Stonegrill Dining Experience

A Stonegrill Dining Experience in Longreach offers a hearty, interactive meal that’s perfect after a day of exploring Queensland’s outback. For $46.84 per person, you get about two hours of fun, food, and relaxation, with the chance to cook your own meat on a sizzling hot stone at your table. The experience is hosted at The Welcome Home, a rustic restaurant that combines the charm of traditional outback hospitality with modern comfort. Bookings are generally made around 18 days in advance, making it accessible but still somewhat popular among travelers looking for a memorable dinner.

What we love most about this experience is the ability to customize your meal easily, selecting from an intriguing range of meats, including kangaroo and crocodile, plus vegetarian options. The outback views from your table add a scenic touch, turning a simple dinner into a mini adventure. Plus, the all-you-can-eat dessert bar is a charming way to finish up—think grandma’s homestead favorites and ice cream—adding a sweet finale to your meal.

One possible consideration is the limited availability, as it’s only offered on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings during the winter season. If you’re not in town on those days, or if you prefer a more traditional waiter-served meal, you might find other options more suited to your schedule. But for those open to a bit of interactive dining and a relaxed, homely atmosphere, this experience hits the mark.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic, local cuisine and enjoy a hands-on experience. It’s especially good for families or small groups who want to unwind after a day of sightseeing, and those curious about outback flavors like kangaroo or crocodile. If you’re looking for a relaxed, fun dinner with options for dietary needs (including gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free), this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Unique dining style with the ability to cook your own meat on a hot stone.
• Diverse menu options including kangaroo, crocodile, scallops, and vegetarian choices.
• Scenic outback views enhance the relaxed atmosphere.
• All-you-can-eat dessert bar offers a fun, sweet ending.
• Limited to certain evenings in winter, so plan ahead.
• Affordable value considering the interactive experience and variety.

In-Depth Review of the Stonegrill Dining Experience

What Is a Stonegrill Experience and Why Is It Special?

Imagine sitting at a cozy table in a warmly decorated restaurant, with a hot stone placed right in front of you. It’s not just for show—this is the heart of the experience. The concept stems from traditional campfire cooking, but here, it’s brought indoors in a modern, hygienic way. You choose your meat, fish, or vegetarian patty from the menu, and then cook it to your preferred level of doneness by pressing it onto the hot stone. It’s a satisfying blend of participation and relaxation—a dinner that feels more like an activity than just a meal.

The appeal of this setup is clear: We loved the way this makes the meal interactive without requiring any culinary skills. Plus, it’s a fun way for families or groups to share a meal, chatting as they cook their own portions. The menu’s variety ensures that everyone can find something they enjoy, whether it’s a Rib Eye Steak, Kangaroo, Crocodile, or scallops. For vegetarians, there’s a veggie patty ready to sizzle.

What to Expect From the Itinerary

The Stonegrill experience is available on specific evenings—Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday during winter. We appreciated the simplicity of the setup: arriving at 128 Eagle St, where the ambiance is both warm and rustic, reminiscent of a homey outback lodge. The hot-stone is the showstopper, providing a visual and sensory cue for your cooking experience.

Each meal comes with chat potatoes and your choice of sides—salad of the day or steamed vegetables—allowing you to customize your plate further. The dessert bar is a highlight, featuring timeless favorites and ice cream, with options for those with dietary restrictions like gluten, dairy, or nuts.

Authentic Flavors and Unique Meats

The menu is an adventure for the curious eater. Kangaroo and crocodile are available, offering a taste of outback Australia that’s hard to find elsewhere. These meats are served raw and cooked on your hot stone, giving you control over doneness and flavor. Prawns, scallops, salmon, chicken, lamb, and steak round out the options, ensuring a variety for every palate.

One reviewer noted, “Most welcoming reception and well looked after by Joanne,” emphasizing the friendly atmosphere and attentive service. The decor contributes to a homely feel, making you feel more like a guest in someone’s country home than just another diner.

The Value of This Experience

At just under $50, this experience offers a great balance of fun, taste, and value. Considering that you’re cooking your meal, it’s a more engaging alternative to standard restaurant fare. Plus, the all-you-can-eat dessert bar adds extra entertainment and indulgence at no extra cost.

The inclusion of downloadable mobile tickets means you don’t need paper—just show your waiter your phone. Soft drinks are available for purchase, but BYO alcohol could be a good idea if you want to toast your evening.

The Downside? A Few Considerations

The main limitation is availability—it’s only offered on certain evenings during winter, and only for about two hours. If your travel schedule doesn’t align, you might miss out. Also, those expecting a traditional waiter-served dinner might find the self-cooking element unusual, although it’s part of the charm for most.

Who Would Love This?

This experience is ideal for adventurous eaters, families, and anyone who enjoys a relaxed, interactive meal. It’s perfect if you’re looking for more than just a dinner—something memorable that involves participation and local flavors. Travelers with dietary restrictions will appreciate the flexibility and options available.

FAQ About the Stonegrill Dining Experience

Is the experience suitable for most travelers?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and dietary requirements such as gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free options are available.

How long does the experience last?
The meal lasts approximately 2 hours, giving plenty of time to cook, eat, and enjoy the dessert bar.

Can I choose my meat and sides?
Absolutely. The menu offers a range of meats, seafood, and vegetarian options, plus sides like salad and steamed vegetables.

What days are the dinners available?
The Stonegrill is offered on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings during the winter season.

Is alcohol included or available?
No, alcohol is not included. You can bring your own, and soft drinks are available for purchase.

Is this experience good value?
Considering the interactive element, variety, and included dessert bar, many find it a good deal—especially since it combines dining and entertainment in one.

How do I get my tickets?
Tickets are downloadable on your mobile phone—just show your phone to the waiter when you arrive, making check-in quick and easy.

To sum it up, the Stonegrill Dining Experience in Longreach offers a genuine taste of outback Australia combined with a fun, participatory meal. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed yet memorable dinner that goes beyond just eating out. The variety of meats, scenic views, and cozy atmosphere make it a standout choice if you’re in Longreach during the winter evenings. Be sure to book ahead, bring your appetite, and prepare to enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and engaging.