For the lovers of train travel! Experience 4 Iconic Queensland trains this 'Awesome Foursome' tour includes return travel on the Spirit of Queensland, travel on both the Gulflander and Savannahlander tourist trains, plus the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Also includes Cairns, Karumba, Undara Lava Tubes, Cobbold Gorge & more.
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 1.45pm. 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.
Arrive in Cairns mid afternoon. You will then be met by your friendly tour host and transferred to your accommodation with time to freshen up before enjoying a 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.
This morning we depart by coach on our journey across the Atherton Tablelands. Our first stop is the historical town of Herberton for morning tea, before travelling back in time as we enjoy a ride on a 1905 Peckett Steam train and wooden passenger carriage! Learn all about the rich tin mining history of the area and the important role the steam train played to keep the industry alive.
We then pass through Ravenshoe, boasting the highest pub in Queensland, with a stop to purchase lunch should you wish. We will then depart to the Undara National Park for our afternoon tour of the Lava Tubes.
About 190,000 years ago, there was a massive eruption and lava flowed from the Undara Volcano at a rate of about 1000 m3 every second. A lava flow this large could fill Sydney Harbour in six days. More than 50 caves have been found in the park with most to remote to see but we get to visit the 2 best examples with easy access. Overnight: Undara Village or Bedrock Village, Mt Surprise (B,D)
This morning we travel through Croydon for our town tour and on to Normanton as we follow the Gulflander train line. We will then arrive in Karumba this afternoon and visit the interactive and state of the art Barramundi Interpretive Discovery Centre which provides the history, stories, lifecycle and habits of the Barramundi. Discover the wetlands and mangroves and learn about the incredible birdlife and stunning southern Gulf flora. This evening you can enjoy a cool drink at the Waterfront Tavern while watching the sunset over the remote Gulf of Carpentaria. We then enjoy an alfresco Reef N Beef Dinner. Overnight: Ash’s Apartments, End of The Road Hotel or Karumba Lodge (B,D)
This morning we transfer from Karumba to Normanton Railway Station. We take a journey aboard the legendary Gulflander for a rail journey unlike any other. Also known as the ‘Tin Hare’, this legendary rail motor is one of the last great characters of the rail world. From wetlands and grasslands to arid Savannah territory, the Gulflander travels through countryside that most people will never see. This nostalgic rail journey is the perfect way to discover an area steeped in pioneering history and heritage. Disembarking the train at Blackbull Siding and following morning tea, we board the coach for Croydon and a lunch stop before making our way to Forsayth and check into our accommodation with time to freshen up before our dinner this evening. Overnight: Finnegan’s Rest, Forsayth (B,D)
Note: Try a Goldfields Ale which is uniquely brewed especially for the Goldfields Pub.
Following breakfast this morning you will be transferred by 4WD coach to Cobbold Gorge where you will be amazed as you delve into a geological process which began 700 million years ago. This is an unforgettable highlight of your trip to outback Queensland. The tour begins with an informative insight to 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 population of resident freshwater crocodiles. Some free time following lunch to take an optional Helicopter ride if you wish before we are transferred back to Forsayth in time for our hearty dinner. Overnight: Finnegan’s Rest, Forsayth (B,D)
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.
The Savannahlander (Silver Bullet) travels between Forsayth & Mt Surprise, giving passengers one of the great rail experiences of the world through the Outback. Stopping at Einasleigh with time to purchase lunch at the pub if you wish before travelling through to Mount Surprise. From here we travel to Georgetown for our last night in the Outback! Here we visit the Ted Elliot Terrestrial Centre which houses one of the largest private mineral and rear rock collections in the world. Arriving at Latara Motel we enjoy a beverage or two as we watch the sunset over the outback, with time to freshen up for dinner. Overnight: Latara Motel in Georgetown (B,D)
After breakfast we depart by coach to Kuranda where we join the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Gold Class as it winds its way through lush greenery down to tropical Cairns. We check in to our accommodation and enjoy a farewell dinner. Overnight: DoubleTree by Hilton, Cairns (B,D)
This morning following breakfast we board the Spirit of Queensland travelling to our home destination enjoying the company of your new found friends. 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.
The Spirit of Queensland arrives into Brisbane this morning leaving you with cherished memories of both the Australian outback and tropical north Queensland. The train is schedule to arrive at 10.20am.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
| 2024 Departure Dates: |
|---|
| 27 April (SOLD OUT), 25 May (SOLD OUT), 22 June (SOLD OUT), 21 July*(SOLD OUT), 17 Aug (SOLD OUT), 31 Aug (SOLD OUT), 14 Sep (SOLD OUT), 28 Sep, 12 Oct |
| Twinshare | Sole Use | Rail Fares | Rail Bed | Premium Economy Seat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3590 + rail | $4190 + rail | QLD Pensioner | $400 | $50 |
| Senior Card | $670 | $370 | ||
| BQuick Adult fare | $780 | $443 |
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