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ABOUT Winton

Winton, nestled in the heart of Queensland, is renowned as the birthplace of Australia’s beloved song “Waltzing Matilda.” This iconic ballad was inspired by the tragic tale of a shearer’s fate at Combo Waterhole in 1894 and was first performed at the North Gregory Hotel on April 6, 1895, cementing Winton’s place in Australian folklore. The town’s vibrant spirit is celebrated through over 15 annual festivals and events, embodying the lively culture of its approximately 1,130 residents. Covering 53,814 square kilometres, Winton is situated 1,500 km from Brisbane and 180 km northwest of Longreach.

Established in 1875 and originally known as ‘Pelican Waterhole’, Winton is a treasure trove of attractions. The Waltzing Matilda Centre offers an immersive experience about the song and its legendary creator, Banjo Patterson. Winton is also famous for its stunning Boulder opals, available for viewing and purchase, with a visit to Opalton, Queensland’s oldest opal field, adding to the adventure. History buffs will marvel at the 93 million-year-old dinosaur fossils at Lark Quarry, where prehistoric stories come to life.

For a touch of whimsy, the Winton Music Fence, designed by percussionist Graeme Leak, invites visitors to create their own tunes, while Arno’s Wall, an eccentric structure made from eclectic items like motorbikes and crockery, showcases the town’s creative flair. Surrounded by vast Mitchell grass plains, Winton brims with bird and animal life, best seen at dawn and dusk, making it a truly captivating destination.

Places to stay near Winton

Things to see and do near Winton

While at Winton why not try these Tours

Red Dirt Tours

4 km

Red Dirt Tours is your Winton touring specialist and offers a number of tours to the spectacular natural and man-made attractions of the Winton region.

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Elite Aviation Services Pty Ltd

4 km

Based in Winton, Queensland, Elite Aviation Services offers helicopter and plane scenic flights and charters over the spectacular landscape around Winton and the Diamantina River.

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Outback Aussie Tours – Extended Tours

120 km

Explore Outback Queensland and beyond with Outback Aussie Tours, a multi-award winning touring company and Savannah Guides accredited operator.

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Outback Pioneers

174 km

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

174 km

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

174 km

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

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Queensland Helicopters

175 km

Queensland Helicopters is a family owned business that prides itself on customer service and safety.

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Fox Helicopter Services

211 km

Fox Helicopters operate a selection of scenic flights to Porcupine Gorge and White Mountains National Park.

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Cobbold Gorge Tours

398 km

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

410 km

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

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Talaroo Hot Springs Tours

481 km

In the heart of the Gulf Savannah Way in outback Tropical North Queensland, Talaroo’s magical landscape is alive with the culture of the Ewamian people.

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Eromanga Natural History Museum

492 km

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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