsland Rest Area 21 km
24 km NW of Longreach (R) or 156 km SE of Winton (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S23 16.588 E144 07.657... Find out moreIlfracombe Park Area 27 km
Middle of town Parking area at the historical vehicle display. GPS: S23 29.379 E144 30.504... Find out moreNewstead Creek Rest Area 32 km
74 km W of Barcaldine (R) or 6 km E of Ilfracombe (L) Large area well off the road. Limited shade. GPS: S23 30.096 E144 33.099 ... Find out moreDartmouth Rest Area 44 km
63 km W of Barcaldine (R) or 17 km E of Ilfracombe (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S23 30.741 E144 40.237 ... Find out moreMorella Rest Area 65 km
69 km NW of Longreach (R) or 111 km SE of Winton (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S22 58.550 E143 51.589... Find out moreSaltern Rest Area 77 km
29 km W of Barcaldine (R) or 51 km E of Ilfracombe (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S23 32.092 E144 59.767 ... Find out moreLloyd Jones Weir Camp Area 101 km
T/O 102 km N of Blackall (L) or 5 km S of Barcaldine (R) Large secluded area located 9 kilometres west of the highway among the trees on the banks of the Alice River. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Unsealed access.... Find out moreChorregon Rest Area 108 km
110 km NW of Longreach (L) or 70 km SE of Winton (R) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S22 41.466 E143 34.425 ... Find out moreBarcaldine East Rest Area 109 km
85 km W of Jericho (R) or 2 km E of Barcaldine (L) Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S23 33.167 E145 18.417 ... Find out moreClover Hills Rest Area 115 km
78 km N of Blackall (R) or 29 km S of Barcaldine (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S23 48.067 E145 18.550... Find out moreCrawford Creek Rest Area 129 km
131 km NW of Longreach (R) or 49 km SE of Winton (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S22 33.456 E143 25.532... Find out moreDouglas Ponds Rest Area 145 km
23 km N of Blackall (L) or 84 km S of Barcaldine (R) Large secluded area well off the highway among some trees. Limited shade. GPS: S24 16.579 E145 20.473... Find out moreAlice River Rest Area 159 km
34 km W of Jericho (L) or 53 km E of Barcaldine (R) Small area just off the highway among a few large trees at the site of a memorial. Good shade. GPS: S23 33.902 E145 48.235... Find out moreBlackall Camp Area 165 km
South side of town Large area on the Barcoo River via Isisford Road. Facilities across the road. GPS: S24 25.506 E145 27.774 ... Find out moreBlackall South Rest Area 174 km
91 km NE of Tambo (L) or 10 km S of Blackall (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S24 27.575 E145 33.056... Find out moreJericho Park Area 192 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway in the middle of town. GPS: S23 36.113 E146 07.426 ... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Easter in the Outback: Easter.
Outback Muster and Drovers Reunion: May.
Rodeo: July.
Fishing Competition: Aug.
Horseracing: Nov.
