Our Fabulous Four Nighter – suggested itinerary
Day 1:
Welcome to Saltbush Retreat, your boutique lodging in the heart of Outback Queensland. Step inside your beautiful accommodation, kick off your city shoes and relax. Our friendly outback town is named after the ‘long reach’ of the Thomson River, a favourite spot for recreational activities and water sports. Your accommodation is self-contained, so we’d recommend heading downtown to stock up on supplies, or if you fancy a barbecue dinner, then you can’t go past BF Savages Butchery, a local favourite. If you’re a guest of our Homestead Stables or Slab Huts, you can enjoy an indulging soak in one of three clawfoot baths on the outdoor bath terrace; ask reception about our pamper packs and nibbles platters which are available for purchase. Guests preferring to dine a la carte on delicious chef prepared meals should make a booking at Harry’s Restaurant & Bar* at nearby Longreach Motor Inn.
(*Harry’s Restaurant is open Breakfast Mon – Fri and Dinner Mon – Sat. Some closures over December & January – please enquire)
Day 2:
Wake up to a beautiful outback sunrise with a morning stroll along the Longreach Botanic walkway, a 2.5km interpretive native flora walk between the town centre and the Stockman’s Hall of Fame. If you love your morning coffee, then call in to the Merino Bakery or Casey’s Cafe. Back at your accommodation, tuck into our gourmet continental breakfast basket for a great start to your day. Today we’d recommend you visit Qantas Founders Museum within an easy walk from Saltbush. More than a museum, with wing walks and jet tours, this award-winning attraction celebrates the founding of our national airline…. which grew up in Longreach. We’d recommend that you purchase 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 outdoor pool back at Saltbush. It’s time to slow down and appreciate the outback environment. Late afternoon, join a tour to nearby Camden Park Station*, and meet the Walker family on their working sheep and cattle station. Enjoy nibbles at sunset, under the stunning outback sky – an unforgettable experience!
(*Check with Reception for the Camden Park Tour schedule)
Day 3:
Today’s the day to discover the outback legends at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, a stone’s throw from Saltbush. Take a ‘selfie’ with the bronze statue of a Stockman called the Ringer, then wander the five themed galleries of this iconic outback attraction. Take your seat at the Outback Stockman’s Show* (April to October only) featuring a real Stockman and his animals in a one of a kind live show. Wander back to your accommodation for a bit of rest and relaxation or perhaps a casual bbq lunch. Late afternoon, you will be transferred by Outback Aussie Tours to join the award-winning Drover’s Sunset Cruise. 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 Outback Stockman’s Show operates Tuesday to Sunday at 11am and the Drover’s Sunset Cruise operates most days, with a reduced schedule over Summer)
Day 4:
Did someone say Waltzing Matilda? If you can extend your stay to four nights, then we really recommend 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 amazing 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 selection of opal jewellers located on the main street for that ‘special’ purchase. Return to Longreach around 4.00pm in time for your last sunset drinks back at Saltbush. 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.
Day 5:
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before your 10.00am check out from Saltbush Retreat. Be sure to advise our Reception team if you would like complimentary shuttle bus transfers to connect with air or rail transfers for your homeward bound journey. Thanks so much for visiting Saltbush and our wonderful outback region. We hope to see you again soon.