2024 Outback Pioneers Tour and Experiences Brochure

Become an outback pioneer as you explore outback Queensland and live this truly iconic part of Australia’s story. Unleash your pioneering spirit!

2024 season

Unique outback experiences

Heritage-themed accommodation

Traditional hospitality

A warm welcome

YOUR UNLEASH

PIONEERING SPIRIT IT’S NOT JUST A HOLIDAY. IT’S AN OUTBACK LIFE EXPERIENCE! Outback Pioneers invites you to come to Longreach and be inspired by a place where beauty is nature’s backdrop, where Australian legends loom large and where humour defies the challenges of bush life.

Every Outback Pioneers experience is a doorway to a different time and place. Here, your days and your dreams are infused with the magic of outback dust and stories told around generations of camp-fires. Larger-thanlife landscapes and characters, pioneer travel and wooly yarns, domestic traditions and distant horizons… These timeless adventures draw you into a forgotten world of simple pleasures and brave heritage.

Our experiences have won multiple cultural tourism awards and inspired our guests to award us TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice award for the past six years.

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At the heart of it all is the Kinnon family, local graziers who started their outback tourism business in 2006.

What was initially a way to survive tough times of drought, quickly became a passion for sharing and preserving the outback way of life and its history.

This is an opportunity to live the outback with people who still tend the horses, muster the sheep, fix the fences and love their station lifestyle and heritage.

Jump in with both feet and spend a few days being part of our outback pioneering world.

It’s inspiring. It’s insightful. It’s frequently dusty. It’s often hilarious. It’s always uniquely outback Australia!

WHEN TO COME

Our experiences run from April to October. The peak season is June to August when people escape the southern winter.

We recommend April, May, September or October, if you prefer things a little less busy. Whenever you come, you can expect warm sunny days. In the mid-winter months, the mornings are crisp and the evenings can get quite cold. Check out our experience days and itineraries before you lock in your arrival date.

WHAT TO BRING

Comfortable clothes and shoes are the order of the day. It can be dusty, especially on the stagecoach, so bring things that can take it tough! Pack a warm jacket for winter evenings, and sunglasses and a hat for our sunny days. Layers of clothes are good in winter when temperatures range from single digits overnight to the high-20s later in the day.

GETTING HERE

Unlike the early settlers who battled treacherous journeys of many weeks to reach the region, today’s visitors can get here in a few hours flight from Brisbane, by leisurely train journey or on a fascinating road-trip in a family car. Outback Pioneers is based in Longreach, which is 1,175km north west of Brisbane and 650km west of Rockhampton.

Here are some options for getting here: RAIL: Queensland Rail’s ‘Spirit of the Outback’ train makes the journey from Brisbane via Rockhampton twice a week. It’s a 25-hour journey with the outback slowly unfolding outside your window. See page 13 for details of our Unleash Longreach Holiday departure with return first-class rail travel.

AIR: Those with less time to spare can fly in on daily Qantas flights from Brisbane, which take 2–3 hours, or Rex Air flights from Townsville via Winton twice a week.

ROAD: You don’t need a 4WD vehicle and a leisurely drive is a great way to see and support our outback towns. Routes include via Roma on the Warrego Highway from Brisbane, or via Rockhampton and the Capricorn Highway. Allow plenty of time, fill up with fuel when you’re in towns and enjoy the adventure!

BUS: Greyhound Australia has a bus route from Rockhampton with connections from other towns along the east coast.

Bus Queensland takes the inland route from Brisbane through to Longreach and beyond.

COACH TOUR OPERATORS: A number of holiday operators include us on their tours. Please ask us for any options from your area.

Townsville Cloncurry

Charters Towers

ACCOMMODATION

Mt Isa

Winton LONGREACH

Rockhampton

Barcaldine Emerald

Charleville

Roma Toowoomba

We have our own 3.5-star and 4-star, heritage-inspired accommodation rich with pioneering touches. See page 16.

Longreach also has caravan parks if you need a space to unhitch the van.

Make sure you allow enough time to settle into outback pace and immerse yourself in the full experience – you have to live it to appreciate it!

BRISBANE 1,175 km

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OUTBACK PIONEERS

Experiences YOU NEED TO ALLOW AT LEAST FIVE DAYS IN LONGREACH TO EXPERIENCE ALL THE ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES IN THIS HISTORIC OUTBACK TOWN.

OUTBACK PIONEERS EXPERIENCES ARE A CHANCE TO LIVE AND BREATHE THE EXPERIENCES OF PIONEERS AND PRESENT-DAY GRAZIERS, WITH ALL THE SIGHTS, SOUNDS, SMELLS AND TASTES THAT DEFINE OUR REGION. They are something you can only experience here and you need to do them all! Each draws you deeper into just what it means to be a pioneer and how the wide-open, remote country shapes our Australian story. You’ll discover a different reality, have good old-fashioned fun and take away memories that will change you forever.

