Longreach, Queensland, was next on the list after a great few days exploring Roma, Charleville and Blackall. Longreach is located in Central Queensland and is well over a 1000-kilometre drive from Brisbane. But it is just over a 200-kilometre drive from Blackall, so easy to do in one day.
Barcaldine
We broke up our journey with a short stopover in Barcaldine. Barcaldine is home to the Tree of Knowledge Memorial, the historical site of the 1891 Shearers Strike.
The original tree was poisoned in 2006. In its place, this unique memorial was built, utilising some of the original tree branches. It is like a giant wind chime made of wood, and it was fascinating to stand underneath it.
If you are looking for a place to camp in or near Barcaldine, we highly recommend Lara Wetlands.
Longreach
Longreach is not a large town by any stretch of the imagination. But when it comes to things to see and do, it has a lot to offer.
Qantas Museum
The QANTAS Founders Museum should be number one on everyone’s list, as it celebrates our national airline’s humble beginnings. This was one of the main things we wanted to visit while in Longreach. I can tell you it was worth every kilometre we travelled to get here.
The tour of the Boeing 747 and walking out on the wing was just spectacular. Not to mention all the information contained in the museum itself. I think that this place should be on everyone’s bucket list! The kids and Brenden really enjoyed taking in all the information on the planes and the extraordinary history of QANTAS.
There is so much to see and learn about at the QANTAS Museum that one day might not be enough to see it all.
Stockmans Hall Of Fame
For me, the highlight of our time in Longreach was finally getting to visit the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre.
As I grew up on a farm, I have always been interested in rural Australia, and the Hall of Fame certainly didn’t disappoint.
Opened in 1988 it was the vision of Hugh Sawrey and other outback icons including R.M Williams. It is an imposing building and the entrance is dominated by a large bronze statue. Titled ‘The Ringer’ it is a fitting tribute to the stockmen of outback Australia.
Once inside the Hall of Fame, the first section of the museum is dedicated to our early explorers and early settlers. As you move through the displays you are given a glimpse back into the pioneering days of the Australian Cattle and Sheep industries.
From the replica slab hut to wool-presses, saddles, drays, and stories of the characters that shaped the outback it is an impressive display which you cannot help but admire.
I was particularly moved by the many pictures and stories of our ‘Unsung Heroes. Beautiful tributes to the ordinary working men and women of the Australian outback.
Thomson River Sunset Cruise
One of the best things to do when in Longreach is one of the many experiences offered by local tourist business Outback Pioneers. Founded in 2006 by the Kinnon family, they have become one of outback Queensland’s biggest attractions.
We chose to do an evening Thomson River Cruise, which was followed by an outback dinner and poetry. It was so peaceful, cruising down the river and watching the spectacular sunset.
We were returned to the river bank just on dark and just in time for dinner. Dinner consisted of a delicious beef stew -not possum as they laughingly suggested. After dinner we were treated to apple pie and custard, followed by damper and billy tea.
The highlight of the evening, though, was Scotty The Barefoot Poet. Scotty recited several poems during the evening. Some were funny, but many were very moving, and all epitomised the strength and spirit of our early pioneers of the land. His ability to recite many poems from memory and with such feelings was incredible.
I would highly recommend this evening to anyone visiting Longreach. It was a worthwhile experience that we all enjoyed.
Where To Stay In Longreach Queensland
There are only two
We loved our time in Longreach, and it is definitely somewhere that we will return to in the future. It is the pinnacle of outback Queensland.
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