Longreach: Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show

If you’re heading to Longreach and looking for an evening that combines good food, entertaining stories, and a genuine taste of the Outback, Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show might just be your best bet. This experience promises three hours of relaxed atmosphere with a hearty camp dinner, live performances, and the chance to soak up the stunning night skies.

What makes this tour special are two things we really appreciate: the authentic camp oven meal, cooked over Gidyea coals, and the lively performances sharing outback songs and stories. Both elements help you feel connected to the region’s culture. On the flip side, a potential hiccup is that the performances can sometimes feel a bit hit-or-miss, with some visitors mentioning that the music and entertainment don’t always hit the mark for everyone. This experience is best suited for those wanting a laid-back, culturally rich evening with good company and memorable scenery.

Key Points

• Authentic Outback Dining: Enjoy a traditional 2-course camp oven dinner prepared over Gidyea coals.
• Starry Night Setting: Dine outdoors beside the Thomson River under clear outback skies.
• Live Entertainment: Be entertained with songs and stories performed by passionate local artists.
• Convenient Transfers: Relax with coach pickups and drop-offs from your Longreach accommodation.
• Casual Atmosphere: The experience offers a relaxed, friendly vibe with full table service.
• Mixed Reviews on Entertainment: While many praise the food and atmosphere, some find the entertainment less engaging.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What Is Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show?

This tour offers a compelling way to spend an evening in Longreach, combining good food, warm storytelling, and a chance to gaze at the vast Australian nightscape. It’s an experience that feels casual but meaningful, especially if you’re interested in Australian outback culture or simply want a memorable night out.

The tour lasts about three hours, including transfers, and takes place outdoors beside the Thomson River. It’s designed to give you a taste of the true outback—minus the long drive or camping—wrapped up in a relaxed dinner and live show package.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Pickup & Transfers

The experience starts with a pickup from one of 13 designated locations around Longreach, including motels, caravan parks, and the railway station. This makes it easy for most travelers to join without much hassle. The coach transfer takes around 15 minutes, giving you a comfortable start to your evening.

Dinner & Entertainment

Once at Smithy’s, you’ll be seated at a full table service, ready for a two-course camp oven dinner cooked over traditional Gidyea coals. The menu is themed around camp oven cooking, which is an iconic part of outback life. Expect hearty, well-prepared dishes that are satisfying after a day of exploring.

After the meal, you’ll have the chance to enjoy live performances by talented local artists. These acts feature songs and stories that aim to paint a picture of outback life. It’s an informal setting, which many find charming and immersive, though some reviews suggest the entertainment varies in quality.

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Bar & Refreshments

A licensed bar is available, offering a selection of wines, cold beers, soft drinks, and pre-mixes for purchase. The availability of alcohol adds to the relaxed, social feel of the evening, allowing you to unwind under the stars.

Return & Drop-off

After the show, the coach will return you to your original pickup point, making for a seamless end to the evening. The entire experience takes approximately three hours, so it’s a manageable and enjoyable way to wind down after a day of sightseeing.

Dining Experience: More Than Just Food

The highlight of the dinner is its authenticity. Cooking over Gidyea coals is a traditional method, and the two-course meal typically includes hearty, flavorful dishes. Many reviews rave about the delicious food, calling it a highlight of their visit. The camp oven theme adds a rustic charm that transports you straight into the Outback experience.

Following dinner, guests are served freshly baked damper and billy tea, which are traditional staples. The addition of these touches lends authenticity and makes the meal feel like a real outback gathering.

Food Quality & Value

While the actual menu isn’t specified in great detail, the overall consensus is positive regarding the taste and hearty nature of the meal. Considering the cost of the experience, many feel it offers good value—combining a satisfying dinner, live show, and the unique setting under the stars.

The Show: Songs, Stories, and Variability

One of the more subjective aspects of the tour is the entertainment. Many guests enjoy the performances, praising the talented local artists and the stories that give context to outback life. It’s a relaxed and informal environment, which is part of its charm.

However, a notable review from a traveler in 2025 expressed disappointment, feeling the show lacked relevance to the outback and was more like pub music with electronic elements. This highlights that the entertainment quality can vary, and if you’re expecting a polished, theatrical outback show, this might not always meet those expectations.

Despite this, the majority of reviews are very positive, with comments like “the whole experience” being a highlight or “excellent entertainment” adding to the appeal.

Atmosphere & Setting

Dining beside the Coolibah-lined Thomson River under the vast, starry sky is what sets this experience apart. We loved the way the natural landscape complements the rustic meal, creating an immersive outback vibe. The outdoor setting, with the open sky above, makes for a relaxed, memorable atmosphere.

The casual service, friendly staff, and the gentle sounds of live music or storytelling contribute to a laid-back, warm environment that many travelers find enchanting.

Who Is It Best For?

This experience suits travelers looking for a relaxed, authentic evening that combines good food with a taste of outback culture. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy outdoor dining and are interested in stories or music that reflect Australian life.

Those expecting a high-energy or polished theatrical show may want to temper their expectations. It’s perfect for adults, couples, or groups eager for a casual, memorable night rather than luxe entertainment.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re after a genuine outback experience with delicious food, a relaxed ambiance, and some local storytelling, Smithy’s Dinner and Show is worth considering. It offers a taste of the environment that defines Queensland’s outback—starlit skies, campfire flavors, and warm community vibes.

On the other hand, if your priority is top-tier entertainment or a formal dining experience, you might find the show somewhat uneven. But for many, the charm of sharing a meal under the stars with friendly hosts and performers out here in Longreach outweighs its imperfections.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for those wanting to connect with Outback culture in an unpretentious, welcoming setting.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is a good fit if you’d like a casual, immersive evening that combines a hearty meal with local storytelling and music. It’s suitable for travelers who appreciate outdoor atmospheres and are open to varying performance styles. Just remember, it’s not a fancy sit-down dinner—think more campfire casual—and the entertainment can be unpredictable, but authentic at heart.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, there are coach pickups and drop-offs from 13 different locations around Longreach, making it convenient to join the tour.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, including transfers, dinner, and entertainment.

What should I bring?
A jacket is recommended, especially for outdoor dining under the stars, as it can get chilly at night.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering good flexibility.

Is the dinner suitable for vegetarians or specific dietary needs?
You should discuss any dietary requirements with the Outback Aussie Tours team before your visit, as they aim to accommodate guests but need notice.

What kind of drinks are available?
A licensed bar offers wine, cold beer, soft drinks, and pre-mixes available for purchase.

What’s the atmosphere like?
The setting is laid-back, outdoors beside the river, with a rustic, friendly vibe that encourages socializing and relaxation.

Are children welcome?
While not explicitly stated, the relaxed, family-friendly nature suggests it could suit older children, but it’s best to check with the provider if you have specific needs.

What if I don’t enjoy the entertainment?
Reviews vary, and some find the show less engaging. The main draw is the authentic meal and setting, so your experience may still be enjoyable overall.

Is the experience worth the price?
Most guests find the combination of hearty food, friendly atmosphere, and scenic setting good value, especially considering the unique outback ambiance.

If you’re eager to spend an evening under the stars with a hearty meal and engaging stories, Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show offers a memorable taste of Longreach’s outback life. Just keep expectations modest about the entertainment quality, and you’re likely to have a lovely night out.

You can check availability for your dates here: