10 Days Outback Opera Odyssey 2026

itinerary

Day 1: Saturday – Brisbane (D)

Board the Spirit of the Outback at Brisbane’s Roma Street Station and begin your Festival of Outback Opera adventure. Relax in your twin or single sleeper and enjoy dining in the Tucker Box restaurant. The train is scheduled to depart at 2.40pm. Overnight on the Spirit of the Outback

Day 2: Sunday – Blackall (B,L,D)

Take in the changing landscapes with warm hospitality as you journey west into Queensland’s outback. By mid-afternoon, the train glides into Barcaldine. Known as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party and home to the famed Tree of Knowledge. Meet your Outback Aussie Tours Driver and Host, and board the coach for the drive south to Blackall. A town known for its pioneering spirit, friendly locals, and steeped in legend — once home to the famous shearer Jackie Howe. Checking in at your accommodation, you’ll have time to freshen up before gathering for a hearty dinner in the motel’s restaurant. 2 nights at the Oasis Motor Inn, Blackall

Day 3: Monday – Blackall (B,L,D)

Begin the day at the historic Blackall Woolscour— Australia’s last remaining steampowered wool-washing plant. Hear the hiss of steam and the rhythmic chug of pistons as guides share stories of shearers, graziers, and the golden age of the wool trade. Morning tea is served in this atmospheric setting, complete with country-baked treats. From there, visit the Bushman’s Gallery to enjoy the resilience and artistry of life in the bush. Lunch is enjoyed here before the afternoon unfolds into free leisure time around downtown Blackall. This evening, enjoy a recital by Opera Queensland artists. Dinner is served at the Lodge on Hawthorn, where the warm lighting, rustic décor, and local produce make for a memorable night.

Day 4: Tuesday – Winton (B,L,D)

Depart Blackall for Isisford to explore the Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre, where the stories of the region’s landscapes and people are shared in an audio-visual presentation. The main attraction is a life-sized replica of Isisfordia Duncani, an ancient crocodilian ancestor from around 98 million years ago. Enjoy morning tea before continuing to Ilfracombe for lunch at the iconic Wellshot Hotel. The oldest pub in the west has loads of quirky and interesting memorabilia not to mention a little history that could keep you entertained for years. Mid afternoon, arrive in Winton, check into your accommodation, and immerse yourself in the excitement of the Festival of Outback Opera. The evening kicks off with a warm welcome event followed by a nostalgic open-air movie at the historic Royal Theatre. The night winds down with dinner enjoyed under the outback stars. 3 nights at the Matilda Motel or Winton Outback Motel, Winton

Day 5: Wednesday – Winton (B,L,D)

After breakfast, journey to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, perched high on a mesa with panoramic views. Here, passionate guides reveal the secrets of enormous creatures who roamed this land millions of years ago. Lunch is served on site with time to soak in the sweeping views of the jump-up landscape. The afternoon is yours to explore Winton at your own pace. This evening, experience the Regional Touring Show ‘All Together Now’ at the Crack Up Sisters Dustarena, followed by dinner.

Day 6: Thursday – Winton (B,L,D)

Enjoy breakfast at the North Gregory Hotel before stepping into the heart of Australia’s cultural identity at the Waltzing Matilda Centre, where the legend of Banjo Paterson’s song, and Winton’s heritage is celebrated through a variety of interactive displays. Later, join a thought-provoking Cultural Conversation with lunch at the North Gregory Hotel, offering insights into the stories and people of the outback. Enjoy some free time before the evening unfolds into one of the trip’s most magical moments – the Dark Sky Serenade at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, an outdoor gala concert. Under the dazzling night sky, with crystal clear air and glorious music, the stage becomes a cathedral of light. A light supper will be served on-site, rounding off a truly spectacular day.

Day 7: Friday – Longreach (B,L,D)

After breakfast, farewell Winton and travel to Longreach. Your first stop is the Qantas Founders Museum for the next Opera event, the ‘Long Lunch’ surrounded by aviation history. You will dine in style with friends and other festival guests celebrating all things Outback cuisine and Opera. Once checked into your accommodation, it’s time to join the festivities at the Longreach Show – a lively celebration of rural life featuring everything from livestock displays to craft exhibitions. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy dinner at a local venue. 3 nights at the Longreach Motor Inn, Longreach

Day 8: Saturday – Longreach (B,L,S)

This morning, we visit the historical Longreach Railway Station and board the unforgettable 2000 class rail motor. Take a different perspective of the country as we encounter wildlife and bring alive the numerous waterholes. Step off the rail motor for a short Mulga Walk, learn of bush medicines and Leander sand ridge secrets. Our rail motor ambles through the western side of the sand ridge and onto the floodplains and waterhole of the Darr River to boil the billy for smoko. After lunch continue your journey through history at the Qantas Founders Museum, with its fascinating Airpark Tour and museum exhibits. As the sun sets, travel to Camden Park Station for ‘Singing in the Night’. This majestic concert showcases Opera’s best loved hits among the spellbinding colours and fading twilight of the outback.

Day 9: Sunday – Longreach (B,L,D)

The morning begins with ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ at The Drovers Place – a joyful community sing-along event. Enjoy lunch before taking the chance to relax and get ready for this evening’s event. This evening, we begin with a serene sunset cruise along the Thomson River with the M.V. Explorer showcasing 360 degree views, where the sky turns gold and the water reflects the fading light. Then step into the glamour of the ‘Opera Ball’ at Smithy’s River stage – this relaxed, yet stylish, gathering embodies the spirit and iconography of the Outback with its casual approach that adds just enough glitz to ensure the evening is a memorable one.

Day 10: Monday – Longreach (B,L)

Spend the morning at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and discover inspiring stories of our pioneering heroes, before you take your seat at the exciting Stockman’s Live Show. After the show, we share a special lunch with the Stockman himself, before boarding your QantasLink group flight back to Brisbane.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, S = Supper

dates & pricing