Winton is one of the defining stops on The Outback Trail, where storytelling, live music and Outback pub culture come together across unforgettable nights. As part of The Outback Trail, Winton is hosting three unforgettable experiences, giving visitors a chance to connect with the town, its performers and its vibrant creative culture.
Head to Experience Winton to discover more about the region.
Step into the open-air of The Royal Winton Theatre for an exclusive screening of 'A Journey: Between the Fires', a powerful documentary following Troy Cassar-Daley as he returns to Country, reflects on family and grief, and creates one of his most personal albums. Watching it under the stars in one of Australia’s last remaining open-air picture theatres makes this a truly special experience.
This is a local attration along The Outback Trail. Tickets are on sale through The Royal Winton theatre website.
*INCLUDED IN THE DUSTY TRAIL TRAVELLER PASS
Step into the Crackup Sisters’ backyard for a 1970s-style game show under the Outback sky. The Dusty Hour blends original music by Niq Reefman and Matt Hill, circus, comedy, storytelling, and audience participation in a high-energy hour that is all-ages and unforgettable. Performed in Winton’s newest venue, The Dustarena, it’s a sunset experience that will leave you laughing and inspired.
Tickets on sale now, or entry included with The Dusty Trail Traveller Pass.
When The Dusty Hour wraps up, the night continues across the road at Winton’s iconic North Gregory Hotel. This lively pub is where locals and travellers come together, sharing stories, songs and the easy rhythm of the Outback. The evening features live music from Tori Darke, Mack Geiger and Jess White, hosted by Trail Ambassador Taylor Moss. With energy, laughter and unforgettable performances, the North Gregory is the perfect way to round out your Winton experience.
Tickets on sale now! *Included in the original Trail Traveller Pass (now sold out). Indivudal event tickets available for a limited time only.
Getting to Winton is part of the Outback adventure, whether you’re driving the open roads or flying and finishing the journey by car. Here’s how to make your way to this iconic Trail stop:
From Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne: Drive along the major highways depending on your route — Warrego, Landsborough and/or Newell Highway. For a true Outback road-trip experience allow 16 hours from Brisbane, or 2–3 days from Sydney or Melbourne depending on stops. Alternatively, fly into Longreach and enjoy a scenic 1-hour drive to Winton.
From North Queensland: Drive roughly 850 km west along the Flinders Highway to Hughenden, then south along the Kennedy Development Road and Landsborough Highway allowing 10–11 hours. Alternatively, fly into Longreach and complete the last leg with a relaxed 1‑hour scenic drive.
No matter which route you choose, the journey is part of the adventure. Endless skies, iconic landscapes, and the charm of Outback towns make every kilometre part of the Winton experience.
Winton offers a variety of friendly outback accommodation options to suit different travel styles and budgets. From classic motels and cosy cabins to caravan parks and unique outback stays, there’s somewhere to rest after a day exploring “Matilda Country.” During major events like the Outback Festival, bookings can fill up fast, so it’s wise to plan ahead.
Accommodation options include:
Availability can vary throughout the year, so checking ahead is recommended to secure your preferred style of stay.
The Pelican Caravan Park and Cabins Tattersalls Hotel Van Park Winton Roadhouse Cabins and Caravan Park Winton Wanderers Caravan Park
Boulder Opal Motor Inn Matilda Motel No. 27 North Gregory Hotel Olive Grove Qantilda Quarters Winton Hotel Winton Outback Motel Winton Outback Homestead
Before you set off, make sure to:
Check road conditions, especially after heavy rain
Carry plenty of water and fuel for long drives
Allow extra time between towns
Download maps or directions in advance, as mobile coverage can be patchy
No matter how you arrive, stepping into Winton marks the beginning of something unforgettable. Whether you fly in or take the scenic outback route, the journey itself is a prelude to a weekend filled with music, community, and endless open skies.
Music in Winton doesn’t stop at the stage. Just outside town sits Winton’s Musical Fence, a large-scale, playable sound installation commissioned by the Queensland Music Festival (QMF) in 2003 and created in collaboration with the local community. The Fence is a giant string instrument, with tuned wires connected to overhead acoustic resonators, inviting visitors to touch, play and explore the unique sounds it produces.
Over the years, the installation has become a popular destination for travellers, and its influence has reached far beyond the Outback. In 2008, Gotye recorded the Musical Fence and later used the sounds as the bassline for Eyes Wide Open from his platinum album Making Mirrors. The story of how this Outback instrument found its way into a global hit is explored in the documentary on the making of the song. Making a visit to the Fence not just a chance to play music, but to connect with a piece of Winton’s ongoing cultural legacy.
Image courtesy of Tourism & Events Queensland.
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