Owner and present day outback pioneer, Richard Kinnon, said they are building a world-class brand that will help give the region a stronger profile so people realise there’s more to Queensland tourism than beaches, reef and rainforests.
“Our region of outback Queensland is somewhere people can come and discover Australia’s pioneering past and their own pioneering spirit,” Richard said.
“Our remoteness is what has shaped the adventurous, resilient spirit over the years and what makes it such a great destination to walk in the footsteps of pioneers and experience what life is really like under our huge outback skies.
“This is the third face of Queensland – rainforests, beach and our outback pioneer heritage.”
Richard stresses that the Kinnon family remains at the heart of the new brand.
“We’re not going anywhere. We’re all still working hard to give guests a genuine taste of the outback,” he said.
The Outback Pioneers experiences, based in Longreach, include the Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience – the only place you can gallop in a stagecoach on an old mail route, the Starlight’s Cruise Experience on the Thomson River, the Nogo Station Experience and the Winton Discovery Experience.
Each of the experiences is packed with essential outback sights and insights – from stockman’s stew and bush poetry by the campfire to sheep-shearing at a historic station, to the story of local heroes Captain Starlight and Banjo Paterson.
Interwoven through it all is the quirky outback sense of humour that the Kinnon family do so well. From the hilarious Harry Redford Old Time Show to crazy ad-lib moments, it’s as much about laughing in the face of adversity as triumphing over it.
Outback Pioneers guests can stay at the Kinnon & Co Outback Accommodation, which includes the deluxe 4½-star Homestead Stables (opened 2016) and 4-star Pioneer Slab Huts (opened 2015) – an attraction in themselves.
This new brand for a tourism business that started in response to drought – as a way for the family of graziers to subsidise their station – demonstrates the Kinnons’ continuing dedication to outback Queensland tourism.
“We started the business ten years ago to subsidise the outback way of life we love but then we got enthusiastic about sharing our life with visitors and creating something special for them here.
“We want to inspire our fellow Australians and our overseas visitors with the heritage of outback Queensland – and educate them on how important this land is to our country – and of course send them away with a smile on their faces,” Richard said.
The Outback Pioneers 2017 brochure will be launched later this month. In the meantime, all the details are on the website at www.outbackpioneers.com.au.
For more media information, images and interviews with Richard Kinnon: contact Lani Pauli 0403 831 583 or lani@kinnonandco.com.au