Longreach Region Travel Planner 2014

Longreach Region Travel Planner

LO N G R E A C H | I L F R A C O M B E | I S I S F O R D | YA R A K A

longreachtourism.com.au

WELCOME TO THE LONGREACH REGION A warm welcome to the Longreach Region, a beautiful piece of outback Australia offering a unique and friendly experience for every visitor.

Longreach is a thriving centre in Queensland’s Central West Region and our council area covers 40,638 sq. km.

The Region includes the three smaller townships of Ilfracombe, Isisford and Yaraka and each vibrant community offers their own taste of outback life.

When planning your visit, allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy the many wonderful highlights our region has to offer.

Contact our helpful staff at the Longreach Visitor Information Centre, or at our branch offices in Isisford and Ilfracombe, and they will assist you in planning an unforgettable trip.

Joe Owens

Mayor Longreach Regional Council

2

Longreach Region Travel Planner

Mount Slowcombe Yaraka – Isisford

How to get there Air QantasLink has a daily flight from Brisbane to Longreach as well as Townsville every Tuesday and Thursday. Phone 13 13 13.

Rex Airlines flies twice weekly from Townsville to Longreach via Winton.

Phone 13 17 13.

Flinders H’way via Hughenden and Winton.

From Birdsville – 718km along the Diamantina and Thomson River Development roads. All roads listed are fully sealed.

Rail

Greyhound Coaches have a daily service from Brisbane to Darwin via Mt Isa, as well as a twice weekly service from Rockhampton to Longreach. Phone 13 14 99.

Spirit of the Outback travels twice weekly return Brisbane to Longreach via Rockhampton. Phone 1800 627 655.

Road From Brisbane – 1200km via Roma and Charleville along the Warrego and Matilda H’way. From Mt Isa – 700km along the Matilda H’way. From Rockhampton – 700km along the Capricorn H’way.

From Townsville – 700km along the

Coach

Local media

ABC Local Radio – 540 AM 4LG Radio – 1098 AM Local paper (Longreach Leader) Tourist Info – 88.0 FM West FM – 104.5 FM

CONTENTS 02...................................Mayoral Welcome

14....................... Places to stay Longreach

02......................................How to get there

16........................ Places to eat Longreach

05........................................... Touring maps

17............................ Businesses & services

06.................................................Longreach

18.......................................Yaraka & Emmet

07................................... Longreach nature

19........................................................Isisford

07.......................................Regional events

20.................................................Ilfracombe

07..........................Experience Longreach

22........................................................Winton

12.....................................Longreach town map

23.........................................................Barcoo

TO MT ISA

Winton

Muttaburra

BLADENSBURG NP Lo ng ch

120km

a re to in W to

LARK QUARRY CONSERVATION PARK

Morella

n 17 7k m

Opalton

Aramac

Starlight’s Lookout km

42

LONGREACH n

so

om

Barcaldine

80km 27km

r ve Ri

Ilfracombe TO ROCKHAMPTON

Th LOCHERN NP

Isisford Ba rco oR ive r

40k

m

Stonehenge

TO BRISBANE

Blackall Mount Slowcombe

Jundah

m

50k

Emmet

Yaraka

IDALIA NP

WELFORD NP

Windorah TO BIRDSVILLE

Dirt Road Minor Dirt Road

This map is a guide only, please refer to the Longreach Visitor Information Centre for more details.

Sealed Road

Longreach Visitor Information Centre Qantas Park, Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 4150 F: (07) 4658 4116 E: visitinf@longreach.com.au www.longreachtourism.com.au

Longreach Region Travel Planner

3

AYED 5D G E ST

SUG R A RY ITI NE

DAY 1 QANTAS FOUNDERS MUSEUM    

Experience the Qantas story 707/747 Jet Tour & Wing Walk Museum and Original Hangar Flight Simulators

POWERHOUSE MUSEUM  Local social history  Nogo Boundary Riders Cottage  Historical generating complex

ARTS AND CRAFTS CENTRE  Heritage listed building  Local crafts and activities

DAY 2 STRATHMORE SHEEP AND CATTLE STATION TOUR  Family member guided tour  Savour homestead morning tea

COBB AND CO. COACH RIDE  Gallop through the Scrub  Onboard commentary

HARRY REDFORD OLD TIME TENT SHOW  Tribute to Captain Starlight  Poetic stories & Aussie Humour

STATION STORE  Hats, Horses & Hospitality  Old time photos & gifts

LONGREACH THE ICONS AND SECRETS Where heritage was born on the back of legends.

DAY 3 CHOOSE YOUR SPECIAL INTERESTS:  Lochern National Park  Old Arrilalah & pioneer graves  Botanical walkway, Iningai Park and River Walk  Australian Agricultural College guided tour  Cemetery Tour  Pamela’s Dolls  Helicopter scenic flight

DAY 4 LONGREACH SCHOOL OF DISTANCE EDUCATION  Guided tour  Experience an on-air lesson  Largest classroom in the world

OUTBACK PICS GALLERY  Extensive photographic exhibit

DOWNTOWN

5–10 Day s

of Adv

mee t th e chenture, Discvovery and Fun aracters no w!

CAPTAIN STARLIGHT’S LOOKOUT A GREAT AUSTRALIAN LEGEND  Follow the drover’s stock routes  Lily Lagoon  Starlight’s Lookout (no facilities)  Flood plains and wildlife  Approx. 110km return from Longreach  1/2 or full day. 4WD recommended.  Please check road conditions prior to travel.

