Stranded far west in the dusty and dry interior of the vast state, Longreach – which tops our ranking of the most beautiful outback towns – can be a shock to the system. The surprisingly large and thriving spot is also big on attractions.

Top activities include bumping along the old Longreach-Windorah mail route in a restored stagecoach, drawn by five stock horses, cruises on the Thomson River and learning about life in rural Australia at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre. There's also Australia’s first-ever passenger aircraft on display at the Qantas Founders Outback Museum.

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Australia’s most beautiful outback towns, ranked