The Longreach Region in Queensland is home to the Qantas Founders Museum, a world-class, multi-award winning museum that tells the story of Qantas from its early days in Outback Queensland to the present day. The museum is located in a heritage-listed former Qantas hangar at Landsborough Highway, Longreach. The museum showcases the history of Qantas through various displays and exhibits, including photographs, memorabilia, and even a replica of the first aircraft that worked for Qantas. The collections focus on the early history of Qantas aviation, life in Outback Queensland in the 1920s, and the advancement and impact of aviation.
The Qantas Founders Museum is the custodian of several significant Qantas aircraft, such as the Boeing 747, the DC-3 VH-EAP, the Boeing 707 – 138 VH-EBA “City of Canberra”, and the Super Constellation – “Southern Spray”. These aircraft are housed in the Airpark, a state-of-the-art facility that also features a light and sound show called Luminescent Longreach, which projects the 100-year story of Qantas onto the aircraft bodies. Visitors to the museum can enjoy guided tours, interactive multimedia exhibits, and explore some of the decommissioned aircraft. The museum also offers a unique experience for aviation enthusiasts, as it allows visitors to walk on top of the 747's wings.
The Qantas Founders Museum is not only a testament to the history of Qantas but also a celebration of the pioneering spirit that has shaped Australian aviation.