E ST E D SUGGE R A RY ITIN

SUGG ITINEE STE D R A RY

ILFRACOMBE EXPLORER HISTORIC HUB & WELLSHOT STORY Historical Wellshot Hotel  Pioneer stories  Machinery & Heritage Centre  Wellshot Information Centre  Artesian Spa Pool  Marine Dinosaur evidence  Approx. 56km return from Longreach  Minimum of 2hrs, a day or stay overnight or two 

 Lunch and/or coffee at your choice of great cafés

CAMDEN PARK STATION SUNSET TOUR  Artesian Bore Sunset drinks  Tour the historic homestead & shearing shed

DAY 5

THOMSON BELLE SUNSET RIVER CRUISE

M.V EXPLORER DROVER’S SUNSET CRUISE

 Historic paddlewheeler cruise  Starlight’s Spectacular dinner

 River views, stories & secrets  Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show

OUTER BARCOO, ISISFORD AND YARAKA UNFORGETTABLE SCENERY, SCIENCE AND FOLKLORE  Yaraka’s Scenic Mount Slowcombe  Emmet and the Idalia National Park  Oma waterhole & Explorer Mitchell’s cairn  Isisford’s Outer Barcoo Interpretative Centre  100 million year old crocodile discoveries  Approx. 450km return circuit from Longreach  Minimum 1 night stay at Yaraka or Isisford

SUGG ITINEE STE D R A RY

LONGREACH

All roads lead to the Longreach region Suggested travel routes

ROUTES NOT TO SCALE

TOWNSVILLE – LONGREACH

BRISBANE/ROCKHAMPTON – LONGREACH

via Winton or Muttaburra

via Charleville or Carnarvon Gorge

LONGREACH Ilfracombe Townsville

Stonehenge

Isisford Torrens Creek Emmet

Jundah Hughenden

LONGREACH Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe

Barcaldine

Jericho

Jundah Blackall

Muttaburra

Birdsville Winton

Darw

Stonehenge

Yaraka Aramac

Windorah

LONGREACH

Isisford Emmet

Yaraka Alpha

Windorah Tambo

LONGREACH

Gemfields

Birdsville

Alic

Augathella Emerald Charleville

CUNNAMULLA – KARUMBA

Normanton LONGREACH Lawn Darwin Ilfracombe Hill Burke & Wills Roadhouse Mt Isa Cloncurry Barcaldine Jericho Dajarra McKinlay Blackall Alpha Boulia Kynuna Alice Springs Tambo Gemfields Middleton Winton Augathella Emerald Charleville

Roma

go Roma Hughenden Dalby Toowoomba Winton

Carnarvon Townsville Gorge Blackwater Isisford Injune Barcaldine Torrens Creek Dingo Blackall Aramac Tambo Rockhampton Muttaburra

Charleville LONGREACH Cunnamulla

Brisbane

Dingo Karumba

Dalby Toowoomba Lawn Darwin Hill

Rockhampton Normanton Burke & Wills Roadhouse

Mt Isa

Cloncurry

Brisbane Dajarra

McKinlay

Boulia Alice Springs

Kynuna

via Stonehenge or Yaraka

Winton

BIRDSVILLE – LONGREACH Middleton

Longreach Ilfracombe

Mitchell

Blackwater

Injune Karumba

ckwater

Carnarvon Gorge

Mitchell

via Isisford or Barcaldine

LONGREACH Ilfracombe Stonehenge Isisford Jundah Blackall Windorah Tambo Birdsville Charleville

Longreach Ilfracombe Barcaldine Isisford Emmet Yaraka

Sealed roads Unsealed roads Cunnamulla

Longreach Region Travel Planner

5

Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame

Longreach If you are heading to the Outback this year, don’t forget to stop over in Longreach for a little bit longer and really get to know the people and the history of this remarkable part of Australia.

Longreach, a gateway to your travels to the remote Outback, has an amazing wealth of history from the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, the Qantas Founders Museum and perhaps the hidden jewel, the Longreach Powerhouse Museum. This amazing complex was the first electricity generating power station in Longreach and appears almost exactly as it did when the huge generators sparked life into Longreach for the last time 30 years ago.

Whilst you are in the region, make sure you take the time to travel to Ilfracombe and its famous Machinery Mile. Also off the main road is Isisford; where you will find a town full of

sland ay to a Q ueen ence Your Gatew ri pe Ex ck O ut ba

n History & Heritage n Award winning tour operators n Self drive adventures n Outback hospitality

Longreach Visitor Information Centre Qantas Park, Eagle Street, Longreach Q 4730 P: 07 4658 4150 E: visitinf@longreach.qld.gov.au www.longreachtourism.com

6

Longreach Region Travel Planner

prehistoric history, as well as two truly outback pubs, where the locals are willing to have a yarn with anyone travelling through.

The Outback is not just about the historical buildings and museums. To really get a feel for the Outback, you need to meet the locals, travel around a bit and drop into some of the out of the way places like Yaraka’s Scenic Mount Slowcombe or take the time to cruise along the Thomson River and enjoy an elegant dinner on the river bank, under the stars.

When you stop over, try some of the fabulous eateries, our galleries and outback coffee and some of the spectacular natural experiences within walking distance from the town centre.

Take your time and breathe in the Outback – you will love it.

EXPERIENCE LONGREACH

LONGREACH POWERHOUSE MUSEUM • Heritage listed • Giant engines • Boundary rider’s cottage & generators • Social History Museum • Guided Tours available

LONGREACH NATURE

Once the beating heart of Longreach, the Powerhouse Museum is now the largest preserved rural generating facility in Australia. The Social History Museum and Boundary rider’s cottage come alive with proudly donated local artifacts and memorabilia.

