8 experiences not to miss during Winton 150 years celebrations

From dark sky drone shows to dinosaur footprints, there are plenty of reasons to visit Winton this April.

With links to Waltzing Matilda, Qantas, boulder opal mining and dinosaur fossils, there’s much to discover in the outback Queensland town of Winton at any time of year. But as Winton 150 years of settlement hits, there’s even more.

Here, long, wide streets fill with calls of the pink galahs resting on power poles as the sun rises. The town wakes up early to enjoy tea on wooden verandahs or get active before the day heats up. From midday, the town’s pubs become the place to be for welcoming locals and travellers passing through.

As this small town celebrates its 150th anniversary of settlement, the welcome mat is out for visitors to explore and enjoy all Winton has to offer. Discover eight experiences you shouldn’t miss when helping celebrate Winton’s milestone anniversary in April 2025.

Rangelands station rock rifts tour with Red Dirt Tours — From food to station visits, there’s plenty to do in Winton. (Image: TEQ)

1. Events to mark the 150th year of settlement

Winton’s 150-year celebrations will honour the town’s rich heritage while embracing its vibrant future with a week of activities and tours, culminating in a packed weekend for all ages from 11–13 April.

Festivities kick off with an opening ceremony in Elderslie Street and close with a dinner, live music and fireworks. In between, there’s a host of fun events planned, including a dark sky drone show, vintage-style handmade craft markets, antique roadshow, grand parade, vintage dress-up day, gala ball and even an old-school sports day, all encouraging visitors and locals alike to celebrate the town in a brand new way.

winton 150 two people sitting inside at Australian Winton Hotel — Join in unique events during Winton 150. (Image: TEQ)

2. Drink a toast to stunning sunsets at Rangelands Station

The rock rifts of jump-up country at Rangelands Station provide the perfect backdrop for an outback sunset. Join a Rangelands Rifts and Sunset Tour of this working cattle station, just 10 kilometres from Winton, and gaze upon a 360-degree panorama of this ancient mesa landscape, shaped by nature to create channels through the rock. Or extend your stay with an overnight off-grid stay in a luxury glamping tent at Rangelands Outback Camp .

Rangelands Red Dirt Tours winton — Enjoy a sundowner with epic views. (Image: TEQ)

3. Marvel at Arno’s Wall

When German immigrant Arno Grotjahn discovered a valuable opal at nearby Opalton in the 1960s, he bought a house in Winton and then spent the rest of his life building the quirky structure that became known as Arno’s Wall. The two-metre-high concrete and rock wall runs for more than 70 metres and is embedded with lawnmower parts, boat propellers, vintage typewriters, a couple of motorbikes and other found objects and old machinery. Find it on Vindex Street.

Arno's Wall in winton queensland — Walk along the quirky Arno’s Wall. (Image: TEQ)

4. Drive the Outback Way

Winton marks one end of the Outback Way touring route, which runs for 2750 kilometres to Laverton in Western Australia. Whichever way you drive it, the Outback Way is a cross-continent adventure like no other; dubbed ‘the world’s longest shortcut’, it takes in the beauty of western Queensland and the Central Australian deserts of Uluru and Alice Springs, plus a swag of other fascinating places.

One of the most interesting and unusual stops along the Outback Way is Middleton , an old Cobb & Co Coach stop, 169 kilometres from Winton. Grab a beer at one of the most isolated pubs in Queensland and take in the view across the stunning Lilleyvale Hills at nearby Cawnpore Lookout .

Winton Outback Way Cawnpore Hills lookout — Take in the view from Cawnpore Lookout.

5. Go fossicking at Opalton

The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), first discovered in Opalton in 1888. Opalton, which is 110 kilometres south of Winton, is still the centre of opal fossicking. Visitors can try their luck in designated areas, or skip the hard work and simply buy a beautiful piece of opal jewellery from one of the local miners. Five stores in town also bring the best of the opal offerings to you.

A network of walking trails links some of Opalton’s historic sites, including the cemetery, old horse yards and the township itself. Head to the Winton Visitor Information Centre at the Waltzing Matilda Centre for a fossicking permit, map and more information.

6. Meet the dinosaurs at Lark Quarry Conservation Park

When the first dinosaur footprint was discovered near Winton in 1962, it was just the start of one of Australia’s most amazing tourist attractions.

Take the tour at Lark Quarry Conservation Park to see evidence of a dinosaur stampede, with over 3300 footprints dating back 95 million years to the Cretaceous period. This is believed to represent the most concentrated site of dinosaur footprints, and only definitive record of a dinosaur stampede, in the world.

At the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum on the Winton jump-up, view the world’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils and learn more about these creatures that once walked Australian lands.

dinosaur footprints at Australian Age of Dinosaurs in winton qld — See part of the Lark Quarry stampede at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum. (Image: TEQ)

7. Play a tune on the Musical Fence

Grab a stick and make music at the world’s only Musical Fence. Designed by percussionist and composer Graeme Leak, the Musical Fence is a wire fence that can be played as an instrument and is the first permanent musical fence installation in the world.

Located behind the Diamantina Heritage Truck & Machinery Museum near the Industrial Estate, the fence is free for everyone to enjoy. The installation is such a draw for locals and tourists that Australian singer-songwriter Gotye even featured a sample of the Musical Fence in his song Eyes Wide Open.

At sunset, head to the nearby Avro Plane sculpture, which marks the birthplace of Qantas, for a unique photo opportunity.

people playing on winton's musical fence and found percussion — Try your musical prowess at the Musical Fence. (Image: TEQ)

8. Sing along at the Waltzing Matilda Centre

The first public performance of Australia’s unofficial national anthem, Waltzing Matilda, is believed to have been at Winton’s North Gregory Hotel on 6 April 1895, after the poet Banjo Paterson penned the words while visiting nearby Dagworth Station.

The Waltzing Matilda Centre , in the centre of town, is where you’ll find all things ‘Matilda’ –and is also the first museum in the world dedicated to a song. This state-of-the-art building also houses an art gallery, retail store, cafe and the Qantilda Museum, which tells the story of Winton Shire, including the shearers’ strike of 1891.

exterior shot of the Waltzing Matilda Centre in winton — Discover the local history of Banjo Patterson’s Waltzing Matilda. (Image: TEQ)

Discover more at experiencewinton.com.au and plan to join the anniversary celebrations at winton150.com.au .

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

8 experiences you can’t miss during Winton’s 150th year of settlement