Longreach river cruise: Why take a Thomson River tour?
A Longreach river cruise on a Thomson River paddlesteamer is a fine way of enjoying the Queensland outback sunset while listening to traditional bush stories.
A Longreach river cruise might not be the first activity that springs to mind when exploring the Queensland outback. But if you make your way to Longreach, a gentle cruise along the Thomson River on a paddlesteamer is a delightful way to spend the early evening.
If that sounds tempting, you can skip the explanation and reserve your place on the tour here.
Outback Pioneers runs a four-and-a-half hour Longreach river cruise experience from Mondays to Saturdays during the tourist season. In Longreach, that’s April to October.
4 Longreach experiences to book before you arrive
- Starlights river cruise – take in sunset along the Thomson River aboard a paddlewheeler.
- Cobb & Co stagecoach experience – travel along an outback dirt road pulled by galloping horses.
- Wildlife and woolsheds tour on a double decker bus through Nogo Station.
- Dinosaur-packed day tour to Winton.
Longreach river cruise: Paddlesteamers on the Thomson River
The Thomson River cruise from Longreach is aboard one of two historic paddlesteamers – the Jewel of the Thomson or the Thomson Belle.
The Jewel of the Thomson was formerly known as the Pride of the Murray, but that got rather confusing for people who thought they were booking a Murray River cruise.
There’s nothing high octane about these Longreach river cruises. It’s a gentle glide along the river, with the boat’s skipper providing knowledgeable commentary about the region. The cruises are timed to ensure you can take plenty of sunset photos then enjoy the clear, star-filled outback sky after the sun has gone down.
Dinner and entertainment on a Longreach river cruise
Also thrown into the package are a two course stockman’s dinner by the campfire, and what is billed as traditional bush entertainment. This is basically good, old-fashioned storytelling, with a few poems thrown in.
More technologically advanced entertainment comes in the form of the sound and light show that plays out on the riverbank.
For instant confirmation and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Longreach river cruise can be booked through Viator.
Other things to do in Longreach include the Qantas Founders Museum and the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.
Longreach accommodation picks
Longreach offers a surprisingly interesting range of accommodation. The options particularly worthy of consideration are…
- For central location and a pool: Abajaz Motor Inn or Longreach Motor Inn.
- For luxury glamping: Mitchell Grass Retreat.
- For charm and character: Saltbush Retreat.
More Queensland travel
Take the Green Island ferry for a quick trip to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns.
What does the shuttle from Proserpine to Airlie Beach cost?
Where to stop on a Mackay to Cairns road trip.
How much does the Townsville to Brisbane train cost?
View turtles from the Champagne Pools lookout on Fraser Island.