Take a guided tour or explore in your own time.

Thomson River Wet a line, take a dip, birdwatch or just relax on a cruise.

Apex Riverside Park riverside recreation area and boat ramp.

Starlight’s Lookout Made famous by Australia’s most well known cattle-duffer, ‘Harry Redford’, the spectacular outback landscape stretches out before you .

Lilly Lagoon A peaceful habitat for birds and native wildlife and home to the beautiful Nymphea lilies, that are unique to Longreach.

Longreach Botanic Walkway

P: 07 4658 4150 E: visitinf@longreach.qld.gov.au

A 2.5km interpretive native flora walk between the town centre and the Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

Iningai Nature Park Located on the Longreach Town common, this park includes walking paths and sections of floodplains and waterholes along a creek.

Lochern National Park About 150km south-west of Longreach, Lochern National Park has 20km of Thomson River frontage. The many lagoons and waterholes provide refuge for birds and other wildlife.

REGIONAL EVENTS

There are many exciting events held in the Longreach Region throughout the year. Major annual events are listed below and Visitor Information staff can advise you of what else is happening during your visit. This could include themed dinners, shows, concerts, rodeos, campdrafts and country races.

Yellowbelly Fishing Classic Town: Longreach Date: Friday 29 August - Sunday 31 August 2014

Ilfracombe Picnic Races Town: Ilfracombe Date: 12 July 2014

Southern Cross Television & Isisford Fishing Competition Town: Isisford Date: Friday July 25 - Sunday July 27 2014

Longreach Region Travel Planner

7

EXPERIENCE LONGREACH

SCHOOL OF THE AIR, LONGREACH

(07) 4658 4232

Visit one of the largest classrooms in the world.

Learn how education is delivered “in the bush”.

Observe a School of the Air lesson in progress.

Guided tours: 9am & 10.30am, Mon–Fri. Adults: $10 Children: $5 (Groups of 20 or more require bookings. Prices subject to change).

Sir James Walker Drive, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 4232 E: tours1@eq.edu.au www.facebook.com/LSODETOURS www.longreacsde.eq.edu.au

QUEENSLAND HELICOPTERS

0417 624 422

Scenic helicopter flights over Longreach and the mighty Thomson River.

Fantastic photos! Book a 10 minute, 20 minute or sunset flight from $75 per person (min. 2 passengers)

Phone Tim & Sandy P: 0417 624 422 E: qldheli@bigpond.com www.queenslandhelicopters.com.au

MV Explorer on Thomson River

OUTBACK AUSSIE TOURS

1300 78 78 90

Multi Award Winning 4–13 day Outback Tours and Packages Ex Brisbane – Longreach – Cairns RAIL – FLY – DRIVE Gulf Savannah Corner Country Cape York and Torres Strait Legendary Longreach and Winton Ask about our 2015 Early Bird Deals P: (07) 4658 3000 www.outbackaussietours.com.au

8

Longreach Region Travel Planner

AIR CENTRAL WEST

(07) 4658 9187 Longreach Area Scenic Flights & Charters – Lark Quarry Dinosaur Tracks, Muttaburra/ Winton, Windorah, Birdsville, Innamincka, Burke & Wills Dig Tree.

Statewide Customised Tours Lake Eyre & Channel Country Tours – Thomson, Diamantina, Georgina Rivers, Cooper Creek, William Creek, Lake Eyre.

“Llewellyn”, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 9187 (24hrs) E: plowens2@bigpond.com www.aircentralwest.com.au

Our Story.. .

DISCOVER

Your Adventure Y

STARLIGHT’S LO O

KOUT

MEET THE STATION OW NERS

EXPLORE

THE THOMSON RIVER

REL A X

ON THE DROVER

’S SUNSET CRU

ISE

LIVE ARTISTS

SMITHY’S OUTB

SAVE

$$$$

ACK DINNER & SHOW

MULTI-DAY LEGENDS PASSES

featuring

HALL OF FAME

QANTAS MUSEUM

info@oat.net.au

RIVER CRUISES

STATION TOURS

book online

3

W IN

NER 2013

Longreach Region Travel Planner 07 4658 3000 outbackaussietours.com.au

9

Longreach is a town located in Central West 700 kilometres from the coast, west of R “long reachelse ” ofbut theLONGREACH Thomson River on wh Where can you 1887, and two the railway reached the town in unique experiences is the administrative centre of the Longreac in 2008 as a merger of the former Lo

Qantas Founders Museum Welcome to the Qantas Founders Museum.

W IN

NER 2013

We are an independent not-for-profit community organization and registered charity, operating since 1996, to commemorate the ethos and preserve the material heritage of the founders and early operations of Qantas Airways Ltd. Today, we are a world-class museum and cultural display, eloquently telling the story of the founding of Qantas through interpretive displays, interactive exhibits, replica aircraft and an impressive collection of genuine artefacts.

Our collection incorporates four of the world’s most significant airliners – the Consolidated PBY Catalina Flying Boat, the Douglas DC3, the Boeing 707 and the legendary Boeing 747. In addition, we have full scale replicas of some of the most important aircraft in the early Qantas fleet – the DeHaviland DH-61 Giant Moth, the DeHaviland DH-50, and the Avro 504k Dyak; Qantas’ first ever aircraft. New exhibits, such as our new WW1 Flight Simulator experience, are added regularly.

The Museum is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm (except Christmas Day).

Special opening hours are available to groups and charters by prior arrangement.

