Winton, Queensland

Winton is a small town in central-west Queensland, Australia.^[1][2][3] It is the main town in the Shire of Winton and is located in the Outback, about 1,350 kilometres (840 miles) northwest of Brisbane and 180 kilometres (112 miles) northwest of Longreach.

The Winton area is on the land of the Koa people, the region’s Traditional Owners.

European settlement began in the late 1800s, and Winton became a service centre for the growing sheep and cattle industries.

Winton is known as the birthplace of “Waltzing Matilda,” one of Australia's most famous songs. It was first performed in Winton in 1895.

Winton is located in the Channel Country, a dry region where rivers only flow after heavy rain. The land around Winton is mostly flat and dry, with gibber plains (rocky deserts), grasslands, and red soil. The town sits near the Western River (a dry riverbed most of the year).

Winton has a hot semi-arid climate. It is very hot in summer and mild in winter. Summer temperatures often go above 40°C (104°F), and winters are warm during the day, but nights can fall below 5°C (41°F). Rain is rare, but most falls between December and March. Clear skies mean strong sun during the day and cool nights.

As of the 2021 census, about 875 people live in Winton. Although small, Winton plays an important role in the Outback region.

Winton’s economy is based on:

• Sheep and cattle grazing
• Tourism, especially fossil tourism and Outback history
• Local services for surrounding properties

Winton is connected by:

• Road: On the Landsborough Highway between Longreach and Cloncurry
• Rail: Winton used to have a train line, but it is now closed
• Air: Winton has a small airport with flights to Longreach, Townsville, and other towns

Winton is famous for its dinosaur fossils, bush poetry, and Outback culture. Tourist attractions include:

• Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum – home to real dinosaur fossils found nearby
• Waltzing Matilda Centre – a museum about the song and Outback life
• Dinosaur Stampede National Monument at Lark Quarry – the site of 95-million-year-old dinosaur footprints
• Outback landscapes, wildlife, and sunsets

Winton hosts popular events such as:

• Waltzing Matilda Day (April)
• O utback Festival – held every two years, includes fun games, races, and music
• Way Out West Festival – country music and culture
• Film festivals – Winton has been a filming location for Outback movies

Winton has:

• A school
• A hospital and health clinic
• Shops, fuel station, and pubs
• A library, museums, and visitor centre
• Caravan parks and tourist accommodation

1. ↑ "Winton – town (entry 37728)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
2. ↑ "Winton – locality (entry 49358)". Queensland Place Names. Queensland Government. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
3. ↑ "Winton". Outback Queensland. Archived from the original on 23 February 2024. Retrieved 2024-02-23.