Longreach

Longreach is renounced for the Stockman's Hall of fame and the Qantas museum which literally has a Boeing 747 and a 707 both parked in the driveway. It is quite astounding as Qantas donated the 747 and the 707 was bought for a pound from a plane cemetery somewhere in England. It was restored by volunteers and flown back to where it now sits. It has a history of various famous owners but the most famous is Michael Jackson. It is fitted out with a QS bed and lounge and in its day was fit for a prince...

The 747 is quite scary to look through and I can't see myself ever wanting to fly on such a large plane. But it was fascinating to be able to wander through and also to look and sit in the cockpit at the myriad of buttons. The museum also has a Cattalina and a DC3 which you can also get into. John had fond memories of being taken up in one as a air cadet when he was about 14. A very rickety but apparently quite trustworthy plane. You need a full day to see all of the museum and we were able to come back the next day. It is very professionally done and well worth the look if you are in Longreach. The Stockman's Hall of Fame is also very professionally laid out with another days worth to see. We were a little disappointed to see that WA was under represented in the unsung heroes boards and when we spoke with the curator he assured us that it was for all of Australia. So I have the nomination forms and will be sending them in ASAP for some WA stockmen.

The outback show was a highlight and featured a stockman going through his tricks with horses, working dogs, livestock and a huge bull. We had a good laugh at times but mostly just marveled at his ability to handle all of the above plus crack a whip.

The tour included a sumptuous lunch at the cattle mans ranch and a look through the museum and the art gallery. I'm glad we have seen it but feel there are many who missed out perhaps because of lack of advertising of nominations. Longreach itself is a pleasant country town with just the regular range of shopping but all very friendly. The caravan park we stayed at was huge but no grass only gravel. The amenities made up for it though as well as the friendly service at the desk (thank you Alana) Our 2 days here passed by in no time and so it's off to other adventures. It's off to find our fortune in sapphires in a town called Sapphire Wish us luck Talkies soon Xx Son n John