WITNESSING an outback sunset reflected on a wide expanse of water can be inspiring.

And seeing the jewel-bright view from aboard a paddle wheeler just makes it better.

Make a cruise on the Thomson Belle part of your itinerary when you visit Longreach. And whether you’re coming under your own steam or by public transport, the folks at the Longreach Outback Travel Centre are good people to know.

Their Sunset and Stars Cruise offers courtesy coach pickup from your accommodation. Throughout the cruise, you’ll enjoy nibblies on board with expert commentary from the Skipper. After taking in the sunset along the waterway, join the crew around the campfire for a two-course meal and billy tea and damper.

Local award-winning entertainment by bush poet Milton Taylor and country music entertainer Wilf Elliott helps round out the experience beautifully. Milton has a great following among bush poetry lovers and Wilf has won awards for his music at Tamworth, so you’ll be in for a treat.

Longreach Outback Travel Centre owners Norm Salsbury and his wife Edna can help people organise their trip before they leave home – or for those who like a more casual arrangement, their choice of tours can be decided at the centre after they have arrived in town.

The most popular tour by far is the Billabong Boat Cruise Sunset and Stars Dinner Cruise – the original Thomson River cruise, featuring the Thomson Belle paddle wheeler.

Check out the website for details at www.lotc.com.au.

Longreach Outback Travel Centre offers a range of Outback Experiences including cruises, full day tours and unforgettable multi-day adventures in this great land.

Longreach Lookabout 2009:
See four of the best attractions in Longreach on this one-day tour.

Great Western Adventure 2009:
Experience the great outback on a four-day tour.
The tour takes in the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame including the amazing Stockman’s Show in season, tours of the 747 and 707 aircraft as well as entry into the museum at the Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach School of Distance Education and a Cobb and Co experience.
Further afield, you visit the Australian Workers Heritage Centre, Roses N Things and the Barcaldine Historical Museum.
Email info@lotc.com.au or see the website for more information.

Yellowbelly Express River Cruise:
Available for private charter or groups.