We enjoyed exploring the Qantas Founders Outback Museum in Longreach. The kids LOVED it and got a lot out of it. We did find it a bit pricey, so we were glad to get the school holiday special. But… we were most upset that we couldn’t sit in the Captain’s seat!
If you’ve ever wondered how one of the largest plane companies in the world began, this is the place to find out. The Qantas Founders Museum sits loud and proud in the Outback Queensland town of Longreach.
This Museum will take you through the Qantas story from the early days, right up until the present day. There are a range of different displays, tours and even planes that you can wander through depending on which ticket you purchase. Make sure you get your photo taken in one of the jet engines!
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Qantas Museum Longreach Review
The Qantas Founders Museum is solely focussed on not only the history of Qantas itself, but also what life has been like in Outback Queensland over the years. This aviation museum really delves into how the industry has changed the world as we know it.
What’s at the Qantas Museum Longreach
- Plane simulator
- Jet engines
- Interactive displays
- Oodles of information
- Complete QANTAS history
- 2 x theatres with rolling movies
- Memorabilia & relics
- Reenactment displays
- Smaller planes you can climb in and out of
- Larger Jet Tours (747 & 707) – optional extra
- Get your pic inside an engine
- Wing Walk – optional extra
- Big Hangar full of things to look at
- Lots to see, do and touch
- Plus the Cafe/ Coffee Shop
- FREE Exhibit in the front gallery focused on the history of Forced Adoption in this country – very informative with many heartbreaking stories
General admission will give you access to the main Exhibition Hall, Catalina Flying Boat and the National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar.
Qantas Museum Longreach Tours
Pre-Flight Breakfast Tour
(Qantas Hangar Tour + Breakfast)
The Pre-Flight Breakfast Tour is a 30-minute experience including a tour of the National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar, which was built in 1922. Learn about the significance of Longreach and the history of the airline. Imagine what it would have been like 100 years ago operating out of the Hangar.
After the guided tour, guests will enjoy a gourmet breakfast and a drink in the onsite McGinness’ Restaurant before the Museum opens.
Pre-Flight Breakfast Tour:
- Qantas Hangar Tour
- Does not include Museum entry
- Arrive at 7.20 am for a 7.30 am start
- Includes breakfast & beverage
- Museum entry NOT included (must purchase separately)
| PRE-FLIGHT BREAKFAST | |
|---|---|
| Time | 30 minutes |
| Cost | • Adult – $45 • Senior/ Student – $40 • Child – $35 |
Economy
(Museum)
The Economy Tour includes entry into the museum’s main exhibition hall.
Economy guests can also view the Catalina amphibious aircraft display and the National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar along with full-size replicas of the De Havilland DH-50 and DH-61 aircraft as well as the Avro 504K.
Children can enjoy the Kids’ Trail and activity sheets at the museum.
Economy Tour:
- Museum entry
- Catalina Amphibious Aircraft display
- National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar along
- Full-sized replicas of De Havilland DH-50 and DH-61 aircraft
- Avro 504K
- Kids Trail & activity sheets
| ECONOMY | |
|---|---|
| Time | Allow 2 hours |
| Cost | • Adult – $33 • Senior/ Student – $29 • Child – $2 |
747 Wing Walk Tour
(Walk on the wing of a Boeing 747)
The Wing Walk Tour is an additional tour, where guests can gain access to parts of the aircraft not included in the Airpark Tour. Visitors can explore the 747 flight deck and even sit in the pilot’s seat to learn about the many switches and buttons.
Guests will each have the opportunity to walk out on the wing of the 747. The tour finishes off by taking in the views from the Viewing Platform.
747 Wing Walk Tour:
- Full aircraft tour
- Sit in the captain’s seat & learn about the switches and buttons
- Walk out onto the wing of a 747 (fully harnessed)
- Viewing platform
- Enclosed shoes must be worn
- Must be 12 years and over (12 – 18 yrs must be accompanied by an adult)
- Museum entry NOT included (must purchase separately)
| 747 WING WALK | |
|---|---|
| Time | 1 hour |
| Cost | • Adult – $73 • Senior/ Student – $68 • Child (12+ yrs) – $63 |
Premium Economy
(Airpark Tour + Museum)
Premium Economy is a full guided tour of the Airpark which includes the Douglas DC-3, Lockheed Super Constellation, Boeing 707, and Boeing 747.
Learn about the secrets and history of the aircraft while climbing onboard three of the four (the Super Constellation, 707 and 747) planes.
The Premium Economy includes museum entry, so ensure you leave enough time either before or after the Airpark Tour for that.
The museum experience includes the Museum’s Main Exhibition Hall, the Catalina amphibious aircraft display and the National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar along with full-size replicas of the De Havilland DH-50 and DH-61 aircraft as well as the Avro 504K.
