Longreach

You cannot leave Longreach off your itinerary! On a recent outback Queensland safari, we called in for a couple of nights. This was my fourth visit to Longreach, and I'd never even made it into town before! There's so much to do around the airport!

We've always stayed at either the Jumbuck or the Albert Park Motor Inn, immediately opposite the airport, and haven't found any reason nor time to do stuff that's beyond walking distance. Both of these motels are super pilot-friendly, offering pick-ups and drop-offs if you're not wanting to walk the ten minutes, both with a great bar and restaurant and comfy rooms. Sorted.

So this time, we hired a car and stayed at the Longreach Motor Inn. Brilliant. It's basic country accommodation but super convenient to the centre of town and the draw card is their onsite restaurant, Harry's. Top class food.

A full day is almost not enough time to take in all there is to absorb at the Qantas Founders Museum (at the aerodrome), such is the astonishing collection of aviation memorabilia and history on offer for visitors. Across the road is the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame - another unmissable attraction shining a light on decades of our outback history and heritage.

Stop here on your way up to Cape York, or across to Adels Grove and onto the Top End, or link it into any Channel Country or Red Centre itinerary.

Read the full story here, as published originally in Australian Flying Magazine.