UNIQUELY AUSTRALIAN * UNFORGETTABLE! INSPIRING * EDUCATIONAL * QUIRKY 2

OUTBACKPIONEERS.COM.AU

Get a genuine taste of the pioneering past and our present outback life at a real working station.

NOGO STATION EXPERIENCE Outback history and working station come together at Nogo Station, once part of the famous Bowen Downs Station. Live the pioneering spirit as you experience an insider’s view of station life. It’s entertaining, educational and full of outback yarns! Meet the merinos and hear the merino story in the historic woolsheds. Come on the station water-run to check the stock’s water supplies. You’ll be travelling by open-top, double-decker bus, which crosses the vast sunlit plains where wedge-tailed eagles fly and local wildlife mingles with iconic cattle breeds and stock-horses. Keep cameras handy for outback camels, kangaroos, emus, wild donkeys and more. See the ruins of Captain Starlight’s stockyards and learn about his fantastic journey that started right here. Then share a saddlebag lunch under the gum trees in true outback style.

Your 4-hour experience includes: Station visit brought to life by your Outback Pioneers’ host The merino story in historic woolsheds Station water-run tour including Captain Starlight sites Animal-spotting Saddlebag lunch under the gum trees Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.

135

$

PP

DEPARTURES Tuesdays and Fridays at 7.45am April to October

Save 10% when you buy a LIVE-IT Saver Pass (see back).

Book online or call

07 4658 1776 BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Physical rating: Easy c \ X b

NOGO STATION EXPERIENCE

Adult $135 | Concession $130 | Child 5–14 $105 | Child 0–4 Free | Family (2A+2C) $435 3

SIDESPLITTING

Come see

THE HORSE WITH SITS TAIL WHERE IT HEAD SHOULD BE! WHEN

Showing MONDAY TO FRIDAY

LIVE THEATRE WHERE

Kinnon & Co’s The Station Store 126 EAGLE ST. LONGREACH

TIME

Tent door opens 12 NOON

RESERVATIONS ESSENTIAL. PLEASE CALL 07 4658 1776.

BOOK ONLINE OR VISIT OUTBACK PIONEERS BOOKING OFFICE 128 EAGLE STREET, LONGREACH. (included in the Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience)

OLD TIME TENT SHOW 4

Adult $30 | Concession $25 | Child 5–14 $20 | Infant 0–4 Free

This is the only place in Australia where you can live pioneer reality with a gallop in a Cobb & Co stagecoach.

COBB & CO STAGECOACH EXPERIENCE When your Cobb & Co stagecoach sets off on the original mail route to Windorah along bush tracks, you’ll be seeing through pioneers’ eyes and experiencing something very close to what they would have experienced. Then hold onto your hat for the gallop through the bush as the coach creaks, the harnesses jangle and we leave clouds of dust in our wake! Back in the Cobb & Co courtyard, you’ll watch the hilarious Old Time Tent Show – a tribute to the old travelling shows with slapstick, mayhem and animal antics – enjoy a traditional ‘smoko’ and catch a classic bush movie.

Your 4-hour experience includes: 45-minute stagecoach ride (bush mail route) Smoko (morning tea) Old Time Tent Show* (1-hour) Billy-can Lunch – optional extra Australian classic bush movie. * May be purchased separately Physical rating: Easy c \ X

COBB & CO STAGECOACH EXPERIENCE

135

$

PP

DEPARTURES Monday–Friday from 8.30am April to October

Save 10% when you buy a LIVE-IT Saver Pass (see back cover).

Book online or call

07 4658 1776 BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Adult $135 | Concession $130 | Child 5–14 $105 | Child 0–4 Free | Family (2A+2C) $435 5

The Pride of the Murray is a priceless asset for outback tourism and part of our national heritage.

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Preserve our heritage Donate to the Pride of the Murray Restoration Fund.

WE ARE RESTORING THE PRIDE OF THE MURRAY AS A UNIQUE OUTBACK ATTRACTION TO INSPIRE FUTURE GENERATIONS WITH HER PIONEER RIVERBOAT STORIES. HELP US PROTECT THE FUTURE OF THIS ICON ON THE BANK OF THE THOMSON RIVER.

DONATE HERE

outbackpioneers.com.au/lp/pride-of-the-murray 6

Cruise the Thomson River, enjoy a stockman’s campfire dinner under the stars and meet local legends.

