2023 Outback Pioneers Tours and Experiences

The Pride of the Murray paddlewheeler now cruising in Longreach

Outback Pioneers invites you to come to Longreach and be inspired by a place where beauty is nature’s backdrop, where Australian legends loom large and where humour defies the challenges of bush life.

Every Outback Pioneers experience is a doorway to a different time and place. Here, your days and your dreams are infused with the magic of outback dust and stories told around generations of camp-fires. Larger-thanlife landscapes and characters, pioneer travel and wooly yarns, domestic traditions and distant horizons… These timeless adventures draw you into a forgotten world of simple pleasures and brave heritage.

Our experiences have won multiple cultural tourism awards and inspired our guests to award us the 2019 Outback Queensland Visitors’ Choice Award – Best Experience.

At the heart of it all is the Kinnon family, local graziers who started their outback tourism business in 2006.

What was initially a way to survive tough times of drought, quickly became a passion for sharing and preserving the outback way of life and its history.

This is an opportunity to live the outback with people who still tend the horses, muster the sheep, fix the fences and love their station lifestyle and heritage.

Jump in with both feet and spend a few days being part of our outback pioneering world. It’s inspiring. It’s insightful. It’s frequently dusty. It’s often hilarious. It’s always uniquely outback Australia!

WHEN TO COME

Our experiences run from April to October. The peak season is June to August when people escape the southern winter. We recommend April, May, September or October, if you prefer things a little less busy. Whenever you come, you can expect warm sunny days. In the mid-winter months, the mornings are crisp and the evenings can get quite cold. Check out our experience days and itineraries before you lock in your arrival date.

WHAT TO BRING

Comfortable clothes and shoes are the order of the day. It can be dusty, especially on the stagecoach, so bring things that can take it tough! Pack a warm jacket for winter evenings, and sunglasses and a hat for our sunny days. Layers of clothes are good in winter when temperatures range from single digits overnight to the high-20s later in the day.

GETTING HERE

Unlike the early settlers who battled treacherous journeys of many weeks to reach the region, today’s visitors can get here in a few hours flight from Brisbane, by leisurely train journey or on a fascinating road-trip in a family car. Outback Pioneers is based in Longreach, which is 1,175km north west of Brisbane and 650km west of Rockhampton.

Here are some options for getting here:

RAIL: Queensland Rail’s ‘Spirit of the Outback’ train makes the journey from Brisbane via Rockhampton twice a week. It’s a 25-hour journey with the outback slowly unfolding outside your window. See page 13 for details of our two special inclusive holiday departures with return first-class rail travel.

AIR: Those with less time to spare can fly in on daily Qantas flights from Brisbane, which take 2–3 hours, or Rex Air flights from Townsville via Winton twice a week.

ROAD: You don’t need a 4WD vehicle and a leisurely drive is a great way to see and support our outback towns. Routes include via Roma on the Warrego Highway from Brisbane, or via Rockhampton and the Capricorn Highway. Allow plenty of time, fill up with fuel when you’re in towns and enjoy the adventure!

BUS: Greyhound Australia has a bus route from Rockhampton with connections from other towns along the east coast. Bus Queensland takes the inland route from Brisbane through to Longreach and beyond.

COACH TOUR OPERATORS: A number of holiday operators include us on their tours. Please ask us for any options from your area.

ACCOMMODATION

We have our own 3.5-star and 4-star, heritage-inspired accommodation rich with pioneering touches. See page 16. Longreach also has caravan parks if you need a space to unhitch the van.

Make sure you allow enough time to settle into outback pace and immerse yourself in the full experience – you have to live it to appreciate it!

