Longreach itself is the quintessential outback metropolis and a tribute to life on the land. See pastoralists wandering the streets in search of saddlery, stock feed and machinery in the large range of stores selling rural items. The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame is a tribute to these country folk past and present. Its diverse and enormous collection of memorabilia and informative displays deserve at least a few hours of attention, if not a full day.
Just across the road is the Qantas Founders Museum, which commemorates the founders of this great Australian company that grew to become internationally recognised as a leader in world aviation. Tour a number of decommissioned jets, including a Boeing 707, which was the very first passenger jet owned by Qantas.
Nearby is the Longreach School of Distance Education, which provides an education to students on remote pastoral properties up to 1000 kilometres away via satellite internet. Daily tours through this uniquely Australian educational facility are available.
While in Longreach, make sure you hop aboard a Cobb & Co. stagecoach for a town tour or book a cruise along the mighty Thomson River, some of which are on historic paddle steamers and include a camp oven meal, bush poetry recitation and a sound and light show honouring the infamous bushranger, Captain Starlight. Take up the opportunity to get immersed in the history and the inner workings of an Outback Station, on a a station tour. See the rugged life, natural beauty and passion of the people who make his country their life.
Discover one of Longreach’s best kept secrets at the Powerhouse Museum. Unearth even more local history with exhibits that include the powerhouse generating equipment, displays of social and commercial history, agricultural and road building machinery and the 1921 swimming baths.