Longreach to Cloncurry: Distance, driving time and road trip stops
The Longreach to Cloncurry drive is 527km in distance, with a driving time of 5h39m. Road trip attractions on the way include Australian Age of Dinosaurs and the Waltzing Matilda Centre.
The drive from Longreach to Cloncurry connects two of the most surprisingly interesting towns in outback Queensland. But it also makes you realise just how big the Queensland interior is.
Longreach offers evocative cruises along the Thomson River, adventures on an old-fashioned stagecoach and an outback sheep station experience. To investigate the best Longreach tour and activity options, head this way. To pick the right Longreach accommodation, nosey around here.
Make no mistake, this is a long drive, and you’ll probably want to make a few road trip stops along the way.
Longreach to Cloncurry distance and driving time
The distance from Longreach to Cloncurry by car is 527km. This makes for a driving time of around five hours and 39 minutes.
This drive is almost entirely along the Landsborough Highway, one of the major sealed roads in inland Queensland.
Longreach to Cloncurry drive: Australian Age of Dinosaurs
The first leg of the Longreach to Cloncurry drive is from Longreach to Winton – a 179km drive. There’s not a massive amount to see on this leg of the drive, but the unquestioned highlight is Australian Age of Dinosaurs in Corfield.
This not-for-profit organisation showcases the dinosaur fossils that have been found in this part of the Australian outback. Guided tours go into the history and discoveries.
Longreach to Cloncurry drive: Winton
Winton is the best stop on the Longreach to Cloncurry drive. Highlights here include the Winton Musical Fence, Bladensburg National Park and the Lark Quarry dinosaur tracks. But the Waltzing Matilda Centre, telling the story of Australia’s most beloved poem, should be top of your list of things to do in Winton.
Winton accommodation recommendations
Australian hotel specialist Wotif offers accommodation in Winton for from $138 a night. Search the options here.
But the best bets are…
- For best quality: Winton Outback Motel.
- For best value (and a pool): Boulder Opal Motor Inn.
- For families: Hamilton Retreat.
- For heritage: North Gregory Hotel.
The Winton to Cloncurry leg of the Longreach to Cloncurry drive is longer. Top stops on this stretch of the journey through the Queensland outback include Kynuna and McKinlay.
Longreach to Cloncurry drive: Kynuna and McKinlay
The Combo Water Hole in Kynuna is a good spot for birdwatching, while the Federal McKinlay Hotel in McKinlay has film star pedigree. It doubled as the Walkabout Creek Hotel in Crocodile Dundee.
Once in Cloncurry, the best attractions are John Flynn Place and Cloncurry Unearthed. John Flynn Place celebrates the founder of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Cloncurry Unearthed covers mining, minerals and the ill-fated Burke and Wills Expedition.
More Longreach driving times
Longreach to Barcaldine: Distance 108km, driving time 1h19m.
Longreach to Brisbane: Distance 1,179km, driving time 12h41m.
Longreach to Charleville: Distance 515km, driving time 5h25m.
Longreach to Emerald: Distance 417km, driving time 4h20m.
Longreach to Mount Isa: Distance 647km, driving time 7h. (More driving times to Mount Isa)
Longreach to Roma: Distance 701km, driving time 7h27m.
Longreach to Winton: Distance 179km, driving time 1h51m. (More driving times to Winton)