Longreach Qld
Longreach, wow what a surprise !!! A few days out we were hearing warning over the radio about the potential risk of flooding rains where we were heading. We managed to get to Longreach on the Sunday and didn’t really experience any rain until very early Tuesday morning. Then it did rain!! We were due to leave Longreach on the Thursday and head to Winton which we were told wasn’t a problem, but from Winton to Cloncurry the road was flooded. We decided to stay a extra night in Longreach to allow other travellers to move on. However none of this really impacted out time at Longreach, apart from the river cruise we supposed to do on Monday night that was cancelled due to all the storm warnings around the place. Even though it rained all day Tuesday we spent the whole day at the Qantas Founders Museum which was a really great experience. We started the day with a tour of the planes that they have in there museum – Boeing 747, 707, DC3 and a Super Constellation. This was very interesting and informative and wow I didn’t realise how luxurious some of those old planes used to be. After the hour and a half tour we headed into the Museum to read all about the history of Qantas and how it started from humble beginnings into the giant it is today. There was plenty of old footage in there many little areas to sit and watch interesting snippets about the history of Qantas. We spent a good few hours looking through the museum. We then came back in the evening to watch the Luminescent show, which is projected from the tail of the Boeing 747 and also a couple of the other planes. It is a very 40 minute display which gives a brief history in video of the whole history of Qantas – a must see when in Longreach. A funny little snippet was whilst we were looking at the planes which are covered by an enormous roof there was a waterfall pouring down one section of the roof, Jeff said to the guide wow you’ve even supplied a water feature – her reply was “You know I’ve only ever seen this twice and the first time was only a few weeks ago !!” Longreach having been in drought for the last 9 years!!
The next day we spent the entire day at The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and again Longreach didn’t disappoint!! We did the whole experience which starts with a 30 minute video about the origins of the stockman and Australia’s pioneering history. We were then given iPods that take you on a tour of the the First Nations people, the pioneers and settlers and the jackaroos and jillaroo’s the unsung hero’s of the outback. Using the iPod you go into different sections which you can listen to as many or as little stories that you choose. A great way to learn about the history of our heritage. The displays are amazing. Also included is a live muster which goes for an hour and you hear songs from the Outback as well as witness the unique bond between man and his horse’s and working dogs. A very good and funny show featuring Lachie Cossor Outback Stockman. Great value for money !!
Longreach also offers lots of cafe’s and a great range of fantastic shops that are unique to Longreach.
We have really enjoyed our time here at Longreach and would definitely recommend you put this on your list of places to visit.
Next Stop Winton……….
