QANTAS FOUNDERS MUSEUM EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW

The Birthplace Of Australian Aviation

Explore the origin story of our national airline and visit the birthplace of Australian aviation at the Qantas Founders Museum at Longreach, in the heart of the Queensland Outback.

Delve into the captivating chapters of history and often untold stories of one of the world’s most iconic airlines through a treasure trove of interactive exhibits and multi-sensory displays. Like so many tales of enduring Aussie legends, the Qantas story is a testament to the ingenuity, audacity and determination of its founders, whose achievements forged a way forward for the Australian aviation industry.

Get acquainted with the founders of Australian aviation and sense the pioneering spirit that inspired a nation to soar to new heights. Step aboard our impressive Boeing 747-238 where history comes to life in a fully interactive aircraft exhibit, where you can explore the cockpit, sit in the captain’s seat, and even learn about the inner workings of a jumbo jet. Or follow in the footsteps of early Australian aviators with a visit to the National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar, which bore witness to significant moments of the airline's infancy.

Gain additional insights with a range of guided tours and experiences, complete with expert audio commentary and exciting interactive experiences such as a guided exploration of iconic aircraft in our airpark, an exhilarating wing walk, small group tours, and spectacular evening light and sound shows.

This world-class, immersive museum is a ‘must-see’ destination for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone with an interest in unearthing the inspiring story and enduring legacy of what has become one of the world’s most celebrated airlines.

Where History Takes Flight

A visit to the multi-award-winning Qantas Founders Museum is an enthralling journey back to where Australia’s aviation industry first found its wings and began to soar to exhilarating new heights. It tells the tale of daring dreams, resilience in inevitable times of trials, and ultimate triumph in establishing a global leader in aviation innovation.

This iconic story of success begins with its humble beginnings on 16 November 1920, when the airline was first founded by several remarkable individuals today respectfully referred to as the ‘Originals’. Qantas, an acronym for Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services Ltd, was born from the bold ambitions of former Australian Flying Corps veterans Hudson Fysh and Paul McGinness, who were quick to recognise the potential of aviation for commercial purposes. With backing from outback Queensland grazier Fergus McMaster, Qantas was incorporated in the neighbouring town of Winton, before moving its operations to Longreach in 1921. This is when the final founding father, Arthur Baird, joined the team as the company’s first paid employee and aircraft engineer.

Throughout its celebrated history, Qantas has achieved a host of pioneering aviation feats, evolving from its origins as a joy flight and charter service, to a small outback airline and eventually taking off as a global aviation giant, renowned for its safety and high standard of service.

Today, Qantas stands as an enduring symbol of Australian aviation and a testament to the pioneering spirit of its founders. Unearth more fascinating facts about this iconic Aussie airline and those whose dreams helped our nation take off at the Qantas Founders Museum.

Museum and Hangar

Travel through time with an enlightening escapade through the chronicles of Qantas’s history with a self-guided tour through the main museum floor. Further enrich this educational experience with the accompaniment of our immersive audio guide, available on our website at qfom.com.au or by scanning the QR code displayed at our museum entrance.

Established in 1996, the Qantas Founders Museum showcases the rich heritage of our national airline, inspired by the legacy of its remarkable founders. Step back to a time when air travel was a luxurious novelty, and the Australian aviation industry was truly taking off. Be inspired by the bold ambitions, ingenuity and sense of adventure that fuelled the airlines’ early growth.

As you’d expect, the museum houses an impressive collection of aviation artefacts such as historic aircraft, engines, uniforms, and memorabilia. Complementing these static displays are an insightful series of multi-sensory storytelling exhibits, adding to the overall accessibility of museum content. The museum offers a plethora of hands-on exhibits, including plane simulators that allow you to have a taste of flying. Interactive elements such as touch tables invite guests to engage with the exhibits, enhancing the learning experience and making it a perfect blend of education and fun.

Afterwards, embark on an evocative exploration of the National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar, erected in 1922 during the airline's infancy. This sacred aviation space encapsulates the spirit of innovation, courage, and determination that defined Qantas, and its walls resonate with the enduring echoes of historic moments witnessed within.

Guided Tours and Experiences

For an unforgettable encounter with aviation history, be sure to check out our curated collection of immersive guided tours and experiences. We offer a range of tour options to suit your itinerary and interests.

