Cérge
Main Venue Page

Outback Aussie Tours Visual Story

Logo

Main Office - Longreach Train Station

The Outback Aussie Tours main office is located at the Longreach Train Station, which serves as the central hub for tours and activities. The station is a low wooden structure with crème panels and maroon trim, with verandahs on both sides providing shaded bench seating. The carpark, including accessible car parking spaces, is positioned in front of the building. Entry to the administration offices and train platform is via stairs or a ramp with handrails on the right. 

The booking office is accessed through an inward opening door. An accessible bathroom with grab bars, a baby changing station, and a family room are located nearby. The train platform has bench seating where passengers may wait for a coach or train, while others speak with staff to arrange their next trip. Visitors may be seen arriving, sitting on benches, or using the amenities as they prepare for their journeys.

A historic building with a sign reading "LONGREACH" and "A.D. 1916" at the top. The structure features a series of arches and decorative columns along the front. Several cars are parked in front of the building on an asphalt surface. A small signboard is placed near the entrance. The building has a light-coloured facade with dark trim and a flat roof adorned with decorative elements. Trees are visible in the background.
A historic building with a sign reading "LONGREACH" on the facade, featuring ornate white wooden arches and a wooden entrance door. A ramp and steps lead up to the entrance. In the foreground, a signboard is placed on the pavement. To the right, a parking area with two vehicles, one white and one black, is visible. Trees and a red-roofed building are in the background. The ground is paved, and a streetlamp is present near the ramp.
A street scene with a white tour bus parked on the left side of the road. In the background, there are palm trees, a large tree, and a tall water tower. On the right, a building with a covered walkway and decorative columns is visible. A silver car is parked nearby, and a ramp with metal railings leads up to the building. The pavement has a marked disabled parking space. The sky is clear and blue.
A wooden porch with a polished floor extends along the side of a building. On the left, a wooden door is open, revealing an interior with framed items on the wall. The building's exterior is light-coloured with several windows. On the right, potted plants are placed along the porch, and decorative wooden posts support the overhanging roof. In the background, a ramp leads down, and trees and a building with a red roof are visible.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Chatter of visitors
  2. Rustling leaves
  3. Distant train horn
  4. Footsteps on wood
  5. Engine hum
Smell

Smells

  1. Rural air
  2. Wood polish
  3. Distant diesel
  4. Warm earth
  5. Floral notes
Touch

Feel

  1. Gentle vibrations
  2. Occasional flies & insects
  3. Smooth wooded floor
  4. Gentle breeze
  5. Anticipation
Sight

Sight

  1. Wooden architecture
  2. Maroon trim
  3. Cream panels
  4. Verandah seating
  5. Tour buses

Transfer to Day Tours

Guests attending day tours such as the Sunset Cruise or Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show may use the coach transfer provided by Outback Aussie Tours. The fleet includes six vehicles ranging from 14 to 65 seats. The largest coach has 65 seats, with five entry steps fitted with handrails, lap sash seatbelts, air-conditioning, curtains, and tinted windows.

Boarding is available from the Longreach Train Station or various pick-up points around the township, while guests may also self-drive to the tour locations. The short trip often brings travellers together, with the coach filled with conversation and anticipation for the experiences ahead.

A large white tour bus with "Outback Aussie Tours" written on its side is parked on a paved area. The bus has multiple windows and three axles. In the background, there are trees, a flagpole with a flag, and a tall monument. A sign for a motor inn is visible to the left. The ground is a mix of asphalt and grass, and the sky is clear.
A wide street with a row of parked white cars on the left, adjacent to a long, single-storey building with decorative trim and covered walkways. On the right, a large white coach bus is parked on the road, with palm trees and other greenery in the background. The road surface is a mix of grey and brown patches. The sky is clear and blue.
A white bus is parked on the right with its door open, revealing steps and a hand sanitiser dispenser. The road is wide and empty, with a few vehicles parked on the left. Trees and a couple of signboards are visible in the background. The pavement is a mix of asphalt and dirt, and there are streetlights along the road. The scene is well-lit, suggesting daytime.
Inside a coach bus, rows of colourful patterned seats with headrests are visible on both sides. Blue curtains hang beside large windows, allowing a view of trees and a parked vehicle outside. The ceiling is lined with blue fabric and features overhead lights and air vents. Red "EXIT" signs are positioned at the front and back. The floor is carpeted in a dark colour, and the aisle runs down the centre.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Engine humming
  2. Briefing instructions
  3. Seatbelts clicks
  4. Warm greeting from staff
  5. Air conditioning
Smell

