Longreach lies on the Tropic of Capricorn in the exact centre of Queensland. It’s a few killometres from the Thomson River, a rare permanent water source in this dry, brown land. Our visit started here with a dusk cruise on the Thomson and an open air dinner and entertainment. An excellent night of country hospitality was had by all. In many ways Longreach is like a pioneering theme park with major historical displays and activities to entertain and educate. Pride of place is the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, a quite stunning museum telling the story of the role of the stockmen, their horses and dogs, and cattle and sheep in the development of the outback. And not to be missed is the live stockman’s show complete with cracking whips, a mob of sheep and some pretty clever horses and sheep. Rivaling this museum is the QANTAS Founders Museum. Far from just a collection of aircraft, it features pioneers of Australia’s aviation industry telling their own stories. Very much a fly by the seat of your pants adventure! And finally on a slightly disappointing note. After feeling pretty good tracking down Brolgas and photographing them near Cunnamulla, what should we see the first morning in Longreach? Yes, four brolgas strutting around outside our window!
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