Major city · Australia
Winton
Give Winton 2 nights if you have a car and want Lark Quarry; 1 night if you are on the coach and staying in town.
Winton is a small outback town on the Landsborough Highway between Longreach and Mount Isa, about 2 hours by road from Longreach. It is the birthplace of Qantas, the place where Banjo Paterson wrote Waltzing Matilda in 1895, and the base for two dinosaur sites: the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum 11 km east and the Lark Quarry trackways 110 km southwest. Without a car you are limited to town sights and tours run out of Longreach.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- AUD
- Best months
- Apr–Oct
- avoid Nov–Mar (summer days often reach 40 °C (104 °F) and tours thin out)avoid Nov–Mar (summer days often reach 104 °F (40 °C) and tours thin out)
- Airport
- WIN
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Winton000 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Winton, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Australian dollar (AUD, A$).Australia-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelstra has the widest outback coverage; Optus and Vodafone (TPG) are cheaper and fine in cities and along highways.Australia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in cities and towns; in remote places use signed drinking taps.Australia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Not expected; 10% for very good service in a nice restaurant if you wish.Australia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Australia-wide
- SafetyThe documented risks here are outback hazards, not crime: summer heat above 40 °C (104 °F), long empty drives…The documented risks here are outback hazards, not crime: summer heat above 104 °F (40 °C), long empty drives…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets in parks, beaches, shopping centres and petrol stations (servos); the National Public Toilet Map app lists them.Australia-wide
- Emergency numbers000 police, fire, ambulance · 112 From a mobile
- Sundays & holidaysChristmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 15:00; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day morning close most shops; many cafés close by 3:00 PM; country towns close early on Saturday and all Sunday.Australia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckWIN Winton Airport (Flight availability and frequency are check for 2026: Regional Express has served Townsville–Winton…
- Getting aroundThere is no public transport in Winton.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee2026 estimate, checkA$5–7 (≈ US$4–5)
- BeerBeer in a pub2026 estimate, checkA$8–12 (≈ US$6–8)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Qantilda)2026 estimate, checkA$3.50–10 (≈ US$3–7)
- Budget bedCaravan park cabin (up to 4), a night, per roomA$150 (≈ US$100)
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$180 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomA$280 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget A$120 (≈ US$80) · Mid A$200 (≈ US$140) · High A$350 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- WIN Winton Airport (Flight availability and frequency are check for 2026: Regional Express has served Townsville–Winton, but confirm the current schedule and fares before you plan around it. Most travellers arrive by road or coach.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Feb
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Mar
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Apr
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
May
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Best
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Nov
Avoid
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
Dec
Avoid
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
Best: Apr–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)), coolest Jul (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Jan (6 rain days), driest Aug (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Winton: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
6 rd
Feb
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6 rd
Mar
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Apr
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
May
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
1 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2 rd
Oct
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
3 rd
Nov
36°C (97°F)97°F (36°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4 rd
Dec
37°C (99°F)99°F (37°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
There is no public transport in Winton. A car makes the dinosaur sites and Bladensburg National Park reachable; hire cars are usually picked up in Longreach. Without a vehicle, town sights are walkable and out-of-town experiences run as tours from Longreach in season.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Australian Age of Dinosaurs
goDoor to door: About 2–3 h including the tour
Drive 11 km (6.8 mi) east of town, then an unsealed road up the jump-upDrive 6.8 mi (11 km) east of town, then an unsealed road up the jump-up
Guided tours only; entry around A$30 (check current times and price).
Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways
goDoor to door: 5–6 h return from Winton
Drive the Winton–Jundah road southwest, partly unsealed
Entry from about A$12 (check); a full day, so go only with a car and in dry weather.
Bladensburg National Park
cautionDoor to door: Half a day
Drive 7 km (4.3 mi) south of Winton on dirt roadsDrive 4.3 mi (7 km) south of Winton on dirt roads
Dirt access; check road conditions and do not attempt after heavy rain.