BRISBANE

Winton

Charters

OUTBACK PIONEERS Experiences

NOGO STATION EXPERIENCE

Outback history and working station come together at Nogo Station, once part of the famous Bowen Downs Station. Join your Kinnon family host to live the pioneering spirit as you experience an insider’s view of station life. It’s entertaining, educational and full of outback yarns! Meet the merinos and hear the merino story in the historic woolsheds. Come on the station water-run to check the stock’s water supplies. You’ll be travelling by open-top, double-decker bus, which crosses the vast sunlit plains where wedge-tailed eagles fly and local wildlife mingles with iconic cattle breeds and stock-horses. Keep cameras handy for outback camels, kangaroos, emus, wild donkeys and more. See the ruins of Captain Starlight’s stockyards and learn about his fantastic journey that started right here. Then share a saddlebag lunch under the gum trees in true outback style.

Your 4-hour experience includes: Station visit brought to life by your Kinnon family host

The merino story in historic woolsheds Station water-run tour including Captain Starlight sites

Animal-spotting Saddlebag lunch under the gum trees Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.

When your Cobb & Co stagecoach sets off on the original mail route to Windorah along bush tracks, you’ll be seeing through pioneers’ eyes and experiencing something very close to what they would have experienced. Then hold onto your hat for the gallop through the bush as the coach creaks, the harnesses jangle and we leave clouds of dust in our wake! Back in the Cobb & Co courtyard yard, you’ll watch the hilarious Old Time Tent Show – a tribute to the old travelling shows with slapstick, mayhem and animal antics – enjoy a traditional ‘smoko’ and catch a classic bush movie.

Your 4-hour experience includes:

45-minute stagecoach ride (bush mail route)

Smoko (morning tea)

Old Time Tent Show* (1-hour)

Billy-can Lunch – optional extra Australian classic bush movie.

Marvel at the merino wool story in our historic shearing shed

Spot animals from an open-top bus

Enjoy a saddlebag lunch at Captain Starlight’s bush camp Be inspired by the Kinnon family’s own station stories.

Cruise the Thomson River at sunset on one of our historic paddlewheelers Tuck into a hearty stockman’s campfire dinner with bush storytellers Wonder at the Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show on the riverbank.

Gallop on the original bush mail route in a Cobb & Co stagecoach Relish a real country smoko (morning tea) at The Welcome Home Rediscover a classic bush movie Laugh at the Old Time Tent Show.

Step aboard the historic Pride of the Murray or Thomson Belle paddlewheeler for Longreach’s original sunset Thomson River cruise – a must-do for every visitor to Longreach. Enjoy a fascinating commentary and endless photo opportunities before we go ashore for a stockman’s camp-fire dinner, entertainment and bush poetry Then, watch the Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show – an exclusive big-screen presentation featuring the adventures of cattle thief ‘Captain Starlight’. Finally, enjoy billy tea and damper under the stars.

Your 4-hour experience includes:

Cruise on one of our historic paddlewheelers (nibbles included, BYO alcohol, brewed soft drinks available to purchase)

Traditional stockman’s campfire dinner (2 courses) with live entertainment and bush poetry

Billy tea and damper

Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show

Transfers to and from your accommodation.

Physical rating: Easy

SUNSET STAGECOACH EXPERIENCE

Perfect for a special occasion or just to treat yourself to an ultimate outback experience… Join a small group of fellow travellers for an evening with legendary stagecoach driver ‘Ned Devine’ and his team of all-grey horses. Get into pioneer character and set off on an evocative stagecoach journey into the bush. Soak in the colours of the outback sky and linger awhile for traditional refreshments before returning to town with the stagecoach lamps lit to have dinner with Ned. You’ll discover the stories of stagecoach drivers but, most importantly, you’ll take home unique outback memories Suitable for adults and over 15’s only. Numbers are limited so book early. Your 3.5-hour experience includes:

Ned’s welcome and introduction to your fellow travellers

Stagecoach journey through the bush with all-grey horses

Disembark for traditional refreshments at sunset

Special 3-course dinner with Ned at The Welcome Home (BYO alcohol).

WINTON DISCOVERY DAY TOUR

It’s an early start for a full-day tour to Winton, one of the outback’s most fascinating destinations. Visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum for a guided tour including the new Dinosaur Canyon The distinctive Waltzing Matilda Centre is a highlight. Enjoy lunch in the historic North Gregory Hotel where ‘Waltzing Matilda’ was first performed. Catch some of the other sights in town before heading back to Longreach.

