Day 1 – Saturday

Depart Brisbane via Spirit of the Outback to enjoy a journey of contrasting environments and landscapes as you travel through the Glasshouse Mountains and the Great Dividing Range and wake to sunrise over the vast open plains.

Day 2 – Sunday (D)

A relaxing afternoon before joining the Spectacular Sunset Cruise and dinner on the Thomson River. Enjoy our timeless waterhole and majestic floodplains as the colours fade into starry skies. What a welcome to the Outback! Overnight Longreach.

Day 3 – Monday (B, L & D)

We leave Longreach for Cloncurry with morning tea at the historical North Gregory Hotel in Winton where Waltzing Matilda was first recited on 6th April 1895. We will visit the famous Blue Heeler Hotel at Kynuna and stop at the Walkabout Creek Hotel for a drink and lunch as we learn about its connection to the famous movie, ‘Crocodile Dundee’. On arrival at Cloncurry we explore the John Flynn Memorial, (The Flying Doctor) before heading to our accommodation, with time to freshen up before dinner. Overnight Cloncurry.

Day 4 – Tuesday (B, L & D)

Travelling north to the Burke & Will’s Roadhouse for a break after which we head towards Normanton crossing Queensland’s longest river, the Flinders. Along the track we rendezvous with the famous Gulflander Rail journey and board the old ‘Tin Hare’ at Critters Camp for a nostalgic ride through the Gulf Savannah bushland stopping on the Norman River for a picnic lunch before reboarding the train for an informative ride into the historical Normanton Railway Station. Explore the Museum and take some photographs capturing this special part of the tour. Moving on to downtown Normanton, discover the replica of a huge salt water crocodile, the Purple Pub and the historical buildings, prior to departing for Karumba where we check into our accommodation and freshen up ready to enjoy a succulent seafood banquet overlooking the mouth of the Norman River at the Gulf of Carpentaria. An absolute highlight of our journey. Overnight Karumba.

Day 5 – Wednesday (B, L & D)

Enjoy a lazy breakfast before exploring the port of Karumba taking in the mangrove lined waterway of the Norman River and the Ferryman Cruise. Our wildlife adventures include bird watching and croc spotting as we enjoy unforgettable views of the gulf. The Barramundi Discovery Centre gives us the opportunity to learn about the acheivements of the special work carried out here and we can even take part in the feeding of the monstrous barramundi that make up the breeding program. After lunch today we can enjoy some free time prior to tonight’s ‘Fishermans Catch BBQ’ as the sun sets over the waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria where the outback meets the sea. Overnight Karumba. An OPTION for today’s itinerary includes a half day fishing charter, departing at 7.00am and returning at 12.00 noon (at the additional charge of $60.00 per person payable on location) instead of the Ferryman cruise and the Barramundi Discovery Centre. Get hooked on a great half day and try your luck at catching your own Barra or maybe a Gulf Salmon. Another OPTION this morning could be a half day croc and crab tour, departing at 8.00am and returning at 12.00 noon (additional cost being $80.00 per person payable on location) to experience a high powered luxury vessel cruising 45klms of the Norman River to check crab pots and spot crocodiles as you taste test the catch and observe the birdlife. Please advise your preferrence at the time of booking your Gulf and Savannahlander Adventure. (Subject to min numbers)

Day 6 – Thursday (B, L & D)

Depart Karumba for Croydon and enjoy the amazing Gold Mining Heritage as we explore the carefully preserved precinct of Croydon as it was in the gold rush of the 1880’s and 1890’s. Travelling further east we arrive in Georgetown to visit the Terrestrial Centre to view the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection with more than 4500 specimens. These are complimented by audio visual displays in nine themed rooms. We then travel on to Cobbold Gorge for a late afternoon check in to our accommodation to freshen up for a relaxing dinner. Overnight Cobbold Gorge.

Day 7 – Friday (B, L & D)

Join a Cobbold Gorge guide for a half day tour that gives you a genuine feel for the area as you visit the grave of pioneer John Corbett and enjoy a short walk to the top of the sandstone escarpment for breathtaking views and freshwater crocodile viewing. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the mouth of Cobbold Creek before boarding the boat for a cruise of the gorge that will leave you speechless. Some time to relax this afternoon to reflect on your day’s activities. Overnight Cobbold Gorge.

Day 8 – Saturday (B, L & D)

Early departure from Cobbold Gorge to travel into Forsayth to board the Savannahlander, affectionately known as the ‘Silver Bullet’ for a scenic journey to the quaint little town of Einasleigh. Explore Copperfield Gorge before rejoining the train to continue on to Mt Surprise with a picnic lunch at the ‘Bloodwood Bush Cafe’ and a stop at one of the beautiful sandy creeks to fossick for garnets. We arrive at Bedrock Village for a relaxing evening after our nostalgic journey. Overnight Bedrock Village.

Day 9 – Sunday (B, L & D)

Today we join a fantastic tour out of Bedrock Village to visit a working cattle station with an opportunity to participate in a working dog demonstration. Following smoko with the property owners, we head to the world renowned Undara Lava Tubes. At Middle Bluff we overlook the savannah country, and are given a geological overview to set the scene for a visit to one of the longest lava flows in the world forming the phenomenal ‘tubes’. We then explore the inner depths of these wonders of nature at a leisurley pace and absorb the information our guide is able to impart to us. Today we enjoy a delicious 3 course smorgasbord lunch at the unique Undara Lodge before returning to Bedrock Village in time to freshen up for dinner and a campfire sing-a-long. Overnight Bedrock Village.

Day 10 – Monday (B, L & D)

Leaving Mt Surprise we travel through the McBride volcanic province and on to Greenvale famous for its Nickel Mine and Slim Dusty Song. The ancient geology varies dramatically as we continue on via the Hervey’s Range road enroute to Townsville and early checkin to our accommodation for an easy afternoon visiting the Museum of Tropical North Queensland to learn the secrets of the ‘Pandora’ and other fascinating facts of the tropical north. Overnight Townsville.

Day 11 – Tuesday (B, L & D)

We head south this morning towards Rockhampton enjoying the rich agricultural areas of the tropical coast passing through towns such as Bowen, Proserpine and Mackay, the sugar capital of Australia. Enjoy the breaks on our coastal journey with a picnic lunch along the way and an unforgettable afternoon tea at Clairview, where the highway actually meets the sea. Savour what the locals value about this special seaside retreat. We arrive in the ‘Cattle City’ in the late afternoon and freshen up ready to have fun at the farewell awards dinner in Rocky. Overnight Rockhampton.

Day 12 – Wednesday (B)

7.30am connect with the Tilt Train bound for Brisbane after an amazing Fun Over 50 tour with Outback Aussie Tours.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

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

Subject to availability & change. Min 15 people to operate. Valid April through to September 2008