In Winton, where Banjo Paterson's Waltzing Matilda was first performed in 1895, stands the only museum in the world dedicated to a single song. The Waltzing Matilda Centre celebrates the story, characters and enduring legacy of the ballad that became Australia's unofficial anthem — and, in doing so, tells the broader story of the outback that gave it life. Cooee Tours includes the Waltzing Matilda Centre as part of central-western touring, paired with Winton's famous dinosaurs.
The Story of a Song
Waltzing Matilda was written by the poet Banjo Paterson in the Winton district and first performed in the town in 1895. Its tale of a swagman, a billabong and a jumbuck has since become woven into the fabric of Australian identity. The Waltzing Matilda Centre explores the song's origins, its many interpretations and its place in the national story.
Engaging, modern exhibits bring the ballad and its era to life — the shearers, the swagmen and the outback world of the 1890s — making the centre far more than a museum about a single tune.
Outback Heritage at Winton
The centre also serves as a gateway to Winton's wider heritage, including the bush-poetry tradition, the town's pioneering history and its links to the great shearers' strikes of the era. Together they paint a vivid picture of life in the outback at the turn of the 20th century.
Around town, the heritage North Gregory Hotel — associated with the song's first performance — and Winton's other attractions add further depth to a visit.
Visiting with Cooee Tours
The Waltzing Matilda Centre pairs naturally with the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, making Winton a town of two extraordinary stories — deep-time giants and a national song. On a Cooee Tours itinerary, both are arranged so you can enjoy them at a comfortable pace.
Your guide draws the threads together — bush poetry, outback history and the enduring power of a song that still stirs Australians everywhere.
What You'll See
The Birthplace of the Ballad
Discover how Banjo Paterson's Waltzing Matilda came to be written in the Winton district and first performed there in 1895.
The Only Museum of Its Kind
Explore the world's only museum dedicated to a single song, with engaging modern exhibits on its story and legacy.
Outback Heritage
Step into the outback world of the 1890s — the swagmen, shearers and pioneers whose lives gave rise to the ballad.
Visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre with Cooee Tours
The Waltzing Matilda Centre features on our central-western touring, paired with the Australian Age of Dinosaurs at Winton. Transport, accommodation, meals and guided experiences are all included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Waltzing Matilda Centre?
It is the museum at Winton dedicated to Waltzing Matilda — the world's only museum dedicated to a single song — celebrating the ballad's origins, story and enduring legacy.
Where was Waltzing Matilda written?
Waltzing Matilda was written by Banjo Paterson in the Winton district and first performed in Winton in 1895.
Where is the Waltzing Matilda Centre?
It is located in Winton, in central-western Queensland, around 1,350 km from Brisbane.
Can Cooee Tours include the centre?
Yes. The Waltzing Matilda Centre features on our central-western touring, paired with the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, with everything arranged for a comfortable visit.
When is the best time to visit?
The cooler dry season from April to October is the most comfortable time to visit Winton and the centre.
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.