Our popular Business Class package includes a captivating introduction, with an evening of entertainment at our signature Light and Sound Show called ‘Luminescent Longreach’. Stand in awe as 100 years of aviation history lights up the night in a high-tech extravaganza of sights and sounds. The next morning, join one of our experienced guides for a 90-minute guided tour of the iconic aircraft in the airpark, dating from the 1920s to the 1990s, before exploring the main museum exhibits and National Heritage Listed Hangar at your leisure on a self-guided journey of discovery.

Our First Class tour also includes a 90-minute guided tour of the iconic aircraft in the airpark, including the Douglas DC-3, Lockheed Super Constellation and Boeing 707. Following this, our expert guides will escort you on an exclusive small group tour of the mighty Boeing 747 – the gleaming jewel in the crown of our collection. On this elite tour, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit in the flight deck and feel the rush of excitement that comes with gaining a pilot’s unique perspective. Then it’s time to harness up for a thrilling adventure, as you take a walk along the 25-metre wing of this iconic aircraft. Once you’re back on solid ground, you’ll have time to explore the museum and hangar at your own pace.

The elite Captain’s Club tour is our ultimate experience. Along with admission to the museum and National Heritage-listed hangar, this bespoke small group tour includes four hours of guided exploration amidst the aircraft in the airpark, including access to the private rooms of the 707. It also includes a thrilling wing walk on both the 707 and 747, a voucher for a delicious lunch and a photo montage as a special memento of your unforgettable day. Please note that the Wing Walk experience and Captain’s Club is only available to people over the age of 12.

Evening Light and Sound Show

After the Outback sun sinks below an endless horizon, join us for ‘Luminescent Longreach’ - an unforgettable light and sound spectacular that’s sure to delight, entertain, inform, and inspire.

In this thrilling 25-minute evening experience, 100 years of Qantas history is brought to life in a sensory extravaganza set amidst iconic aircraft and utilising world-class projection mapping and 360-degree immersive sound.

Using the mighty Boeing 747 as a primary canvas, this enthralling show weaves an unforgettable narrative through time, inspired by the daring spirit and outstanding achievements of Australia’s early aviation pioneers. From outback innovation and wartime operations, to innovative engineering, iconic aircraft, and modern-day triumphs, this unique experience is a moving tribute to Qantas and Australian aviation history, and is a highlight not to be missed. 3D animation, traditional animation and illustrations bring the pages of history to life like never before, illuminating the airpark in a dazzling display of movement, sound, and colour that’s sure to appeal to audiences of all ages.

Bookings for the Light and Sound Show can be made independently or are included in the Business Class museum experience.

Please note that during the summer months from October to March, the Light and Sound Show is available on demand only, with a minimum of 10 people required to operate.

Accessibility

The Qantas Founders Museum is located at Hudson Fysh Drive, Longreach, in the heart of the Queensland Outback. It’s approximately 1200 kilometres drive north-west of the capital city of Brisbane, and about a seven-and-a-half-hour drive west of Rockhampton. Regular flights are available with QantasLink and Rex Airlines. The Spirit of the Outback, operated by Queensland Rail, offers long-distance rail journeys from Brisbane to Longreach and return twice weekly. Greyhound Australia offers long-distance coach services to the town. While there is no public transport in Longreach, a local taxi does service the area. Please call (07) 4658 0900 for bookings.

The Longreach Visitor Information Centre can provide valuable insights on accommodation, attractions and road conditions in the area, and can assist with travel bookings to ensure a seamless travel experience. Please visit experiencelongreach.com.au or call (07) 4658 4141.

Accessible car parking is provided within 10 metres of the museum entrance. The Museum itself is all on one level and is wheelchair accessible, with wide doorways and space within to manoeuvre with ease. Accessible bathrooms with braille signage are available at both the front and rear of the building. Please note that access to aircraft on tours of the Airpark is only available via stairs. The Museum underwent an accessibility audit in late 2023 and is currently working on implementing recommendations to further improve accessibility.

The Light and Sound Show is a 25-minute experience, requiring guests to stand for the duration of the show. If you require a chair, please speak to the staff on the night.

Tactile indicators are present at the front door to assist with navigating to the entrance, and registered service dogs are welcome. A grassy area suitable for their toileting is available adjacent to the front entry.

A quiet area near the front entry keeps in mind the comfort of guests with sensory sensitivities.

Trained staff are at hand to assist with any accessibility requirements. If you have any questions ahead of your visit, please feel free to contact our friendly team on (07) 4658 3737.