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Winton to Longreach
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Winton to Longreach

Difficulty: Trek rating 4 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 4 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 4 of 5 - Click for detailsTrek rating 4 of 5 - Click for details   Suitable for: 4WD AWD Camper Bike 
Beginning in the open plains around Winton and finishing at the historic aviation town of Longreach, this trek will take you through one of Queensland’s most remarkable outback country landscapes.
StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesWinton
Trek
FinishLongreach
Distance431.38 kmMinimum Days4
Average Speed59.49 km/hrDriving Time7 hr 15 min
Article By: ExplorOz Team   Updated: 15 May 2008
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 Description

From the outback Queensland town of Winton in Waltzing Matilda country, the Winton to Longreach trek follows mostly gravel roads passing Mitchell grass plains punctuated by stony ranges and mesas known locally as jump-up country. The trek heads past the Lark Quarry Conservation Reserve and its famous dinosaur tracks to the opal mines and the quaint Aussie general store known as the “Opalton Outpost” at Opalton. Then backtracking again towards the ruins of Mayneside homestead it turns east along a minor and sometimes difficult to follow gravel track towards Vergemont Station. Continuing east along the Longreach Silsoe Road, it eventually meets the Landsborough Highway (Route 66) to the historically significant town of Longreach.

 Interactive Route Map

WintonWinton Jundah Rd & Landsborough HwyTattersalls HotelWinton Jundah Rd & Nareen Jump-up RdWinton Jundah Rd & Lark Quarry CP AccessLark QuarryWinton Jundah Rd & Lark Quarry CP AccessWinton Jundah Rd & Jundah RdMayneside RuinsLady Lil Mine & Vergemont AccessOpaltonLady Lil Mine & Vergemont AccessKerosine Tin CornerVergemont Rd & Vergemont AccessBessies CastleSilsoe Vergemont Rd & Morella Silsoe RdLongreach Silsoe Rd & Gallows Waterhole AccessLongreach Silsoe Rd & Maneroo Winton RdLongreach Silsoe Rd & Glendulloch RdLongreach Silsoe Rd & Landsborough Hwy (Route 66)Landsborough Hwy & Thomas Dev RdLongreach
Winton
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Features: Populated PlaceService Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Camp Fee Police Station Medical Services Resort,Motel
Position: 143.0424ºE   22.3818ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Winton Jundah Rd & Landsborough Hwy
Distance: 0.93km
Average Speed: 52.83km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 143.0412ºE   22.3909ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Tattersalls Hotel
Distance: 0.17km
Average Speed: 27.44km/h
Tattersalls Hotel
The oldest standing hotel in Winton. 78 Elderslie St. Service is good, Beer is cold and the meals are superb, It is also very relaxing to have the meal and a drink at the outside tables on the footpath.
Features: Pub
Position: 143.0371ºE   22.3901ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Winton Jundah Rd & Nareen Jump-up Rd
Distance: 66.85km
Average Speed: 76.11km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 142.6067ºE   22.7415ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Winton Jundah Rd & Lark Quarry CP Access
Distance: 37.39km
Average Speed: 80.88km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 142.4535ºE   23.0278ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Lark Quarry
Distance: 4.92km
Average Speed: 49.42km/h
Lark Quarry
Located 110 km from Winton, the Lark Quarry Environmental Park with its famous Dinosaur Stampede is an interesting insight into life in western Queensland some ninety five million years ago.
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 142.4125ºE   23.0166ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Winton Jundah Rd & Lark Quarry CP Access
Distance: 4.92km
Average Speed: 49.42km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 142.4535ºE   23.0278ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Winton Jundah Rd & Jundah Rd
Distance: 16.52km
Average Speed: 73.14km/h
Winton Jundah Rd & Jundah Rd
Heads south towards Two Mile Waterhole
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 142.3525ºE   23.1383ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Mayneside Ruins
Distance: 49.84km
Average Speed: 58.33km/h
Features: Point of Interest
Position: 142.5494ºE   23.5046ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Lady Lil Mine & Vergemont Access
Distance: 15.37km
Average Speed: 51.99km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 142.6463ºE   23.4131ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Opalton
Distance: 24.58km
Average Speed: 61.69km/h
Opalton
The Opalton fields are a reminder of how things can change in far western Queensland. Discovered in 1888 they were not worked until 1893.
Features: Populated PlaceCaravan Park Water Supply Toilet Food,Shopping Camp Fee Point of Interest
Position: 142.7608ºE   23.2481ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Lady Lil Mine & Vergemont Access
Distance: 24.58km
Average Speed: 61.69km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 142.6463ºE   23.4131ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Kerosine Tin Corner
Distance: 13.68km
Average Speed: 32.16km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 142.7257ºE   23.4735ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Vergemont Rd & Vergemont Access
Distance: 31.41km
Average Speed: 36.27km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 143.0083ºE   23.5161ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Bessies Castle
Distance: 23.98km
Average Speed: 65.1km/h
Features: Mountain,Peak,Hill
Position: 143.1843ºE   23.4078ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Silsoe Vergemont Rd & Morella Silsoe Rd
Distance: 1.18km
Average Speed: 41.51km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 143.1903ºE   23.4131ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Longreach Silsoe Rd & Gallows Waterhole Access
Distance: 44.84km
Average Speed: 63.98km/h
Longreach Silsoe Rd & Gallows Waterhole Access
North heads to Gallows Waterhole
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 143.6143ºE   23.3862ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Longreach Silsoe Rd & Maneroo Winton Rd
Distance: 26.91km
Average Speed: 87.99km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 143.8673ºE   23.3333ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Longreach Silsoe Rd & Glendulloch Rd
Distance: 34.86km
Average Speed: 93.24km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 144.1945ºE   23.3899ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Longreach Silsoe Rd & Landsborough Hwy (Route 66)
Distance: 0.84km
Average Speed: 92.75km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 144.2034ºE   23.3864ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Landsborough Hwy & Thomas Dev Rd
Distance: 7.22km
Average Speed: 60.36km/h
Features: Junction,Intersection,Turn Off
Position: 144.2439ºE   23.4369ºS (GDA 94)
Next Place: Longreach
Distance: 0.38km
Average Speed: 32.92km/h
Longreach
The town of Longreach was settled in the 1870s and is now the largest town in the region. The old town from its humble beginnings in the 1870s as a stock route junction on the 'long reach' of the Thomson River is now fully serviced by road, rail and air.
Features: Populated PlaceService Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Rubbish Bin,Tip Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Camp Fee Police Station Medical Services Resort,Motel Point of Interest
Position: 144.2492ºE   23.4421ºS (GDA 94)