Longreach Airport Sir Hudson Fysh Drive Longreach Qld 4730 P: 07 4658 3737 E: info@qfom.com.au www.qfom.com.au 10

Longreach Region Travel Planner

t Queensland, Australia and is approximately Rockhampton. The town is named after the hich it on is situated.

The gallop town was gazetted in walk a wing and on a coach!

1892, causing the population to grow. I t in one amazing place. ch Regional Council, which was established ongreach, Ilfracombe, and Isisford shires.

ER

Y O WNE

D

IL

D

WINN

FA M

Tours, Accommodation and Packages.

U LT I AW

AR

Kinnon & Co.

M

Kinnon & Co. is a family owned and operated business offering Longreach’s premier tours, accommodation and packages. Choose from multi award winning Kinnon & Co products: • Cobb & Co Stagecoach Tours • Thomson River Cruises • Harry Redford Old Time Tent Show • Nogo Working Station Tour • Winton Day Tours • Kinnon & Co Outback Lodges Or package them together for a real Kinnon & Co Experience.

Let us help you plan your personal Longreach experience.

Kinnon & Co. Tours are available from 1st April to 31st October 2014. Check our website for tour times and package deals. Coach and School groups welcome.

115a Eagle Street Longreach Qld 4730 P: 07 4658 1776 E: info@kinnonandco.com.au www.kinnonandco.com.au Longreach Region Travel Planner

11

LAN

MU TO

BU R

ER V RI

RA

DS

UG RO BO

TO WINTON

T TA

E

Y WA

G RID

IGH

DB OL

HH

N SO M O TH

SP AR

W

NO RT H

ST

RT H ST

OW AR YS SS CA

IPE

ST

N KL

COOT ST

HA W

ST

ST SWAN ST

FA LC ON

T

SW AN

LN

LS

T

N KL

PIG

RD THOMSO DEVELOPM N ENTAL

TO JUNDAH WINDORAH

EO

N

ST

13

PLACES OF INTEREST

WALKS

Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame & 1

7

2 Longreach Powerhouse Museum

Pamela’s Dolls & Syd’s Outback 8 Collectors Corner

3 Longreach School of Distance Education

9 Helicopter Flights

4 Qantas Founders Museum

10 Longreach Arts & Crafts Centre

5 Australian Agricultural College

11 Railway Station

6 Kinnon & Co. The Station Store

12 Outback Aussie Tours Bookings Office

Kinnon & Co. Booking Office

13 Iningai Nature Reserve There are three nature

walks - one is the Coolibah Loop which is 3.7km long and is an easy 1 and a half hour walk.

14 The Cemetery Ask about the self-guided brochure produced by the Longreach Archival & Historical Group.

15 Linear Botanical Gardens Walk This walk features

a diverse range of plants, mostly native, which makes for a beautiful early morning or late evening walk.

16 Thomson River Flood Plain Walk from Town to

the Old Bridge. This four and a half kilometre one way track features a diverse range of plants and animals, best viewed in the early morning or late evening.

