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ABOUT Winton

“Once a jolly swagman camped by a billabong…” You’ll be forgiven for relentlessly whistling this famous tune while you’re in Winton, as it’s the very home of Banjo Patterson’s ‘Waltzing Matilda’. Reputedly inspired by an 1894 shearer’s suicide at the nearby Combo Waterhole and first performed in Winton’s North Gregory Hotel on 6th April 1895, you can learn all about Banjo and the adopted national anthem at the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton.

First settled in 1875 and originally called ‘Pelican Waterhole’, Winton has plenty on offer to keep you busy for at least a day or two. The town is home to Boulder opals that you can view and buy in town and a day trip will take you to Queensland’s oldest opal fields at Opalton. Also just out of Winton is Lark Quarry, where 93 million year-old dinosaur fossils will give you a glimpse into prehistoric times.

The quirky Winton Music Fence, developed by percussionist and composer Graeme Leak, is free and a fantastic spot to let the kids explore their hidden musical talents. Arno’s Wall, a wall surrounding a private residential property in town, is worth a look for its unique construction from all sorts of things including motorbikes, lawn mowers, crockery and historical items.

Winton is in the heart of Matilda Country, a diverse region in which vast mitchell grass plains are broken by magnificently coloured gorges, ridges and mesas; what the locals call ‘jump-ups’. Visitors to the region will be amazed by the vastness of the plains and the undulating nature of the landscape. There is a wide variety of animal and bird life in the area, generally best seen around dusk and dawn on minor roads and tracks.

Places to stay near Winton

Things to see and do near Winton

While at Winton why not try these Tours

Outback Pioneers

Outback Pioneers’ award-winning outback tours and experiences, based in Longreach, is all about holidays and experiences that bring the pioneer past to life.

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Outback Aussie Tours – Day Tours

Outback Aussie Tours is a family-owned local operator with over 35 years of experience and unrivalled local Outback Queensland knowledge, passion and connections.

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Outback Aussie Tours – Outback Rail Adventure Day Tours

The Outback Rail Adventure is Outback Aussie Tours’ newest tourism experience reconnecting our visitors with the romance of rail.

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Cobbold Gorge Tours

Deep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region of Far North Queensland is a hidden outback oasis – Cobbold Gorge.

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North West Tours

North West Tours specialise in small group tours around Mount Isa and beyond.

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Eromanga Natural History Museum

The Eromanga Natural History Museum is committed to discovering, conserving and showcasing the fossil, natural and cultural heritage from the prehistoric and modern-day environments.

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Discovery Experiences – Undara

Only 3½ hours drive from Cairns and four hours from Townsville in Tropical North Queensland, you’ll discover a land so different in contrasts…. Undara.

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Dingo Trax – Birdsville and Outback Queensland

Whether you are a seasoned 4WD enthusiast or completely new to it all, Dingo Trax have your back!

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Charleville’s ‘Magnificent 7’

Discover stars, WWII secrets and bilbies for starters on Charleville’s ‘Magnificent 7’ day tour in Outback Queensland. Morning tea, lunch and transfers included.

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WWII Secret Tag-A-Long Tour – Charleville

Discover why over 3500 United States Army Air Force personnel were stationed in Charleville during World War II.

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Yagurli Tours

Yagurli Tours is an Indigenous owned business operated by the Gangalidda and Garawa Peoples.

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Balloon Aloft Burketown

Balloon Aloft is partnering with Yagurli Tours for a hot air balloon experience with a difference this June to September.

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