Outback and Country
Waltzing Matilda Centre
Winton
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If there is one song that lives in the hearts of all Australians, it's ""Waltzing Matilda"".
The song written by A.B. Banjo Paterson in 1895, has played a significant part in defining the Australian character. ""Waltzing Matilda"" inspires the Australian spirit. It can be a feel-good song, a rousing chorus or simply impart a feeling of nostalgia. It's sung at sporting events, in schools and by expatriates all over the world.
You can learn the truth behind the writing of the song when you visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton - the geographical heart of Queensland. Find out why the song is as relevant to Australians today as it was 110 years ago.
The entire Waltzing Matilda Centre is inspired by the song penned by Banjo Paterson and embraced by the Australian people as their unofficial national anthem. The centre was built in 1998 after the centenary celebrations for the song, ""Waltzing Matilda"" and is constantly evolving. The Waltzing Matilda uses today's technology and interactive displays to interpret the song, Australian history and what it is to be Australian.
CONTACT DETAILS
Phone:
07 4657 1466
Tollfree:
1300 665 115
Email: waltzing@matildacentre.com.au
Web:
www.matildacentre.com.au
ENTRY INFORMATION
Open Times:
Open from 0900 until 1700 daily. Open from 0900 until 1400 public holidays. Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Entry Costs:
| Entry | Cost | Valid From | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $19.00 | 01 Feb 08 - 31 Mar 09 | |
| Child (Aged 5-17) | $8.00 | 01 Feb 08 - 31 Mar 09 | |
| Concession | $16.50 | 01 Feb 08 - 31 Mar 09 | |
| Family | $42.00 | 01 Feb 08 - 31 Mar 09 | Two adults and up to four children. |
FURTHER INFORMATION
Children: Children are welcome and some of the activities for them include a quiz, questionnaire and interactive displays.
Disabled: There is access for guests with a disability. Disabled toilets and wheelchair seating are available.
General Comments
The newest addition to the Waltzing Matilda Centre is the Banjo Paterson Room; which was created to house special displays. Currently "Vision Splendid" a book written by Peter and Sheila Forest conveying the history of the Winton district in Western Queensland is interpreted. Other facilities of the Centre include the accredited Winton Visitor Information Centre, a Westpac Bank agency, the Station Store and the Outback Regional Art Gallery. The Coolibah Country Kitchen Caf? is also an integrated part of the Centre. It is a great place to relax over coffee or home made delights baked fresh daily, complimented with the freshest of ingredients.
The Waltzing Matilda Centre is the only attraction in the world dedicated to a song. Self guided tours allow you to discover the amazing attraction at your own pace. The introduction to the complex is a courtyard billabong where the ghost of the billabong tells his story of the poem, "Waltzing Matilda", bringing the story to life during the unforgettable audiovisual presentation that touches the hearts of all who see it - Australians and International Visitors alike. The "Legends Exhibition Room" offers an interactive display of the history, the legend and the romance behind the song. The hologram must be seen to be believed.
Winton is also the birthplace of Qantas, another great Australian icon. The Qantilda Museum, takes visitors through the origins of Qantas and its pioneering history of the Winton district. The extent of the historical collection, including a steam engine, the Jeffery Quad 4x4, machinery military display and "Christina Macpherson Cottage" ensures the museum rates as one of the most extensive Australiana type museums in regional Australia. As an introduction to the Museum, step back in time in the "Sarah Riley Theatre"; a short film into the past of the museum.
How to get There
The Waltzing Matilda Centre at Winton can be accessed by car, tour bus, rail or air travel. Self-drive visitors starting in Winton can follow signs to the main street and/or Visitor Information Centre. The Waltzing Matilda Centre is located in the town centre (main street) near the large windmill and opposite the swimming pool.
