Longreach History
Longreach was settled in the 1870s, and became the site of the world's first Flying Surgeon Service, which began in 1959. The Qantas Hangar at the town's airport was also an early operational base for Qantas from 1922 to 1934. It was in this hanger that the first six aircraft made in Australia were manufactured between 1926 and 1930. The town's airport was also used by American Flying Fortresses as a base for their operations in the Pacific area during World War ll.
The area is also marked in Australian folklore as the place where Harry Redford, better known as Captain Starlight, rustled 1000 head of cattle and drove them across the SA border. His exploits were the basis for Rolf Boldrewood’s novel Robbery Under Arms.
Longreach is now famous as the location of the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame. A national tribute to the people who pioneered and developed the west, it has a comprehensive coverage of Australian history and culture using computer technology, film, television and storyboards to tell the fascinating tales of the nation's past.