Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show

If you’re heading to Longreach and want to get a true taste of the Australian Outback — its flavors, sights, and sounds — then the Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show might just be the experience you’re after. This tour offers a compelling combination of scenic beauty, hearty bush cuisine, and lively entertainment, all wrapped up in a relaxed outdoor setting.

What makes this outing stand out? For starters, the outdoor dinner beside the Thomson River is both picturesque and atmospheric. The second is the live country music and lively show, which guests consistently rave about. The only potential snag is that it’s primarily suited for those comfortable with group settings and outdoor venues, particularly since it’s weather-dependent.

This experience is perfect for travelers who appreciate authentic local culture, enjoy good food with a side of entertainment, and want a memorable evening that captures the spirit of rural Queensland. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly outing that combines scenic views, culture, and a hearty meal — all for a reasonable price.

Key Points

• Scenic Riverside Setting: Dine outdoors by the Thomson River with beautiful floodplain views.
• Authentic Australian Cuisine: Enjoy a 2-course bush-themed meal featuring camp oven classics, billy tea, and damper.
• Live Entertainment: Be captivated by live country music and interactive performances.
• Inclusive Transfers: Round-trip coach pickups from Longreach accommodations make logistics simple.
• Cultural Experience: The tour offers more than just a meal — it’s a genuine taste of the Outback’s flavors, stories, and music.
• Great Value: Typically booked well in advance, providing a memorable, affordable evening out.

An In-Depth Look at Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show

What to Expect: The Itinerary and Experience

Starting with a coach pickup from your Longreach accommodation, your evening begins smoothly — no stress about getting there. The journey to Smithy’s River Stage takes you into the heart of the Outback, where the outdoor venue sits beside the Thames River, offering a stunning backdrop for the night ahead.

Once at Smithy’s, you’ll be welcomed with canapes and a friendly atmosphere. The venue’s open-air setup under the stars creates a relaxed, authentic Outback vibe. The highlight is the 2-course bush-themed dinner, served with genuine camp oven style dishes, along with billy tea and damper — traditional Australian bread baked over coals. This hearty fare gives guests a real sense of rural Queensland cuisine, and many reviews highlight the quality and flavor, describing the food as “amazing” and “very tasty.”

As you enjoy your meal, you’ll be entertained by live country music performed at Smithy’s River Stage. Reviewers frequently mention the singer’s talent, with one noting the singer had a “fantastic voice” and was very funny. The entertainment isn’t just listening — guests are encouraged to dance, creating a lively, interactive atmosphere.

Before the night ends, there’s often an opportunity for dancing and mingling before your coach returns you comfortably to your Longreach hotel. The entire experience lasts around 2.5 hours, making it an ideal evening activity without feeling overlong or rushed.

Scenic Floodplain Tour: A Little Extra

Before dinner, there’s an optional floodplain tour — a chance to explore the rural beauty of the surrounding floodplains. Guests appreciate the opportunity to see the landscape, which is both flat and dramatic, dotted with waterways that are characteristic of the Queensland outback. While the tour itself isn’t described in detail, reviews mention that it’s a chance to take in classic riverside scenery, adding a peaceful, scenic element to the evening.

The Atmosphere & Setting

The outdoor venue offers a beautiful setting beside the Thomson River, especially at sunset or under a clear, starry sky. Guests consistently comment on the friendly staff and beautiful decor, with one describing it as “top rate” and noting the “beautiful setting.” The open-air environment provides a genuine Outback feel but also requires good weather — which, according to reviews, was lucky for many during their visits.

Food & Drink: Worth the Cost

For about $71, travelers receive a full-table service dinner, which includes the two main courses, a home-baked dessert, billy tea, and damper. Several reviewers emphasize the quality and deliciousness of the food, calling it “fantastic” and “hot and very yummy.”

While drinks are not included, a licensed bar is available for purchase, allowing guests to complement their meal with local beers or wines. Given the overall positive feedback, the meal alone offers excellent value for the price, especially considering the scenic setting and entertainment.

Entertainment & Group Size

Live entertainment is a key feature, with many guests praising the singer’s talent and the engaging atmosphere. The group size, capped at around 48 travelers, helps keep the experience intimate and lively without feeling crowded. The friendly staff and hosts are often singled out for their helpfulness, making sure everyone feels welcome and comfortable.

Practical Considerations

• Duration: Around 2.5 hours, perfect for an evening activity.
• Booking: Most travelers book about 26 days in advance — a good idea to secure a spot.
• Accessibility: Call ahead if you have dietary needs or mobility concerns; staff aim to accommodate, but notice is required.
• Weather: Since it’s an outdoor experience, poor weather might lead to cancellations, with options for rescheduling or refunds.

The Reviews Speak for Themselves

With a consistent 4.5/5 rating from 22 reviews, guests overwhelmingly recommend this experience. Many describe it as a “great night out,” praising the food, entertainment, and setting.

Heather_M calls it “well worth doing,” mentioning luck with the weather and the “amazing” food. June_D describes the “beautiful setting” and “helpful staff,” while Diane_L sums it up as “amazing,” with “very tasty” food and “lovely” staff.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show?

This tour offers a relaxed, authentic taste of Outback Australia — its scenery, cuisine, and live music. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate good food, friendly hospitality, and cultural experiences in an outdoor setting. Families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a memorable evening will find it’s good value, especially with the scenic floodplain tour and outdoor dinner.

Those seeking a formal or very quiet night might find the lively atmosphere a bit busy, but for most visitors, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a true Outback evening. The combination of scenic views, hearty bush food, and live music makes this a genuine and enjoyable experience.

If you’re after a way to connect with the local culture and unwind under the stars, Smithy’s offers a memorable, friendly, and reasonably priced night that captures the essence of rural Queensland.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip coach transfers from Longreach accommodations are included, making logistics easy.

How long does the experience last?
It runs about 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time for dinner, entertainment, and the floodplain tour.

Can I book for a specific date?
Most travelers book around 26 days in advance, so it’s best to plan ahead.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate; for specific needs, call the provided number to discuss.

What’s the price?
The cost is approximately $71 per person, which includes dinner, entertainment, and transport.

Are dietary requirements accommodated?
Yes, but you should call ahead at +61746583000 to discuss any dietary or mobility concerns.

What is the dress code?
Smart casual is appropriate, but outdoor venues mean layers and comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I buy drinks during the dinner?
Yes, a licensed bar is available for purchase, but drinks are not included in the ticket price.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; cancellations due to poor conditions will be rescheduled or refunded.

How many people typically join?
Groups are limited to 48, maintaining a friendly, intimate atmosphere.

In the end, Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show offers a genuine slice of Outback life — hearty food, warm hospitality, and memorable scenery all rolled into one evening. It’s a stand-out choice for anyone wanting an authentic taste of Australia’s rural soul without sacrificing comfort or fun.