18 minute read
Events Calendar
april
Second Saturday of April | CWA Markets – Qantas Park, Longreach, Qld Third Sunday of April | Men’s Shed Markets – Main Street, Ilfracombe, Qld 23 | Diggers Cup Race Day – Longreach Racecourse, Qld 25 | Anzac Day Commemorations 30–1 MAY | Road to Rodeo – Longreach Showgrounds, Qld
may
Second Saturday of May | CWA Markets – Qantas Park, Longreach, Qld Third Sunday of May | Men’s Shed Markets – Main Street, Ilfracombe, Qld 14–15 | Longreach Show – Longreach, Qld 7; 15 | Races – Longreach Racecourse, Qld 21 | Festival of Outback Opera – Camden Park Station, Longreach, Qld 21 | Isisford Show – Isisford, Qld 27 | Roaring 20’s Gala – Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach, Qld
june
Second Saturday of June | CWA Markets – Qantas Park, Longreach, Qld Third Sunday of June | Men’s Shed Markets – Main Street, Ilfracombe, Qld 4 | Races – Longreach Racecourse, Qld 15–19 | Mickey Blu Camping Show – Longreach Tourist Park, Qld 18 | Isisford Golf Open – Isisford, Qld
july
Second Saturday of July | CWA Markets – Qantas Park, Longreach, Qld Third Sunday of July | Men’s Shed Markets – Main Street, Ilfracombe, Qld 1–3 | Yaraka Horse & Bike Gymkhana & Team Penning, Yaraka, Qld TBA | Clay Target 2 Day – Ilfracombe, Qld 9 | Willowie Cup Races – Ilfracombe, Qld 23 | Races – Longreach Racecourse, Qld 28 | Somerset Storyfest – Longreach Showgrounds, Qld 29–31 | Isisford Fishing Competition – Oma Waterhole, Isisford, Qld
august
Second Saturday of August | CWA Markets – Qantas Park, Longreach, Qld Third Sunday of August | Men’s Shed Markets – Main Street, Ilfracombe, Qld 13 | Races – Longreach Racecourse, Qld 26–28 | Yellowbelly Fishing Comp – Thomson River, Longreach, Qld
september
Second Saturday of September | CWA Markets – Qantas Park, Longreach, Qld Third Sunday of September | Men’s Shed Markets – Main Street, Ilfracombe, Qld 2 | Long Drive for Drought – Longreach, Qld 9 | The Outback Food, Wine & Music Festival – Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Longreach, Qld TBA | Golf Open – Ilfracombe, Qld 24 | Longreach Cup Race Day – Longreach Racecourse, Qld 17–18 | Yaraka ‘End of the Line Campdraft’ – Yaraka, Qld
october
22 | Isisford Ross Cup Races – Isisford, Qld
november
1st | Melbourne Cup Races – Longreach, Qld TBA | Fire Brigade Trials – Longreach, Qld
OuTBaCK PIOnEErS
Outback Pioneers in Longreach is where the pioneer past and outback present come together in authentic and entertaining experiences. Come and live the stories of the region!
Make the Outback Pioneers booking office (at 128 Eagle Street in The Welcome Home building) your starting point for booking your adventures in Longreach and Winton. Plan for a few days here to do them all!
Unique accommodation in the heritage heart of town is also part of the outback pioneering story. Choose from The Stables and The Coach Inn at The Staging Post for comfort and inspiration.
The experiences run during the winter season (April – October) and the accommodation is open year round.
Outback Pioneers Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience is the only place in Australia you can gallop in a stagecoach on an old mail route! The full experience includes the Harry Redford Old Time Tent Show and more.
The Nogo Station Experience takes you to the heart of station life where the Kinnon family host you for the merino wool story, a station safari across the sunlit plains and more.
On the Starlight’s Cruise Experience, you’ll enjoy a leisurely sunset cruise on the paddlewheeler or historic riverboat before a campfire dinner and unique entertainment.
The new Sunset Stagecoach Story is an evocative journey into the bush celebrating the stagecoach driver Ned Devine and his team of all grey horses. You’ll alight for refreshments at sunset before returning for dinner with our own ‘Ned Devine’.
Speaking of food, the restored 1920s The Welcome Home is your favourite destination in the season. There are huge buffet breakfasts, light lunches and coffee in the day. Or treat yourself to a Stonegrill® Dining Experience or Country Classics menu in the evening (check which days of the week).
Finally, don’t miss The Station Store – shopping pioneer style in a traditional emporium.
See outbackpioneers.com.au or phone 07 4658 1776 for all details, bookings and opening hours.
