Longreach, with a population of about 3100, is at the centre of the vast central western grazing lands. With more cattle than sheep nowadays, tourism is a major economic factor maintaining the prosperity long associated with the region.

Jack was saddened to learn that the “Red Steer” had been put through another of his past lodgings/watering holes. The historic Lyceum Hotel was destroyed by fire on 4 June 2018. As mentioned in a previous post, the Grand Hotel in Hughenden suffered the same fate on 16th of November of the same year.

Of course, a visit to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame was foremost on our agenda. A very impressive museum with lots of displays and information. Our tour included a movie, a live show as well as an all-day pass to the museum. Loved it.

Paying tribute to pioneers of the Australian outback the buildings are designed like a “cathedral in the outback …. not a bloody stuffy museum”, as per the wishes of one of the founders, Hugh Sawrey.

The traveling boxing troupe was a common feature during major events in outback towns up until about 1990. None more famous than Jimmy Sharman’s, an outback legend acknowledged in the Hall of Fame.

With Longreach’s afternoon temperatures hovering just under 40 degrees Celsius, the early part of the day was the best time to be out and about. Below, an early visit to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame but, unfortunately, a slightly underwhelming sunrise…

Perhaps reflecting the better the days of the Australian wool industry, Longreach’s Catholic Church was built in 1957.

Next: Down through the middle of Queensland