Longreach and Winton are the twin jewels of central-western Queensland — two towns that, between them, gave Australia its national airline, its most complete dinosaur discoveries and its best-loved bush ballad. Touring them together is the classic outback Queensland experience: the Qantas Founders Museum and the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame at Longreach, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs and the Waltzing Matilda heritage at Winton. Cooee Tours travels this legendary pairing as a fully escorted coach journey from Brisbane.
Longreach — Where Qantas Began
Longreach holds a proud place in aviation history as one of the birthplaces of Qantas, whose early operations were based here. The Qantas Founders Museum tells that story with flair — including the chance to walk on the wing of a retired Boeing 747 — while the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame celebrates the pioneers, drovers and stockmen and women who opened up the outback.
Add a sunset cruise on the Thomson River and a stockman's show, and Longreach delivers some of the most polished and engaging outback experiences in Queensland. Your Cooee Tours guide ensures you make the most of every one.
Winton — Dinosaurs & Waltzing Matilda
A short journey north-west, Winton is Australia's dinosaur capital and the birthplace of Waltzing Matilda. The Australian Age of Dinosaurs holds the largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils, set on a dramatic jump-up, while the Waltzing Matilda Centre celebrates the song that became an unofficial anthem.
Together, Longreach and Winton offer a remarkable contrast — aviation and outback pioneers on one hand, deep-time giants and bush poetry on the other — within an easy coach journey of each other.
The Classic Central-West Pairing
This is the route most travellers picture when they think of outback Queensland, and for good reason: it concentrates many of the region's greatest experiences into a single, well-connected loop. Travelling it with Cooee Tours means the distances, accommodation and logistics are all handled.
Fully escorted from Brisbane, the journey is comfortably paced so you arrive at each highlight relaxed and ready to explore — with a knowledgeable guide drawing the stories together.
Tour Highlights
Qantas Founders Museum
Discover the birthplace of Australia's national airline at Longreach — including the chance to walk on the wing of a retired Boeing 747.
Stockman's Hall of Fame
Celebrate the pioneers, drovers and stockmen and women of the outback at this landmark Longreach institution.
Age of Dinosaurs & Waltzing Matilda
Explore the largest Australian dinosaur fossil collection and the birthplace of Waltzing Matilda at Winton.
Tour Longreach & Winton with Cooee Tours
Our fully escorted central-western touring pairs Longreach and Winton — Qantas, the Stockman's Hall of Fame, the Age of Dinosaurs and Waltzing Matilda — departing Brisbane. Transport, accommodation, meals and guided experiences are all included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Legendary Longreach & Winton tour?
It is a fully escorted outback Queensland coach journey pairing Longreach — home of the Qantas Founders Museum and Stockman's Hall of Fame — with Winton's Age of Dinosaurs and Waltzing Matilda heritage.
How far are Longreach and Winton from Brisbane?
Longreach is about 1,175 km north-west of Brisbane, with Winton a further 180 km on. Cooee Tours includes fully escorted coach travel, so the distances are handled.
What can you see at Longreach?
Highlights include the Qantas Founders Museum, the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame, a Thomson River cruise and stockman's shows.
What can you see at Winton?
Winton's highlights include the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, the Lark Quarry trackways and the Waltzing Matilda Centre.
When is the best time for this tour?
The cooler dry season from April to October is the best and most comfortable time to tour Longreach and Winton.
Travel Agents & Group Organisers
This destination suits coach groups, clubs and social groups touring Outback Queensland. Cooee Tours offers net rates, custom routing and guaranteed departures — get in touch to discuss your group's needs.