Attractions in Longreach
Qantas Founders Museum
One of the attractions in Longreach that is iconic and not to be missed is the Qantas Founders Museum.
Our Museum tells the story of Australia’s national airline, from its early days in Outback Queensland to present day.
Characters of the early Qantas days, their pioneering spirit and the impact the airline had for all Australians is brought to life through life-size exhibits, historical artefacts and interactive displays including the National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar.
Visitors enjoy informative guided tours of the Boeing 707, Boeing 747, Super Constellation and DC-3 in the Museum’s new Airpark Enclosure.
The first commercial flight by Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd (the name Qantas is an acronym) took place in an Avro 504K which took off from Longreach on 7 February 1921 at 10.30 am and took 3 hours and 10 minutes to reach Winton.
Today the museum, apart from having an extensive history of the airline, also has an aircraft collection which includes four of the world’s most iconic aircraft – the Consolidated PBY Catalina Flying Boat, Douglas DC-3, Boeing 707 and the legendary Boeing 747. In addition, there are full-scale replicas of some of the early Qantas fleet – de Havilland DH-61 Giant Moth, de Havilland DH-50, and the Avro 504K Dyak – Qantas’ first aircraft.
The museum is open from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm (9.00 am – 4.00 pm from December to March) with tours of the Boeing 747 and 707 as well as a 747 Wing Walk Tour and a Flight Simulator Experience.
Our Museum also has a restaurant for guests to enjoy a meal or refreshment and a Founders Store to buy a souvenir for themselves or a loved one.
Address: Sir Hudson Fysh Drive, Longreach, QLD
Phone: (07) 4658 3737
Powerhouse Museum and Social History Building
Electricity was first generated from this site for the town of Longreach in December 1921. The power station at that time was owned and operated by the Longreach Shire Council. It was built by local contractors for a cost in excess of £19000.
The first engines were Ruston & Hornsby charcoal gas units powering DC generators via a belt drive. The gas was produced on-site using locally made charcoal. The original engines were gradually replaced as technology has further advanced. In later years, Longreach Power Station supplied power to Longreach, Ilfracombe and Isisford as well as a large rural grid.
SOCIAL HISTORY HALL was the Longreach Office of the Regional Electricity Board from 1965-1991. It now houses the museum’s conservation storeroom and a small collection of Longreach social history.
This includes:
- 1948 era classroom built for the Primary School Centenary in 1993;
- the remains of the Longreach School of Arts Museum(1930-1970) ;
- a replica Airport Control Centre and;
- a collection of commercial office equipment, circa 1908 – 1950 from local business houses.
Address: 12 Swan Street, Longreach QLD
Phone: (07) 4658 4150
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Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach QLD, Australia
TodayOpen Now~- Monday09:00 - 17:00
- Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
- Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
- Thursday09:00 - 17:00
- Friday09:00 - 17:00
- Saturday09:00 - 17:00
- Sunday09:00 - 17:00
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