Group tours from Brisbane to Karumba and Undara Lava Tubes - Photo
Trips to Gulf Country 2025 - Photo
Escorted holidays to Karumba, Cobbold Gorge & Undara Lava Tubes 2025 - Photo
Tours to Gulf Country 2025 - Photo

itinerary

Day 1. Saturday – Depart on Spirit of Queensland

Depart from your home station today on the Spirit of Queensland train for Cairns. Sit back and relax in your Premium Economy Seat or Deluxe RailBed with all meals included plus pamper pack with the evening bed turn down. The train is scheduled to depart at 3.45pm. Overnight: Spirit of Queensland train. (All meals included for RailBed passengers).

Note: If making your way to Cairns under your own arrangements, please see Day 2 for details.

Day 2. Sunday – Arrive Cairns

Upon arrival at Cairns, you are greeted by your tour host and coach driver and transferred to the DoubleTree by Hilton where you will have time to freshen up before enjoying your Welcome Dinner. Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns (D)

Note: If making your way to Cairns under own arrangements, arrive today and check in from 2pm. Please meet your fellow travellers and tour host for the welcome dinner tonight in the hotel at 6pm.

Day 3. Monday – Cairns to Undara Lava Tubes

Departing Cairns by coach, we travel via the Atherton Tablelands to visit the historical town of Herberton and take a ride on a 1905 Peckett Steam Train. This afternoon takes us to Undara National Park for our tour of the incredible Lava Tubes. Overnight: Undara Village, Mt Surprise (B,L,D)

Day 4. Tuesday – Mt Surprise to Karumba

Our first stop today is Lake Belmore at Croydon before arriving at Normanton to meet Krys the crocodile. This afternoon we visit the Interpretive Discovery Centre in Karumba which provides stories of the lifecycles and habitats of the incredible Barramundi. Later we enjoy a cool drink while watching the sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria, ending the day with an alfresco Reef N Beef Dinner experience. Overnight: Ash’s Apartments, Karumba (B,L,D)

Day 5. Wednesday – Normanton, Gulflander train, Forsayth

This morning, we board the legendary Gulflander train for a nostalgic rail journey steeped in pioneering history and heritage. After morning tea at Blackbull Siding we travel to Croydon to explore this historic mining town. This evening brings us to the iconic outback town of Forsayth. 2 Nights: Finnegan’s Rest, Forsayth (B,MT,L,D)

Day 6. Thursday – Cobbold Gorge

Today is an unforgettable highlight to your trip to Outback Queensland. Our Cobbold Gorge tour begins with an informative insight into the geology of the rugged sandstone formations, followed by a bushwalk to the top of the escarpment and the Glass Viewing Bridge. Enjoy the reward of a magnificent view of the gorge below. Then the boat ride where we glide on custom-made, electric powered boats in almost eerie silence ensuring minimal disturbance to the wildlife including the resident freshwater crocodiles! (B,L,D)

Optional Extra: Helicopter Ride over Cobbold Gorge

Note: The walk component of the tour is roughly 1.5km on a dirt track to the top of the gorge and along sandstone escarpment, across the glass bridge and back. This circuit takes approx. 1-hour to 1-hour 15-minutes, and timing depends on the fitness and speed of the group and how many questions are asked, all while stopping to interpret the geology, flora and fauna along the way. The walk is relatively easy with the reward of a magnificent view of the gorge below. It’s not possible to do just part of the walk, so some guests may choose to sit it out. The cruise boats suit low level fitness.

Day 7. Friday – Savannahlander to Mt Surprise, Georgetown

The Savannahlander also known as the Silver Bullet, takes travellers from Forsayth to Mount Surprise, offering a remarkable Outback rail adventure. We stop at Einasleigh for lunch and view the Copperfield Gorge, created by an ancient lava flow. We continue to Mount Surprise and Georgetown to explore the Ted Elliot Terrestrial Centre before enjoying our final sunset over the Outback. Overnight: Latara Motel in Georgetown (B,L,D)

Day 8. Saturday – Kuranda Scenic Railway to Cairns

Travelling towards the coast we stop at The Humpy in Tolga to taste the Atherton Tablelands produce. We have time to explore Kuranda Village before meeting the Kuranda Scenic Railway, passing through lush tropical landscapes and the Barron River Gorge. Tonight, we enjoy our Farewell Dinner on the esplanade at Cairns. Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns (B,AT,D)

Day 9. Sunday – Depart Cairns on the Spirit of Queensland

After breakfast we depart by coach to catch the Spirit of Queensland train for a leisurely journey back home. Overnight: Spirit of Queensland train (B) (All meals included for RailBed passengers)

Note: If making your own arrangements and not using the rail service, please check out by 10am and enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Note: Return rail can be pre-arranged for a later date upon availability. Extra nights in Cairns can be pre-arranged.

Day 10. Monday – Arrive Brisbane

Today arrive home with cherished memories of their experiences in the Queensland Outback and the expansive Gulf Region. The train is schedule to arrive at 9.00am.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, AT = Afternoon Tea, D = Dinner

dates & pricing

2025 Departure Dates:
26 April, 10 May (SOLD OUT), 24 May, 7 June, 21 June (SOLD OUT), 12 July (SOLD OUT), 19 July, 16 Aug (SOLD OUT), 30 Aug, 13 Sep, 27 Sep, 11 Oct
Twinshare Sole Use Rail Fares Rail Bed Premium Economy Seat
$3930 + rail $4530 + rail QLD Pensioner $400 $50
Senior Card $670 $370
BQuick Adult fare $780 $443
  • A deposit of $450pp is required within 7 days
  • QLD Pensioner fare is using 4 vouchers for RailBeds
  • Seniors Fares are for Australian Government Senior Card Holders only
  • Pension and Seniors Card numbers must be advised at time of booking
  • Rail fare prices are return
  • Final payment is due 65 days prior to departure due to group rail ticketing requirements
  • Concession rail fares are not available for international passengers as they are verified by Centrelink
  • RailBed fares include meals. Other train fares do not include meals
  • FITNESS LEVELMODERATE PACE

Highlights & inclusions

  • Travel on the Spirit of Queensland Brisbane to Cairns return
  • 2 nights Cairns
  • Historical 1905 Pecket Steam Train ride
  • 1 night Mt Surprise
  • 1 night Karumba
  • 2 nights Forsayth
  • 1 night Georgetown
  • Alfresco Beachfront dinner, Karumba
  • Terrestrial Centre, Georgetown
  • Gulflander train Normanton to Croydon
  • Cobbold Gorge entry, tour & cruise
  • Undara Lava Tubes entry & tour
  • Savannahlander train to Mt Surprise
  • Kuranda Scenic Railway from Kuranda to Cairns
  • All tours and entry fees
  • Fully escorted from Cairns
  • All meals as indicated

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