• Ex Brisbane 12 nights fully inclusive
• 6 fabulous rail journeys
• Stockman's Hall of Fame; QANTAS Museum
• Longreach; Waltzing Matilda Centre Winton
• Cloncury; Mt Isa Gallery & Mine Tour
• Purple Pub & Big Croc at Normanton
• Kuranda Skyrail or Scenic Rail

Itinerary Exclusive ground content operator for fun over fifty:

Day 1: Tuesday

Depart Brisbane on the Spirit of the Outback for an overnight journey to Blackwater.

Day 2: Wednesday (B,L,D)

On arrival in Blackwater meet your hosts from Outback Aussie Tours for a great welcome to the central highlands and a briefing for the day. Be amazed at the enormity of the coal mining industry with a surface mine tour and a visit to the International Coal Centre with an early lunch. Departing Blackwater travelling through the productive Brigalow cattle country and onto what is known as the roof of Queensland, the Carnarvon Ranges, part of the great Central Queensland Sandstone Belt (an area of 80 000 square kilometres of country). Check into Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge for time to freshen up prior to dinner. Overnight Carnarvon Gorge. (222km)

Day 3 – Thursday (B,L,D)

Today we have organised a range of guided walks with different fitness levels for you to choose from, to take in the natural wonders of Carnarvon Gorge. Offering an oasis feel, the Gorge’s springs and creeks are surrounded by pockets of lush rainforest, ancient rock art galleries & abundant bird & wildlife, platypus and kangaroos. The main walking track is suitable for all fitness levels and criss-crosses the crystal clear waters of Carnarvon Creek. Overnight 5 star Eco Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge.

Day 4 – Friday (B,L,D)

Depart Carnarvon Gorge and travel via Rolleston, Springsure and Emerald to the Gemfields for lunch and a walk-in mine tour at Miners Heritage, Australia’s largest underground sapphire mine. On to Alpha, for a break amongst the famous murals, then Barcaldine to visit the Tree of Knowledge Monument. Overnight Longreach.

Day 5 – Saturday (B,L,D)

Begin your day with a Poets welcome at the famous Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. After lunch explore the QANTAS Founders Outback Museum. Dinner tonight will be a Drover’s theme. Sit back and be charmed by our outback entertainers and savour the traditional and exotic flavours of our outback cuisine. Overnight Longreach.

Day 6 – Sunday (B,L,D)

Depart Longreach en-route to legendary Winton. View the award-winning Waltzing Matilda Centre then, after lunch, travel to Cloncurry via the famous watering holes of the Blue Heeler and Walkabout Creek Hotels. Enjoy a day of contrasting outback icons before we check-in to our Cloncurry accommodation for 2 nights.

Day 7 – Monday (B,L,D)

Enjoy a day trip to Mount Isa and experience the mining heart of North West Queensland with the Isa Gallery and Hard Times Underground Mine Tour. Lunch will be ‘Under the Isa’ before embarking on the Inlander rail journey through the rugged terrain of the Selwyn Range and beyond. We arrive into Cloncurry late afternoon for an overnight stay.

Day 8 – Tuesday (B,L,D)

Travelling north, via Burke & Wills’ Roadhouse, we cross the Flinders River before discovering the Purple Pub and Big Crocodile in down-town Normanton. We then travel on to Karumba for our famous ‘Seafood at Sunset’ overlooking the Gulf of Carpentaria. Overnight Karumba.

Day 9 – Wednesday (B,L,D)

After an early breakfast we rendezvous with the famous Gulflander rail journey at Normanton for a journey through the Norman River flood plain and Gulf Savannah bushland, then on to the gold town of Croydon. Moving east to Mt Surprise we enjoy the changing landscapes before arriving into the McBride volcanic province for a 2 night stay at Bedrock Village.

Day 10 – Thursday (B,L,D)

Enjoy a half-day Undara Lava Tubes tour exploring one of the longest lava flows in the world. Spend a leisurely afternoon discovering gemstone displays and the great secrets of Mt Surprise.

Day 11 – Friday (B,L,D)

Embark on a section of the famous Savannahlander rail journey towards Kuranda. Experience the famous Kuranda Scenic Rail or scenic Skyrail rainforest cable car into Cairns. Overnight Cairns.

Day 12 – Saturday (B,L,D)

Board Queenslander Class on the Sunlander, 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 on-board service.

Day 13 – Sunday (B,L)

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 St Station, Brisbane mid afternoon.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

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

Subject to Availability & Change. Min 10 people required to operate. Ground Content Only.
Valid from 1st April 2010 – 31st October 2010