Smells

  1. Air-conditioning
  2. Vehicle interior
  3. Deodorants and perfurmes
  4. Fabrics
  5. Vehicle exhausts
Touch

Feel

  1. Camaraderie
  2. Comfortable seats
  3. Vibrations from engine
  4. Flutter of excitement
  5. Smooth sway of the bus
Sight

Sight

  1. White coach
  2. Historic buildings
  3. Blue sky
  4. Tinted windows
  5. Open road

Sunset Cruises Daytime Experience

The short trip from Longreach Township to the Thomson River highlights the wide open plains of outback Queensland.  The Thomson River is a lively waterway with abundant bird and aquatic life. Access from the coach to the Motor Vessel Longreach Explorer is via firm crushed red gravel leading to a modern jetty and pontoon, with step-free ramps supporting people with mobility needs.

The vessel is two storeys with rows of moveable seating on both levels, and a side ramp allows step-free access to the upper deck. One onboard, guests may notice cooler conditions on the river, along with changing scenery, plentiful water, and diverse wildlife. Activities include bird watching, relaxing, socialising and listening to the stories told by the tour guide. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, with a gentle breeze and the soothing sound of water.

To book the Smithy's Sunset Cruise, click here.

A pathway with a reddish-brown gravel surface leads to a small bridge in the centre. On the left, there is a large tree with overhanging branches casting shadows on the path. On the right, a corrugated metal fence runs alongside the path, also casting shadows. In the background, more trees are visible, and the bridge has a sign on top. The sky is clear and blue.
A boat is docked on a river, with a metal walkway leading to it. The boat has a white exterior with windows and a rooftop seating area. Yellow life rafts are visible on the deck. The river is calm, with trees lining the opposite bank. The sky is clear and blue.
A boat docked at a pier with a ramp leading to it. The boat has large windows and a sign that reads "Welcome aboard the Longreach Explorer." Two wooden barrels are placed on the pier, along with a small metal post. The sun is shining brightly in the sky, casting shadows on the wooden deck. Trees and water are visible in the background.
Interior of a wooden cabin with a slatted ceiling and carpeted floor. On the left, a door opens to an outdoor area with a view of trees and a railing. Several black metal chairs are arranged along the walls and in the centre. On the right, a counter with cabinets above and a small fridge below holds various items. Windows line the walls, allowing natural light to illuminate the space. A white column stands in the middle of the room.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Tour guide commentary
  2. Boat engine hum
  3. Water lapping
  4. People chatting
  5. Birds chirping
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh river water
  2. Eucalyptus trees
  3. Mild cleaning products
  4. Subtle notes of diesel from the engine
  5. Snacks onboard
Touch

Feel

  1. Gentle breeze on skin
  2. Gentle sways of the vessel
  3. Occasional flies & insects
  4. Strong sun
  5. Relaxing atmosphere
Sight

Sight

  1. Vast plains
  2. Silhouettes
  3. River reflections
  4. Wildlife
  5. Boat interior

Sunset Cruises at Sunset

Aboard the Motor Vessel Longreach, the atmosphere shifts as the sun lowers towards the horizon. Guests may notice a drop in temperature while listening to the captain’s audio guide covering local history, wildlife, plant life, and Indigenous heritage.