12

Longreach Region Travel Planner

ST

WOMPOO RD

HA W

ST AR

OW

OT

MA GP IE TH

T AN ES CR T

K

T

LN N

ST

EO PIG OW AR YS SS

CR

AN

ES

CA

T

RO TL PA R ST LA GA

BU

D

Outback Stockman’s Show

SN

N ES AN

ST

CR

AN

N

MA GP

IE

LN

LIC

19

H

GIN CREEK

CK

T

PE

T

DU

PA R ST H LA

ES

T

GA

LN EA GL

CR

OW ST U EM

ST

LIN RE

NT CE

ES

AN

LN

RO TL

U

MA GP

CR

CR ST

7

EM LN KA TO O CO C

T IBI

LS

25 IE

T SS IBI

LN LA

ST ER ISH GF KIN

SS

D

SUNBIRD ST

24

EL CO R

W

OW

ST

LN

ISH KIN

ST

23 26 6 ST AR

ST

LANDSBOROUGH HIGHWAY

ST

BU

18

ST

12 11

OW

ER

ST

2

PER

10

GF

AN

NO

T

CA NA RY L ST W RE N NA

RY L

LIC

ST

RE

N

ST

D

SAN

SW AN

CA

ST AR

16

G

DPI

N

ST ILL NB OO SP LN CH FIN

BU

PE

KIT ES

HI GH WA Y

AW

ON

ER

EA GL E

RR

OU GH

PL OV

PA RR

K IT ES CU

N

FIN

CH

LN

LA ND SB OR

ST NO R

T

H

W AY

FA LC ON

UG

SHOWGROUNDS HI GH

GA LA H

RO BO

MU TT AB UR R

A

S ND

EM

RD

U

LA

LN

ST

LO W

CR O

SW AL

POLOCROSSE FIELD

LN

SP AR R

OW

ST

APEX PARK

RD RA UR TA B UT

GU

LL

OW

RACECOURSE

ST

ST LIONESS

PARK SPA R

GULL ST

RT H

LN

BLUEB

NO

AN ES T

TE

SW AL

OW AR Y

CA SS

PL

HONEYEATER CT TEAL ST

HERON ST

ST

KO O

OV

LONGREACH AIRPORT

ROSELLA ST

ST

LO W

R N ST

PIG EO

N

LN

TL

CR

W

IRD C T

N

NO

RT H

RO

JABIRU RD

RR

JABIRU RD

M

TO MUTTABURRA

K A BU R R A C T

ER S T

9 4

PLOVER ST

SIR HUDSON FYSH DRIVE

TO ILFRACOMBE BARCALDINE LANDSBOROUGH HIG

LANDSBOROUGH HIGHWAY

ILFRACOMBE RD QUAIL ST LARK ST

8 DOVE ST

BROLGA ST

ROBIN RD

BOWER RD

QUAIL ST

LANDSBOROUGH HIGHWAY

21

22 20

3

ILFRACOMBE RD

5

QUARRION ST

27

17

WOMPOO RD

WOMPOO RD

1 WOMPOO RD

ES

T

RAVEN RD

STORK RD

THRUSH RD

EB

CURLEW RD

MINER RD

STILT ST

RAVEN RD

RAVEN RD

14 LARK ST

GR

HWAY

15

WONGA ST

CEMETERY

NC GI

EK RE

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST

ACCOMMODATION 17 The Longreach Tourist Park

23 Longreach Motel

Ambulance

Police Station

18 Longreach Caravan Park

24 Longreach Motor Inn

Boat Ramp

Post Office RACQ

19 Abajaz Motor Inn

25 Commercial Hotel/Motel

20 Albert Park Motor Inn

26 Lyceum Hotel

Clubs: RSL Club Bowls Club

21 Kinnon & Co Outback Lodges

27 Longreach Outback Adventure

Doctors Surgery

22 Jumbuck Motel

Golf Course Hospital Mobile Home Waste Dump Point

Visitor Information Centre QPWS Queensland Parks & Wildlife Services Supermarkets Foodworks / IGA Toilets

Town Map Disclaimer: The information contained in this map is indicative only. Please enquire at Visitor Information Centres for further details.

Longreach Region Travel Planner

13

PLACES TO STAY

COOPERS ON CASSOWARY

0474 077 298

Relax in style in our very private 3 bedroom cottage.

Spacious self contained, A/C accommodation Sleeps 5 / 1 queen, 1 twin, 1 single Exclusively yours for your stay, all linen provided Set in shady, fully fenced private garden with BBQ Centrally located in town centre, 50m from the Botanic Walkway 77 Cassowary Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: 0474 077 298 E: info@coopersoncassowary.com.au www.coopersoncassowary.com.au

ALBERT PARK MOTOR INN

(07) 4658 2411

True Outback Hospitality Restaurant, bar, poolside dining, conference facilities Walk to Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum All ground floor units, undercover parking, reverse cycle air-conditioning and Austar Local tour details and bookings at reception Cnr Ilfracombe & Stork Roads, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 2411 E: albertpark@westnet.com.au www.longreachaccommodation.com

KINNON & CO. OUTBACK OUTBACK LODGES LODGES

(07)4658 46583811 3811 (07)

Bestvalue valueself selfcontained, contained,air-conditioned air-conditioned Best lodges.All Alllinen linenprovided. provided. lodges.

Quiet,leafy leafysurrounds surroundswith withguest guestpool pool Quiet, andBBQ. BBQ. and Ideallocation locationnext nextdoor doorto toAustralian Australian Ideal Stockman’sHall Hallof ofFame Fameand andopposite oppositethe the Stockman’s QantasFounders FoundersMuseum Museumand andairport. airport.

Qantas On-site Tour desk.

On-site Tour desk.

63-65Ilfracombe IlfracombeRoad, Road,Longreach LongreachQLD QLD4730 4730 63-65 P:(07) (07) 4658 3811 E: E: lodges@kinnonandco.com.au lodges@kinnonandco.com.au P: www.kinnonandco.com.au www.kinnonandco.com.au

Sunset over the Thomson River

Longreach Motor Inn

84 Galah Street Longreach (07) 4658 2322 lmi@outbacklongreach.com.au

Jumbuck Motel Sir Hudson Fysh Drive Longreach (07) 4658 1799 jumbuck@outbacklongreach.com.au

14

Longreach Region Travel Planner

   

Close to Local Attractions 36 Room Motel On-Site Restaurant & Bar Pool & BBQ Area

 Convenient location opposite railway station  57 Room Motel  On-Site Licensed Restaurant & Bar  Pool, Sauna & BBQ Area

PLACES TO STAY

SAVE

$$$$

W IN

featuring

NER 2013

Longreach Region Travel Planner

15

PLACES TO EAT

EAGLES NEST BAR & GRILL

(07) 4658 0144

Situated in the Main Street Steaks, Salads, Seafood, Pasta plus over 30 beers from Australia and overseas as well as wines, champagne and mixes.

Trading hours: Wednesday to Friday – 11.30am till late Saturday & Sunday – 7.45am till late.

110 Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 0144

NE E

DI MA GE

JOLLY JUMBUCK RESTAURANT

(07) 4658 1799

Fabulous Food Fine Wine Cold Beers Everyone Welcome Book your table now And of course .. great country hospitality

Sir Hudson Fysh Drive, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 1799 (bookings)

YEAST2WEST BAKERY LONGREACH

(07) 4658 3004

The award winning Yeast2West Bakery Longreach prepare products from scratch using natural, fresh ingredients seven days a week.

Come in and try the huge range of: Daily fresh bread Pies and pastries Soft drinks and milk shakes Coffee, tea, salad rolls and sandwiches Cakes for special occasions Free Wi-Fi 101 Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 3004

MERINO BAKERY

(07) 4658 1715 $2 MERINO MONEY

Present this advertisement to be stamped at the Merino Bakery and receive your gift of $2 off any purchase. *Minimum sale amount $5.00 *One stamp per family per visit *Not redeemable for cash

120 Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 Open 7 days; Right in the middle of town P: (07) 4658 1715 F: (07) 4658 0045

HARRY’S RESTAURANT

(07) 4658 2322

Excellent dining experience Excellent service within relaxed atmosphere Centrally located Ample parking Open Monday to Saturday Reserve your table today 84 Galah Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 2322 E: lmi@outbacklongreach.com.au

STARLIGHTS TAVERN STEAKHOUSE

(07) 4658 1925

Dine in Air-Conditioned Comfort.

