Tour Details

Outback Queensland/NSW Spectacular
Departs: Tuesday, July 20, 2027
Duration: 27 Days Tour Number: 4617
Price: $12400 p.p. Twin share Travel Club $11780 p.p. Single Supplement $3250 Deposit $650 p.p. Balance Due 18th May, 2027 BEST VALUE FOR MONEY TOUR AVAILABLE FROM ADELAIDE WITH NEW EXCITING TOUR INCLUSIONS

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Tour Cost Includes: Meals Where Stated (D) Dinner, (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch Motel Accommodation with private facilities All entrance fees and sightseeing per itinerary HOME PICK UP AND RETURN (Adelaide Metro Area) All Touring in 5-star Luxury Coach ~ Video/Toilet/Air-cond DAY 1 (D): ADELAIDE - BROKEN HILL Welcome to our 27-day tour through Outback Queensland and down the beautiful coast of North Queensland. Today is mainly a travel day, so sit back and relax as we make our way to Broken Hill for our first night’s accommodation. Desert Sands Broken Hill: Ph 08 8088 4172 DAY 2 (BLD): BROKEN HILL - BOURKE Departing Broken Hill and making our way to Wilcannia on the Darling River. Legends were made along the Darling. Literary myths were created by Henry Lawson, Will Ogilvie and Breaker Morant. Kidman, Tyson and McCaughey created pastoral kingdoms of unparalleled proportions. Wilcannia was once known as Queen City of the West, and the site of the original Resches Brewery. Unfortunately, the town has seen better days! We stop for a cuppa before continuing east to Cobar. The Shire of Cobar covers an area the size of Tasmania, with a population of just 7000 people, most of whom are involved with the mining or pastoral industries. We have a break before continuing north to Bourke on the banks of the Darling River Darling River Motel Ph 02 6872 2288 DAY 3 (BD): BOURKE - CHARLEVILLE After breakfast we enjoy the local sights before travelling across the border into Queensland. We travel to Cunnamulla, located on the banks of the Warrego River, the starting point for the Matilda Highway. From Cunnamulla we continue through Wyandra to Charleville. This evening there is an opportunity to visit Charleville’s newest attraction, the Cosmos Centre. The Centre is an audio-visual extravaganza, featuring hi-tech interactive displays that take you on an astronomical journey through the ages, unravelling many mysteries of our night sky. Tonight we can enjoy the open-air observatory and view the outback night sky. Mulga Country Motor Inn: 07 4654 3255 DAY 4 (BD): CHARLEVILLE - LONGREACH An early breakfast today as we make our way to Blackall, home to the legendary gun shearer Jackie Howe, and where he set the almost unbelievable record of shearing 321 sheep with blade shears in a day. A bronze statue now stands as a monument to the man and the achievement. Blackall also claims to be the home of the black stump, which has always loomed large in rural Australian mythology as a place beyond which was no man's land. It was considered at the time that the country to the west of Blackall was 'beyond the black stump'. This piece of petrified wood replaces the original stump which was burnt out. From Blackall we head to Barcaldine, another town steeped in the history of the early pioneers, their struggles and the evolution of Australia as a nation. We continue to Ilfracombe where we have time this afternoon to “wet the whistle” if you wish at the famous Wellshot Hotel. Then it’s on to Longreach, a town which has played a significant role in the early development of central Queensland and outback Australia. On arrival we settle into our motel for the next three nights. Albert Park Motor Inn, Longreach: Ph 0418 806 233 DAY 5 (BD): LONGREACH This morning we visit the Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Here we will see outback antiques, videos that make use of modern technology to tell old stories, an 1866 settlers hut, and all the stockman’s paraphernalia is on show. This afternoon Outback pioneers for a Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience you’ll travel in a restored stagecoach, first at a leisurely pace through town and then full-tilt along a stretch of the original Longreach- Windorah mail route. Hear the pounding hooves of the magnificent horses on the outback dirt road. Hear the rattle and creak of the coach. Hold on to your hat for the only stagecoach gallop in Australia. We then break for smoko before we see Australian Classic Bush Movie and an old-time tent show. This evening, soak up the sunset with the Drover’s Extravaganza Dinner. Be charmed by our outback entertainers and savor the traditional outback-themed cuisine. DAY 6 (BLD): LONGREACH This morning we are picked up and