Your full-day experience includes:

Air-conditioned coach travel

Entry to Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum including the Dinosaur Canyon

Entry to Waltzing Matilda Centre

Lunch at the legendary North Gregory Hotel

Visit Winton Opal Gems

Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.

OUTBACK PIONEERS HOLIDAYS

Whether you want a short break or a longer stay with everything, including a Winton day tour, we’ve put together itineraries that include all our award-winning experiences and make sure you get a full dose of outback joy and inspiration while you’re here.

The holidays are escorted by the Kinnon family and crew who welcome you with warm and relaxed outback hospitality. We promise you a heartfelt and humorous perspective on outback life, legends, heritage and heroes. Discover your inner pioneer as you live, breathe and taste the real outback.

THE ULTIMATE WAY TO unleash longreach

5 nights in our 3.5-star or 4-star heritage-inspired accommodation (see page 16)

Nogo Station Experience with your Kinnon family guide

Starlight’s Cruise Experience with campfire dinner and Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show

Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience

Winton Discovery Day Tour with Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum, Dinosaur Canyon and Waltzing Matilda Centre

The Station Store shopping emporium

The Stonegrill® Dining Experience

Entry to Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame

Entry to Qantas Founders Museum and Airpark Tour

All breakfasts, 3 dinners, 2 smokos, 3 lunches

VIP gift and Welcome Pack (value $100)

Fully escorted by Outback Pioneers

Commences everyWednesday (April–October)

6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS ITINERARY

WEDNESDAY Check in after 3pm at The Staging Post. Your VIP gift and Welcome Pack will be waiting for you. In the early evening you will be welcomed by your Outback Pioneers host to meet your fellow travellers with a cuppa and home-baked biscuit.

THURSDAY Climb aboard for your Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience, including the stagecoach ride on the old Longreach to Windorah mail route, home-baked scones and tea in our tearoom, followed by a classic Australian movie. Enjoy a billy-can lunch while you watch the Old Time Tent Show. Afterwards, browse The Station Store outback emporium for gifts and souvenirs. At around 4.30pm, transfer to the Thomson River for our Starlight’s Cruise Experience The cruise is followed by a hearty stockman’s dinner around the campfire with bush poetry then the Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show. BYO. [B,MT,L,D]

FRIDAY We’ll pick you up for the Nogo Station Experience. You’ll soon be out in the bush at the Kinnons’ historic station. Your Kinnon host will take you on an insiders journey of station life, including the merino story in the woolsheds, Captain Starlight’s stockyards, and a ‘water run’ including outback animal spotting by open-top double decker bus. Finish with a saddlebag lunch and billy-tea around the gidgee campfire. At midday, transfer to the Qantas Founders Museum to discover the early history of flight and tour the Airpark. Relax at your accommodation before meeting at The Welcome Home restaurant for your Stonegrill® Dining Experience BYO. [B,L,D]

SATURDAY Marvel at the magnificent ancient landscape enroute to Winton. Your Winton Discovery Day Tour includes the award-winning Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum including the Dinosaur Canyon, and the landmark Waltzing Matilda Centre. Enjoy lunch at the historic North Gregory Hotel and an afternoon of sights before heading back to Longreach. A hearty Country Classics dinner awaits at The Welcome Home restaurant. BYO. [B,MT,L,D]

SUNDAY It’s a leisurely start with a gourmet continental breakfast in your room. At 9.15am transfer to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame to explore the five galleries before lunch at the museum café (own cost). Relax in the afternoon and choose where to enjoy dinner for your last night in town. [B]

Monday Check out. Choose one of our self-guided local heritage walks or explore Longreach’s Eagle Street for last minute gifts and fabulous souvenirs before transferring to the train station or airport. [B]

UNLEASH LONGREACH with rail travel

Add Spirit of the Outback first-class rail travel for an amazing 8-night experience of a lifetime. Limited numbers. Return travel from $3398 (twin share)*.