As the sun sets, the sky displays vivid colours of orange, red, and purple, with fewer insects and cooler air. When darkness falls, stars brighten across the vast outback sky, creating a striking contrast to daytime views of the outback plains.

People may be seen taking photos, enjoying drinks and snacks, and absorbing the changing scenery of the river and surrounding landscape.

A calm river stretches into the distance, flanked by dense trees on both sides. The water reflects the soft light of the setting or rising sun, creating a serene atmosphere. In the foreground, a corner of a structure, possibly a dock or platform, is visible. The sky transitions from a pale yellow near the horizon to a deeper purple above, adding to the tranquil scene.
A wide river with calm, brownish water reflecting the surrounding trees. On the left, dense greenery lines the riverbank. On the right, a metal platform extends over the water, featuring a wooden barrel, a lifebuoy, and safety railings. The platform has a non-slip surface with yellow and black markings. Trees are visible in the background on both sides of the river.
A wooden barrel is on the left side of a metal dock, with a life ring attached to the railing. A ramp with a metal frame leads up to the right, illuminated by a light post. In the background, there are trees and a glimpse of a building with lights, possibly part of a fair or event. The water is visible on the left, bordered by more trees. The dock surface is concrete, and the ramp has a textured surface.
A boat named "Longreach" is docked on a calm body of water. The boat has a blue and white exterior with a group of people on the upper deck and a few on the lower deck. A yellow and blue gangway extends from the boat to the muddy shore. In the background, there are trees lining the opposite bank, reflecting in the water. The sky is clear, and the scene is well-lit, suggesting daytime.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Soft lapping of waves
  2. Soft chatter
  3. Occasional calls of birds
  4. Boat engine hum
  5. Tour guide narration
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh river water
  2. Subtle notes of diesel from the engine
  3. Subtle plant aroma
  4. Wooden barrel scent
  5. Food aroma
Touch

Feel

  1. Anticipation & awe
  2. Calm, serene happiness
  3. Gentle boat sways
  4. Refreshing air
  5. Vibrations of the boat
Sight

Sight

  1. Vibrant colourful sunset
  2. Sparkling stars
  3. Silhouettes of trees
  4. People taking photos
  5. Reflections on water

Smithy's Outback Dinner and Show

Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show is an open-air venue located beside the Thomson River. Designed with rustic corrugated iron structures and a firm crushed red gravel ground and multiple fire pits. Step-free paths ensure smooth access throughout with an outback theme. Guests are served traditional Australian meals cooked over open fires, such as hearty mains and authentic desserts.

The setting combines dining with live musical performances, creating a relaxed yet organised atmosphere. Staff serve food and drinks at tables positioned close to the fires, providing warmth as the evening cools. An accessible bathroom, accessed via a small steps and a ramp is located nearby. The environment encourages both quiet enjoyment and social interaction, with some guests seated while others may be seen dancing to the music.

To learn more and book Smithy's Outback Dinner & Show, click here.

 

A dirt path leads to a corrugated metal fence with a large sign reading "Welcome to Smithy's" in the centre. Trees with sparse foliage are on both sides, casting shadows on the ground. To the right, a vehicle is partially visible behind the fence. The sky is clear and blue.
A rustic outdoor area with a dirt ground and a corrugated metal gate in the centre. On the right, there are string lights hanging above, illuminating tables and stools scattered around. In the background, a sign reads "Smithy's" above a structure with people gathered nearby. Trees surround the area, and a wooden fence runs along the left side, with more trees visible beyond it.
Outdoor dining area with wooden tables and chairs on a dirt ground. In the centre, a small building with a corrugated metal roof displays the name "Smithy's". String lights are hung between tall poles, illuminating the area. Large trees surround the space, and a river is visible in the background. People are seated at tables, and some are standing near the building. The atmosphere is relaxed and rustic.
Outdoor dining area with round tables covered in black tablecloths, set with cutlery and lanterns. On the left, large trees with string lights create a canopy. In the centre, a few people are seated at a table. On the right, a rustic wooden building with a blue-lit roof and an old wagon. The ground is covered in reddish-brown dirt, and there are fire pits near some tables. A wooden fence runs along the background, with a sunset visible through the trees.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Crackling fire
  2. Live music & storytelling
  3. Clinking of cutlery
  4. Crunching gravel
  5. Chatter & laughter
Smell