taken to Nogo Station. You rarely feel closer to the iconic Australian life than when you’re on an outback station. This signature working station visit helps you appreciate the size of stations, their isolation, and the magnitude of the challenges they face. You’ll discover the merino story and meet the merinos in the historic woolsheds, you’ll join your host on the water run, you’ll see the ruins of Captain Starlight’s famous stockyards and you’ll see domestic animals, feral animals and wildlife on the sunlit plains. We will have saddlebag lunch before returning to town with time to relax for the rest of the afternoon before dinner Day 7 (BD) LONGREACH - WINTON This morning we visit the Qantas Founders Outback Museum, adjacent to the historic 1922 Qantas hangar, which has been restored as part of the project. The complex houses the museum, theatrette and exhibition hall, visitor information centre and restaurant. Historic photographs, memorabilia and multi-media interactive displays eloquently tell the inspirational stories of overcoming the problems of long-distance travel in Outback Australia. A Boeing 747-200, donated by Qantas Airways Ltd, is the latest addition to the exhibit, and forms a spectacular part of the museum's outdoor display. Our guided tour provides us with an appreciation of the vision and achievements of the Qantas Founders, which was "that Qantas would one day become one of the world’s greatest airlines". We depart Longreach and make our way to Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum. The Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History is home to the world's largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils, including some of our most famous such as Australovenator (Banjo) and Diamantinasaurus (Matilda). Located on top of a huge mesa plateau near Winton called "The Jump Up", a wonderful attraction, with huge rocky outcrops, cliffs, canyons. making our way to Winton and our motel for a well-earned rest Winton Boulder Opal Motel 07 4657 1211 DAY 8 (BD): WINTON - MT ISA This central region of Queensland abounds with early Australian folklore and history. It was in this area that Banjo Paterson wrote his famous poem about the swagman and the jolly jumbuck, and “Waltzing Matilda” was first heard in a pub in Winton. The Waltzing Matilda Centre is the only centre in the world dedicated to a song! The complex, costing more than $3 million, was opened in 1998 and was architecturally inspired by the homesteads of outback Queensland. lunch. This afternoon we go express to Cloncurry, passing a couple of famous outback pubs in this region, one being the Blue Heeler at Kynuna. We then travel past Dagworth Station, where Banjo Paterson stayed when visiting the region, and where the famous ballad was supposedly penned. The other famous pub is the Walkabout Creek Hotel at McKinlay, where the opening scenes of Crocodile Dundee were filmed. Continuing through Cloncurry we make our way to Mt Isa where we will stay for the next 2 nights. Burke And Wills Motel: Ph 07 4743 8000 DAY 9 (BD): MT ISA After a hearty breakfast we set out to discover “The Isa”. Visit the underground hospital for a new perspective on health care. During World War II, the Mount Isa community feared they would be a target, and precautions were taken to protect their hospital in the event of an air raid. The miners gave their time, and the underground hospital was established in 15 weeks, and see the Beth Anderson Museum, which is the entrance building to the underground hospital we have time for lunch in the centre of mount Isa before visiting The award winning “Outback at Isa” Centre Which provides the experience of a lifetime, with the Isa Experience Gallery capturing the very essence of Mount Isa and its colourful history before returning to the motel. DAY 10 (BD): MT ISA - KARUMBA We depart Mt Isa and travel through Cloncurry which has a name for being Australia’s hottest spot (one of the reasons we are travelling during the spring months). Continuing our journey, we head north along the Burke Developmental Road to Karumba to our accommodation. After checking in to our motel we take a Gulf Sunset Cruise of approximately two hours. We cruise up the river, past the wharves, the whole time receiving a comprehensive history of the boats and area, stopping for photos and feeding the eagles, brahminy kites, ospreys and any other birds we may find. Then it’s out into the Gulf to view the spectacular sunset, with a glass of wine and some nibbles. END OF THE ROAD MOTEL Ph 0499 075 162 DAY 11 (BD): NORMANTON - GEORGETOWN This morning we visit the Barramundi Centre. Discover the