We have a Broad Menu with Quality Meals at Affordable Prices.

TAB / KENO / POKIES Take-away meals available We hope you enjoy your stay in Longreach.

103 Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 1925 E: starlights.longreach@tcpg.com.au

THE LONGREACH

LEADER Keep in touch

with all the news in the Central West and Western Queensland as you travel through the Outback.

Take a digital subscription during your time with us.

www.longreachleader.com.au The Longreach Leader has been the trusted voice for regional news since 1923.

Plan your trip around the many and varied events in the region. Check out the full listing on our website.

Have we taken your photograph at any event?

If it’s not in the paper then it will be on our website.

www.longreachleader.com.au Ph: (07) 4658 3855

16

Longreach Region Travel Planner

BUSINESSES & SERVICES

SLADE SMASH REPAIRS

(07) 4658 1609

LONGREACH MOTORS

U Bend It .. We Mend It. RACQ CSP + Agent (15Yrs+) + Maps RACQ Batteries Tilt Tray Towing 24 hrs Smash Repair work Windscreens Hood linings Fibreglass repairs

Mechanical Repairs Alignments Exhaust Suspension Brakes Steering Kelly, Cooper, Toyo, Goodyear, Century

174 Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 1609 F: (07) 4658 3849 M: 0428 458 149 www.sladesmashrepairs.com.au

PALMERS BP

(07) 4658 1136

(07) 4658 1700

33 Swan Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 1700 F: (07) 4658 1857 E: longreachmotors@bigpond.com

LONGREACH OUTDOORS CENTRE & CAMPER TRAILER HIRE

Full driveway service and mechanical repairs Spare parts and windscreens Maxxis tyres and batteries Castrol oils and lubricants New bicycle sales and repairs Car wash and dog wash John and Sue Palmer

Off Road Hard Floor Camper Trailers & Equipment For Hire.

Camping & Fishing Gear Pool & Toilet Chemicals Camp Ovens/Cooking Equipment Swags & Tents Car Fridges, Ice Boxes & much more

9 Wonga Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P/F: (07) 4658 1136 M: 0417 752 337 E: palmbp@bigpond.net.au

1/136 Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 3229 M: 0428 573 008 E: locamp@tpg.com.au

JOHNLEE MOTORS

(07) 4658 1423

LONGREACH ACCESSORIES PLUS

Polaris & Can-am sales and service 4WD & car servicing and repairs, spare parts and batteries Flywheel & Head & Manifold Grinding Engine rebuilding Suppliers of spare parts and suspension Great customer service .. the ‘local’ way 34 Swan Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 1423 F: (07) 4658 2647 E: johnlee33@bigpond.com

SPINIFEX COLLECTIONS

(07) 4658 3636

MERCURY BUSINESS SUPPLIES

(07) 4658 3736

(07) 4658 3544

Your Local IT Specialists – Everything for the home or mobile office Sales and repairs of Notebook and Desktop computers, printers and faxes In-store: stationery, photocopying, laminating, designing and printing, faxing and emailing facilities

Come and browse our unusual gifts, home wares and Australian and locally crafted items, including natural fibres, leather, ceramic, silver and pewter.

Sue also has a sewing machine on the premises for minor repairs and alterations.

118 Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 3636 M: 0428 589 170 E: sue@spinifexcollections.com.au www.spinifexcollections.com.au

NATURE’S TONIC

(07) 4658 1607

Car parts and accessories Pet supplies and engraved pet ID tags Mobile phone and ipod accessories Bikes/scooters and accessories Ironman and Lightforce distributor Visit our Facebook page – search for ‘Longreach Accessories Plus’ Melanie Palmer 106a Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P/F: (07) 4658 1607 M: 0427 736 648 E: sales@lchaccplus.com

2/136 Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 3544 F: (07) 4658 0405 M: 0429 025 302 E: mercbiz@tpg.com.au

RUBEGG 4 HAIR

(07) 4658 1918

Your Wellbeing Oasis Health foods Natural skincare Chemical free hair products Vitamins/minerals Organic baby care range Relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff AND much more...

You deserve great hair!

At Rubegg 4 Hair our friendly and experienced staff will deliver a professional service to suit your personal hairdressing needs.

Specialising in L’Oréal Professional Products and Services Selected beauty treatments available

25 Swan Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 3736 www.naturestonic.com.au E: naturestonichealth@bigpond.com

113 Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 1918

THURECHT BROS SADDLERY

(07) 4658 1011

Established in 1927 by the Thurecht Brothers, Thurecht Bros Saddlery is one of the few remaining working saddleries in Queensland today. Call in and see Phil, Jayne and Georgia and their great range of outback styled gifts, horse supplies and belts made to order.

STAR CINEMA LONGREACH

AIRCONDITIONED

Our cinema features the following: Modern cinema with new releases weekly Monthly classic movies Digital projection with Dolby Digital Sound Stadium seating with comfortable seats Candy bar Cinema Programme Line – Phone 4658 1357

130B Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 P: (07) 4658 1011 F: (07) 4658 0030 M: 0407 111 324 E: hog.hunter@bigpond.com

117 Eagle Street, Longreach QLD 4730 (Next to NAB Bank) Management CTC after hours 0427 581 776

Longreach Region Travel Planner

17

Serving the heart of the outback TOWNSVILLE

LONGREACH

BRISBANE

With daily services from Brisbane and twice weekly from Townsville, Longreach Airport is your gateway to Outback Central Queensland. www.longreachairport.com.au

CCJ13436 Longreach Airport HPC Ad 183 x 133.5 v2.indd 1

9/04/14 11:58 AM

YARAKA & EMMET

The Yaraka Store offers fuel, tyre and mechanical repairs and basic food supplies. You’ll also have access to friendly local information and advice – invaluable on your outback travels.

