When foreigners visit Australia, they tend to flock to the major tourist havens. Let’s face it – Australia has some amazing places, so we can’t blame the people of the world for wanting to see them. But where can Aussies go when they want to get away from it all? You know, get back to the basics – enjoy some rugged yet beautiful terrain, see where the dinosaurs roamed and laze by a billabong?
You won’t find the Queensland outback in many international tourism brochures, but this is a good thing. Australians can relax on a private verandah in Longreach enjoying the tranquillity and character of the town, or can head to a true outback pub in Winton for a yarn and beer with the locals.
While you’re in Winton, be sure to have a good look around. Does anything look familiar? If you saw the movie "The Proposition" written by Nick Cave and starring Guy Pearce, you might recognise your surroundings as the entire movie was actually filmed in Winton and the areas nearby.
And these aren’t just small towns in the middle of nowhere. These are the birthplaces of two Australian icons.
In Winton, for example, Banjo Patterson sat by a billabong in 1895 and penned the words to the original Waltzing Matilda. This famous poem morphed into a song that many throughout the world actually believe is our national anthem.
Both Winton and Longreach can boast the birth of another Aussie icon – Qantas. The Queensland and Northern Territory Air Service held its first meeting of the directors in the town of Winton on 10 February 1921. They decided to operate out of Longreach, and on 2 November 1922, they operated their first scheduled flight.
Things to do and see
Both Winton and Longreach have a lot of heart. With only 1500 people in Winton, and 4000 in Longreach, there is a surprising amount to do and see.
Qantas Founders Outback Museum
Learn about the aviation pioneers of Australia, and tour a real Boeing 747. This museum is a must-see for visitors to Longreach, and is open daily from 9:00 to 5:00.
The Waltzing Matilda Centre
This should be your first stop in Winton. Boasting three separate galleries, you can get a real feel for the area and its history. The galleries are:
1) The Outback Regional Gallery: an art gallery that changes around every 6 weeks, displaying art and photography with an outback theme.
2) Legends Exhibition: a fully interactive display room providing everything you wanted to know about Waltzing Matilda and more, as well as other Australiana pieces.
3) The Qantilda Museum (also known as the Regional Museum) with everything from a train, Jeffrey Quad, Qantas displays and household appliances.
The Waltzing Matilda Centre celebrated its 10th anniversary in April 2008. One of the highlights was the specially renovated Billabong Courtyard, which was refurbished to include a ghost explaining his side of Waltzing Matilda.
In addition, you can visit Bladensburg National Park (also known as “Matilda Country” thanks to Patterson being inspired by the area for his poem) and check out quarries where dinosaur artefacts and opals are found. Check out the tourist information for Winton and surrounds for more details.
When to go
September to November provides travellers with the best combination of warmth and sunny skies. After November, it begins to get very hot and potentially wet. The winter months are dry with lovely temperatures around 24 degrees during the day but evenings can be a tad chilly, so bring a jumper.
How to get there
Consider paying homage to the birthplaces of Qantas by catching one of their daily flights from Brisbane to Longreach, or one of several weekly flights from Townsville. You can also experience the enormity of Queensland’s desert by travelling across it in a coach or The Spirit of the Outback train. Any of these options will have you arriving in comfort and style. Once in Longreach, you’ll have no trouble renting a car to visit the sites before you head over to Winton to continue your exploration of the historical and poetic outback.
Accommodation
Longreach: Be treated like a local when you stay at the Old Time Cottage. Sip a cold one on your private verandah and enjoy the laid-back feel of life in the outback. Sleeping five adults, you’ll feel completely at home as you enjoy the privacy of your own yard, and the convenience of being close enough to walk into town. Memorabilia around the cottage gives the place a warm, cosy feel.
Winton
Enjoy the authentic outback pub experience at The North Gregory Hotel/Motel. With a lovely beer garden, pool tables and genuinely friendly people on staff, you’ll feel welcome the moment you step in the door. Lovely spacious rooms with comfortable beds offer accommodation for up to 60 people.
Check out all www.takeabreak.com.au for the very best in Australian holiday accommodation.
Ideal length of visit
Both Longreach and Winton are relaxing weekend breaks. Consider incorporating a couple of days in each into any trek around Queensland.
Further Information
Longreach Visitor Information Centre:
The first building on Eagle Street on the left hand side as you turn off the Landsborough Highway.
Phone: 07 4658 4150
Email: visitinf@longreach.qld.gov.au
Winton’s Visitor Information Centre
Incorporated into the Waltzing Matilda Centre,
Elderslie Street,
Winton QLD 4735
Phone: +61 7 4657 1466
Email: waltzing.matilda@bigpond.com
About the Author - Kylie-Jane Degeling
Is a freelance writer who has lived in Adelaide,Yulara (Uluru), Alice Springs and Canberra, as well as five different countries throughout the world. After backpacking around Australia, she worked as a tour guide in Central Australia, before training for her Commercial Pilot License and working as a flight instructor, scenic flight and charter pilot. She later worked as a travelling IT trainer for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which involved spending time in each of their 16 District Offices around the country on a frequent rotating basis.
Having experienced Australia as a backpacker, tour guide, pilot and business traveler, Kylie now enjoys family holidays with her husband Alex and children Jezzy and Jordan. She says, “I have been lucky to see Australia from a variety of perspectives, and as a travel writer can use this experience to inspire others to find holidays they would enjoy.”
Kylie currently works as a travel writer in addition to being a government writer and columnist for two parenting magazines.
Find out more about Kylie at http://bit.ly/h_experts