STARLIGHT’S CRUISE EXPERIENCE Step aboard the historic Thomson Belle paddlewheeler or Thomson Princess riverboat for Longreach’s original sunset Thomson River cruise – a must-do for every visitor to Longreach. Enjoy a fascinating commentary and endless photo opportunities before we go ashore for a stockman’s camp-fire dinner, entertainment and bush poetry. Then, watch the Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show – an exclusive big-screen presentation featuring the adventures of cattle thief ‘Captain Starlight’. Finally, enjoy billy tea and damper under the stars.

Your 4-hour experience includes: Cruise on one of our riverboats (nibbles included, BYO alcohol, brewed soft drinks available to purchase) Traditional stockman’s campfire dinner (2 courses) with live entertainment and bush poetry Billy tea and damper Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show Transfers to and from your accommodation.

Physical rating: Easy

135

$

PP

DEPARTURES Monday–Saturday from 4.30pm April to October

Save 10% when you buy a LIVE-IT Saver Pass (see back cover).

Book online or call

07 4658 1776 BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

P c \ X b

Pride of the Murray viewing option Choose 3pm departure Watch sunset from Pride of the Murray deck Rejoin evening itinerary $20 supplement Physical rating: Good mobility needed

STARLIGHT’S CRUISE EXPERIENCE

Adult $135 | Concession $130 | Child 5–14 $105 | Child 0–4 Free | Family (2A+2C) $435 7

Travel deeper into outback history where dinosaurs roamed and Waltzing Matilda was born.

WINTON DISCOVERY DAY TOUR It’s an early start for a full-day tour to Winton, one of the outback’s most fascinating destinations. Visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum for a guided tour including the new Dinosaur Canyon.

The distinctive Waltzing Matilda Centre is a highlight. Enjoy lunch in the historic North Gregory Hotel where ‘Waltzing Matilda’ was first performed. Catch some of the other sights in town before heading back to Longreach.

Your full-day experience includes: Air-conditioned coach travel

Entry to Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum including the Dinosaur Canyon

Entry to Waltzing Matilda Centre Lunch at the legendary North Gregory Hotel Visit Winton Opal Gems Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation.

275

$

PP

DEPARTURES Saturdays from 6.30am April to October

Book online or call

07 4658 1776 BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

Physical rating: Easy c \ X b

WINTON DISCOVERY DAY TOUR 8

Adult $275 | Concession $270 | Child 5–14 $175 | Infant 0–4 Free | Family (2A+2C) $810

OUTBACK PIONEERS

HOLIDAYS OUR OUTBACK PIONEERS HOLIDAYS FEATURE INSPIRING ITINERARIES AND OUR HERITAGE-THEMED OUTBACK ACCOMMODATION. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS GET HERE! Whether you want a short break or a longer stay with everything, including a Winton day tour, we’ve put together itineraries that include all our award-winning experiences and make sure you get a full dose of outback joy and inspiration while you’re here.

The holidays are escorted by the Kinnon family and crew who welcome you with warm and relaxed outback hospitality. We promise you a heartfelt and humorous perspective on outback life, legends, heritage and heroes. Discover your inner pioneer as you live, breathe and taste the real outback.

UNIQUELY AUSTRALIAN * UNFORGETTABLE! INSPIRING * EDUCATIONAL * QUIRKY

OUTBACKPIONEERS.COM.AU 9

Come to outback Queensland to live Australia’s pioneering spirit from daybreak to starlight!

LONGREACH STORYTELLING HOLIDAY

The stories of Longreach are stories of pioneers and poets, of larrikins and immense landscapes, of wool and wildlife. Become part of the story for a few unforgettable days as you leave your city self at the heritage accommodation door.

2 nights at The Staging Post – our heritage-inspired accommodation Nogo Station Experience with your Outback Pioneers host Starlight’s Cruise Experience with stockman’s dinner and Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience including a backstage pass The Stonegrill® Dining Experience Entry to Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum 2 full breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 1 smoko.

All transfers including pick-up and drop-off at the airport Fully hosted and escorted by your Outback Pioneers crew.

3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS INCLUDING

VIP GIFT

Commences every Monday and Wednesday (April–October)

LONGREACH STORYTELLING HOLIDAY 10

Adult (twin-share) $1599 | Solo traveller $2049 | Child 5–14 $1349

Be inspired by outstanding experiences, natural wonders, outback towns and heritage-themed accommodation

WEEKENDER OUT West HOLIDAY

Unleash yourself from the routine weekend. Head west for four fascinating days in Longreach and Winton.

You’ll be inspired by outstanding experiences, natural wonders, outback towns and heritage-themed 3.5 and 4-star accommodation.

3 nights at The Staging Post – our heritage-inspired accommodation Winton Discovery Day Tour with Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum, Dinosaur Canyon and Waltzing Matilda Centre Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience including a backstage pass Starlight’s Cruise Experience with stockman’s dinner and Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show Entry to Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum The Station Store shopping emporium The Stonegrill® Dining Experience at the historic The Welcome Home 3 big country buffet breakfasts, 2 morning teas, 2 lunches, 3 dinners All transfers including pick-up and drop-off at the airport Fully hosted and escorted by your Outback Pioneers crew.

