Cobb & Co Stagecoach Gallop Thru The Scrub

We’ve all seen it in the movies – the thundering horses out in front of the Cobb & Co stagecoach!

The Stagecoach Driver at the reins.

The Stagecoach Guard with shotgun in hand (‘riding shotgun’ if you like), and the Stagecoach passengers looking out at the Australian landscape.

Is Captain Starlight, the Gentleman Bushranger, waiting ahead in ambush! Well, Harry Readford (aka Harry Redford or Captain Starlight) favoured cattle rustling to stage coaches, but if you were in a stagecoach near Starlight’s Lookout (Cassidy’s Knob) you might just be a bit nervous. But while the era of the bushrangers is over, the stories live on.

Well, that was the 19th Century, a bit hard to experience today. Unless you come to Longreach, the only place in Australia (or the world for that matter) where you can enjoy the sheer thrill of thundering through the Australian bush in a replica Cobb & Co. Coach, drawn by a team of magnificent coach horses.

As a passenger you will be thrilled by the ride and the views. But you will also see firsthand the preparation of the horse team and the coach for each trip, and learn about Australia’s history.

The Stagecoach driver is an exceptional horseman and a real character to boot!

With his vast knowledge of horses, coaches, and the Australian bush, he will keep you informed and amused with his stories of local history and points of interest as well as descriptions of the flora and fauna of the area.

Out on the Gallop Thru the Scrub tour, the horses really pick up the pace and travel at the same speeds as Cobb & Co. did on the actual services centuries ago.

You’ll see the Australian bush, and Australian wildlife such as Brolgas and Kangaroos often make an appearance in this bush adventure.

Tour Itinerary

Meet at the Cobb & Co Changing Station in Longreach.

The Passenger coach driver will sound his bugle to mark the departure of the stagecoach.

The stagecoach driver is responsible for making sure the shot gun is clearly visible to any would-be bush rangers, as was the case for the original Cobb & Co. drivers – ours is a genuine replica of the real thing!

Once out in the bush, keep an eye out for wildlife. The gracious Brolga may put on a show for you, or you may see Kangaroos racing across the plains.

The Stagecoach Driver will tell you about the history of Cobb & Co and Longreach through your surround sound headphones. He will be more more than happy to explain his actions and answer as many questions as visitors wish to ask.

While not an official part of the tour, on many of our rides one of the retired Longreach Stockmen may join us to ride shotgun. They aren’t paid to do this, they come along for fun and to share their stories.

Prices and Bookings

Gallop Thru the Scrub tours leave the Station Store every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

TOURS AVAILABLE:  Weekdays 10 April 2009 to 22 October 2009 (check for availability on Public holidays)

PRICES  Valid to 22 October 2009
Adult/Concession:  from $48 full package / from $44 without optional extras
Children:  $24  5 to 13 years /  $22 without optional extras
$7.50  3 to 4 years
Infants:     FOC

Morning Tea and Afternoon Tea are included in the day tour.

Bookings are essential as there are a limited number of seats on the stagecoach.

For all bookings call the Station Store, Longreach on +61 7 4658 2006