Winton Australia

Birthplace of Waltzing Matilda and Qantas

Once known as Pelican Point, Winton, Australia was first settled in 1875. Today, the town is the centre of a huge cattle and sheep raising district. It's a typical rural Outback town with the flair of a great past.

Winton's main claim to fame is that Waltzing Matilda, the famous Australian bush ballad, was first performed at the North Gregory Hotel on April 6th, 1895.
Written by Andrew Barton Patterson at nearby Dagworth Station, the song became Australia's inofficial national anthem.

Walk along the streets and feel the spirit of the bush. Enjoy Country hospitality and unique characters. You'll miss a lot when you travel Queensland and drive past this unique town during your Queensland holidays.

The North Gregory Hotel in Winton

Winton's history is connected with the great sheares's strike of the 1890s. About 500 shearers camped south of the town to show support for shearers on the surrounding stations.

Winton and the surrounding area is also known as dinosaur country. Australia's largest dinosaur skeleton was found outside town in 1999. Visit Lake Quarry Conservation Park 110km south west of Winton to see the footprints of a dinosaur stampede.

It's the typical Aussie humour that Winton hides its dustbins in huge dino feet.

Points of interest in Winton, Australia

A 2 km walk guides you to the major attrations. Take your time and discover historic buildings and sites.

* The Waltzing Matilda Centre, Elderslie Street

The centre combines the Qantilda museum, an art gallery, the Billabong Courtyard, a collection of memorabilia from the pioneering past, and of course the birth of Australia's international airline, Qantas. Explore the history from Aborigines time to present days. Enjoy a rest in the Coolibah Country Kitchen restaurant after exploring all that history.

The museum is open daily from 9am to 5 pm, except Christmas and Boxing Day. On public holidays the centre closes at 2 pm.

Admission: 19 AUD for adults, 8 AUD per child.

For more information see the Walzing Matilda Centre website (opens a new window).

* Corfield & Fitzmaurice, Elderlie Street

This building is listed by the National Trust as one of the well preserved old-style general stores. It was Winton's first general store.

* The Royal Theatre, Cobb Lane

One of the few operating open-air picture theatres that remained in Australia. Don't miss the nostalgia night on Wednesday at 8 pm when you happen to be there.

* Winton Club, corner Oodooroo & Vindex streets

The first Qantas Board meeting was held in the club in February 1921, thus it is known as the "birthplace" of Qantas.

The area around Winton is opal country and home of the unique matrix opal. It is a special form of boulder opal which is only found in this part of Queensland.

Winton, Australia is, like Cloncurry and Longreach, deep-rooted with the pioneering history of the central west in Queensland. A huge chapter of Outback Australia history was written in this central part of Matilda Country.
Take your time and enjoy!