4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS INCLUDING

WINTON

Commences every Friday (April–October)

WEEEKENDER OUT WEST HOLIDAY

Adult (twin-share) $2399 | Solo traveller $3039 | Child 5–14 $1959 11

Join us for an inspirational itinerary with all our experiences and other local attractions included.

THE ULTIMATE WAY TO unleash longreach Delve deep into the outback and its history with six days of pioneering adventures. With all the Outback Pioneers experiences and our heritage-themed accommodation included, you’ll share the life, share the laughter and embrace the never-ending landscape.

5 nights in our 3.5-star or 4-star heritage-inspired accommodation (see page 16) Nogo Station Experience with your Kinnon family guide Starlight’s Cruise Experience with campfire dinner and Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience Winton Discovery Day Tour with Australian Age of Dinosaurs INCLUDING museum, Dinosaur Canyon and Waltzing Matilda Centre The Station Store shopping emporium The Stonegrill® Dining Experience Entry to Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame Entry to Qantas Founders Museum and Airpark Tour All breakfasts, 3 dinners, 2 smokos, 3 lunches VIP gift and Welcome Pack (value $100) Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice award for the past 6 years.

Fully escorted by Outback Pioneers.

6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS

WINTON

Commences every Wednesday (April–October)

UNLEASH LONGREACH HOLIDAY 12

Adult (twin-share) $2999 | Solo traveller $3949 | Child 5–14 $2549

Your pioneering adventure is an unforgettable taste of outback Queensland.

6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS ITINERARY WEDNESDAY Check in after 3pm at The Staging Post. Your VIP gift and Welcome Pack will be waiting for you. In the early evening you will be welcomed by your Outback Pioneers host to meet your fellow travellers with a cuppa and home-baked biscuit.

THURSDAY Climb aboard for your Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience, including the stagecoach ride on the old Longreach to Windorah mail route, home-baked scones and tea in our tearoom, followed by a classic Australian movie. Enjoy a billy-can lunch while you watch the Old Time Tent Show. Afterwards, browse The Station Store outback emporium for gifts and souvenirs. At around 4.30pm, transfer to the Thomson River for our Starlight’s Cruise Experience. The cruise is followed by a hearty stockman’s dinner around the campfire with bush poetry then the Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show. BYO. [B,MT,L,D] FRIDAY We’ll pick you up for the Nogo Station Experience. You’ll soon be out in the bush at the Kinnons’ historic station. Your Outback Pioneers’ host will take you on an insiders’ journey of station life, including the merino story in the woolsheds, Captain Starlight’s stockyards, and a ‘water run’ including outback animal spotting by open-top double decker bus. Finish with a saddlebag lunch and billy-tea around the gidgee campfire. At midday, transfer to the Qantas Founders Museum to discover the early history of flight and tour the Airpark. Relax at your accommodation before meeting at The Welcome Home restaurant for your Stonegrill® Dining Experience. BYO. [B,L,D] SATURDAY Marvel at the magnificent ancient landscape enroute to Winton. Your Winton Discovery Day Tour includes the award-winning Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum including the Dinosaur Canyon, and the landmark Waltzing Matilda Centre. Enjoy lunch at the historic North Gregory Hotel and an afternoon of sights before heading back to Longreach. A hearty Country Classics dinner awaits at The Welcome Home restaurant. BYO. [B,MT,L,D]

SUNDAY It’s a leisurely start with a gourmet continental breakfast in your room. At 9.15am transfer to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame to explore the five galleries before lunch at the museum café (own cost). Relax in the afternoon and choose where to enjoy dinner for your last night in town. [B] Monday Check out. Choose one of our self-guided local heritage walks or explore Longreach’s Eagle Street for last minute gifts and fabulous souvenirs before transferring to the train station or airport. [B]

UNLEASH LONGREACH with rail travel Add Spirit of the Outback first-class rail travel for an amazing 8-night experience of a lifetime. Limited numbers.

Return travel from $3477 (twin share)*.

Departure dates ex Brisbane April – October: Please contact us as departures vary.

PHONE 07 4658 1776 for more details and pricing.

*Queensland rail discounts may apply

Note: [B] Breakfast, [MT] Morning tea/smoko, [L] Lunch, [D] Dinner.

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past and present

LONGREACH WHERE 1001 STORIES MEET

Image courtesy of the State Library of Queensland

When you roll into town you’ll know you’re really in the outback. Wide streets, heritage buildings and folks who have time for a chat – slow down, change gear and get ready to explore a different world.

