Longreach: Again
Longreach: Beating the Rain to Outback History
We hadn’t planned to rush, but when the forecast showed 25mm of rain heading for Southern Queensland, we knew we had to move. Outback roads and that much rain don’t mix—unless you want to be stuck in thick mud for days. So, we made a dash for Longreach, tackling single-lane roads with nothing but endless plains and the occasional road train for company. We stopped overnight along the way at the Stonehenge Hotel.
Rolling into Longreach felt like a win. The sky still threatened rain, but the roads were dry, and we needed a few days to relax.
Longreach itself has a great country town feel. Wide streets, historic pubs, and that relaxed outback pace. We wandered down to the Thomson River, had the rain caught up with us, this whole area would’ve been a different story—muddy, boggy, and impassable.
We stayed a couple of nights, soaking in the history and the relief of beating the weather. Longreach is more than just a stop on the map—it’s a place that tells Australia’s outback story, and we’re glad we got here just in time.
Check out our other post about the first time we visited Longreach and ticked off two of our bucket list items!
Longreach
Longreach sits on the Thomson River in central western Queensland and is one of the true hubs of the outback. It’s home to both the Qantas Founders Museum and the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, as well as a vibrant local community and plenty of history.
How to Get There
Longreach lies about 1,180 km northwest of Brisbane or 700 km west of Rockhampton via the Capricorn Highway. All main routes are sealed, and the town has full services for travellers.
What to See, Tours and Activities
Check out our full post on Longreach for all the details
What we did:
Took the full guided tour at the Qantas Founders Museum.
Neil completed the 747 Wing Walk experience.
Spent a day exploring the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.
Watched the live Stockman’s Show in the outdoor arena.
Other highlights nearby:
Thomson River sunset cruises and campfire dinners.
Powerhouse Museum and historic Longreach Cemetery tours.
Local pubs and bakeries serving classic outback fare.
When to Visit
April to October is ideal, with clear days, cool nights, and plenty of touring options. Summer brings extreme heat, and some attractions reduce hours, so plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Longreach delivers more than just outback charm — it tells the story of Australia from every angle. Between the wings of a jumbo jet and the saddle of a stock horse, it’s easy to see why this town sits high on so many travel wishlists.
Check out our full post on Longreach for all the details
What’s Nearby
From Longreach, the road west leads toward Winton, another outback icon full of dinosaurs and Waltzing Matilda lore. East takes you toward Barcaldine, home to the Tree of Knowledge and more traces of Queensland’s pioneering spirit.
Don’t miss our Top Secret Travel Dispatches — the stories we only share off the main road. Join here.
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From the old Rex Cinema in Monto to a four-kilo peanut haul in Kingaroy, this stretch of Queensland had everything—local tips, bush learning, and the stories you only find on the road.