Longreach, Queensland

Longreach is a town in the state of Queensland, Australia. It is in central-west Queensland, about 1,180 kilometres (733 miles) northwest of Brisbane. Longreach is the main town in the Longreach Region.

 History 
The town gets its name from the "long reach" of the Thomson River, which flows nearby. The area was first explored by Europeans in the 1860s, and the town was officially established in the late 1800s.

Longreach has a strong connection to Australia's outback history and played an important role in early transport and aviation. It is one of the founding centres of Qantas, Australia’s national airline, which began in the 1920s.

 Geography 
Longreach is located in a flat, dry region known as the central-western plains of Queensland. The town lies on the Thomson River, which only flows during the wet season. Most of the land around Longreach is used for sheep and cattle grazing.

 Climate 
Longreach has a hot semi-arid climate. It is very hot in summer and mild to warm in winter.

Summer temperatures can reach over 40°C (104°F) Winters are cooler, with daytime temperatures around 20–25°C (68–77°F). Rain is mostly in summer months (December to March), and the area is often affected by droughts.

 Population 
As of the 2021 census, about 2,600 people live in Longreach. The population is small but the town serves as a major centre for the surrounding rural areas.

 Economy 
Longreach’s economy is mainly based on:
 Sheep and cattle farming
 Tourism
 Education and local services

The town is known for wool production and large cattle stations. Tourism has grown because of the town's outback heritage and attractions.

 Tourist Attractions 
Longreach is famous for its outback tourism. Major attractions include:
 Qantas Founders Museum – a museum about the history of Qantas, with real aircraft on display
 Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame – a museum about rural life, cattlemen, and outback pioneers
 Longreach Powerhouse Museum – showing the town’s early electricity history
 Thomson River cruises – sunset cruises on the river with traditional outback entertainment

 Transport 
Longreach is connected by road, rail, and air.
 Highway: The Landsborough Highway runs through the town
 Rail: A train called the Spirit of the Outback travels from Brisbane to Longreach twice a week
 Air: Longreach Airport has flights to Brisbane and other cities
 Bus: Coach services also operate in and out of the town

 Education 
Longreach has:
 Primary and secondary schools
 A campus of the Central Queensland University (CQU)
 The Longreach Pastoral College (now closed), once used for agricultural training

 Events 
Longreach hosts several local events such as:
 Outback Writers' Festival
 Stockman’s Challenge and Campdraft
 ANZAC Day commemorations
 Local rodeo and country shows

 Trivia 
 Longreach was one of the first towns in Queensland to get airmail service.
 The Qantas jumbo jet on display in the museum was flown into Longreach and can no longer fly out.
 The area is often used in Australian films and documentaries about the Outback.