Route Control

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 Things to See & Do

Lark Quarry   RatingRatingRatingRatingRating
Point of Interest 
Located 110 km from Winton, the Lark Quarry Environmental Park with its famous Dinosaur Stampede is an interesting insight into life in western Queensland some ninety five million years ago. This is the largest group of footprints of running dinosaurs uncovered anywhere in the world. First discovered in the early 1960s it was completely excavated in 1976-77.
Longreach   
Populated Place Service Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Rubbish Bin,Tip Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Camp Fee Police Station Medical Services Resort,Motel Point of Interest
The town of Longreach was settled in the 1870s and is now the largest town in the region. The old town from its humble beginnings in the 1870s as a stock route junction on the 'long reach' of the Thomson River is now fully serviced by road, rail and air.
Opalton   
Populated Place Caravan Park Water Supply Toilet Food,Shopping Camp Fee Point of Interest
The Opalton fields are a reminder of how things can change in far western Queensland. Discovered in 1888 they were not worked until 1893. By 1896 there were 500-600 men on the fields but the inevitable problem of water (which had to be carted over 20 km) ensured that when the price of opals dropped the field was abandoned.
Mayneside Ruins   
Point of Interest 
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Bessies Castle   
Mountain,Peak,Hill 
No description entered. Enter description or photos.

 Preparation

A 4WD vehicle is only recommended for this trek and you should carry sufficient fuel, water and food. Carry at least one spare tyre AND tyre repair equipment, recovery gear and safety equipment. Taking navigation equipment with the latest updated maps is also wise to prevent you from getting lost. All travellers are recommended to read the 4WDriving Topic for related articles and checklists for preparing your vehicle and ensuring you are aware of the necessary driving skills to tackle a trip of this nature.

All travellers should understand that mobile phones are not a reliable form of communication when driving in this region. We advise that you refer to the Communications Topic for related articles to help you decide what communications devices suit your budget and purpose.

Fuel Supplies & Usage

Fuel SymbolWinton, Longreach Diesel4cyl 60 litres ULP4cyl 70 litres LPG4cyl 86 litres
6cyl 66 litres6cyl 78 litres6cyl 76 litres
8cyl 70 litres8cyl 57 litres *
Usage is averaged from TrekFuel (* specific to trek) submissions and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

During the summer months the temperatures may reach 45 to 50 degrees C. Travelling in the region between October and March is not recommended due to high temperatures and possible flooding.

Closest Climatic Station

Winton Post Office
Distance from Trek Mid Point 68.03km NW
 JanFebMarAprMayJun JulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C 37.636.235.132.1 27.724.724.426.9 31.034.737.138.2
Mean Min. °C 23.523.021.117.2 12.99.38.19.3 13.317.720.822.8
Mean Rain mm 81.386.553.522.1 20.618.515.06.6 8.718.430.650.0
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Services & Supplies

The following locations have various services and supplies: Winton, Tattersalls Hotel, Opalton, Longreach
Minor Supply Points- Opalton Outpost General Store.

