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

Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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)

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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.

boulder opal
Shop for or fossick for boulder opals.

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)

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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.

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Lee Mylne
Lee Mylne is an award-winning Brisbane-based freelance travel writer who has visited more than 60 countries, but still loves writing about the places closest to her. She has a strong interest in people, history, culture and nature and will go anywhere for a good story.
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From reef to rainforest: Discover the best Port Douglas experiences

(Credit: TTNQ)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    Ancient rainforest, coral reefs, laid-back luxury and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Port Douglas offers a side of Australia unlike anywhere else.

    Mornings in Port Douglas start with a beautiful symphony. As day breaks, the lyrical calls of Rainbow Lorikeets, cries of the sulphur-crested cockatoos and rhythmic Coral Sea waves create a colourful soundtrack for Tropical North Queensland’s sunrise. If there’s one place in Australia that captures the sweet spot between luxury and laid-back living, it’s here. This small, seaside village has just enough glamour to feel indulgent and just enough barefoot charm to make you feel like you’ve escaped the chaos of everyday life.

    Whether you’re diving into the warm waters on Four Mile Beach or enjoying an ice-cold drink and a Barramundi burger overlooking the marina, Port Douglas offers more than just a seaside holiday.

    Local gourmet goodies

    Nautilus restaurant port douglas
    Nab an open-air table beneath a canopy of palms at Nautilus. (Image: Toby Stanley)

    The tropical food scene in Port Douglas is influenced by the rich agricultural regions surrounding it, with fresh produce arriving daily from nearby farms and tropical growers across the region. At Nautilus – a hidden, palm-fringed restaurant just off Macrossan Street – the menu showcases regional flavours. Its Signature Nautilus Mango Soufflé is a long-time favourite.

    Nearby, Hi-Tide by the Beach offers a relaxed way beachfront dining experience overlooking the Coral Sea. From crocodile and lemon myrtle spring rolls to wild barramundi and a volcanic hot stone steak, taste the diverse flavours of Tropical North Queensland.

    Visitors can also explore the region’s local markets. Port Douglas Markets offers artisan products and tropical treats each Sunday, while the Saturday morning Mossman Markets is the place for fresh local produce from the surrounding farming community.

    Just outside of Port Douglas, Ospreys at Thala Beach Nature Reserve has one of the region’s most memorable dining outlooks. Perched on a small headland between rainforest and sea, take in views across the coastline and mountains while you dine. The seasonal menu highlights local seafood, tropical fruits and native ingredients sourced from across the region

    Travelling with young humans

    Hartley's Crocodile Adventures port douglas
    Catch a spectacle at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. (Credit: TTNQ)

    Port Douglas caters for all types of visitors, but families especially love the walkable streets, wide beaches and range of activities nearby. An attraction that never fails to delight all ages is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – a wildlife sanctuary and ecotourism park with some of the region’s largest crocodiles. Here, you’ll also find koalas, cassowaries, turtles and other Australian wildlife.

    For something slower paced, sit back and enjoy a tranquil visit aboard the historic Lady Douglas River Cruise. Glide along the calm waters of Dickson Inlet, keeping an eye out for birdlife and estuarine crocodiles along the mangroves. Children can take part in activity sheets onboard and even have the opportunity to help steer the boat.

    This region is also deeply connected to Indigenous culture, and a Dreamtime Walk is one way to learn about it. Discover the stories, traditions and connection to Country of the local Kuku Yalanji people from local Indigenous guides, while exploring the rainforest and waters of Mossman Gorge.

    Exploring local waterways

    Coya Beach port douglas
    Walk along the peaceful Cooya Beach. (Credit: TTNQ)

    Join a guided tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures to explore the peaceful Cooya Beach. Led by deeply knowledgeable local Aboriginal guides, try seasonal local bush tucker, take in the beautiful landscape and gain insight into the history, culture and traditions of this land.

    Surrounded by dense canopy and ancient species, nearby Hartley’s Creek Falls are at their finest after rain. These beautiful falls are reached via a lush rainforest walk that winds through creek crossings, towering greenery and moss-covered boulders.

    To swim where the locals swim, head out past local farms and into the foothills of the Mossman River to Shannonvale – a low-key freshwater swimming hole surrounded by sun-warmed rocks and deep pockets of clear water. It’s a quiet area to spend a few hours retreating from the world.

    Adrenaline adventures

    Sailaway Port Douglas
    Take to the ocean with Sailaway Port Douglas. (Credit: TTNQ)

    One of the most high-octane ways to enjoy the nature of Tropical North Queensland is white-water rafting down the impressive Barron River. With Grade two and Grade three rapids, expect plenty of splashing, some teamwork, and a few moments where everyone in the raft screams and laughs at the same time.

    Join Back Country Bliss for the most unique floating experience you’ll ever encounter. Head into the rainforest and float along the serene Mossman River on your individual board, taking in the sights and sounds of the ancient landscape around you.

    If you prefer ocean swimming, Sailaway Port Douglas explores the idyllic Low Isles and the outer reef on their snorkelling tours. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from above or below and look out for coral gardens, giant clams, colourful reef fish and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles.

    For land-lovers, the Devil’s Thumb is a challenging but rewarding hike with incredible views over the coast and endless cane fields. This 10km return hike will take around six to eight hours, so leave a whole day and pack snacks!

    Experiences that give back

    Skyrail Rainforest Cableway port douglas experiences
    See the rainforest from above on The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (Credit: TTNQ)

    With two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforest region – it’s not surprising Tropical North Queensland is a hub for eco-tourism. The stunning Daintree Ecolodge was founded on the principles of minimising environmental impact, supporting the local community and teaching guests about the local Indigenous culture. Their elevated rainforest-style ‘bayans’ are tucked among the trees, bringing nature into every part of a guest’s stay.

    Further down the coast, the luxury bungalows and treetop hideaways of Thala Beach Nature Reserve are dotted across 45 acres of protected headland, forest and beach. The property’s design intentionally preserves large areas of native vegetation and beachfront ecosystem, while conserving the surrounding habitat. The private beach and various swimming pools offer a cool retreat from the heat of the day, while the main lodge offers the perfect place to read and relax.

    The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 7.5-kilometre cableway between Cairns and nearby Kuranda, has won multiple tourism and environmental awards. It’s also the first tourism attraction in the world to achieve Platinum EarthCheck Accreditation, for its long-term environmental management and sustainability initiatives.

    Start planning your Port Douglas adventure at tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au.