Journey through the Channel Country, land of ‘Kings in Grass Castles’. Travel from Longreach to Charleville, experiencing the outstanding pioneer spirit in an unforgettable landscape. (Travel Train Signature Tours)

Day 1: Saturday

Depart Brisbane at 1.00pm for a Spirit of the Outback rail journey. Admire the contrasing landscapes as you travel through the Glasshouse Mountains across the Great Dividing Range and through the vast open plains of Central Queensland. Overnight on the Spirit of the Outback.

Day 2: Sunday (D)

Arrive in Longreach to meet your host from Outback Aussie Tours. Enjoy a welcome tour of Longreach to see some local points of interest before choosing to rest and relax, or pay a visit to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame or the Qantas Founders Museum (at extra cost). Later this afternoon soak up a Spectacular Sunset Cruise and dinner, enjoying our timeless waterhole and majestic floodplains as the colours fade into starry outback skies. What a welcome to the outback! Overnight Longreach.

Day 3: Monday (B,L,D)

Departing at 8.00am this morning we travel south into ‘Kings in Grass Castles’ country to Ray Station, the original settlement of the famous pioneering Tully-Durack families. Our travels today take us to the unique watering holes of the Stonehenge and Jundah Hotels steeped in history, character and hospitality.

The lookout at Stonehenge gives sweeping views of the vast open Mitchell Grass plains as we continue on mulga lands and timeless red sand dunes against clear blue skies. We pass the site of the original Thylungra homestead and on to Ray Station, a 600 sq klm sheep and cattle property still in the hands of the Tully family. We arrive in the late afternoon for a 2 night stay in a range of themed accommodation in original restored buildings with some homey touches for added comfort. Enjoy the exceptional hospitality offered by Mark and Sandra. Overnight Ray Station.

Day 4: Tuesday (B,L,D)

After a hearty breakfast we spend the day on Ray Station to enjoy a tour of the property with Mark, joining in on the water run to visit the ‘Four Mile’ and the boundary rider’s hut. We reflect on the acheivements of the pioneers of this harsh land, as we hear amazing stories of hardship and tragic loss endured by the Tully - Durack families, when we visit the ‘Durack Tree’ and the family cemetery. As a finishing touch, the day concludes wtih a 3 course dinner and entertainment in a relaxed informal setting. Overnight Ray Station.

Day 5: Wednesday (B,L,D)

Inspired by the impressive family history we continue today to the outback town of Quilpie to take in the Opal Altar and Information Centre Galleries, before heading on to Eulo to discover the Artesian Mud Baths, Date Farm Gift Shop, and hear tales of the ‘Eulo Queen’ as we have lunch at the historic hotel.

bookings are essential to avoid disappointment. Passing through Cunnamulla after lunch we tour this old droving town enroute to our accommodation for the night at Nardoo Station. Here we experience true outback hospitality with our hosts David & Carmel as they invite us to share their backyard with time to experience the therapeutic benefits of an artesian hot tub as we relax in the late afternoon prior to ‘Happy Hour’ and a welcome dinner. Overnight Nardoo Station.

Day 6: Thursday (B,L,D)

Join Carmel for a stroll around the homestead grounds and feel the passion this real bush woman has for this 110,000 acre sheep and cattle property she calls home. See open bore drains, the school room and the shearing shed, all evidence of life on the land. After morning tea we leave Nardoo for Charleville and a short break, before continuing on to the Ward River and the historic Myendetta Station.

Built in 1910 the homestead is a building of national significance. Nestled amongst the Mulga scrub, it has become well known as ‘the house of 100 doors’ and is an example of an original eco friendly home. Immerse yourselves in the fascinating, living history of the Francis/Agar families as passed on by your guide and hear of the trials and triumphs faced by them.

Day 7: Friday (B,L)

Today is an easy day spent exploring Charleville. We venture through the airport precinct which includes the Flying Doctors Hangar and a remnant reminder of the town’s involvement in World War II as part of the Brisbane line. Witness an automated weather balloon launch from the Bureau of Meteorology’s state of the art ‘Autosonde’ and join in the daytime activities of the Cosmos Centre. Prior to lunch, your Outback Aussie Tour guide will leave you in the care of a local operator who will share some home town secrets as a farewell to your Spas, Stars and Outback Stations adventure.

This afternoon, be treated to a visit to the Royal Flying Doctors Visitors Centre and the historical Corones Hotel Tour and afternoon tea followed by a visit to Charleville’s Historic House, the original National Bank building and residence. Join the farewell entertainment nibbles and drinks before departing on the Westlander. As you relax on your return trip you will be able to reflect on your journey with Outback Aussie Tours having experienced some amazing off the beaten track highlights in the remote Channel Country.

Day 8: Saturday

Continue to reflect on the pioneering spirit on your return journey. Travelling across the Mitchell Grass plains of Western Queensland, through the rich farmlands of the Darling Downs and across the Great Dividing Range arriving back in Brisbane around midday.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

MOST MEALS (B= Breakfast, MT= Morning Tea, L= Lunch, AT= Afternoon Tea, D=Dinner)

Subject to availability & change. Min of 10 people required to operate. Valid from April through to September 2008.