amazing secrets of the mighty barramundi at The Les Wilson Barramundi Discovery Centre, the only hatchery in the world to breed the Southern Gulf strain of this iconic fish. The brand new interactive and state of the art Interpretive Centre provides the history, stories, lifecycle and habits of these sought-after fish. After lunch, we travel east through the old gold mining town of Croydon to Georgetown. Croydon was a large pastoral holding covering an area of approximately 5,000km², when first settled in the 1880s. Gold was discovered in 1885 and by 1887, the town's population had reached 7,000. Gold was to be the main economic production of the area for four decades. The Mining Warden left in 1926 as there were too few miners left on the field. During its heyday, Croydon was the fourth largest town in the colony of Queensland. Georgetown is a town on the Etheridge River. The Gulf Developmental Road passes through the town, linking Cairns to the east, and Normanton to the west. The Etheridge River was the site of a gold rush in the 1870s; and the town of Georgetown was established on the site of the diggings. Originally known by the name Etheridge, the town's name was changed in 1871 to honor an early gold commissioner, Howard St George. By 1900 grazing had replaced gold mining as the region's primary source of income, Georgetown is our home for the next 2 nights Latara Lodge 07 4062 1190 Day 12 (BLD) COBBOLD GORGE After Breakfast we make our way to Forsyth and onto Cobbold Gorge, where you will be amazed as you delve into a geological process which began 700 million years ago. The tour begins with an informative insight into the geology of the rugged sandstone formations, followed by a guided bushwalk to the top of the escarpment, with the reward of a magnificent view of the gorge below. Then make your way over the newly constructed Glass Bridge for an unforgettable view below into the gorge. Then glide on custom-made, electric powered boats in almost eerie silence ensuring minimal disturbance to the wildlife. There’s every chance of seeing one of the large populations of resident freshwater crocodiles. Some free time following lunch to take an optional Helicopter ride if you wish before we return to Georgetown. NOTE: The Escarpment and Glass Bridge Walk is 2.5km and requires a good level of fitness to complete. Shorter walks are available; however, they are not up to the top of the escarpment. The cruise boats suit low level fitness DAY 13 (BLD): GEORGETOWN - MAREEBA This morning we drive east. Just past Mount Surprise, we enter the Undara National Park. The Park is home to the world famous Undara Lava Tubes. Over 190 000 years ago, Mother Nature created one of the rarest and most interesting natural attractions in the world, the Undara Lava Tubes. These strange lava tube formations beneath the land are now acclaimed as one of the longest lava tube systems known in the world today, we have arranged a morning tour of the Undara Lava Tubes amazing underground tunnels formed thousands of years ago when the volcano Undara erupted, and the tunnels were formed by the lava flow. After lunch we make our way to Mareeba. Jackaroo Motel 07 4092 2677 DAY 14 (BD): ATHERTON TABLELANDS - CAIRNS What makes Atherton so special is the combination of its geographic location in the Tropics (between 400 and 1100 meters), its pleasant climate and the volcanic activities that have shaped large parts of its landscape. One of the most dramatic examples of this is Lake Barrine –a beautiful volcanic Crater Lake. We enjoy morning tea, then take a cruise on Lake Barrine. The 40-minute, 6km cruise provides a close-up view of one of the most complex and amazing rainforest eco-systems in the world. We make our way to Atherton for lunch, first stopping to visit the Curtain Fig Tree. This is the most amazing tree you are ever likely to see. It is a picture of a century of natural history, a unique example of nature's unpredictability and power. After lunch we visit Jaques Coffee Plantation, viewing the plantation, processing and roasting factory while coffee production is explained. Moving on, we travel to our accommodation in Cairns. Mercure Cairns 07 4051 5733 DAY 15 (B): KURANDA One of the “must do” tours in Cairns is a trip on the historic Kuranda Train for the spectacular ride up the range to the famous tropical plant-clad Kuranda Station. Our train journey takes us through the magnificent Barron Falls National Park. See the stunning Barron Falls, picturesque valleys, rain forest, as well as railway bridges and tunnels built over a century ago. Perched above Cairns on the top of the range and surrounded by World