UNIQUELY AUSTRALIAN * UNFORGETTABLE! INSPIRING * EDUCATIONAL * QUIRKY

OUTBACKPIONEERS.COM.AU 14

GET TO KNOW THE REGION

DON’T MISS A THING

Our region was originally home to the Iningai, Malintji and Kuungkari people. It was settled by early pioneers from Europe in the 1860s.

As well as the Outback Pioneers experiences, there are other fascinating attractions in town.

In the mid-20th century, Longreach was long-known as ‘The Wool Capital of Australia’. Wool is still an important local industry for the surrounding stations, along with cattle when the rainy season fulfills its promise and the Mitchell grass grows.

The town is also famous as the home of national airline Qantas, started by pioneering aviators McGinness and Fysh. It’s Banjo Paterson country and is the haunt of infamous cattle-duffer Harry Redford (aka Captain Starlight) who operated from Bowen Downs Station.

Today, Longreach and Winton have embraced tourism and are attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year with inventive and memorable experiences.

The Qantas Founders Museum celebrates the pioneers of flight with its interactive exhibits and the opportunity to step inside restored planes from the different eras of flight.

The Luminescent Longreach experience is a must-do.

The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame is a famous local landmark and has five museum galleries, plus daytime and evening shows.

Taking a walk in the early morning or late afternoon you’ll experience Longreach at its photogenic best, in golden light – look out for flocks of corellas, wandering kangaroos or emus and a wealth of old Queenslander homes. The Botanic Walk between town and the Qantas Founders Museum is a delightful 2.5km stroll and is illuminated at night.

The Powerhouse Museum and School of Distance Education both reveal other interesting aspects of our pioneering outback life.

YOUR OUTPOST WITH EVERYTHING We have all the shops and services you need including caravan parks, supermarkets, clothes shops, gift shops, pharmacy, newsagent, restaurants, pubs and cafés. There are petrol stations and mechanical services for drivers, plus medical and dental facilities, if you need them. Longreach has a small hospital and is serviced by the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Please support local outback businesses on your journey and in town – remote regions really appreciate your business.

To discover everything there is to do in Longreach visit Outback Pioneers’ booking office at 128 Eagle Street. You’re welcome to use our free Wi-Fi too.

Jabiru St

Winton (179km) Thomson River Nogo Station

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Longreach Botanic Walkway (2.5km)

Ilfracombe Rd

Landsborough Highway

Wompoo Rd

Iningai Nature Reserve

Stork Rd

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McGinness’ Restaurant (breakfast and lunch)

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Longreach Powerhouse St Museum Visitor Information Centre

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LONGREACH AIRPORT

Longreach Railway Station

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Our unique accommodation is situated in the heritage heart of Eagle Street!

STAY with us AT THE STAGING POST A DREAM IS TAKING SHAPE IN THE HEART OF LONGREACH. THE KINNON FAMILY HAVE DESIGNED THIS UNIQUE ACCOMMODATION AS PART OF A HERITAGE PRECINCT WHERE YOU CAN LIVE THE PIONEER PAST.

THE STABLES | THE COACH INN THE STAGING POST IS OPEN YEAR-ROUND 16

Stay where the pioneer influence is everywhere. Boutique, outback-inspired accommodation.

WHERE THE STORY COMES TO LIFE

EVERYTHING IS CLOSE BY

To really live the outback pioneering story, you need to immerse yourself from dawn to nightfall in our world. It’s the difference between being a tourist and really experiencing the spirit of the place.

Reception for the accommodation is in The Welcome Home, a heritage building with a long tradition of welcoming travellers.

You’ll also find yourself back there for a big, country-style breakfast buffet, a morning coffee or snack (Monday–Saturday in the April–October season).

That’s the philosophy behind The Staging Post accommodation.

From the courtyard with its vintage vehicles to the details of your room, you may feel you’ve just stepped off a stagecoach in the 1920s.

With a lot of ingenuity from our design and building team, we’ve created accommodation that tells tales of the past but gives you all the comfort you expect in the present.

You’ll know you’re in the outback and just staying here is an experience in itself.

Here on Eagle Street you’re not only convenient for Outback Pioneers experiences but close to restaurants, cafés, bakery, newsagents, supermarket and pioneer shopping at The Station Store.

You’re central enough to hear the town crier in the morning and the stagecoach clip-clopping past but also still very much in the quiet of the outback when night falls.

A hundred years slipping away seems quite possible here...

Enjoy Longreach’s best big country-buffet breakfast at The Welcome Home, Monday–Saturday during the April to October season.

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The Staging Post

THE STABLES

WHERE IMAGINATION MEETS HISTORY You’ll fill your days with discovery and dream pioneer dreams. Each room at The Staging Post features its own small journey of insight with outback artwork, vintage finds and nods to pioneer life. The Stables rooms are our signature 4-star choice – the ultimate place to hang your outback hat.