Premium Economy:
- Airpark Tour (guided)
- Climb aboard 3 different planes
- Museum entry
- Catalina Amphibious Aircraft display
- National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar along
- Full-sized replicas of De Havilland DH-50 and DH-61 aircraft
- Avro 504K
- Kids Trail & activity sheets
| PREMIUM ECONOMY | |
|---|---|
| Time | 1.5 hours |
| Cost | • Adult – $72 • Senior/ Student – $62 • Child – $52 |
Business Class
(747 Wing Walk + Museum)
Enjoy a premium experience with Business Class by combining the 747 Wing Walk Tour and museum entry. Take an in-depth journey through the Boeing 747-200, sit in the captain’s seat and take a guided walkout onto the 747’s 25-metre-long wing.
Business Class includes museum entry, so ensure you leave enough time either before or after your 747 Wing Walk for that.
The museum experience includes the Museum’s Main Exhibition Hall, the Catalina amphibious aircraft display and the National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar along with full-size replicas of the De Havilland DH-50 and DH-61 aircraft as well as the Avro 504K.
Business Class:
- Museum entry
- Full aircraft tour
- Sit in the captain’s seat & learn about the switches and buttons
- Walk out onto the wing of a 747 (fully harnessed)
- Viewing platform
- Enclosed shoes must be worn
- Must be 12 years and over (12 – 18 yrs must be accompanied by an adult)
| BUSINESS CLASS | |
|---|---|
| Time | 1 hour – Wing Walk 2 hours – Museum |
| Cost | • Adult – $100.70 • Senior/ Student – $92.15 • Child (12+ yrs) – $83.60 |
First Class
(Airpark Tour + Wing Walk + Museum)
To experience the best that the Qantas Museum Longreach has to offer, go First Class, which combines it all into one ticket. First Class includes museum entry, a guided Airpark tour and a 747 Wing Walk tour.
First up is the guided Airpark Tour showcasing the Douglas DC-3, Boeing 747, Boeing 707 and Lockheed Super Constellation. Also, learn the secrets of the Boeing 707 & 747.
Secondly, join an experienced guide for an in-depth journey through the Boeing 747-200. Sit in the captain’s seat, then get harnessed up for a guided walkout on the 747’s 25-metre-long wing.
Take a break and grab a coffee and something to eat. Then take a stroll through the museum facilities at your leisure.
First Class:
- Airpark Tour
- Climb aboard 3 different planes
- Full aircraft tour
- Sit in the captain’s seat & learn about the switches and buttons
- Walk out onto the wing of a 747 (fully harnessed, 12+ yrs only)
- Viewing platform
- Museum entry
- Catalina Amphibious Aircraft display
- National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar along
- Full-sized replicas of De Havilland DH-50 and DH-61 aircraft
- Avro 504K
- Kids Trail & activity sheets
| FIRST CLASS | |
|---|---|
| Time | 1.5 hours – Airpark Tour 1 hour – Wing Walk 2 hours – Museum |
| Cost | • Adult – $137.75 • Senior/ Student – $123.50 • Child (12+ yrs) – $109.25 |
Captain’s Club
(Exclusive Tour + 2 Wing Walks + Museum + Restaurant Voucher + Photo Montage)
The Captain’s Club tour is a premium experience that must be booked in advance.
Take a four-hour exclusive tour of the Douglas DC-3, Lockheed Super Constellation, Boeing 707 and Boeing 747 with access to the private rooms of the Boeing 707.
Next up do two Wing Walks on both the 707 and 747 aircraft.
Take your time exploring the museum’s Main Exhibition Hall, the Catalina amphibious aircraft display and the National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar along with full-size replicas of the De Havilland DH-50 and DH-61 aircraft as well as the Avro 504K.
Captain’s Club passengers also get a delicious complimentary meal in the McGinness’ Restaurant and a montage photo from the day’s experience.
Captain’s Club:
- Exclusive Tour
- Climb aboard 4 different planes
- Access private rooms in the Boeing 707
- Walk out onto the wings of the 707 & 747 (fully harnessed, 12+ yrs only)
- Viewing platform
- Museum entry
- Catalina Amphibious Aircraft display
- National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar along
- Full-sized replicas of De Havilland DH-50 and DH-61 aircraft
- Avro 504K
- Meal at McGinness’ Restaurant
- Montage photo of your experience
| CAPTAINS CLUB | |
|---|---|
| Time | 4 hours – Exclusive Tour 1 hour – Wing Walk 2 hours – Museum |
| Cost | • Adult – $205 • Senior/ Student – $180 • Child (12+ yrs) – $165 |
Luminescent Longreach
(Night Light & Sound Show)
The Qantas Museum Luminescent Longreach is a spectacular outback light and sound show, which cannot be experienced anywhere else in Australia.
