A journey into Queensland’s backyard giving an awe inspiring view of this wondorous heartland. A contrasting, vast and ancient land revealing age old secrets along with some great Australian Icons inspired by our amazing outback characters. (A Travel Train Signature Tour)

Day 1 Tueday

Depart Brisbane on the ‘Spirit of the Outback’ for a 24 hour rail journey through the costal hinterland to Rockhampton, west through the Central Highlands of the coal fields crossing the Great Dividing Range and into Queensland’s Outback where the spirit of Australia is very much alive.

Day 2 Wednesday (D)

On arrival at Barcaldine enjoy a tour of the 'Garden City' of the Outback with your Outback Aussie Tours guide. Hear the history of the Tree of Knowledge and its monument to the 1891 shearers strike. Enjoy afternoon tea and take in the Award Winning Australian Workers Heritage Centre set on a billabong with immaculate gardens celebrating the workers of a great country. Don't miss the Working Women's display. Check in to your accommodation to relax and freshen up for our welcome dinner tonight at The 3L's (Liars Legends & Larrikins) Restaurant. Overnight Barcaldine.

Day 3 Thursday (B,L,D)

Today we visit Ilfracombe, once the site of an ancient inland sea, and step back in time to the nostalgia of days gone by. Learn the story behind this amazing community. Encounter the Wellshot Centre and the Folk and Transport Display. Enjoy smoko as history echoes through the 110 year old Wellshot Hotel. Travelling on to the famous town of Winton you will realise the freedom of the vast open plains and the Coolibahlined creeks, a classic outback experience. After lunch you will be entertained at the multi award winning Waltzing Matilda Centre, the only museum in the world to be dedicated to a song.

Take a stroll in downtown Winton and to The Opal Walk and the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Display. Time to check in to our accommodation to freshen up before the ‘Ultimate Progressive Dinner & Winton Welcome’. Beginning with a short drive into the Rangelands Scenic Rift Valley to enjoy an unforgettable sunset and ‘Happy Hour’ nibbles before progressing to the North Gregory Hotel for the main course. This is where Waltzing Matilda was first recited in public back on the 6th of April 1895. Listen to those words echo through the classic old dining room as we join with the old pianola scrolls and once again bring to life the words of Banjo’s pen. As we progress next door to the Royal Mail Open Air Theatre we can relax in the canvas chairs and enjoy sweets while being entertained by the screening of the nostalgic reels of yesteryear. Overnight Winton.

Day 4 Friday (B, L, D)

Scenic Carisbrooke Station, a Land-care award winning sheep and cattle property, is our destination today. You will be enthused by the breathtaking views from Cory’s Range as we take a 10km scenic drive overlooking the Three Sisters rock formation and William’s Valley. Hear how challenges were overcome to introduce Queensland’s first Keyline Flood-flow Irrigation system and also hear about the forced landing of the US flying fortress (the Swoose) carrying Lyndon B Johnson. For those who like to do a bit of fossicking, we will stop for morning tea at the LBJ Opal mine giving you a chance to find a little colour to take home. We then move on to the recently re-developed Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways where we will be taken back in time by the careful preservation of over 3,300 footprints, the only recorded dinosaur stampede in the world. After a picnic lunch we return to Winton for an easy afternoon to go for a stroll downtown or just relax at your accommodation prior to dinner. Overnight Winton.

Day 5 Saturday (B, L, D)

After 2 nights amongst the magical mesa country of Winton we arrive in Longreach mid morning to enjoy free time downtown. We meet for a leisurely lunch then we check in to our accommodation prior to visiting the Qantas Founders Museum to step back in time to the dawn of aviation. Learn the Secrets of the 747 as we enjoy a revealing tour of this famous aircraft and see the new arrival, the original Qantas Boeing 707. Become absorbed in the story behind the success of this Australian icon as you view the original Hangar and its collection of memorobillia that bring alive the early culture of one of the world’s first airlines. Overnight Longreach.

Day 6 Sunday (B,L,D)

This morning we embark on the historical heart of this famous outback community taking in the Longreach Cemetery Tour, to celebrate the lives of some great pioneers of the past. We then take you behind the scenes of some Australian Heritage as we move to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame a fascinating tribute to the pioneering men and women of the outback - the legends and the unsung hereos. This afternoon you can extend your visit at The Hall of Fame and take a stroll through the R M William’s Heritage Gardens or return to your accommodation to relax. As a grand finale to your Outback Aussie Tour enjoy a spectacular outback sunset with the Drover’s Dinner Extravaganza including a one-way cruise on our timeless waterhole as the colours fade over the majestic floodplains and the starry night skies come alive. Sit back and enjoy the talent of our fantastic live entertainers as you savour the traditional flavours of our outback cuisine and the fun farewell awards. Overnight Longreach.

Day 7 Monday

Return home today or make for your next port of call, after experiencing the unforgettable atmosphere amongst the legends of the Spirit of the Outback.

TOUR INCLUDES:

• Accommodation, tours, meals and transfers as indicated.  

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