OuTBaCK EDuCaTIOn In ThE 21ST CEnTury
Take the opportunity to visit one of the world’s largest classrooms, where students are spread throughout Western Queensland, Australia and internationally. At Longreach School of Distance Education (School of the Air), students and their teachers sit hundreds of kilometres apart for their daily lessons. Using an online web conferencing platform and teleconference calls, students and teachers can laugh with each other, see and hear each other, share their work instantly; all in the name of learning. How vastly different today’s distance education is to the old days of crackly on-air lessons over a shared two-way UHF channel.
At 9.00am and 10.30am, on any school day from March to October you can get an insight into how modern distance education is delivered. It is an eye opener to observe an on-air lesson via the glass-walled studio and there is the chance for visitors to go beyond the ‘tourism room’ and experience a school of distance education and work and play.
LSODE students only see their class mates a few times a year at the LSODE campus, but they make the most of those rare social opportunities at the swim carnival, athletics carnival, minischool, cluster days and school camps. You’ll be amazed at what we can achieve when effort conquers distance. Come on tour with us and see the LSODE kids prove that isolation cannot hold back talent and creativity. Experience and enjoy our outback hospitality for yourself.
We provide a colourful range of souvenirs in our tourism room so you can take home a memento of your visit with us (also available online). A few of our visitor favourites include the beautiful hardcover cookbook, Savour the Outback, students’ hand drawn notecards and the wine and stubby coolers.
For more information or to book a tour please visit www.lsodetours.com.au. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our school in 2022.
powerhouse museum
The Powerhouse and Historical Museum houses an electrical industry collection of National significance. It is an initiative of the Longreach Regional Council, preserving the history of electricity production in the central west and a growing collection of local history.
The complex building is now listed on the Queensland Heritage Register and the site is on the Register of the National Estate.
THE MUSEUM HAS THREE MAIN SECTIONS
The former Longreach Power House Generating Complex;
A local history collection including the 1921 swimming baths and Nogo Cottage;
Displays of agricultural and road maintenance machinery used in the development of the central west.
LONGREACH POWERHOUSE GENERATING COMPLEX
The Generating Complex comprises a series of large interconnected galvanised iron sheds housing 10 massive engines installed between 1948 and 1971 and a unique gas production system that was a first for Australia and later incorporated elsewhere in the Australian electrical industry.
The delivery of power to the town and eventually the outlaying areas was a local initiative of the Shire Council and run under the Longreach Electric Authority. Power was first generated from this site in 1921. The operation was taken over in 1966 by the Central West Regional Electricity Board. The station ceased to operate in September 1985 when this area was linked to the State-wide grid.
LOCAL HISTORY, SWIMMING BATHS AND NOGO COTTAGE
A growing collection of local history is housed in the former Office of the Central West Regional Electricity Board built in 1966. The collection contains memorabilia from the early settlement of the region and the remains of the School of Arts Museum, a collection of office equipment from local business houses and a memorable stroll back to early school days.
Outside you will find the original swimming baths of the town installed in 1921 and filled at first with water from the adjacent bore (sunk in 1897). They operated until 1964 and were then used as cooling ponds for the power station.
To the back of the complex is Nogo Cottage. The cottage is part of the original homestead of Nogo Station built in 1918. A portion was relocated to the eastern boundary of the property with the intention of using it as a boundary riders cottage. A downturn in the rural economy meant the cottage was never used. Today it depicts family living conditions in Western Queensland circa 1938-1950.
For more information please contact the Longreach Region Explore Centre
Come and say hi to the friendly team at The Branch Café Longreach. Step inside the newly refurbished, modern café where you will be greeted with a warm welcome and a friendly smile. Experience the relaxing vibes, big city style and ambience of this little hidden gem. With a delicious selection of food, drinks and alcohol – there is something for everyone, even the kids! Meet, Eat, Drink, Laugh at The Branch Café.
105 EAGLE ST, LONGREACH 07 4658 0087
THEBRANCHCAFE.COM.AU
Buy local and share the outback spirit with our huge range of homewares, apparel, leatherware, books, toys, souvenirs and more.
Shop online store.kinnonandco.com.au Here in the heritage heart of Longreach, you’ll find an amazing emporium of treasures based on the traditional outback stores that sold everything and were a highlight for station folks coming into town from remote places. This fascinating store is more than just a shopping experience. It’s a window into outback life.
STONEGRILL®
Eat like a pioneer with tasty hot stone cooking at your table. Create your own meal just the way you like it!