Stand amongst the iconic aircraft as world-class projection mapping and surround sound bring the 100-year Qantas story to life. The grand Boeing 747 is the star of the show!
Using 3D animation, traditional animation and illustration, Luminescent Longreach shares a story through time. Learn about the courage of early aviation, iconic aircraft, wars faraway lands and outback innovation.
| LUMINESCENT LONGREACH | |
|---|---|
| Time | 23 minutes |
| Cost | • Adult – $27 • Senior/ Student – $24 • Child (12+ yrs) – $22 |
Qantas Founders Museum Ticket Prices & Opening Hours
You have the option to spread the museum admission over a few days. Just ask for a ‘Pass Out’ before you leave.
Qantas Founders Museum Opening Hours:
- SEASONAL MONTHS (April to October): 8.00 am – 4.00 pm every day
- SUMMER MONTHS (November to March): 8.00 am – 3.00 pm every day
| Adult | Senior/ Student | Child | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRE-FLIGHT BREAKFAST (Breakfast + Tour) | $45 | $40 | $35 |
| ECONOMY (Museum only) | $33 | $29 | $25 |
| 747 WING WALK TOUR | $73 | $68 | $63 |
| PREMIUM ECONOMY (Museum + Airpark Tour) | $72 | $62 | $52 |
| BUSINESS CLASS (Museum + 747 Wing Walk) | $100.70 | $92.15 | $83.60 |
| FIRST CLASS (Museum + Airpark Tour + Wing Walk) | $137.75 | $123.50 | $109.25 |
Go here for current pricing and Qantas Museum Longreach bookings.
Previous Tours at Qantas Museum Longreach
Over the last few years, the Qantas Museum Longreach has slightly changed its tours. Below are the original tours, which were available in 2018 during our visit.
Jet Tour
A 1.5 hour in-depth walk-around tour of the Boeing 747 and 707.
The first part of the tour will take you right through the big 747. You’ll get to seat the seating, Lavatory Service Hatch, Traffic Collision Avoidance System, Flight Recorders (Black Box) and lots of other bits along the way.
On the outside you’ll learn about undercarriage and wings and engines. While inside you’ll also learn how to ‘arm the doors,’ view the top deck, the flight deck and the crew rest area.
Following on from that you’ll head over to the 707. It was the first Boeing 707 to ever be sold outside of the United States. Over the years Qantas converted it into a luxury charter jet for the rich and famous. The plane even spent some time as a personal jet for a Saudi Prince.
You’ll get to see how the upper class live with fine timber, crystal and gold plated fittings. There is also a DC-3, which you can have a look at as well.
Tour Length: 90 minutes.
747 Wing Walk Tour – Add On
The 747 is an additional tour that you can add on. It goes for 45 minutes and has a maximum group size of 6 people.
On this tour you’ll get an exclusive experience, which comprises on things not found on any of the other tours.
You’ll get to see the rear pressure bulkhead and horizontal stabiliser assembly. You can also check out the cargo hold underneath the cabin and even sit in the pilot’s seat! The tour guide will show you what some of the buttons and switches do.
The best part of this experience is when you get to walk out onto the wing of the 747! You’ll be strapped to a safety harness so you can can relax and enjoy the views.
Tour Length: 45 minutes
Requirements: 12+ years, must wear enclosed shoes
Platinum Tour
If you’re a real aviation buff then this might be the tour for you. It’s the most premium experience, which will take you through every aspect of the Qantas Founders Outback Museum.
- 3 hour guided tour
- Boeing 747 & 707 Jet tour
- Super Constellation exterior tour
- Wing Walk tour
- Self-guided tour of the rest of the museum
- Meal voucher for the restaurant
- 6 x 9 photo of the tour
Tour Length: 3 hours with tour guide, the rest is self-guided
Requirements: 12+ years, must wear enclosed shoes
National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar Tour
This tour goes through the history of the heritage listed Qantas Hangar, while putting the spotlight on some of the exhibits and artefacts.
You’ll find this tour is included in the Museum entry ticket and leaves at certain times during the day (check times on arrival). It’s up to you if you’d like to tag along or not.
Tour Length: 30 – 45 minutes.
747 Kids Tour
This guided tour is only available on the school holidays and is perfect for curious kids with smaller concentration spans. Designed for kids age 4 – 12 years old.
Learn all the fun and interesting facts about the Boeing 747, explore the aircraft and get your photo taken in an engine. The tour guide can use your camera, so it’s free of charge.
Tour Length: 30 – 45 minutes
Requirements: Children must be accompanied by an adult
QANTAS FOUNDERS MUSEUM ESSENTIALS
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