It wasn’t unusual in the days of the stagecoach for the stable hand to bed-down with the horses.

There are no horses in these stables but plenty of reminders of a time when transport was horse-drawn and travel was always a seat-gripping adventure.

The Stables rooms surround a courtyard garden with landscaping. There is vehicle access for loading and unloading and free street parking.

Reception is at Outback Pioneers’ The Welcome Home building across the street.

THE STABLES DELUXE TRIPLE ROOM

There’s everything you need to make tea or coffee (including milk in the disguised fridge!) plus a microwave for light meals and snacks. All rooms have TV and free Wi-Fi.

DELUXE TRIPLE ROOM Peak season Off-peak season

$279* $259*

*based on 2 guests. Extra guest at $20 per night

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THE STABLES FAMILY ROOM

Enjoy self-catering facilities in a choice of family rooms with different sleeping configurations. See the room plan on our website to be sure you choose a suitable option for your family or travel group.

FAMILY ROOM 1 queen bed, 1 single bed Coffee, tea, light meal facilities 14 ROOMS AVAILABLE

Peak season Off-peak season

$319* $299*

*based on 4 guests. Extra guest at $20 per night

1 queen bed, 3 single beds Self-catering facilities 2 ROOM LAYOUTS AVAILABLE

The Staging Post

THE COACH INN

OUTBACK STYLE IN COMFORT When the stagecoach rolled into town, every staging post town had an inn for weary travellers. The Coach Inn welcomes today’s guests, whatever their means of transport, with comfortable self-contained rooms. The Coach Inn is atmospheric and practical – a comfortable choice tucked away beside the Cobb & Co courtyard.

The heritage-inspired decor reminds you that you’re in outback pioneering country and your breakfast awaits next door at The Welcome Home (April–October, Monday–Saturday).

The Coach Inn rooms have the advantage of a kitchenette where you can self cater, if you choose.

There’s also a shared outdoor eating and gathering area with tables.

Parking is behind the complex in Magpie Lane. Reception is at The Welcome Home.

Perfect for business travellers too. All our accommodation is open year-round.

THE COACH INN

SELF-CONTAINED ACCOMMODATION

All Coach Inn rooms are air-conditioned, have a queen bed, an ensuite, a walk-in robe, TV and free Wi-Fi. The kitchenette is a popular feature with guests who like to self-cater for some of their meals.

THE COACH INN Peak season Off-peak season The Welcome Home dining room

$189 $169

Suits solo or couples, twin beds not available.

1 queen bed Self-catering facilities 8 ROOMS AVAILABLE 19

This historic building has made people welcome for almost 100 years.

say g’day AT the welcome home WHETHER YOU’RE DROPPING INTO OUR BOOKING OFFICE OR GETTING A HEARTY OUTBACK FEED, THIS IS THE HUB OF OUR OUTBACK PIONEERING WORLD. If you haven’t booked your Outback Pioneers experiences before arriving in Longreach, don’t be shy, pop on by. We’ll tell you all the best things to see and do in the region and arrange your tickets for our unique experiences. You can put your feet up in ‘The Parlour’ and delve into our range of books and information on the area.

Shrug off the dust of your journey and come down to the far end of Eagle Street where you can stay in our heritage accommodation, shop at the amazing The Station Store and get all the Longreach information you need from our booking office and accommodation reception at The Welcome Home. Beautifully restored, The Welcome Home also dishes up some of the best outback food you’ll come across in your travels.

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You’ll never go hungry with our wonderful array of outback food.

From breakfast to bedtime, our atmospheric eatery in heritage surroundings serves great outback fare inspired by the big appetites of station hands, shearers and hungry visitors!

COUNTRY BUFFET BREAKFAST

6.30am–9.00am Monday–Saturday

THE WELCOME HOME TEAROOMS 9.00am–3.00pm Monday–Friday

Our huge country buffet breakfast has something for everyone.

Take your pick from hot porridge for winter mornings, hearty eggs and bacon, chunky toast with home-made preserves, fruits, home-made muesli and more.

This is your go-to spot for freshly-baked scones, jam and cream, home-baked biscuits, coffee, tea and soft-drinks. Meet your friends and family, use the free Wi-Fi, make plans and soak in the atmosphere.

Adult: $29

Available weekdays

| Child 5–14: $19

COUNTRY CLASSICS DINING

6.00pm–9.00pm Wednesday and Saturday

STONEGRILL DINING EXPERIENCE

6.00pm–9.00pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

The evening takes its inspiration from homestead kitchens and Country Women’s Association favourites. Enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat roast dinner buffet with country desserts for an inclusive price! BYO alcohol, non-alcoholic drinks available.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

Choose your hot-stone meat or vegetarian option, load your plate with sides, follow with the all-you-can-eat homestead dessert bar and take your time to enjoy an outback evening a stockman would trade his horse for! BYO alcohol, non-alcoholic drinks available. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL.