Heritage Listed Rain Forest is the village of Kuranda. The town is full of art and craft shops. After lunch, we board the fabulous sky rail Rainforest Cableway which takes us across the rooftop of World Heritage Listed rainforest area and back to the coastal plain. Stretching 7.5 kilometers across the rainforest canopy, Sky rail is the world’s longest Gondola cableway. The views are spectacular. We stop off during our descent to visit a rainforest interpretive centre and take a short walk along the boardwalk through the rainforest. Then returning to the Motel. Tonight’s dinner is at own expense. DAY 16 (B): CAIRNS Today is a completely free day to recharge the batteries and soak up the sun, or you may wish to take an optional tour of the Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree (own expense). The Mercure has more details of tours you may wish to take. There are restaurants within easy walking distance of the Motel DAY 17 (BD): CAIRNS - TOWNSVILLE Today we say farewell to Cairns and travel south along the coast. Our destination today is Townsville, so sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery of this section of the coast. First stop this morning is historic Paronella Park. What an amazing place! Created in the 1930’s by Spanish immigrant Jose’ Paronella, this once thriving social and entertainment center is today still enjoyed by visitors from near and far. Protected by the National Trust, Paronella Park is what remains of a magnificent castle surrounded by acres of gardens, modelled on the best botanic gardens of Europe. We enjoy an early lunch before continuing south through Tully, the wettest place in Australia (but only during the wet season!). On our journey south we visit the Frosty Mango – a roadside café selling local produce, including a tasty range of tropical fruit ice cream! Midafternoon we arrive in Townsville; the third largest city in Queensland. Townsville is the port for agricultural and mining production of the vast inland region of Northern Queensland. This afternoon we take a scenic drive along The Strand and head up to Castle Hill Lookout for some fantastic views across to Magnetic Island before checking into our accommodation. Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville: 07 4729 2000 DAY 18 (BD): TOWNSVILLE - CHARTERS TOWERS We board the coach and make our way to Charters Towers On arrival we call into the Zara Clark Museum It Boasts most impressive memorabilia and artefacts, with displays on everything from the military presence during WWII, to medical history and agricultural equipment. We have time to wander in the town centre for lunch before we visit Located on the outskirts of Charters Towers, the Venus Gold Battery. It offers an insight into an amazing real life gold rush of the late nineteenth century. The Battery is of national cultural significance as the largest surviving Battery relic in Australia and the oldest surviving Battery in Queensland and our last stop for the day will be the towers hill lookout before making our way to the motel. Cattleman's Rest Motor Inn 07 4787 3555 DAY 19 (BD): CHARTERS TOWERS - EMERALD We farewell Charters Towers, heading south make our way to Belyando Crossing for morning tea then continue through mining country to Clermont. We will have a lunch break before we view the Clermont Railway Station and Murals. Back on the coach we make our way to the motel Emerald Explorers Inn 07 4982 2822 Day 20 (BD): EMERALD We travel to Rubyvale for Saphire Mine tour at the Miners Heritage Walk in mine. We have a guided underground tour. Here the guides are underground miners, so their knowledge is firsthand. Also, underground is the 'Heritage Room' which is full of stories about famous sapphires and the characters of the Gemfields, then it is time to browse the gallery. Time to make our way back to Emerald for a lunch break. After lunch we visit the Visitor Information Centre which is surrounded by interesting and unusual sculptures and artefacts. There is an excellent Aboriginal canoe tree, a Historic Precinct with several historic buildings, the Centenary of Federation Mosaic Pathway and the huge Van Gogh Sunflowers painting. The last stop for the day will be Fairburn dam which holds more than 3 times the water that Sydney Harbour. Day 21 (BLD): EMERALD - ROMA Traveling eastwards from Emerald we make our way to Blackwater. Blackwater is known as the coal capital of Australian coal mining; we take time out to visit the museum and see how the coal deposits were formed over millions of years, also learn the method of mining. We also have time to go out the back and visit the Japanese Gardens. Departing