Outback Pioneers are the answer you’re looking for when it comes to exciting, engaging and unforgettable school holiday experiences. If you’re looking to get off the beaten track for some real adventure (that you don’t need a 4WD for!) then this might be just the answer you’re looking for.
A family adventure with a difference – Outback Pioneers
Are you in a school holiday rut and looking for ideas of new things to do with the kids? A little bored with the same old coastal options? How about throwing a few things in the car and heading west for a real outback adventure?
You don’t need a 4WD and you can pack a wealth of enjoyable, life-changing experiences into a fortnight’s break.
Why go to Outback Queensland?
Outback Queensland is Australia’s pioneer heartland – somewhere really different where the iconic Australia still lives. It’s part of our heritage and a real eye-opener for kids who hail from the city or the coastal strip.
There are great experiences along the way that will keep the whole family entertained and enthralled! Imagine the memories!
Families can bond over traditional fun and entertainment where the mobile phone suddenly seems less attractive than the adventure!
Outback Pioneers – Where to go?
Heading to Longreach as a destination is an ideal first outback trip. There are good roads all the way and heaps to do when you get there, thanks to the award-winning Outback Pioneers.
Longreach makes a great base to stay for 5-7 days of the holiday so it’s not all driving with restless kids in the back!
What are the attractions?
Outback Pioneers experiences are designed to unleash the pioneering spirit in everyone! They put you in the shoes of outback pioneers both past and present.
The Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience is the only place in Australia you can gallop on a stagecoach along the bush track of an original mail route. That’s something you’ll never forget.
It also includes the Harry Redford Old Time Tent Show with hilarious and irreverent slapstick humour the kids are bound to love.
Nogo Station Experience takes the family to a historic working station where you’ll see a shearer at work, go on a station safari to spot animals, see where cattle thief Captain Starlight (Harry Redford) kept his stolen herds and much more.
The Starlight’s Cruise Experience is a delight with sunset photo opportunities from a historic river boat, then stockman’s dinner by the campfire, bush poetry and the Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show on the riverbank.
What else is in the region?
Winton is a couple of hours drive beyond Longreach and well worth a day out. The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum is a favourite with most kids and the new Waltzing Matilda Centre opens in April 2018.
You can leave the car in Longreach and join Outback Pioneers Winton Discovery Experience on a Saturday or make your own way.
Longreach also has the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum for more entertaining and educational fun.
And don’t forget to visit The Station Store – a traditional outback emporium – and The Welcome Home for a ‘Pioneer Selfie’ in genuine old costumes.
Where to stay on an Outback Pioneers adventure?
There is a range of accommodation in Longreach from tourist parks to motels. You’re sure to find something to suit your style and budget but do book ahead in the June-September peak season.
What ages does this kind of holiday suit?
Children from 5-14 years old probably get the most from the experiences but all ages are welcome. Older teenagers may be pleasantly surprised by what they get from the adventure and the chance to expand their horizons.
When should we go?
The Outback Pioneers season runs from 26 March to 31 October so that’s definitely the time to go. June-September is very popular and accommodation and experiences can get fully booked so it’s worth planning and booking ahead.
What should we pack?
In-car entertainment is a must! Comfortable clothes and shoes are the order of the day in the outback with hats, sunscreen and a bottle of water for everyone. The evenings can get quite cold in winter, especially on the cruise so pack jumpers and jackets too. Don’t forget cameras of course!
How do we get there?
There’s a choice of routes and you can vary the route out and back. You’ll need at least two days and preferably three for the drive in each direction.
There are great places to break the journey for a night or two. Charleville is an excellent option with its Cosmos Centre and Observatory and Bilby Centre. And perhaps Emerald on the way back to do some fossicking for gems at Sapphire… Your exact itinerary will depend on the age, patience and interests of your kids.
If driving sounds too hard, you can fly Qantaslink from Brisbane to Longreach!
Where is Longreach?
Longreach is in central Queensland on the Tropic of Capricorn. It is 1180 kilometres north-west of Brisbane via Roma and 1300 kilometres from Brisbane via Emerald. In Longreach you can also dig for dinosaurs!
How to book
Head to the Outback Pioneers website for more details of how to book the experiences and to get yourself in the outback pioneering mood! www.outbackpioneers.com.au