$69.00
Per adult
Choose from... STEAK, LAMB, CHICKEN, SEAFOOD OR A VEGETARIAN PATTY WITH ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SIDES AND DESSERTS Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings 6–9pm
COUNTRY CLASSICS DINING
$49.00
Per adult
ENJOY THE BEST HOMESTEAD FOOD IN TOWN. ENJOY A DELICIOUSLY NOSTALGIC MAIN COURSE AND DESSERT FOR AN INCLUSIVE PRICE!
Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings 6–9pm
Both the Stonegrill and Country Classics dinners offer vegetarian and gluten-free options. BYO alcohol.
qantas founders museum
On 16 November 1920 a small airline was established named Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service or QANTAS. The early founders and staff of this company had a vision for the airline to service and connect the remote and isolated parts of Outback Queensland and the Northern Territory. Little did they imagine how the airline would grow.
Qantas held its first Board Meeting in Winton in 1921 and the base was then shifted to Longreach. The now National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar was completed in August 1922, just in time for the first scheduled passenger flight in November 1922.
Qantas Founders Museum is a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to telling the story of Qantas, from its early days in Outback Queensland to present day.
Driving into Longreach from the east you are welcomed by the Museum’s Boeing 747, towering over the other aircraft in the Museum’s collection including the Boeing 707 (the first Qantas jet), the DC-3 and the beautiful Super Constellation.
Dominating over these aircraft is the Airpark Roof enclosure, protecting the Museum’s aircraft and visitors from the Longreach sun while at night visit Luminescent Longreach, it changes the aeroplane enclosure to an arena for the spectacular sound and light night show, telling the story of Qantas through incredible projections on the fuselages of the aircraft.
Tours of the Qantas aircraft including the Boeing 747 and 707 are scheduled daily and provide an inside glimpse to the many secrets and stories of these great aircraft. Specific tours will also offer you the chance to sit in the cockpit and if you are up for a bit of excitement, strap on a harness and walk out on the wing of our Boeing 747 Jumbo jet. These tours are often in demand so be sure to book ahead.
In the main museum and galleries, follow the history of Qantas through modern interactive displays, aircraft exhibits and documentary films. The 1922 National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar allows you to step back in time to the early days of Qantas, where the airline had to overcome many trials and the tyranny of distance. Learn about the history and significance of the Qantas Hangar through the Museum’s daily guided tours.
The Museum’s aviation themed McGinness’ Restaurant is open daily and offers a wide selection of delicious meals, drinks and coffee during your visit. Before leaving make sure you visit our Founders Store with a great choice of distinctive souvenirs, clothing, jewellery, books and Qantas memorabilia.
outback aussie tours
After clocking up 34 years showing visitors our special part of the world, it’s fair to say that Outback Aussie Tours (OAT) know a thing or two about tourism in Outback Queensland. Passionate owner operators Smithy and Sue love what they do, and it shows. Their tours attract visitors from all over the world, eager to take advantage of OAT’s valuable local connections, exclusive outback experiences and down to earth hospitality.
Based at the historic Longreach Railway Station, the Outback Aussie Tours’ booking office is within easy stroll of Longreach town centre. The friendly reservation team offer a full booking service for station tours, river cruises and extended holiday tours. Bookings can also be made online or through the Longreach Region Explore Centre.
Discover the Thomson River, part of the Lake Eyre Basin and one of the healthiest ecosystems on the planet. Options include Smithy’s Morning Cruise, Smithy’s Arvo Cruise and the award-winning Drover’s Sunset Cruise with Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show. Meet local graziers and enjoy their warm hospitality on the Camden Park Station Lunch Tour or the historic Rosebank Station Smoko Tour.
Visitors looking to explore more of Outback Queensland will love the selection of guided holiday tours ranging from 5 to 14 days. These fully inclusive tours explore the outback bucket-list destinations of Birdsville, Corner Country, Gulf Savannah and Cape York. Tours are packaged with connecting rail and air by our professional reservation team. Guests travel in customised vehicles designed for maximum comfort in the Outback and stay in comfortable ensuite accommodation. As a Savannah Guide Master Operator, the touring team works closely with leading tourism, environmental and community organisations to deliver expert onboard commentaries, a tour highlight for discerning travellers.
According to ‘Smithy’, once visitors have had a taste of Outback Queensland, they usually come back for more. Over the years, many repeat customers have become life-long friends. It’s probably no surprise that ‘Smithy’ and the team think they have the best job in the world! www.outbackaussietours.com.au
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL. Bookings can be made at the Longreach Region Explore Centre on 07 4658 4141 or 07 4658 4142 or online at www.qfom.com.au.