Blackwater, we travel passed some of the mines south of the town to Rolleston and stop at the Rolleston Hotel for Lunch. After lunch we continue to Roma. to check into the motel. We then head out to watch The Big Rig Night Show before dinner at the motel 2 nights. Roma Explorers Inn 07 4620 1400 DAY 22 (BD): ROMA We start the day with a trip to Roma sale Yards Interpretive Centre, The Roma Saleyards is Australia’s largest cattle selling centre, with over 400,000 cattle passing through a year, the centre tells the story of the cattle industry. Experience a complimentary guided tour of Australia's largest cattle selling centre, led by local graziers who will provide insights into the local cattle industry. Watch live as auctioneers showcase their fast-paced skills. Returning to Roma we visit the Big Rig. Discover the unique history of how and where the Australian oil and gas industry originated, and a tour through The Oil Patch Outdoor Museum. We also view Three-Dimensional Mural, which gives a concise and interesting overview of the history, industry and culture of Roma and its district. Our Last stop of the day we Visit Up the Creek Garage, to view some of the restored cars, all the cars and other relics in the museum are family owned. They have a passion for vehicles. DAY 23 (BD): ROMA - LIGHTNING RIDGE We pack the coach and make our way to St George for a Boat Cruise on the Balone River, we sit back and enjoy the tree lined riverbank on returning to the boat ramp we have time for lunch we hop on the coach and Join the Castlereagh highway through Diranbandi and Hebel to Lightning Ridge for our next 2 nights’ accommodation. Wallangulla Motel Ph 02 6829 0542 DAY 24 (BD): LIGHTNING RIDGE This morning we have a local guide in tow we discover the many hidden gems of this fascinating town. We visit Fred Bodel’s hut, the oldest miner’s camp in the area and the Historic Three Mile Flat, the site of the early miners’ settlement. We learn about the historic opal mining techniques at Lunatic Hill Open Cut, then travel back to town for an opal cutting demonstration. The hand-built Amigo’s Castle and Bevan’s cactus gardens, the largest variety of cacti in Australia. Chambers of the Black Hand. Which has taken the miner 18 years to complete the carvings so far and the evolving process will see even more sculptures and chambers added to the tour. We will visit the John Murray Art Gallery. Later take a therapeutic soak in the naturally heated thermal baths, allow the water to soothe your aches after a day of sightseeing while you enjoy the serenity. After the busy day we have time for a rest before dinner. DAY 25 (BD): LIGHTNING RIDGE - DUBBO Departing Black Opal country, we boarding the coach we travel through Walgett to Coonamble for our lunch break. While we have time to see the Nickname Hall of Fame, the Nickname is a mystifying tradition and a national phenomenon. Nowhere are nicknames thicker on the ground than across Australia's remote rural regions and Coonamble is the capital. Our next stop is Gilgandra here we visit the Coo-ee Heritage and Visitor centre which features four galleys, Allan Wise Gallery which is under the control of the local Historical Society, Coo-ee March Gallery, Federation Gallery and Joy Trudgett Gallery - displayed in this gallery are shells, fossils, artefacts, bark paintings. We then make our way to Dubbo for our night accommodation Matilda Motor Inn 02 6882 3944 DAY 26 (BD): DUBBO – HAY Dubbo, on the banks of the Macquarie River, is recognised as the regional capital of western NSW and supports many agricultural and secondary industries. Our day starts with a visit to the Dubbo base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service where we take an adventure and Touch down into the world of heroic doctors, nurses, pilots and outback communities. Live each moment as we deliver urgent medical care across a 7.69 million square km ‘waiting room’ - the Australian outback. See through the eyes of unique outback characters and communities. Experience their stories and challenges across the vast Australian remote areas - as if you’re right there. Leaving Dubbo, we make our way to Parkes for our lunch break. Continuing along we travel though West Wyalong and Weathalie to hay for our overnight stop. Comfort Inn Bishops Lodge (02) 6993-3003 Day 27 (B) Hay - Adelaide After breakfast for the tour, we pack the coach and make our way through to Mildura for our lunch stop (own cost). We continue along through Renmark, Waikerie and Truro to Adelaide (approx 6 pm) where we all say goodbye until we see each other on another tour. Your cars will be waiting to take you home.