If you’re headed to Longreach and looking for a dining experience that’s a little different from your usual meal out, the Stonegrill Dining Experience at The Welcome Home might just catch your eye. It’s a cozy, interactive dinner that puts you in charge of your meal, cooked right at your table on a sizzling stone. With glowing reviews and a fair price point, it’s worth considering whether this is the right fit for your trip.
What I like about this experience is how personalized the meal is—you pick what you want, and you get to cook it exactly how you like. Plus, the all-you-can-eat dessert bar adds a sweet finish to the night, and the views of the outback from your table give it a distinct vibe. On the flip side, it’s a short 2-hour experience, so if you’re after a more extensive tour or a sit-down dinner with multiple courses, this might feel a bit limited.
This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy interactive meals, want a taste of local and even exotic meats like crocodile or kangaroo, and appreciate a relaxed, informal setting. It’s also a good pick if you’re traveling in cooler months, since it operates during winter evenings and offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere. However, keep in mind that it’s a small group experience—max 12 people—so it feels intimate rather than rushed.
Key Points
- Unique interactive dining: Cook your own meat on a hot stone, making the meal more engaging.
- Diverse meat options: From steak and chicken to kangaroo, crocodile, and scallops, catering to adventurous eaters.
- Dietary flexibility: Vegetarian and special diet options are available, making it accessible.
- Great value: For around $49.49, you get a full meal plus dessert, with the opportunity to customize.
- Beautiful setting: Outback views provide a scenic backdrop, adding to the experience.
- Mobile tickets: Easy entry with downloadable tickets; no need for paper.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The Stonegrill Dining Experience includes your food and the interactive cooking experience. You’ll choose from a variety of meats or a vegetarian option, served with chat potatoes and your choice of sides like salad or steamed vegetables. Plus, there’s the tempting all-you-can-eat dessert bar, featuring traditional favorites, ice cream, and a lolly bar.
What isn’t included is alcohol—so if you plan to indulge, BYO is your best bet, though soft drinks are available for purchase. The price point of just under $50 per person makes this a good deal, especially given the quality and the interactive nature of the meal.
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A Closer Look at the Itinerary
The experience takes place at 128 Eagle St in Longreach, and it’s available three nights a week during the winter season—Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The setup revolves around a hot-stone that sits at your table, bringing the rustic campfire feel to a modern, comfortable restaurant setting.
You’ll be handed your choice of meat, fish, or vegetarian patty, and then cook it yourself at the table. The menu offers some impressive options, including:
- Rib Eye Steak and Porterhouse Steak — for those who love a good piece of beef.
- Salmon and Chicken — lighter and familiar options.
- Kangaroo and Crocodile — for the brave or those wanting a true taste of Australia.
- Lamb, Scallops, and Prawns — seafood and classic mains.
- Vegetarian Patty — for vegetarians, with dairy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free options available.
Every meal is served with chat potatoes and a choice of sides like salad of the day or steamed vegetables, ensuring a well-rounded plate. After cooking your meal, you can indulge in the all-you-can-eat dessert bar, which offers homemade favorites and a variety of sweets.
The Experience We’re Told About
Based on reviews, the atmosphere at The Welcome Home is warm and welcoming, with a homely feel that makes diners comfortable. One reviewer, Liang_L, mentioned being well looked after by Joanne and enjoying the “great decor with a homely atmosphere.” Such comments highlight not just the meal but the hospitality, which seems to be a standout feature.
The fact that the experience is limited to most travelers, with a maximum of 12, ensures an intimate setting. It’s a chance to enjoy your meal without feeling hurried or crowded, and the staff’s attentiveness rounds out the experience.
Value for Money
At around $49.49 per person, the cost is quite reasonable considering you get to choose and cook your own meal, plus a dessert bar. Compared to typical restaurant prices, especially in more touristy areas, this offers a good combination of fun and value. Plus, the ability to tailor your meal to dietary needs adds to its appeal.
The experience is especially good for those who like a relaxed, hands-on dining style rather than a traditional waiter-served setup. For families or small groups, it’s a fun way to bond over cooking, but note that it’s primarily a dinner experience rather than a tour with additional sightseeing.
The Final Word: Who Should Consider It?
If you’re after a relaxed, interactive, and memorable dinner, this stonegrill experience ticks many boxes. It’s particularly suitable for those curious about Australian meats, or anyone who appreciates a more informal, cozy setting. The scenic outback views are a bonus, making it a good choice for a laid-back evening after a day of exploring Longreach.
However, if you’re craving a multi-course meal or a more formal dining experience, this might not be the best fit. Also, since it operates only during winter evenings and in small groups, be sure to book well in advance—most people do, often around 77 days ahead.
Overall, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking to try something a bit different, enjoy good hospitality, and have fun cooking their own meal in a charming local setting.
Stonegrill Dining Experience
“Most welcoming reception and well looked after by Joanne during my solo trip to Longreach. Restaurant had great decor with a homely atmosphere. …”
FAQ
Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarian options are available, including vegetarian patties, and dietary requirements like gluten-free and nut-free options can be accommodated.
What meats can I choose from?
You can select from a variety of meats, including steak, chicken, kangaroo, crocodile, lamb, and seafood options like scallops and prawns.
How long does the experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a relaxed evening activity without feeling rushed.
Do I need to bring anything?
No, everything is provided, including the food, the cooking setup, and the dessert bar. BYO alcohol if desired.
Is this experience family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family experience, it could be suitable for older children comfortable with cooking and trying new meats. Check with the provider if you have young children.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if your plans shift.
Is the ticketing process straightforward?
Yes, tickets are downloadable on your mobile phone, making check-in quick and easy.
Are drinks included?
No, alcohol isn’t included. Soft drinks are available for purchase, and you can bring your own alcohol.
When is this experience available?
It’s offered during winter evenings, specifically Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, which is perfect for cooler nights when a warm meal is most appreciated.
In all, the Stonegrill Dining Experience in Longreach seems like a fun, engaging way to enjoy a meal out in Australia’s outback. It offers a good mix of local flavor, interactive cooking, and cozy atmosphere—all at a reasonable price. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, it’s worth considering if you want a night that’s both tasty and a little different.