13 Days Murray and Darling River Rendezvous 2020

itinerary

DAY 1. Thursday – Brisbane to Goondiwindi (L,D)

Departing on our opulent ‘Diamond Class’ coach from the Brisbane Transit Centre on Roma Street, we cross the Great Dividing Range and make our way to Warwick to visit the Abbey of the Roses for a tour followed by lunch. We continue west, arriving at Goondiwindi where we stop in at Goondiwindi Cotton, a fashion house icon. 1 Night Stay: Best Western Ascot Lodge, Goondiwindi

DAY 2. Friday – Goondiwindi to Bourke (B,L,D)

Departing Goondiwindi, we traverse the open plains of the Gwydir Highway through Collarenebri and on to Walgett, situated at the junction of the Barwon and Namoi Rivers, and once a bustling river port feeding the Murray Darling River system. After lunch we continue our journey through Brewarrina, making our way to the historic outback town of Bourke. Our afternoon visit to the Back O’ Bourke Information Centre unveils legends of the back country and this region’s importance in Australian history. 2 Night Stay: Bourke Riverside Motel

DAY 3. Saturday – Bourke, Darling River Paddleboat Cruise (B,MT,L,D)

This morning we join a local guide for an in-depth insight on the town’s history, its isolation, the people who live here and the region’s current status. After lunch we travel to the outskirts of town to board the PV Jandra paddleboat for a leisurely cruise along the mighty Darling River, learning more about the region’s rich river boat history.

DAY 4. Sunday – Bourke to Broken Hill (B,MT,L,D)

We bid Bourke farewell and travel south along the Kidman Way to the town of Cobar for morning tea. We then make our way west along the Barrier Highway to Wilcannia, where we again meet the Darling River. After lunch at the Wilcannia Golf Club we travel our last leg to the isolated mining town of Broken Hill. After check-in, there’s time to relax before we make a visit to the Living Desert Sculptures for sunset drinks and beautiful outback views. 2 Night Stay: Royal Exchange Hotel, Broken Hill. Please note: Hotel at Broken Hill has stair access only.

DAY 5. Monday – Broken Hill (B,L,D)

Enjoy a gossip tour of Broken Hill, viewing heritage-listed architecture and discovering the famous art galleries the Big Picture and the Line of Lode. Next we head to Silverton, almost a ghost town, and the setting for many famous movies. We return to Broken Hill via the vast Mundi Mundi Plains to visit the Pro Hart Gallery, then enjoy some free time downtown. Tonight, we dine out at the famous Palace Hotel, which was used as a stop-over for the characters in the iconic Australian movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

DAY 6. Tuesday – Broken Hill to Mildura (B,MT,L,D)

Depart Broken Hill and travel south along the Silver City Highway, making our way to the New South Wales/Victorian border city of Wentworth, the junction of the Darling and the Murray. Our afternoon takes us to Old Wentworth Gaol before travelling across the Murray River and on to the Victorian town of Mildura. 1 Night Stay: Best Western Chaffey Motor Inn, Mildura

DAY 7. Wednesday – Mildura to Echuca (B,MT,L,D)

We follow the Murray River upstream through the town of Robinvale and on to our morning tea break on the banks of the river at Tooleybuc. Back on the road, we travel to Swan Hill, visiting the Pioneer Settlement for a guided tour and lunch. We then continue through Lake Boga and Kerang, arriving in the twin cities of Echuca and Moama the paddle steamer capital of Australia. 2 Night Stay: Mercure Port of Echuca

DAY 8. Thursday – Echuca & Paddlesteamer Cruise (B,L,D)

After breakfast we join a local guide for a coach tour that takes us through Moama and across the bridge to Echuca. Next we board the iconic Pride of the Murray, a lovingly maintained paddlesteamer that will take us meandering between the red gum lined banks of the mighty Murray as we enjoy lunch on the deck. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the town further.

DAY 9. Friday – Echuca to Albury (B,MT,L,D)

We start our day with an intriguing tour of the Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum, the only one of its kind in Australia. We then continue our way along the Murray River to Yarrawonga situated on Lake Mulwala, where we stop for lunch. Our afternoon takes us to Glenrowan for a visit to the Ned Kelly Museum where we witness ‘Ned Kelly’s Last Stand’, a light and sound show that is a re-enactment of the events that led up to the capture and hanging of Ned Kelly. Our day finishes as we arrive in the twin cities of Albury and Wodonga. 1 Night Stay: Best Western Plus Hovell
Tree Inn, Albury

DAY 10. Saturday – Albury to Bathurst (B,L,D)

This morning we travel to Gundagai, making a stop at the iconic ‘Dog on the Tuckerbox’. Our next leg takes us to Cowra’s Japanese Gardens for lunch and time to wander through the tranquil and inspiring displays. We finish our day at Bathurst. 2 Night Stay: Rydges Mount Panorama, Bathurst

DAY 11. Sunday – Bathurst (B,D)

This morning we discover Bathurst, a vibrant country city with a rich cultural heritage. We collect a local guide for a city sights tour including a guided tour of Ben Chifley House. We then offer you time downtown for some retail therapy. Tonight we don our glad rags for a night of elegance of the Georgian era, dining at historic Abercrombie House. Lunch is at own expense today.

DAY 12. Monday – Bathurst to Armidale (B,L,D)

We hit the road today travelling through Mudgee and Coola to Gunnedah for lunch. We then continue on to Tamworth for a break at the Big Golden Guitar before ascending the Moonbi Range to pass through Uralla and arrive in Armidale. 1 Night Stay: Cotswold Gardens, Armidale

DAY 13. Tuesday – Armidale to Brisbane (B,L)

Heading for home today, we break at the Standing Stones in ‘Celtic’ Glen Innes, then travel to Stanthorpe for lunch at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism before our return to the Brisbane Transit Centre.

B = Full Breakfast MT = Morning Tea L = Lunch AT = Afternoon Tea D = Two Course Dinner

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