Yaraka Discover the ‘Outer Barcoo’ of Banjo Paterson’s poem ‘A Bush Christening’. ‘...where the churches are few.’

Yaraka is a friendly and attractive little community with plenty of amenities. It’s a short drive to the famous lookout at Mount Slowcombe, where picnic and barbeque facilities make this the perfect place for a family outing or a peaceful getaway.

The town has a general store, post office, fuel, police station, pub with meals and accommodation, swimming pool, tennis court and playground area.

There is also a caravan park behind the Community Hall.

18

Longreach Region Travel Planner

Emmet ‘And men of religion are scanty...’

Emmet is a historic railway siding with a rich history.

Situated on the railway line running from Blackall to Yaraka, Emmet was once a bustling depot where people from the local properties came to pick up their stores and mail.

Today there are two proud residents, a small museum of railway heritage and a peaceful picnic area with an information board to peruse.

ISISFORD Isisford, on the banks of the Barcoo River, was settled in the mid 1800s. Today you can trace the steps of explorer, Major Mitchell and discover the ‘Outer Barcoo’.

The town comprises a golf course, swimming pool, tennis court, museum, post office, police station, hotel, fuel outlet, primary health centre, QGAP office, ambulance, primary school, library and internet facilities.

Camping is available at the Barcoo Weir and Oma Waterhole with showers and toilets. Powered sites are available at the hotel.

The Isisford Annual Fishing Competition is held on the last weekend of July each year, attracting competitors from all over Australia.

ISISFORD POINTS OF INTEREST The Outer Barcoo Interpretive Centre Museum depicting the evolution of nature. The feature attraction is a replica of Isisfordia duncani, which lived around Isisford 98 million years ago, and is the ancestor of all the world’s crocodilians.

Theatrette | Cafeteria | Local arts and crafts displays

Oma Waterhole 16km south west of Isisford on the Isisford/Yaraka River Road.

Great for camping, fishing and water activities.

Hot showers | Toilet facilities | Boat ramp access

Whitman’s Park & Memorial Museum At the back of the Isisford Park.

Photos | Exhibits

Old Bakery & Café Arcadia A glimpse of years gone by. Just don’t expect to get a fresh loaf of bread!

Yuranigh Pond Approximately 6km from town. Major Mitchell camped here and the waterhole was named after his Aboriginal guide. There is a plaque and shelter in their honour.

Longreach Region Travel Planner

19

‘The Great Machinery Mile’ at the Ilfracombe Machinery and Heritage Museum

ILFRACOMBE

20

Learn the colourful story of the development of western Queensland – immortalised in the streets of Ilfracombe.

is over 100 years old, with a woolpress bar and remarkable collection of hats and local memorabilia.

Wander through the historical attractions, relax in the artesian spa, and visit the Wellshot Hotel. This pub

Ilfracombe, ‘The Hub of the West’, sits proudly on the Matilda (Landsborough/Capricorn) Highway.

Longreach Region Travel Planner

ILFRACOMBE POINTS OF INTEREST Folk Museum Showcases the role of men, women and children of the west.

Ilfracombe Machinery and Heritage Museum The ‘Great Machinery Mile’ is a graphic timeline of the evolution of the pastoral and transport industries.

The 12 Mile Magnificent 19th century bush ingenuity. Naturally formed flagstones form a leak-proof reservoir. Map available at the Wellshot Centre.

Romani Hall A tribute to the young men of the district who answered ‘the call to arms’, and dedicated to Australia’s Light Horsemen.

The Jackson Collections & Hilton’s Corner The lifetime collections of brothers Hilton and Ike Jackson. 30,000 bottles and memorabilia gathered from the World Wars.

Wellshot Centre Tells the story of Wellshot Station, one of Australia’s greatest sheep and wool producers. Also the Ilfracombe Visitor Information Centre.

Memorial Park & Artesian Spa Swimming pool, artesian spa, children’s playground and barbeque.

The Wellshot Hotel Stands in proud testament to the good times and the hard times.

Langenbaker House Heritage-listed, over 100 years old and in its original condition.

Ilfracombe

Wellshot Centre, Ilfracombe • Ilfracombe Visitor Information Centre • Story of the mighty ‘Wellshot Station’ • 20 minute film ‘A Rush for Grass’ • Souvenirs & local info The Wellshot Centre is the keeping place for the story of Wellshot Station, one of Australia’s largest early sheep & wool producers. In its heyday 400,000 sheep were shorn on Wellshot every year. This is a great Australian story of times when we rode on the sheep’s back, and of the places and the people that made it possible.

P: 07 4658 2233 E: admin2.ilfracombe@longreach.qld.gov.au

Longreach Region Travel Planner

21

Winton

TWO DAY SELF-DRIVE

EXPERIENCE DAY TWO

DAY ONE 5pm

9.00am – 2.4

Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park - the world’s only recorded evidence of a dinosaur stampede, with 3,300 footprints.

Located 110km south-west of Winton.

8.45am – 12.00pm

Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum - see a real dinosaur laboratory in action and meet our prehistoric giants, including ‘Banjo’ – Australia’s most significant and complete carnivorous dinosaur. Located 24km south-east of Winton.

