itinerary
Day 1. Tues: Spirit of the Outback
Board the ‘Spirit of the Outback’ with your hostess, and check-in to your 1st class sleeper for an overnight rail journey through the Central West. Enjoy cosy dining in the themed Tuckerbox Restaurant. (D)
Day 2. Wed: Emerald & Carnarvon Gorge
Scheduled arrival into Emerald at 9.18am where we are met by our Outback hosts, to travel through the productive Brigalow cattle country, on to Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge for a 2 night stay. The unique timber and canvas Safari Cabins have their own outback charm and blend unobtrusively into the natural bushland. (BLD)
Day 3. Thu: Carnarvon Gorge
Today we have organised a range of walking tours (not compulsory) with different fitness levels for you to choose from. Discover many shades of green, on the Moss Garden walk, offering a rich mosaic of mosses, ferns and lichens. Here the micro-climate sustains a lush rainforest environment. The Baloon Cave Aboriginal cultural walk is a short walk among the fan palms and cycads and leads to a small sandstone overhang featuring stencilled Aboriginal rock art. (BLD)
Day 4. Fri: Alpha, Barcaldine & Longreach
Depart Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge and travel to Lake Maraboon for a picnic lunch. We move on to Alpha atop the great divide, for a break amongst the famous murals. We continue on past the vast open plains of western Queensland to Barcaldine, to view the newly opened Tree of Knowledge Monument. Tonight check-in to the Longreach Motor Inn for a 2 night stay. (BLD)
Day 5. Sat: Longreach
Today we visit the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame in the morning and in the afternoon explore the QANTAS Founders Outback Museum. Tonight enjoy the Drover’s extravaganza themed dinner. (BLD)
Day 6. Sun: Cloncurry
Departing for Cloncurry we enjoy a day of contrasting outback scenery as we travel through to the rugged Selwyn Ranges. We call in to the famous watering holes, Blue Heeler and Walkabout Creek Hotels. Arriving into Cloncurry we explore the John Flynn Memorial (the birthplace of the Flying Doctor). Arrive and check-in to the Gidgee Inn, Cloncurry for an overnight stay. (BLD)
Day 7. Mon: Normanton, Karumba
Travelling north we break at Burke & Will’s Roadhouse before moving on through the vast Savannahs, crossing the Flinders River, arriving at Normanton. Get up close to the Big Crocodile, and quench your thirst at the famous Purple Pub. We continue on to Karumba, checking into the End of the Road Motel or Ash’s Holiday Units for 2 nights. Dinner tonight is at sunset at Karumba Point’s Sunset Tavern, overlooking the mouth of the Gulf of Carpentaria. (BLD)
Day 8. Tue: Karumba
Explore the port of Karumba and Barramundi Discovery Centre, and in the afternoon enjoy the ultimate Karumba gulf experience aboard the Croc and Crab sunset boat tour. Tonight enjoy famous seafood of prawns and crab on the Gulf of Carpentaria soaking up yet another sunset over water where the outback meets the sea. (BLD)
Day 9. Wed: Gulflander Rail journey, Cobbold Gorge
Depart Karumba to rendezvous with the famous Gulflander Rail journey. We board at Normanton Railway Station to journey through the Gulf Savannah bushland stopping at Critters Camp to rejoin the coach. Travel on to Croydon discovering the Gold Mining Heritage, and mid afternoon inspect the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection at Georgetown before to travelling down to Cobbold Gorge to check-in at Cobbold Gorge Station for 2 nights. (BLD)
Day 10. Thu: Cobbold Gorge
This morning we take in a cruise of Cobbold Gorge and visit Corbett’s Pioneer Grave to enjoy the true value of this special part of the Savannah landscape. (BLD)
Day 11. Fri: Savannahlander, Cairns
We travel into Forsyth to join the ‘Savannahlander’ travelling the most scenic section of this rail journey. Arrive at the quaint old copper town of Einasleigh to explore the Copperfield Gorge, then board the coach bound for Cairns via the Atherton Tablelands. Overnight Rydges Tradewinds Resort on the Cairns Esplanade. (BLD)
Day 12. Sat: Queenslander Class on The Sunlander
Board Queenslander Class, one of Australia’s premier rail services. Take a journey which provides a glimpse into the state’s heritage, culture, landscape and cuisine set against a backdrop of superb dining, first class accommodation and exceptional onboard service. (BLD)
Day 13. Sun: Arrive Brisbane
Enjoy the country scenery in the relaxing surrounds of the lounge car. The exclusive club car with our own private entertainer adds to the ambience of this train journey. Arrive back into Roma Street Station, Brisbane mid afternoon. (BL)
It is recommended you book minimum 90 days in advance for this tour due to rail restrictions
B = Hot Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
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