 Camp Sites & Accomodation

Winton   RatingRatingRatingRatingRating
Populated Place Service Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Camp Fee Police Station Medical Services Resort,Motel
No description entered. Enter description or photos.
Longreach   
Populated Place Service Station,Roadhouse Caravan Park Rubbish Bin,Tip Fuel Water Supply Toilet Pub Food,Shopping Camp Fee Police Station Medical Services Resort,Motel Point of Interest
The town of Longreach was settled in the 1870s and is now the largest town in the region. The old town from its humble beginnings in the 1870s as a stock route junction on the 'long reach' of the Thomson River is now fully serviced by road, rail and air.
Opalton   
Populated Place Caravan Park Water Supply Toilet Food,Shopping Camp Fee Point of Interest
The Opalton fields are a reminder of how things can change in far western Queensland. Discovered in 1888 they were not worked until 1893. By 1896 there were 500-600 men on the fields but the inevitable problem of water (which had to be carted over 20 km) ensured that when the price of opals dropped the field was abandoned.

 Environment

Around Winton and Longreach the terrain is predominantly Mitchell grass plains punctuated by stony ranges and mesas known locally as jump-up country. During the summer months the temperatures may reach 45 to 50 degrees C. Travel in the region between October and March is not recommended due to high temperatures and possible flooding.

 History

Lark Quarry Environmental Park

Located 110 km from Winton, the Lark Quarry Environmental Park with its famous Dinosaur Stampede is an interesting insight into life in western Queensland some ninety five million years ago. This is the largest group of footprints of running dinosaurs uncovered anywhere in the world. First discovered in the early 1960s it was completely excavated in 1976-77. Three species of dinosaur made the 1200 tracks - a large flesh eating carnosaur and many small coelurosaurs and ornithopods.

The brochure on Lark Quarry explains the footprints: 'Most of the footprints were made when a carnosaur trapped groups of coelurosaurs and ornithopods on the muddy edge of a lake.' The area is now protected from the weather and clear signs on a 650 metre track explain the events.

Opalton Fields

The Opalton fields are a reminder of how things can change in far western Queensland. Discovered in 1888 they were not worked until 1893. By 1896 there were 500-600 men on the fields but the inevitable problem of water (which had to be carted over 20 km) ensured that when the price of opals dropped the field was abandoned. The township has vanished and all that is left are some ruins and the remains of mullock heaps where miners once fossicked for the precious opals.

 Driving Directions

Time
Direction
Distance
Winton to Winton Jundah Rd & Landsborough Hwy 0.93 km S 187° 1 min
Winton Jundah Rd & Landsborough Hwy to Tattersalls Hotel 0.17 km W 282°
Tattersalls Hotel to Winton Jundah Rd & Nareen Jump-up Rd 66.85 km SW 228° 52 min
Winton Jundah Rd & Nareen Jump-up Rd to Winton Jundah Rd & Lark Quarry CP Access 37.39 km SW 206° 27 min
Winton Jundah Rd & Lark Quarry CP Access to Lark Quarry 4.92 km W 287° 5 min
Lark Quarry to Winton Jundah Rd & Lark Quarry CP Access 4.92 km E 107° 5 min
Winton Jundah Rd & Lark Quarry CP Access to Winton Jundah Rd & Jundah Rd 16.52 km SW 220° 13 min
Winton Jundah Rd & Jundah Rd to Mayneside Ruins 49.84 km SE 154° 51 min
Mayneside Ruins to Lady Lil Mine & Vergemont Access 15.37 km NE 44° 17 min
Lady Lil Mine & Vergemont Access to Opalton 24.58 km NE 33° 23 min
Opalton to Lady Lil Mine & Vergemont Access 24.58 km SW 213° 23 min
Lady Lil Mine & Vergemont Access to Kerosine Tin Corner 13.68 km SE 130° 25 min
Kerosine Tin Corner to Vergemont Rd & Vergemont Access 31.41 km E 99° 51 min
Vergemont Rd & Vergemont Access to Bessies Castle 23.98 km NE 56° 22 min
Bessies Castle to Silsoe Vergemont Rd & Morella Silsoe Rd 1.18 km SE 134° 1 min
Silsoe Vergemont Rd & Morella Silsoe Rd to Longreach Silsoe Rd & Gallows Waterhole Access 44.84 km E 86° 42 min
Longreach Silsoe Rd & Gallows Waterhole Access to Longreach Silsoe Rd & Maneroo Winton Rd 26.91 km E 77° 18 min
Longreach Silsoe Rd & Maneroo Winton Rd to Longreach Silsoe Rd & Glendulloch Rd 34.86 km E 101° 22 min
Longreach Silsoe Rd & Glendulloch Rd to Longreach Silsoe Rd & Landsborough Hwy (Route 66) 0.84 km NE 67°
Longreach Silsoe Rd & Landsborough Hwy (Route 66) to Landsborough Hwy & Thomas Dev Rd 7.22 km SE 144° 7 min
Landsborough Hwy & Thomas Dev Rd to Longreach 0.38 km SE 137°
Winton to Longreach 431.38 km     7 hr 15 min
Distance is GPS recorded driving distance (not straight line), Direction is straight line from start to end, Time is calculated from actual GPS driving data.

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What Others have Posted

kezzy : 19 May 08 16:28
brisbaine to townsville...

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