4 DAY SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Longreach plus 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 retreat is just a 3 minute drive from downtown Longreach – close enough to enjoy all of 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. Our gourmet barbeque packs come complete with crispy delish salad – just toss the steak on the bbq and crack open your favourite beverage. After dinner, gather around your private fire pit, feel the stress literally drift away and gaze up at the stars. It doesn’t get much better than this!
DAY 2
Your first morning at Mitchell Grass Retreat arrives with a beautiful sunrise cresting the uninterrupted outback horizon. Warm up the coffee pot, step out onto your private deck and breathe deep. It’s the start of a new day here in the heart of Outback Queensland and we have plenty for you to see and do. 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, a perennial river that forms part of the mighty Lake Eyre Basin. The Thomson is a favourite for local water sports (skiing, kayaking and swimming). Qantas Founders Museum, just a quick drive up the road is more than a museum, with wing walks and Airpark tours, this award-winning attraction celebrates the founding of our national airline…. which grew up in Longreach. Consider purchasing lunch from the extensive menu at 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 doubling 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 it’s trendy outdoor courtyard dining.
DAY 3
This morning, visit the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame for the Stockman’s Experience package including the Outback Stockman’s LIVE Show, entry to the museum galleries and the NEW Cinematic experience. (April to October only). 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 1.45 hr drive along the Matilda Highway to the outback town 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 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 up to the top of the mesa (or jump up) 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.