13 or 11 Days Reef to Outback Gulf Savannah

itinerary

Day 1. Mon: Arrive Cairns

Arrive into Cairns via Sunlander rail journey or air. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your motel. Overnight Tradewinds Rydges Cairns. (D)

Day 2. Tue: Kuranda, Mount Surprise

Depart Cairns via the ultimate Rainforest experience aboard your choice of the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail Journey or the amazing Scenic Sky Rail Rainforest Cable Car to Kuranda. Rejoin our coach as we explore the Atherton Tableland enroute to the McBride volcanic province on the western side of the Great Dividing Range. Along the way view the contrast of lush farming land of sugar cane, beans and macadamia nuts through to the cattle country of the Tropical Savannahs. Overnight Bedrock Village Mount Surprise (BLD)

Day 3. Wed: Undara Lava Tubes, Mount Surprise

Meet some of the local characters at Rocky Springs Cattle Station then explore the Undara Lava Tubes, formed some 190,000 years ago and claimed to be the largest and longest on the planet. Visit the Undara Lodge, in an amazing bush setting, featuring 23 ex-Queensland Government Railway carriages dating back to 1888. Tonight after dinner enjoy a campfire sing-a-long. Overnight Bedrock Village Mount Surprise (BLD)      

Day 4. Thu: The Savannahlander, Cobbold Gorge

Join the Savannahlander for the most scenic section of this journey, before arriving at the quaint old copper town of Einasleigh. Explore the Copperfield Gorge with deep, cool chasms and quiet beaches before arriving at Forsyth. We re-join the coach for a scenic drive through to the mysterious Cobbold Gorge, located on a working cattle property. The gorge is set amid rugged sandstone formations with spectacular 30 metre cliffs that narrow to just two metres wide. Overnight Cobbold Gorge Cabins (BLD)

Day 5. Fri: Cobbold Gorge

A relaxing day to experience Cobbold Gorge with a delightful half day guided tour and cruise. Cruise peacefully through this unusual gorge in an electric powered boat. Visit Corbett’s Pioneer Grave and learn the true value of this special part of the Savannah landscape. Take a short station tour to discover the incredible geology and operational challenges faced by the station owners. Overnight Cobbold Gorge Cabins (BLD)

Day 6. Sat: The Gulflander, Karumba

This morning discover Georgetown’s Terrestrial Centre featuring the Ted Elliott Mineral collection and Croydon, once a booming gold town in the 1800’s. Take a nostalgic journey back in time on the old ‘Tin Hare’ The Gulflander. After boarding at Critters Camp, ride through the bushland and the Norman River flood plains with a quaint arrival into the historic Normanton railway station. Journey on to Karumba the centre of the Gulf ’s prawn industry, where the tropical savannahs and wetlands meet. Dinner tonight is at the Sunset Tavern overlooking the Gulf of Carpentaria. Overnight End of the Road Motel or Ash’s Holiday Units Karumba (BLD)

Day 7. Sun: Karumba

Visit the Barramundi Discovery Centre and learn about the live breeding program. Take a comprehensive and informative Croc and Crab Cruise featuring the Port of Karumba and local industries. A special dining highlight tonight is the famous Sand Island Seafood at Sunset Experience. Feast on fresh prawns and crab as the sun sets over the Gulf of Carpentaria where the outback meets the sea. An unforgettable natural setting! Overnight End of the Road Motel or Ash’s Holiday Units Karumba (BLD)  

Day 8. Mon: Normanton, Mt Isa

Today enjoy a break to view the famous Purple Pub and meet the Big Crocodile, a life-size model of the largest crocodile ever captured in Normanton. Travelling south across the mighty Flinders River for a break at the Burke & Wills Roadhouse before arriving in Cloncurry for a late lunch. Travel on to Mount Isa, situated among the ochre-red Selwyn Ranges, famous for its copper, lead and zinc reserves. Late afternoon we enjoy a visit to the Outback at Isa galleries. Overnight Outback Motel Mount Isa (BLD)  

Day 9. Tue: Mt Isa, Winton, Longreach

Discover the Mount Isa mining story with a Surface Mine Tour. Follow the watering holes of the Matilda Highway, calling in at the famous Walkabout Creek Hotel, historic Blue Heeler Hotel and Tatt’s Hotel Winton en route to Longreach. Overnight Albert Park Motor Inn Longreach (BLD)  

Day 10. Wed: Longreach

Step back in time to the dawn of aviation at the Qantas Founders Museum, including historic 1922 Qantas hanger. Explore the history behind some of Australia’s greatest and bravest explorers, stock workers, pastoralists and Aborigines at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Time this afternoon to relax and refresh. Tonight, join a cruise at sunset on Longreach’s timeless waterhole. View majestic floodplains as the colours fade into starry Outback skies. Then, around the camp fire be charmed by our entertaining Outback characters and savour the traditional flavours of our Outback-themed cuisine with our fun farewell awards at the Drover’s Extravaganza Dinner. Overnight Albert Park Motor Inn Longreach (BLF)

Day 11. Thu: End of Tour

Depart Longreach after a quintessential Outback journey of a lifetime. Connect with QantasLink to Brisbane or Rex Airlines to Townsville or ask about the Spirit of the Outback rail journey.  

dates & pricing