Smells

  1. Wood smoke
  2. Cooking foods
  3. Fresh river air
  4. Eucalyptus
  5. Gravel
Touch

Feel

  1. Warmth from fire
  2. Firm gravel underfoot
  3. Excitement & anticipation
  4. Nostalgia
  5. Cool night air
Sight

Sight

  1. Sparkling stars
  2. Open fires
  3. Silhouettes of performers
  4. River view
  5. String lights & campfire embers

Outback Rail Adventures

Outback Aussie Tours operates three Outback Rail Adventures: the Historic Ilfracombe Excursion, the Great Darr River Rail Run, and the Silver-Tails Rail Sunset, all departing from the Longreach Train Station. The carriages are heritage rail vehicles with narrow aisles, supported by a virtual tour allowing guests to view the layout in advance. 

Ramp access is available at Longreach and Ilfracombe stations. On the Great Darr River Run and Silver-Tails Rail Sunset, passengers may disembark at scenic locations using stepped entries with handrails. Inside, blue bench seating can be adjusted to face forward or form groups of four. 

The atmosphere is calm and inviting, with passengers likely enjoying scenic views and listening to stories from the tour guide. The experience is enriched by the sounds of the train, the vast open landscapes and sightings of kangaroos and emus.

More information for each Outback Rail Adventure is via the links below:

Great Darr River Rail Run

Silver-Tails Rails Sunset

Historic Ilfracombe Excursion

A vintage silver train with "Roma Street" displayed on the front is on the left, positioned on railway tracks. The platform is on the right, with a covered walkway featuring a corrugated roof and decorative metal supports. Benches and a sign reading "Longreach" are visible along the wall. A poster stand is near the entrance to a building, which has a ticket window and leads to an outdoor area with trees. The floor is paved with red bricks.
A vintage silver train labelled "Special" is on the right, positioned on a railway track beside a platform. The platform is paved with reddish-brown bricks and features a covered waiting area with a maroon and cream roof. On the left, there's a white picket fence and a metal trolley with red wheels. A building with a red roof is visible behind the fence. In the background, a water tower and trees can be seen.
A train station platform with a metal train on the right. The train has an open door with a ramp leading to it, featuring yellow handrails. The platform is paved with red bricks and has a covered roof supported by metal beams on the left. Benches are placed along the wall of the station building. The sky is clear and blue, and there are trees visible in the background.
Inside a vintage train carriage with blue cushioned seats arranged in pairs on either side of a central aisle. The walls are lined with wooden panels, and large windows allow natural light to enter. The ceiling is curved and fitted with lights and speakers. At the far end, a door leads to the next carriage. A person is visible outside through the window on the right. The floor is a light-coloured material, and the overall atmosphere is bright and spacious.
Hearing

Sounds

  1. Train whistle
  2. Tour guide commentary
  3. Engine hum and carriage rattles
  4. Distant sounds of countryside
  5. People chatting
Smell

Smells

  1. Fresh air
  2. Occasional diesel and grease odours
  3. Polished wood & leather
  4. Deodorants and perfumes
  5. Floral scents
Touch

Feel

  1. Fun & laughter
  2. Shared anticipation
  3. Vibrations
  4. Occasional flies & insects
  5. Historic ambiance
Sight

Sight

  1. Heritage train
  2. Passengers boarding
  3. Wooden station
  4. Open plains
  5. Kangaroos & emus
Two hands shaking Thankyou graphic

Thank You

For all suggestions to improve our Visual Stories contact info@cerge.app and join the Facebook community to get involved /cergecommunity.