Winton
Town
Population 983
The area surrounding Winton is known as Matilda Country, as Australia's most famous song, Waltzing Matilda, was written by Banjo Paterson at nearby Dagworth Station in 1895. Combo Waterhole (near Kynuna) was the setting for the ballad and the tune had its first airing in Winton. A less auspicious event in Winton's history was the declaration of martial law in the 1890s following the Shearers' Strike. In 1920 the first office of Qantas was registered here. The town's water supply comes from deep artesian bores at a temperature of 83°C. The movie The Proposition was filmed in the town in 2004.
Visitor Information
Waltzing Matilda Centre, 50 Elderslie St; (07) 4657 1466 or 1300 665 115
Nearby towns
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Kynuna
Kynuna is a tiny outback town famous for inspiring Banjo Paterson to write his iconic tune, Waltzing Matilda. It is said that Samuel...more -
Muttaburra
Despite being a tiny outback community, Muttaburra has much to promote in its history. Famous cattle duffer Harry Redford (Captain...more -
Longreach
Longreach is the largest town in central-west Queensland. Lying on the Tropic of Capricorn, this 'boom and bust' country is affected by...more
In Town
Waltzing Matilda Centre Created as a tribute to the life of the swagman. The centre incorporates the 'Billabong Courtyard' with its sound and light show, the regional art gallery, interactive exhibits showcasing the swagmans life in 'Home of the Legend' hall, and the Matilda Museum that harks back to Winton's pioneering days and the first days of Qantas. Elderslie St; (07) 4657 1466.Royal Theatre: historic open-air movie theatre and museum, one of the oldest still operating in Australia; Elderslie St. Corfield and Fitzmaurice Store: charming National Trust–listed store with diorama of Lark Quarry dinosaur stampede; Elderslie St. Gift and Gem Centre: displays and sales; the 'Opal Walk' leads to the theatre museum; Elderslie St. Arno's Wall: ongoing concrete-wall creation proudly containing 'every item imaginable'; Vindex St. North Gregory Hotel: built in 1878, this historical structure has been ravaged by 3 separate fires. Artwork and opal collection on display; Elderslie St.
Nearby
Lark Quarry Conservation Park This park features the preserved tracks of a dinosaur stampede from 93 million years ago – the only track of this type known in the world. The stampede occurred when a Therapod chased a group of smaller dinosaurs across the mud flats. The 'trackways' are sheltered and can be visited on a tour (details from visitor centre). The park also offers a short walk past ancient rock formations, known as the Winton Formation, to a lookout over the region. 110 km SW.Bladensburg National Park The vast plains and ridges of this park provide an important sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, dunnarts and emus. Skull Hole (40 km S) has Aboriginal paintings and bora ceremonial grounds and is believed to be the site of a late-1880s Aboriginal massacre. Walking should only be attempted by experienced bushwalkers. 'Route of the River Gums', a self-drive tour, shows the region's varied landscapes. (07) 4652 7333; drive starts 8 km S.Carisbrooke Station: a working sheep station with Aboriginal cave paintings and scenic drives in the surrounds; day tours and accommodation available; 85 km SW. Opalton: see the remains of the historic town or try fossicking for opals in one of the oldest fields in Queensland; licence available from visitor centre; 115 km S. Air charters and ground tours: to major regional sights; details from visitor centre.
Eco-friendly activities around town
Kronosaurus Korner, Richmond 183 km
This dinosaur museum in the heart of Australian dinosaur territory focuses on ancient native creatures. It has one of the country’s best preserved dinosaur skeletons.... Find out moreCampsites around town
Long Waterhole camping area 4 km
Self-sufficient campers can stay at this site, but be aware that there is no power, water or facilities. The camping area is reached from the Winton–Jundah Rd, about 2 km south of Winton. While you’re here,... Find out moreBough Shed Hole camping area 22 km
This campground is accessed via the Route of River Gums. Campers are encouraged not to tie ropes to trees or drape things over vegetation, and to set up camp away from animal nests and burrows. Bring self-sufficient... Find out moreOpalton fields camping area 100 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 moreMuttaburra Caravan Park 157 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 moreLongreach Waterhole camping area 166 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 moreLongreach Caravan Park 170 km
This holiday park provides a comfortable stay in one of central Queensland's popular tourist towns. Facilities include two swimming pools, three spas, a mini mart, wireless broadband internet or internet kiosks, and... Find out moreBroadwater Waterhole camping area 189 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 220 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 moreFour Mile Waterhole camping area 225 km
Campers must be totally self-sufficient to use this site; there are no facilities. Take Corinda Rd from Torrens Creek Rd; travel for 5 km to the park entrance, plus a further 5 km north to the camping area. A 4WD is... Find out moreBush camping 226 km
Self-sufficient bush camping (with a permit) is allowed near the old shearing shed, about 4.5 km from the homestead, reached by 4WD only. Open fires and generators are not permitted.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Discovery Holiday Parks – Longreach 172 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 moreRichmond Lakeview Caravan Park 183 km
This is a tidy park with good facilities, where every site is a drive-through site. The park is on the eastern approach to town overlooking Lake Fred Tritton. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out moreAllan Terry Caravan Park 208 km
Around 1.5 km from the centre of Hughenden, this is a good, basic park adjoining the town swimming pool. Porcupine Gorge is nearby.... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Rest areas around town
Crawford Creek Rest Area 44 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 moreChorregon Rest Area 65 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 moreBendemeer Rest Area 88 km
93 km NW of Winton (R) or 70 km SE of Kynuna (L) Large open area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S21 45.313 E142 20.979... Find out moreMorella Rest Area 107 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 moreCombo Rest Area 136 km
145 km NW of Winton (R) or 18 km SE of Kynuna (L) Large open area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S21 32.42 E142 04.60... Find out moreKynuna Park Area 146 km
Middle of town Large area adjacent to the highway next to the roadhouse. NOTE: Camping available for a fee. GPS: S21 34.684 E141 55.377 ... Find out moreMacsland Rest Area 150 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 moreThompson River Camp Area 167 km
5 km NW of Longreach (R) or 175 km SE of Winton (L) Large secluded area well off the highway (via River Farms Road). Good facilities. Only limited shade. GPS: S23 24.594 E144 13.776... Find out moreWild Duck Creek Rest Area 175 km
30 km NW of Kynuna (L) or 46 km SE of McKinlay (R) Large area just off the highway. GPS: S21 27.999 E141 40.018... Find out moreMarathon Rest Area 177 km
67 km W of Hughenden (L) or 48 km E of Richmond (R) Open area just off the highway. GPS: S20 51.521 E143 34.151... Find out moreRichmond Park Area 182 km
East side of town Large open area just off the highway at Lake Fred Tritton. Good facilities. GPS: S20 44.339 E143 08.916... Find out moreMaxwelton Rest Area 187 km
49 km W of Richmond (R) or 100 km E of Julia Creek (L) Open area just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S20 43.397 E142 40.697... Find out moreIlfracombe Park Area 194 km
Middle of town Parking area at the historical vehicle display. GPS: S23 29.379 E144 30.504... Find out moreNewstead Creek Rest Area 198 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 moreWhat's on around town
Winton Show: June.
Opal Expo: July.
Camel Races: July.
Rodeo: Aug.
Outback Festival: odd-numbered years, Sept.
