Unleash Longreach Holiday
Adult (twin share)
$3999
Solo traveller
$4999
Child 5-14
$3599
Experience the very best of Longreach and Winton in six days.
Immerse yourself in the unique sights, sounds and tastes of outback Queensland. You’ll stay in The Staging Post boutique accommodation in Longreach where pioneer life inspires every detail. Set your imagination free as you ride a stagecoach through the bush, cruise down the Thomson River at sunset for a stockman’s campfire dinner under the stars, and tour across the sunlit plains of working Nogo Station where animals roam and history whispers through the grass. You’ll also venture onwards to remote Winton where dinosaurs once ruled and Waltzing Matilda was born. Expect entertainment, laughter, hearty country fare and genuine outback hospitality.
Starts every Wednesday, April to October. Arrive by Spirit of the Outback train, flight or overland.
Award-winning experiences
Outback Pioneers award-winning signature experiences are the highlights of this holiday. From the Cobb & Co stagecoach ride through the bush, to the Old Time Tent Show, to the Starlight’s Cruise Experience and the Nogo Station Experience there’s never a dull moment! You’ll explore more of the pioneer stories at the Qantas Founders Museum and the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, and you’ll discover your own pioneering spirit as you chat with your hosts around a campfire and adjust your gaze to the boundless landscape and sky.
Wonderful Winton
This holiday gives ample time for a full day in Winton. You’ll travel by air conditioned coach through more outback vistas to the historic outback town beloved of filmmakers and adventurers. In Winton, uncover pre-history at the award-winning Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum with its dramatic Dinosaur Canyon, have lunch at the North Gregory Hotel where Banjo Paterson first performed Waltzing Matilda and visit the distinctive Waltzing Matilda Centre.
Unique accommodation
The Staging Post boutique accommodation is created and managed by the Kinnon family (founders of Outback Pioneers) to capture the spirit of pioneer times while wrapping you in rustic-luxe comfort. It’s situated in the heritage heart of town, set back from the wide street and is whisper-quiet at night. Set your alarm for the day’s activities or listen out for the town crier on certain days!
Meals for outback appetites
Your accommodation is just a couple of minutes walk from the historic The Welcome Home where your hearty outback breakfast, a Stonegrill® Dining Experience and a Country Classics Dinner await in the beautifully restored building with its outback memorabilia. Other meals and smokos are included as part of the experiences.
Getting here is simple
This holiday is a popular addition to a Spirit of the Outback rail journey but you can also hop on a flight (from Brisbane or Townsville) or enjoy slow-travel by car through fascinating outback towns (no 4WD necessary). Just remember to arrange your journey to arrive on Wednesday afternoon or early evening.
Meet your storytellers
From sunrise in the heritage heart of town to sunset and campfire dinner by the river, you’ll live and breathe the real outback with genuine outback people who share the highlights and humour of their world. Few embody the typical outback friendliness, resilience and quirky humour as memorably as the Kinnon family (graziers and founders of Outback Pioneers) and their crew. They’ll show you the real outback through a local’s eyes.
Richard Kinnon
Meet outback characters
Patrick, our Town Crier
Lane Kinnon
Jeremy Kinnon
Itinerary
Wednesday
Arrive in Longreach
Arrive in Longreach and transfer to your accommodation.
Thursday
Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience, Starlight’s Cruise Experience
Start the day with the Cobb and Co Stagecoach Experience including the stagecoach ride on the old Longreach to Windorah mail route, home-baked scones and tea at our cafe, followed by a vintage Aussie movie. At 12pm watch the Old Time Tent Show with a billy-can lunch. Transfer back to your accommodation.
At around 4.30pm, we’ll picked you up and take you to the banks of the Thomson River for our Starlight’s Cruise Experience. It includes a hearty stockman’s dinner around the campfire with bush poetry and the Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show featuring an exclusive movie that celebrates legendary local hero Harry Redford. BYO drinks. [B,MT,L,D]
Friday
Nogo Station Experience, Qantas Founders Museum, Stonegrill® Dining Experience
The first day takes you from your accommodation to the real heart of outback life at the Kinnon’s historic Nogo Station. Be inspired and entertained by stories of pioneering life and working station reality with your Outback Pioneers host. Marvel at the merino story in the historic shearing sheds. Experience the incredible station safari in an open-top, double-decker bus. Visit Captain Starlight’s stockyards and have a traditional saddlebag lunch under the gum trees.
Transfer to the Qantas Founders Museum (entry included). Take your time to enjoy the museum and 90-minute Jet Tour. Time to freshen up before your Stonegrill® dining experience at The Welcome Home. [B,L,D]
Saturday
Winton Discovery Day Tour
It’s a 6.35am start for a full-day tour to Winton. Visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum, Dinosaur Canyon and March of the Titanosaurs exhibition plus the Waltzing Matilda Centre. Enjoy lunch at the historic North Gregory Hotel and take a stroll down the Main Street before returning to Longreach. Dine at The Welcome Home restaurant in the evening. [B,MT,L,D]
Sunday
Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
Visit the iconic Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the five galleries before lunch at the museum café (at your own cost). Return to your accommodation and decide on dinner. Try a local restaurant or order takeaway... [B]
Monday
Departure
Pack and say goodbye to Longreach. We can transfer you to the station or airport. You’ll be leaving with amazing memories and we hope you’ll be back! [B]
Adult (twin share)
$3999
Solo traveller
$4999
Child 5-14
$3599
What's included?
- 5 nights in Outback Pioneers 4-star heritage accommodation
- Nogo Station Experience with your Kinnon family guide
- Starlight’s Cruise Experience
- Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience (including the Old Time Tent Show)
- Winton Discovery Day Tour with entry to Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum and Waltzing Matilda Centre
- Entry to Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
- Entry to Qantas Founders Museum
- The Stonegrill Dining Experience
- Country Classics Dining
- Lunch at North Gregory Hotel (Winton)
- 5 full breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, smoko as shown on tours
- Transfer from station or airport
- Hosting and escorting by Outback Pioneers crew
Act now. Places are limited.
"*" indicates required fields
“Do yourself a favour and go on this wonderful jam-packed holiday with Outback Pioneers. Terrific welcoming family company…”
PM NealFAQs
Can I start the holiday on a different day?
Our itineraries have been designed to fit with train arrivals and our experience days so you get the most out of your time here. If the arrival day doesn’t suit you, you can create your own similar holiday by booking accommodation and experiences separately or call our friendly staff who can work out an itinerary for you.
Dietary options
If you let us know when you book, we can make sure your special dietary needs are catered for throughout the holiday.
Is the holiday suitable for children?
Yes, most children over the age of five enjoy the experiences. We advise parents that the Winton Discovery Day Tour is a 2-hour coach ride each way – you are the best judge of whether their child will handle this happily. Younger children are welcome with their parent(s) but we do not have specific entertainment for the little ones.
Which cards count as concession cards?
We only accept Australian Pensioner Concession Cards. For holidays with Queensland Rail, Australian Pension Concession Card holders, Government Senior Card holders, Queensland Pension Concession Card holders and Queensland Government Senior Card holders may be entitled to concession fares.
Is the accommodation wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately we do not currently have any wheelchair accessible rooms but plan to include one in later phases of development.
Can we bring our dog?
Unfortunately, we do not allow dogs, apart from certified assistance dogs, in our accommodation. If you have your own motorhome or caravan, your pet is allowed at Longreach Tourist Park (but not in their cabins) and we can arrange a similar itinerary for you.