Your Ultimate Winton Travel Guide: What to See, Do and Experience in the Outback

GUIDE

By Brodie Bailey

Published 2 months ago

Things to do | Local tips | Best time to visit | Outback Queensland

Welcome to Winton, where dinosaurs once roamed, bush ballads were born, and the red dirt feels like it’s straight off a movie set (because sometimes, it is). If you're chasing a true-blue outback adventure with a side of fossil digs, film festivals, and quirky country charm, this tiny town with a big personality needs a spot on your Queensland itinerary.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-dos, local secrets, and handy travel tips to make the most of your Winton escape.

Why Winton should be your next Outback adventure

Iconic open-air theatre hosting cinematic and live performances — The Royal Theatre, Winton, Outback Queensland

First things first: Winton isn’t just a pit stop, it’s a vibe. Located smack-bang in the heart of Outback Queensland, this small town packs a punch with a wild mix of culture, history and a little bit of Hollywood flair.

It’s home to:

The world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils

The birthplace of Australia’s unofficial anthem, Waltzing Matilda

One of the quirkiest film festivals in the country, held under the stars

A legendary outback sunset (camera required)

Whether you're road-tripping the Dinosaur Trail or flying in for a weekend out west, Winton brings the kind of stories you’ll be retelling long after your boots are dusted off.

Discover things to do and see in Outback Queensland

Winton highlights you won’t want to miss

Australian Age of Dinosaurs

This isn’t just a museum, it’s a full-blown prehistoric playground. Perched on the outside of town, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs has the largest collection of Aussie dino fossils in the world.

Go behind the scenes at the Fossil Preparation Laboratory

Wander through Dinosaur Canyon with epic outback views

Say g’day to “Banjo” and “Matilda,” two famous fossil finds

Whether you’re eight or eighty, this place sparks serious Jurassic joy.

The Hollywood of the Outback

Yep, Winton has a touch of Tinseltown! Its rugged landscapes have starred in Aussie flicks like The Proposition and Mystery Road, and every June, the town turns into a movie lover’s dream with the Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival.

Held under wide open skies, this nine-day celebration of Australian cinema is part red carpet, part rodeo, all outback charm. Don’t forget your Akubra.

Waltzing Matilda Centre

The only museum in the world dedicated to a song, and what a song it is. Waltzing Matilda was first performed at Winton’s North Gregory Hotel, and the Waltzing Matilda Centre brings the story to life with immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and a fair bit of Aussie pride.

It’s a great way to soak up Winton’s role in Australia’s cultural story and hum a tune or two along the way.

Exterior view of the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Outback Queensland — Waltzing Matilda Centre, Outback Queensland

Local tips and hidden gems

Want to feel like a local? Here’s how to do Winton like you’ve been coming here for years.

Sunset spot: Head to Rangelands Rifts or Bladensburg National Park. The sky puts on a show every night.

Quirky stop: Drop by Crackup Corner, part museum, part comedy club, part what-on-earth-is-this-place.

Refreshment break: The North Gregory Hotel does a solid schnitty and icy beer. Pop in for the live music and stay for the yarns.

When to go, how to get there, what to know

A couple sitting on top of their car in front of the Winton sign — Winton, Outback Queensland

Best time to visit

June is prime time — dry season weather, cool nights, and Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival in full swing.

Late autumn and early spring also serve up sunny days without the sizzle.

Getting there

By road: Winton is around 1,350km from Brisbane (approx. 15 hours) — classic outback road trip territory.

By air: Fly into Longreach, then hire a car or hop on a coach. Winton’s about 180km away.

By rail: The Spirit of the Outback train gets you from Brisbane to Longreach in style, then roll on to Winton. Check out 8 Epic Queensland Train Journeys That'll Move You (Litterally)

Good to know

Mobile coverage is decent but pack a paper map just in case (You can pick up a map at the local Visitor Information Centers.)

Bring layers — hot days, chilly nights.

Fuel up where you can. This is outback country, after all.

Stay longer: What else you’ll love nearby

A couple sitting in front of a campfire at Rangelands Outback Camp — Ranglelands Outback Camp, Winton, Outback Queensland

Turn your Winton trip into a full-on Outback Queensland adventure. Here’s what’s nearby:

Longreach: Home of the Qantas Founders Museum and Stockman’s Hall of Fame

Hughenden: More dinosaurs! Plus Mount Walker and epic lookouts

Boulia: If you’re lucky, you might spot the famous Min Min lights

If you’re craving wide-open spaces, Aussie legends, and the kind of trip that makes your group chat jealous, Winton is your go. From dino digs to film flicks and that outback hospitality you just can’t fake, it’s a town that delivers stories in spades.

So… ready to road trip west?

Check out our Family Road Trip for Dinosaur Bones Outback Queensland

Looking for more adventures? Here are 30 things to do in Outback Queensland.