Departure dates ex Brisbane: 18 April, 13 & 20 June, 18 July, 29 August, 5 & 12 September, 10 & 17 October.

PHONE 07 4658 1776 for more details and pricing.

*Queensland rail discounts may apply

Note: [B] Breakfast, [MT] Morning tea/smoko, [L] Lunch, [D] Dinner.

Your pioneering adventure is an unforgettable taste of outback Queensland.

When you roll into town you’ll know you’re really in the outback. Wide streets, heritage buildings and folks who have time for a chat – slow down, change gear and get ready to explore a different world.

Image courtesy of the State Library of Queensland

GET TO KNOW THE REGION

Our region was originally home to the Iningai, Malintji and Kuungkari people. It was settled by early pioneers from Europe in the 1860s.

In the mid-20th century, Longreach was long-known as ‘The Wool Capital of Australia’. Wool is still an important local industry for the surrounding stations, along with cattle when the rainy season fulfills its promise and the Mitchell grass grows.

The town is also famous as the home of national airline Qantas, started by pioneering aviators McGinness and Fysh. It’s Banjo Paterson country and is the haunt of infamous cattle-duffer Harry Redford (aka Captain Starlight) who operated from Bowen Downs Station.

Today, Longreach and Winton have embraced tourism and are attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year with inventive and memorable experiences.

DON’T MISS A THING

As well as the Outback Pioneers experiences, there are other fascinating attractions in town.

The Qantas Founders Museum celebrates the pioneers of flight with its interactive exhibits and the opportunity to step inside restored planes from the different eras of flight.

The Luminescent Longreach experience is a must-do.

The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame is a famous local landmark and has five museum galleries, plus daytime and evening shows.

Taking a walk in the early morning or late afternoon you’ll experience Longreach at its photogenic best, in golden light – look out for flocks of corellas, wandering kangaroos or emus and a wealth of old Queenslander homes. The Botanic Walk between town and the Qantas Founders Museum is a delightful 2.5km stroll and is illuminated at night.

The Powerhouse Museum and School of Distance Education both reveal other interesting aspects of our pioneering outback life.

YOUR OUTPOST WITH EVERYTHING

We have all the shops and services you need including caravan parks, supermarkets, clothes shops, gift shops, pharmacy, newsagent, restaurants, pubs and cafés. There are petrol stations and mechanical services for drivers, plus medical and dental facilities, if you need them. Longreach has a small hospital and is serviced by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Please support local outback businesses on your journey and in town – remote regions really appreciate your business.

To discover everything there is to do in Longreach visit Outback Pioneers’ booking office at 128 Eagle Street. You’re welcome to use our free Wi-Fi too.

Iningai

WHERE THE STORY COMES TO LIFE

To really live the outback pioneering story, you need to immerse yourself from dawn to nightfall in our world. It’s the difference between being a tourist and really experiencing the spirit of the place.

That’s the philosophy behind The Staging Post accommodation.

From the courtyard with its vintage vehicles to the details of your room, you may feel you’ve just stepped off a stagecoach in the 1920s.

With a lot of ingenuity from our design and building team, we’ve created accommodation that tells tales of the past but gives you all the comfort you expect in the present.

You’ll know you’re in the outback and just staying here is an experience in itself.

EVERYTHING IS CLOSE BY

Reception for the accommodation is in The Welcome Home, a heritage building with a long tradition of welcoming travellers.

You’ll also find yourself back there for a big, country-style breakfast buffet, a morning coffee or snack (Monday–Saturday in the April–October season).

Here on Eagle Street you’re not only convenient for Outback Pioneers experiences but close to restaurants, cafés, bakery, newsagents, supermarket and pioneer shopping at The Station Store

You’re central enough to hear the town crier in the morning and the stagecoach clip-clopping past but also still very much in the quiet of the outback when night falls.

Stay where the pioneer influence is everywhere. Boutique, outback-inspired accommodation.

Enjoy Longreach’s best big country-buffet breakfast at The Welcome Home, Monday–Saturday during the April to October season.