12.00pm – 2.45pm

2.45pm Corfield & Fitzmaurice Building - including Combo Crafts, Dinosaur Diorama, the Opalton display and the history of Winton’s first General Store.

Waltzing Matilda Centre - the only museum in the world dedicated to a song; incorporating the Billabong Theatrette, Home of the Legend Room, Outback Regional Gallery and Qantilda Museum.

2.45pm Arno’s Wall - reaching two metres high and extending for at least 70 metres, this wall is constructed from concrete rock and studded with rustic memorabilia – including the kitchen sink!

3.45pm Royal Open Air Theatre Museum & Opal Walk - a glimpse of an opal mine leading out to the Open Air Theatre; old movie equipment, slides, posters and the World’s Largest Deck Chair.

3.15pm Diamantina Heritage Truck and Machinery Museum - take a trip into transport history and view fullyrestored heritage trucks, tractors and machinery.

4.30pm Elderslie Street Walk - replica of the Pelican Waterhole, Qantas Cairn, Waltzing Matilda Centenary Sculpture, Nadjayamba Memorial Cairn and Searle’s Outback Store.

4.30pm Play a tune on the Musical Fence - a wire fence strung so it can be played as a musical instrument and accompanied by a junk-yard band.

7.45pm – 9.00pm

Royal Open Air Theatre Nostalgia Night - memories of yesteryear sitting in old canvas seats under the stars.

Winton Visitor Information Centre Waltzing Matilda Centre | 50 Elderslie Street, Winton QLD 1300 665 115 | vic@matildacentre.com.au Download our brochure at www.experiencewinton.com.au 22

Longreach Region Travel Planner

WIN11577

Jundah, Stonehenge & Windorah

Jundah, Stonehenge Jundah, Stonehenge Jundah, Stonehenge & Windorah & Windorah & Windorah “Heart of the Channel Country”

“Heart of the Channel Country” “Heart of the Channel Country” “Heart of the Channel Country” Experience the disƟncƟve landscapes; the kaleidoscop “Heart of the Channel Country” of ora & fauna; dazzling brilliant night skies; local events; and thelandscapes; genuine country hospitality of those Experience Experience the the disƟncƟve disƟncƟve landscapes; the the kaleidoscope kaleidoscope Experience the landscapes; the Experience the disƟncƟve disƟncƟve landscapes; the kaleidoscope kaleidoscope Experience the disƟncƟve landscapes; the skies; kaleidoscope of of ora ora & & fauna; fauna; dazzling dazzling brilliant brilliant night night skies; local local living here in the outback. of ora & fauna; dazzling brilliant night skies; local & dazzling fauna; dazzling brilliant night skies; local of oraof&ora fauna; brilliant night skies; local events;and andthe thegenuine genuinecountry countryhospitality hospitalityof ofthose those events; the genuine hospitality events;events; and theand genuine country country hospitality of those of events; and the genuine country hospitality of those those living living here here in in the the outback. outback. living here in the outback. living here in the outback. living here in the outback.

Phone: 07 4658 6930 Phone: Phone:07 07 4658 4658 6930 6930 Fax: 07 46586221 Phone: 07 Phone: 07 4658 6930 Phone: 07 4658 4658 6930 6930 Fax: Fax: 07 07 46586221 46586221 Email: tourism@barcoo.qld.gov.au Fax: 07 Fax: 46586221 07 07 46586221 46586221 Email: Email:Fax: tourism@barcoo.qld.gov.au tourism@barcoo.qld.gov.au Email: tourism@barcoo.qld.gov.au Email: Email: tourism@barcoo.qld.gov.au tourism@barcoo.qld.gov.au

Longreach Region Travel Planner

23

You won’t believe how much fun you can have when you stay at the Ilfracombe Van Park, situated right next to the pub and set amongst colourful gardens and shady trees.

Owners Jesse and Cathy Hitson have brought a great atmosphere to the park and provide all the facilities you could ever need. Every evening, they supply nibblies for happy hour*. Jesse and Cath will entertain you with some humorous bush poetry and joke telling, sometimes even the kids will get in on the act.

*Seasonal

Bring your own drinks and wander over to the barbeque area, complete with old iron and gidyea timber. The area is a fine example of bush architecture and features a huge fireplace with petrified wood built into it. Jesse completed it in 2005, but the spot looks like it’s been there for a century or so. It’s a great place to kick back, listen to local stories and jokes and maybe bring out your own musical instrument for a sing-along.

Also consider joining in the fun of the Ilfracombe Van Park Olympics, which happens around May/June, depending on the State of Origin dates. This event

entails a week of fun activities, which everyone can join in. Check our facebook page for more information and for dates – www.facebook.com/ilfyvanpark If you’re not towing your own van, book into one of the park’s self-contained, air-conditioned ensuite cabins.

Linen is supplied.

Browse the souvenirs, gifts and jewellery in Cathy’s shop, most of the jewellery is handmade by Cathy.

Be sure to do the tour of the historical Langenbaker House. This house was moved to Ilfracombe by wagon and rebuilt in its final resting place in 1899, where it still stands today. Everything in the house has been left the way it was since the last Langenbaker member died in 1991. This house tells the story of the late Harry & Mary-Anne Langenbaker and their 11 children and the way of life that was typical of the type of existence that was normal for that era. This is a guided tour only on week days.

Landsborough Highway (only 15 minutes east of Longreach) Owner Operators: Jesse & Cathryn Hitson Phone: (07) 4658 1510 Email: hitson2@bigpond.com WWW.ILFRACOMBE.COM.AU