Adult: $49 | Child 5–14: $29

Adult: $69 | Child 5–14: $49

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are always available.

From April–October we are open Monday–Saturday, 6.30am–9.00pm. The Welcome Home Restaurant and Tearoom is closed November–March.

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Discover how pioneers shopped and take home outback treasures.

experience our shopping emporium NOT JUST AN INCREDIBLE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE BUT AN OUTBACK PIONEER LIFE EXPERIENCE! You’ve probably never been in a shop quite like this! Stepping through the door of the heritage 1920s building, you are stepping back in time to when outback stores sold everything and were the focus of much excitement for families taking a trip into town from far-flung stations.

Visit us at 126 Eagle Street Open Monday–Friday, 8.30am–5.00pm. Saturday 9.00am–1.00pm.

Shop online thestationstore.com.au

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Buy local and share the outback spirit with our amazing range of gifts.

Enter another world where we’ve re-created the atmosphere of a traditional outback store.

Discover the stories of outback wares and our pioneer past.

WHAT WILL YOU CHOOSE? You’ll need plenty of time to explore the rooms piled high with outback clothing, stockman’s supplies, robust leatherware, hats and boots, merino wool garments, country homewares, haberdashery, toys, books, souvenirs and local crafts. And don’t miss the largest collection of domestic irons in the southern hemisphere!

23

PLAN YOUR LONGREACH ADVENTURE

See at a glance what your options are – the prices, the ‘Live-it’ pass, the inclusive holidays, the extras – and the day-planner to make sure you’re here long enough to enjoy it all!

You can discover more about our experiences and holidays at outbackpioneers.com.au Alternatively, give us a call for friendly advice on getting the most from your stay in Longreach and for help with designing an itinerary to suit you. Please book early to be sure of your dates – our experiences fill up fast on certain days and at peak times.

Your options at a glance HALF-DAY EXPERIENCES See pages 3–8

Adult

Concession

Child 5–14

Infant 0–4

Family 2A+2C

COBB & CO STAGECOACH EXPERIENCE From 8.30am NOGO STATION EXPERIENCE From 7.45am STARLIGHT’S CRUISE EXPERIENCE From 4.30pm

$135 $135 $135

$130 $130 $130

$105 $105 $105

Free Free Free

$435 $435 $435

$364.50

$364.50

$283.50

Free

–

$275

$270

$175

Free

$810

OLD TIME TENT SHOW 12 noon–1.00pm weekdays

$30

$25

$20

Free

–

HOLIDAYS See pages 9–13

Adult

Solo traveller

Child 5–14

Infant 0–4

Family 2A+2C

LONGREACH STORYTELLING 3-DAYS/2-NIGHTS ground itinerary (Mon or Wed).

$1599

$2049

$1349

–

–

WEEKENDER OUT WEST 4-DAYS/3-NIGHTS ground itinerary (Fri-Mon).

$2399

$3039

$1959

–

–

UNLEASH LONGREACH 6-DAYS/5-NIGHTS ground itinerary (Wed-Mon).

$2999

$3949

$2549

–

–

LIVE-IT SAVER PASS – 3 half-day experiences. See back cover. SAVE 10% WINTON DISCOVERY DAY TOUR From 6.30am (Longreach–Winton–Longreach)

ACTIVITIES See page 4

UNLEASH LONGREACH 8-DAYS/7-NIGHTS with rail travel. Includes 2 nights first-class sleeper rail travel ex Brisbane. # Australian Seniors Card 10% discount applies to adult rail fare only.

Dates and pricing vary. Please enquire.

DINING Vegetarian and gluten-free options available. See page 21

Adult

Concession

Child 5–14

Infant 0–4

Family 2A+2C

STONEGRILL® DINING EXPERIENCE at The Welcome Home Restaurant Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings (6.00pm–9.00pm)

$69

–

$49

–

–

COUNTRY CLASSICS DINING at The Welcome Home Restaurant Wednesday and Saturday evenings (6.00pm–9.00pm)

$49

–

$39

–

–

COUNTRY BUFFET BREAKFAST at The Welcome Home Restaurant Monday–Saturday (6.30am–9.00am)

$29

–

$19

–

–

BILLY-CAN LUNCH A hearty bush sandwich, home-baked biscuit, brewed soft drink and piece of fresh fruit – all served in a traditional billy-can (Mon–Fri)

$15

–

$15

–

–

Peak rate per room night

Off-peak per room night

Extra guest per night

THE STABLES DELUXE ROOM Sleeps 3 (self-catering)

$279

$259

$20

THE STABLES FAMILY ROOM Sleeps 5 (self-catering)

$319

$299

$20

THE COACH INN ROOM Sleeps 2 (self-catering with kitchenette)

$189

$169

–

THE STAGING POST ACCOMMODATION See pages 16–19

24

BOOK ONLINE OUTBACKPIONEERS.COM.AU Advance booking is recommended for all our experiences and holidays.