A hundred years slipping away seems quite possible here...

WHERE IMAGINATION MEETS HISTORY

It wasn’t unusual in the days of the stagecoach for the stable hand to bed-down with the horses. There are no horses in these stables but plenty of reminders of a time when transport was horse-drawn and travel was always a seat-gripping adventure.

The Stables rooms surround a courtyard garden with landscaping and outback baths (coming soon) to cool off in. You can relax in the evenings at The Saddlery where you’ll find board games and a few concessions for those who miss the big screen.

There is vehicle access for loading and unloading and free street parking. Reception is at Outback Pioneers’ The Welcome Home building across the street.

STABLES DELUXE TRIPLE ROOM THE STABLES FAMILY ROOM

THE COACH INN

OUTBACK STYLE IN COMFORT

When the stagecoach rolled into town, every staging post town had an inn for weary travellers. The Coach Inn welcomes today’s guests, whatever their means of transport, with comfortable self-contained rooms. The Coach Inn is atmospheric and practical – a comfortable choice tucked away beside the Cobb & Co courtyard.

The heritage-inspired decor reminds you that you’re in outback pioneering country and your breakfast awaits next door at The Welcome Home (April–October, Monday–Saturday).

The Coach Inn rooms have the advantage of a kitchenette where you can self cater, if you choose. There’s also a shared outdoor eating and gathering area with tables.

Parking is behind the complex in Magpie Lane. Reception is at The Welcome Home.

Perfect for business travellers too. All our accommodation is open year-round.

THE COACH INN

SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION

All Coach Inn rooms are air-conditioned, have a queen bed, an ensuite, a walk-in robe, TV and free Wi-Fi. The kitchenette is a popular feature with guests who like to self-cater for some of their meals.

THE COACH INN

Peak season $179 Off-peak season $159 1 queen bed Self-catering facilities 8 ROOMS AVAILABLE

Suits solo or couples, twin beds not available.

say g’day AT the welcome home

WHETHER YOU’RE DROPPING INTO OUR BOOKING OFFICE OR GETTING A HEARTY OUTBACK FEED, THIS IS THE HUB OF OUR OUTBACK PIONEERING WORLD.

If you haven’t booked your Outback Pioneers experiences before arriving in Longreach, don’t be shy, pop on by. We’ll tell you all the best things to see and do in the region and arrange your tickets for our unique experiences. You can put your feet up in ‘The Parlour’ and delve into our range of books and information on the area.

Shrug off the dust of your journey and come down to the far end of Eagle Street where you can stay in our heritage accommodation, shop at the amazing The Station Store and get all the Longreach information you need from our booking office and accommodation reception at The Welcome Home. Beautifully restored, The Welcome Home also dishes up some of the best outback food you’ll come across in your travels.

This historic building has made people welcome for almost 100 years.

From breakfast to bedtime, our atmospheric eatery in heritage surroundings serves great outback fare inspired by the big appetites of station hands, shearers and hungry visitors!

Our huge country buffet breakfast has something for everyone. Take your pick from hot porridge for winter mornings, hearty eggs and bacon, chunky toast with home-made preserves, fruits, home-made muesli and more.

This is your go-to spot for freshly-baked scones, jam and cream, home-baked biscuits, coffee, tea and soft-drinks. Meet your friends and family, use the free Wi-Fi, make plans and soak in the atmosphere. Available weekdays

The evening takes its inspiration from homestead kitchens and Country Women’s Association favourites. Enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat roast dinner buffet with country desserts for an inclusive price! BYO alcohol, non-alcoholic drinks available. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

Adult: $49 | Child 5–14: $29

From April–October

Choose your hot-stone meat or vegetarian option, load your plate with sides, follow with the all-you-can-eat homestead dessert bar and take your time to enjoy an outback evening a stockman would trade his horse for! BYO alcohol, non-alcoholic drinks available. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

Adult: $69 | Child 5–14: $39

Discover how pioneers shopped and take home outback treasures.

experience our shopping emporium

NOT JUST AN INCREDIBLE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE BUT AN OUTBACK PIONEER LIFE EXPERIENCE!