MUSEUM FEATURES n Luminescent Longreach show n Original 1922 Qantas Hangar n Aircraft tours of the Boeing 747, 707, DC3 and Super Constellation n 747 Wing Walk n McGinness’ Restaurant n Founders Gift Store n Kids Trail n Interactive Displays... and much more
(07) 4658 3737 info@qfom.com.au
Online bookings are essential www.qfom.com.au
Sir Hudson Fysh Drive, Longreach, Queensland, Australia
Burke & Wills Junction
Cloncurry
McKinlay Kynuna
Winton
love a good road trip
From Cunnamulla to Karumba, the Matilda Way will most defi nitely lead to ADVENTURE! The fully sealed highway makes this route accessible to anyone. This road trip is fi lled with unique and iconic attractions, unspoiled natural sites and quaint outback towns with characters larger than life.
Longreach Barcaldine
Blackall
Tambo
Augathella Charleville
Cunnamulla
Queensland
New South Wales
matildaway.outbackqueensland.com.au
the australian stockman’s hall of fame
The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre (ASHOF) is the leading Outback Museum & Heritage Centre in Longreach, Queensland where your memorable journey to the Outback begins.
Established in 1988 The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre (ASHOF) recognises the contribution that the people of the bush have made to Australia. Thirty-four years on, this iconic museum reflects, educates and has entertained over one million interstate and international visitors – providing each one with a spectacular outback experience. It divulges the story of Australia’s pioneering history, at the same time pushing the boundaries of innovative storytelling and immersive design, and staying true to the founding spirit of the centre.
At the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, the story of our nation is retold through interactive exhibits and displays. Bring your stockman’s experience to life at the Stockman’s Life LIVE Show (every day except Fridays). See the true grit and skills that define what it means to be a stockman. Understand their connection to the land and the livestock they care for. You step into the action of a live muster and witness the bond between man and animal working together. Hear songs from the outback that express the story of a day in the life of a stockman.
Your visit includes: The Beginning of the Journey, Hugh Sawrey’s Art Studio and the Vision Splendid, Unsung Heroes, Song lines and Stock routes, Outback Cinema, A Pub with Some Beer. Connect the past to the present, from the indigenous stockmen and cattle barons, to the Royal Flying Doctors and men and women of rodeo. Recognise our country’s history, etched in the faces of the people who built a nation. So much to see, so much to enjoy!
Open 7 days a week we offer a fully licensed café and an inspiring Buy from the Bush retail shop with Australian made gifts, souvenirs and a great range of Akubra hats.
General enquiries 07 4568 2166. Bookings can be made at the Longreach Region Explore Centre 07 4658 4141 or 07 4658 4142 or online at www.stockmanshalloffame.com.au.
Shepparton Melbourne FACILITIES:
• Free Wifi • Free parking with room for the van • Toilet facilities • All facilities Wheelchair accessible • Fully air-conditioned – 7 museum galleries over three levels • The Wool Store featuring signature dishes and souvenirs • Stockman’s Cinema • Outback Stockman Arena – Live Stockman Shows • Hall of Fame gardens and sculptures • Meet and greet by Australia’s only four legged
Concierge – April – October • State of the Art virtual guides
Connect the past to the present, the visitor to the local and landscapes to the time. From the indigenous stockmen and cattle barons, to the Royal Flying Doctors and men and women of rodeo. Come see our country’s history, etched in the faces of the people who built a nation.
Since its opening in 1988, The Stockman’s Hall of Fame has welcomed over 2 million visitors through its doors. Truly reminiscent of the rugged landscape of the outback, its galleries delve into the stories of Australia’s unsung heroes of the outback who helped create this part of Australia’s history. The iconic Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Outback Heritage Centre off ers a swag of new immersive experiences for visitors of all ages. Discover the stories of the lives behind our rugged outback through the spectacular $15 million arti sti c and interacti ve transformati on of the premier outback heritage centre. Featuring the stories of the stockmen and women, the First Nati ons people, the pioneers and sett lers, and the jackaroos and jillaroos, Australia’s only museum dedicated to the unsung heroes of the outback welcomes visitors to experience the big (and litt le) stories of bush heritage through a brand new, immersive journey across Australia’s rugged landscape.
Features:
The Stockman’s Live
Show (April-October) – Experience the acti on of a live muster and witness the bond between man and animal working together. Hear songs from the outback that tell the story of a day in the life of a stockman.
Cinemati c Experience – The Stockman’s
Story told through the eyes of our unsung heroes. Museum – Explore immersive story telling themed galleries. Treasure Hunt – Kid’s gamifi ed tour with
‘Coil’ the Kelpie. Hugh Sawrey Gallery. Garraway’s Licensed
Café – We think the best coff ee in the Outback!