Booking for a group? Call 1300 819 968 Day planner THINGS TO DO (April–October)

M

T

W

T

F

COBB & CO STAGECOACH EXPERIENCE From 8.30am (Mon–Fri)

AM

AM

AM

AM

AM

NOGO STATION EXPERIENCE From 7.45am–11.45am (Tue, Fri) STARLIGHT’S CRUISE EXPERIENCE From 4.30pm–9.00pm. BYO. (Mon–Sat) WINTON DISCOVERY DAY TOUR 6.30am–4.00pm (Sat only) Monday departure is on request &

AM

PM

PM

S

S

Phone: 07 4658 1776 Email: reservations@outbackpioneers.com.au outbackpioneers.com.au

AM

PM

PM

PM

4

Outback Pioneers Booking Office 128 Eagle Street, Longreach

PM

4

&

OLD TIME TENT SHOW From 12 noon–1.00pm (Mon–Fri)

4

4

4

4

4

LIVE-IT SAVER PASS 3 experiences. Select your days

4

4

4

4

4

4

UNLEASH LONGREACH HOLIDAY 6-days. Arrival Wednesday

4

4

4

4

4

4

WEEKENDER OUT WEST HOLIDAY 4-days. Arrival Friday

4

4

4

4

LONGREACH STORYTELLING HOLIDAY 3-days. Arrival Monday or Wednesday

4

4

4

4

4

DINING

M

T

W

T

F

S

S

COUNTRY CLASSICS DINING 6.00pm–9.00pm. BYO. (Wed, Sat)

PM

STONEGRILL DINING EXPERIENCE 6.00pm–9.00pm. BYO. (Tue Thu, Fri)

What our guests say

PM

®

PM

PM

AM

AM

AM

AM

AM

BILLY-CAN LUNCH 12.00 noon (Mon–Fri).

Enjoy at the Old Time Tent Show

4

4

4

4

4

OTHER

M

T

W

T

F

S

THE STATION STORE (Shopping) 8.30am–5.00pm (Mon–Fri) 9.00am–1.00pm (Sat)

4

4

4

4

4

4

THE WELCOME HOME BOOKING OFFICE 8.00am–6.00pm. Peak season (Mon–Sun)

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

9.00am–5.00pm. Off-peak (Mon–Sun)

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

COUNTRY GOURMET BREAKFAST 6.30am–9.00am. (Mon–Sat)

PM

AM

Bookings are essential for our experiences, activities and holidays.

Some tours are subject to minimum numbers. If a tour is cancelled due to lack of numbers or adverse weather, we will offer you an alternative day or a credit. For full booking conditions, please visit our website.

S

“Everything was absolutely fantastic. We did the Cobb & Co Stagecoach and Starlight’s Cruise experience.

The staff and crew were excellent from the moment we walked in. The day was fun, informative, full of history and true to the heritage. Great experience for sure, highly recommended to put on your bucket list of outback adventure. Will be back for sure!”

“What a lovely experience, paddlewheeler and nibbles.

Campfire, billy tea, damper, stockman’s dinner, film, entertainment, poetry recital. This definitely must be on the to-do list. A truly authentic experience for those wishing to have insight into the Australian bush way of life.”

“Just a huge thank you for making our tour of Nogo Station an experience to remember. Jeremy is such a knowledgeable, informative speaker but what makes him stand out is his authentic Aussie humour and wit and his unique ability to have his audience hanging on his every word. We would highly recommend this tour to everyone, you will not be disappointed.”

Read more testimonials online at tripadvisor.com 25

LIVE-I SAVER T SAVE % 10

LIVE-IT SAVER PASS

Enjoy all three of the award-winning Outback Pioneers signature experiences over 2-3 days.

UNIQUELY AUSTRALIAN * UNFORGETTABLE! INSPIRING * EDUCATIONAL * QUIRKY

OUTBACKPIONEERS.COM.AU

GENERAL BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES CALL 07 4658 1776 reservations@outbackpioneers.com.au GROUP BOOKINGS CALL 1300 819 968 gday@outbackpioneers.com.au OUTBACK PIONEERS & THE STAGING POST 128 Eagle Street Longreach Queensland 4730

outbackpioneers.com.au

A

Outback Pioneers is a registered brand of Unleashing Australia Fund Pty Ltd