9 Days Heroes of Longreach, Winton & South West 2020

itinerary

DAY 1. Saturday – Depart Brisbane on Spirit of the Outback (D)

Arrive at Platform 10, Roma Street railway station, Brisbane at 1pm to meet your tour hostess and check in to your first class cabin. At 1.55pm we depart on the Spirit of the Outback for a realistic up-front view of Queensland’s captivating outback – enjoyed in the comfort of air-conditioned, authentically-themed surrounds. On our journey west venture through the heritage towns of the Central West. Dining on board Spirit of the Outback is an experience in itself with the themed restaurant car serving hearty Aussie meals. Tonight we will gather in the Shearers Rest first class lounge car for a quiet drink prior to dinner taking time to get to know your fellow travel companions. 1 Night Stay: First class cabin aboard the Spirit of the Outback

DAY 2. Sunday – Arrive Longreach (B,L,D)

Relax today and let the outback come to life in front of your eyes as we wind our way through ever changing scenery and rugged terrain. This epic rail journey arrives into Longreach mid-afternoon where we are met by our Coach Captain and transferred to our hotel. 4 Night Stay: Longreach Motor Inn

DAY 3. Monday – Longreach Touring (B,L,D)

At the Qantas Founders Museum discover national treasures such as the 1922 Qantas Hangar, photographs, memorabilia and multi-media displays that bring alive the inspirational stories of one of the world’s pioneering airlines. Next, we discover Ilfracombe’s Machinery Mile displaying the evolution of pastoral development throughout Queensland’s outback. We arrive at the famous Wellshot Hotel, one of the most unique outback pubs over one hundred years old. Enjoy country hospitality over lunch then join the publican for some unique visitor traditions. Tonight, we head out to Camden Park Station to learn about life on the land with the Walker family which dates back over 3 generations. See the 100 year old shearing shed and historical homestead visited by the Queen in 1970. Enjoy sunset nibbles and drink at Camden Park Station, followed by dinner at Qantas Founders Museum.. GGP

DAY 4. Tuesday – Longreach Touring (B,L,D)

This morning be inspired by the Australian Outback and the stories of the people who shaped our nation. Many are given tribute at the famous Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame where bush history slides up close to you with tales of bush-rangers, shearers, stockmen and drovers. Enjoy a live Outback Stockman’s Show, that encompasses the modern-day aspects of being a stockman, as well as telling the tales of what it used to be like in the past. All be it with working dogs, horses, sheep, bull and resident larakin stockman. Tonight, we take a sunset cruise on the Thomson River, relaxing on the top deck toasting the sunset and stunning colours of the outback sky while listening to stories about the river, its wildlife and Indigenous links. As the colours fade into starlight, we disembark and enjoy an outback dinner and show beside a campfire and under a canopy of outback stars. GGP

DAY 5. Wednesday – Winton (B,L,D)

Today we travel to Winton and visit the Age of Dinosaurs Exhibit, the world’s largest collection of unique Australian dinosaur fossils and the most productive fossil preparation lab in the southern hemisphere. The museum, perched on top of a spectacular rocky plateau, captures the fossil fever that has gripped the area since the first bones of gigantic Sauropod ‘Elliot’ were discovered. We then make our way back into Winton for lunch at the Waltzing Matilda Centre and enjoy some time at the museum. We finish our day visiting the peculiar Arnos Wall and playing a tune on what is believed to be the world’s only musical fence. GGP

DAY 6. Thursday – Blackall, Charleville (B,MT L,D)

We bid Longreach goodbye and travel via Barcaldine arriving at Blackall Woolscour to witness history in action and see the last remaining steam operated wool washing plant in Australia. This afternoon we travel via Tambo and Augathella finishing our day in Charleville. 2 Night Stay: Mulga Country Motor Inn OR Rocks Motel.

DAY 7. Friday – Charleville (B,L,D)

Exploring Charleville, we see the Vortex Rainmaking Guns then move on to Charleville airport where our guide explains the history of the top secret USA Airbase. We take a guided tour of the Corones Hotel to learn about the history and heritage of one of Charleville’s oldest hotels. Next we have a special encounter with Australia’s endangered Bilby – learn about the captive breeding program that is carried to ensure the survival of this intriguing species. Tonight, we visit the Cosmos Observatory Centre to unlock the secrets of the stars.

DAY 8. Saturday – Mitchell, Roma (B,L,D)

This morning we make our way to Mitchell famous for its Artesian Spa. Bring your bathers and a take a dip in this outback billabong, where the naturally heated waters are therapeutic for the body and soul. We continue on to Roma to discover the oil and gas industry with a visit to the Big Rig Oil & Gas Museum showcasing Australia’s first discovery of petroleum, through the boom and bust years of oil and gas exploration and on to today’s
multibillion dollar industry. 1 Night Stay: Explorers Inn, Roma

DAY 9. Sunday – Chinchilla, Toowoomba, Arrive Brisbane (B,L)

On the final leg of this outback journey we make our way back to Brisbane breaking for a cuppa at Chinchilla before continuing onto Picnic Point Toowoomba for lunch with a view. We arrive back into Brisbane approximately 4:30pm.

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

dates & pricing