You’ve probably never been in a shop quite like this! Stepping through the door of the heritage 1920s building, you are stepping back in time to when outback stores sold everything and were the focus of much excitement for families taking a trip into town from far-flung stations.

Visit us at 126 Eagle Street

Open Monday–Friday, 8.30am–5.00pm. Saturday 9.00am–1.00pm. Shop online store.kinnonandco.com.au

Buy local and share the outback spirit with our amazing range of gifts.

Enter another world where we’ve re-created the atmosphere of a traditional outback store. Discover the stories of outback wares and our pioneer past.

WHAT WILL YOU CHOOSE?

You’ll need plenty of time to explore the rooms piled high with outback clothing, stockman’s supplies, robust leatherware, hats and boots, merino wool garments, country homewares, haberdashery, toys, books, souvenirs and local crafts. And don’t miss the largest collection of domestic irons in the southern hemisphere!

THINGS

COBB & CO STAGECOACH EXPERIENCE

From 8.30am (Mon–Fri)

NOGO STATION EXPERIENCE

From 7.45am–11.45am (Tue, Fri)

STARLIGHT’S CRUISE EXPERIENCE

From 4.30pm–9.00pm. BYO. (Mon–Sat) PM PM PM PM PM PM SUNSET STAGECOACH EXPERIENCE

From 5.00pm–8.30pm (Tue, Fri) PM PM

WINTON DISCOVERY DAY TOUR 6.45am–4.00pm (Sat only) Monday departure is on request & 4 & 4

OLD TIME TENT SHOW

From 12 noon–1.00pm (Mon–Fri) 4 4 4 4 4

LIVE-IT SAVER PASS 3 experiences. Select your days 4 4 4 4 4 4

UNLEASH LONGREACH HOLIDAY 6-days. Arrival Wednesday

LONGREACH STORYTELLING HOLIDAY 3-days. Arrival Monday

DINING

COUNTRY CLASSICS DINING 6.00pm–9.00pm. BYO. (Wed, Sat) PM PM

STONEGRILL® DINING EXPERIENCE 6.00pm–9.00pm. BYO. (Tue Thu, Fri) PM PM PM

COUNTRY GOURMET BREAKFAST 6.30am–9.00am. (Mon–Sat) AM AM AM AM AM AM

BILLY-CAN LUNCH 12.00 noon (Mon–Fri). Enjoy at the Old Time Tent Show 4 4 4 4 4

OTHER

THE STATION STORE (Shopping)

8.30am–5.00pm (Mon–Fri) 9.00am–1.00pm (Sat) 4 4 4 4 4

THE WELCOME HOME BOOKING OFFICE

8.00am–6.00pm. Peak season (Mon–Sun) 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 9.00am–5.00pm. Off-peak (Mon–Sun) 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

Bookings are essential for our experiences, activities and holidays. Some tours are subject to minimum numbers. If a tour is cancelled due to lack of numbers or adverse weather, we will offer you an alternative day or a credit. For full booking conditions, please visit our website.

Phone: 07 4658 1776

Email: reservations@outbackpioneers.com.au outbackpioneers.com.au

Outback Pioneers Booking Office 128 Eagle Street, Longreach

What our guests say

“I want to thank everyone for the best holiday ever. This was our third time coming back to Outback Pioneers. The service is always fantastic, and the stories and laughs are always very memorable. From the dinner on the banks of the Thomson to Nogo station, you feel like you have stepped back in time to the pioneering age.”

“We just want to say a huge thank you to Outback Pioneers for making our time at Longreach a massive standout experience during our 5 weeks away! The Cobb & Co Experience, Starlight’s river cruise and Nogo Station – we enjoyed them all! It was worth every dollar!”

“The “Unleash Longreach” holiday proved to be a full-on itinerary, highly informative, varied and interesting, and gave us some real insight into the Queensland outback and way of life of its people. We arrived as strangers and on departure felt like family. Highly recommended.”