OUTBACK GLAMPING ADVENTURE
Suggested 4 Day Itinerary
with optional day trip to Winton
DAY 1
Welcome to Mitchell Grass Retreat, your luxury Glamping accommodation in the heart of Outback Queensland. Step inside your spacious tent, kick off your shoes and relax.Our fully licensed retreat is just a 3-minute drive from downtown Longreach. This is close enough to enjoy all the local attractions but far enough away to enjoy peaceful nights under inky-black starlit skies.
No need to leave your little piece of paradise for dinner. Tonight’s gourmet barbeque (BBQ) pack comes complete with crispy delicious salad, condiments and bread rolls. Simply just toss the steak on the BBQ and crack open your favourite beverage. After dinner, gather around the fire pit, Feel the stress literally drift away as you gaze up at the stars. It doesn’t get much better than this!
DAY 2
If you fancy a self-guided walk, then pick up some directions from Reception for an easy 40-45 minute stroll to the Thomson River. It’s a perennial river that forms part of the mighty Lake Eyre Basin. The Thomson River is a favourite for local water sports such as skiing, kayaking, and swimming. A quick drive up the road is The Qantas Founders Museum. It’s more than a museum! With wing walks and Airpark tours, this award-winning attraction celebrates the founding of our national airline Qantas, which was founded in Longreach. Consider purchasing lunch from the extensive menu at the Qantas Founders Museum.
Be sure to allow time to simply enjoy a cuppa or a coldie on your verandah, or a swim in the sparkling saltwater pool back at Mitchell Grass Retreat. It’s time to slow down and appreciate the outback environment. This evening, head to the Qantas Founders Airpark to watch the Luminescent Longreach Light & Sound Show. Get ready for 20 minutes of awesomeness, as you stand surrounded by historic aircraft which doubles as the canvas for this amazing show. Tonight, you may like to enjoy some delicious chef prepared dinner at Harry’s Restaurant & Bar, or the new Branch Cafe with its trendy outdoor courtyard dining.
DAY 3
This morning, visit the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame for the Stockman’s Experience Package. This packaged option includes entry to the Outback Stockman’s LIVE Show, the Museum Galleries, and the NEW Cinematic experience. (The Stockman’s Experience Package is only available from April to October). Spend some time back at your glamping tent for some well earned rest and relaxation.
Late afternoon, join the award-winning Drover’s Sunset Cruise with Outback Aussie Tours. Enjoy top-deck 360 degree views, as you cruise the Thomson River at sunset. The boat is licensed, so you can purchase a cold beer or wine with the complimentary shared nibbles platters. Take in the stunning outback sunset as the colours change from warm pinks and blues to deep golden hues. You’ll dock at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show to watch the entertaining musical performers live on stage, as you savour a two course camp oven themed dinner, under the stars. (The Drover’s Sunset Cruise operates daily between Apr-Oct, with a reduced schedule over Summer)
DAY 4
Did someone say Waltzing Matilda? If you can extend your stay to four nights, then we suggest a day trip to Winton. If you have a car, then it’s an easy 1 hour and 45 minute drive along the Matilda Highway to the outback town. It’s where Waltzing Matilda was first penned by Banjo Paterson back in the 1800s. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour from Longreach with Outback Aussie Tours or with Outback Pioneers. You’ll notice the landscape changing to rugged mesa country as you get closer to Winton and the turn-off for the Australian Age of Dinosaurs. Feel the anticipation as you follow the fully sealed road across the plain, and wind 270 metre above sea level to the top to join a tour of the laboratory, the collection room and the incredible Dinosaur Canyon.
Travel the short distance into Winton and visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre, the world’s only museum dedicated to a song. If you’re in town for lunch, then we’d recommend a meal at the Tatt’s, Winton’s oldest standing hotel. Winton Boulder Opals are discovered within a 100km radius of town and there are a number of opal jewellers on the main street, ideal for that ‘special’ purchase. Return to Longreach around 4.00pm in time for your last sunset drinks back at Mitchell Grass Retreat. For a little more adventure, consider a scenic sunset flight with Queensland Helicopters. Witness the magic of a mesmerising outback sunset from the air, Celebrate the day’s end as you toast the warm golden glows with a complimentary beer, wine, or soft drink.