Combo Waterhole
cautionDoor to door: About 4 h return
Drive 132 km (82 mi) northwest off the Landsborough HighwayDrive 82 mi (132 km) northwest off the Landsborough Highway
Waltzing Matilda country; unsealed access, so treat it as a half-day with a car.
Longreach
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Drive the A2/Landsborough Highway southeast
The usual pairing: Qantas Founders Museum and the Stockman's Hall of Fame.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Elderslie Street (main street)
Pubs, the Qantilda Museum, the Royal Theatre and motels within a few minutes' walk; the only real choice in town.
Approach roads and station edge
Availability and exact locations are check: some motels and caravan parks sit on the highway approaches, and you need a car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- A$120–180 (≈ US$80–120) excl. bed (2026 estimate, check)
- Mid
- A$180–300 (≈ US$120–200) excl. bed (2026 estimate, check)
- High
- A$300 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed (2026 estimate, check)
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 2 nights × A$180 | A$360 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × A$200 | A$800 |
| Australian Age of Dinosaurs entry2 × A$30 · 2026 estimate, check | A$60 |
| Lark Quarry entry2 × A$12 · 2026 estimate, check | A$24 |
| Fuel, 300 km of outback driving1 × A$60 · 2026 estimate, check | A$60 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | A$130 |
| Trip total≈ A$359 per person per day, bed included | A$1,434≈ US$950 |
2026 estimate, check
2026 estimate in Australian dollars, check against current local prices; long-distance travel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Pub counter meal2026 estimate, check | A$25–40 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Coffee2026 estimate, check | A$5–7 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Beer in a pub2026 estimate, check | A$8–12 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Museum entry (Qantilda)2026 estimate, check | A$3.50–10 (≈ US$3–7) |
| Fuel, per litre2026 estimate, check; outback stations run higher than the coast. | A$2.00–2.30 (≈ US$2) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer heat: plan driving and walks for the morning, carry water, and do not walk far after 11:00 in Nov–Mar.Summer heat: plan driving and walks for the morning, carry water, and do not walk far after 11:00 AM in Nov–Mar.
- The road up to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum includes unsealed sections; check conditions after rain.
- Lark Quarry is 110 km (68 mi) southwest with unsealed road; a return trip is most of a day.Lark Quarry is 68 mi (110 km) southwest with unsealed road; a return trip is most of a day.
- Mobile coverage in and around town varies by carrier and can drop outside it; check with your provider and download offline maps before leaving Longreach.
- Fuel and food options are few between Longreach and Winton: fill up before you leave.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 000
- From a mobile
- 112
Pocket card
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WintonWinton
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Can you take me to this address?To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance000
- From a mobile112
Embassy
No embassies in Winton; the nearest consular help is in Brisbane or Sydney. US, UK, Canadian and other citizens should register travel plans with their embassy before heading outback.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Coach Brisbane → Winton: about 16:00 departure, about 12:45 arrival next day (timetable check with the operator)about 4:00 PM departure, about 12:45 PM arrival next day (timetable check with the operator)
- Coach Winton → Brisbane: about 13:25 departure, about 09:20 arrival next day (timetable check with the operator)about 1:25 PM departure, about 9:20 AM arrival next day (timetable check with the operator)
- Winton → Longreach by road: about 2 h, 180 km (112 mi)about 2 h, 112 mi (180 km)
Say or show
- Thanks — Thank you
- Where's the servo? — Where is the fuel station?
- Is it bitumen all the way? — Is the road sealed?
- How many k's? — How far is it?
Mobile coverage varies by carrier and can drop outside town; download offline maps before leaving Longreach.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Winton. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Oct · avoid Nov–Mar (summer days often reach 40 °C and tours thin out) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for WIN: Rex service from Townsville (frequency check), coach fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster for the main street: Qantilda Museum, Royal Theatre, Arno's Wall, Musical Fence, pubs.
- Place pages with verified tour times and prices for the Australian Age of Dinosaurs and Lark Quarry.
- Road-condition and heat fixtures so out-of-town day trips can go green.