outbackaussietours.com.au 4WD COACH ADVENTURES | GORGE & RIVER CRUISES | ICONIC RAIL JOURNEYS Outback Queensland Touring Experiences 2023 GUARANTEEBOOKINGSAFE
TOURING ROUTES
Cape York & Torres Strait Journey of the Gulf BirdsvilleSavannahDesert Escape Legendary Longreach & CornerWintonCountry Explorer
Boat/Ferry Cruise n n n
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Old Track
GREATBARRIER REE F toLongreachTownsville Brisbane CharlevilleLongreachtotoBrisbaneBrisbanetoCairns Horn Island to Cairns DesertSimpsonNP Diamantina NP Bladensburg NP GorgeCarnarvonNP EyreLakeNP Sturt NP Goyder’sCoongieLagoonLakesStrzeleckiRegionalReserveInnaminckaRegionalReserve Cunnamulla Eulo Windorah Quilpie EromangaBirdsvilleBirdsville CameronHaddon’sCornerCorner PoeppelCorner Big Red Bedourie StonehengeNoccundraThargomindah BouliaMiddleton SurpriseMountDimbulah MusgraveCoenCooktown Port DaintreeDouglasKarumbaWeipa YorkCape Normanton CrittersCampCroydon Cairns Mackay Townsville CharlevilleWintonTibooburra CreekJulia RichmondHughenden Barcaldine AnakieEmerald Burke & RoadhouseWillsJundahAUSTRALIASOUTHTERRITORYNORTHERN NEWWALESSOUTH yEreCreek RLeichhardtiver BarcooRiver FlindersRiver WarregoRiverBullooRiver lBeyandoRiverThomsonRiver ParooRiver ThomsonRiver lConcurryRiver GeorginaRiver Staaten River NP GorgePorcupineNP BRISBANE LONGREACH QUEENSLAND iDamantinaRiver CooperCreek Bamaga Iron Range NP KandjuMungkanNP ArcherFallsBatFruitRiver Cape Tribulation Wujal WujalLion’s Den Hotel Dig Tree CamdenParkStation CapricornCavesThe Gemfields MaraboonLake GeorgetownCobboldGorge ForsaythEinasleighUndaraLavaTubes Lochern NPWelford NPIdalia NP Lakefield NP StampedeDinosaur AustralianAgeofDinosaurs InnaminckaBetootaInnamincka GladstoneGladstoneRockhamptonMaryboroughMaryboroughBundabergBundabergGoldCoast Jardine River NP Lawn BoodjamullaHill NP Horn ThursdayIslandIslandSeisiaMoretonTelegraphStation
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Telegraph
Spirit of the Outback Tilt SavannahlanderTrain
QantasLinkGulflander or REX flights
Legend
Book two or more of our guided holidays at the same time and receive a 10% discount. This discount applies to the tour of lesser value. Offers valid on new bookings only.
SECOND TOUR DISCOUNT*
13-14 Days CORNEREXPLORERCOUNTRY 14 Days JOURNEY OF THE GULF SAVANNAH 100824 28062005160412 8 Days OUTBACK GETAWAY&ACCOMMODATIONFEATUREDPRE/POSTOPTIONS 11 Days CAPE YORK & TORRES STRAIT THE OUTBACK AUSSIE TOURS EXPERIENCE 9-10 Days OURDESERTBIRDSVILLEESCAPEVEHICLES&TOURINGTEAM8 Days G’dayLONGREACHLEGENDARY&WINTONRAIL&FLIGHTCONNECTIONSfrom
Alan and Sue
TRAVEL FRIENDSWITH&SAVE*
Let us take you on a journey to discover this magic place we’re lucky to call home. For the last 35 years we’ve been ‘living the dream’. We get to share our passion for the bush, its people, culture and incredible landscapes to guests from all over the
world. Our local connections and authentic Outback experiences are what make an Outback Aussie Tour so special. It’s fair to say that our guests leave as firm friends of our family and the Outback. We wouldn’t want it any other way! See you soon.
Alan & Sue Smith Longreach, Queensland’s Outback
Contents *These offers may not be LimitedConditionscombined.apply.spaces.Subjecttoavailability 3
Book and travel with four or more of your favourite people and you will each receive $200 per person off your tour price.
SAVINGS*
Great Ways to PASTSavePASSENGER
Past passengers save $200 per person on all guided holidays of 5 nights or more if booked at least two months prior to departure.
Fly between Brisbane and Charleville to connect with selected tours. Enjoy a relaxed nonstop flight (1 hr 45 mins) in a SAAB340 turbo-props aircraft (maximum 36 passengers) complete with inflight service. Get a birds-eye view of the lush Darling Downs agricultural region before heading west to big sky country.
NEW Daylight Rail Package
A selection of our tours are packaged with the full overnight rail journey between Brisbane and Longreach (26 hours). First class overnight guests can access the Shearers Rest Lounge and enjoy chef prepared meals in the Tuckerbox Restaurant.
Board the Tilt Train, the most modern passenger train in Australia. This is the fastest narrow gauge train in the world, a world-class standard of travel. You’ll enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in Southern Queensland on a daylight rail journey between Brisbane and Rockhampton.
UNWIND AND RELAX BY RAILFAST EFFICIENT&FLIGHTS
Longreach is where Qantas began and is home to the award-winning Qantas Founders Museum. It’s just a 2 hr 30 mins daily flight with QantasLink from Brisbane. The flight includes a light onboard snack and awesome aerial views of Outback Queensland. We have packaged selected tours to include return or one way flights.
QantasLinkRex Airlines
Combine two fabulous rail experiences – the Tilt Train between Brisbane and Rockhampton plus the Spirit of the Outback between Emerald and Longreach. Both travelling in daylight hours so you can enjoy the changing scenery. Explore the country between Rockhampton and Emerald with our expert touring team. This package also includes overnight accommodation in both Rockhampton and Emerald for a good night’s rest.
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REX
QantasLink
Tilt Train
Tilt Train
Spirit of the Outback
Spirit of the Outback
n Air-conditioning n communicationsSatellite n Refrigerator &
You’re in good hands with our Savannah Guides Operator drivers and dedicated onboard hosts. Trained to Savannah Guides standards, our drivers are professional tour guides, protectors and interpreters of the Outback. Authentic, genuine and knowledgeable, every Outback Aussie Tour is a journey of a lifetime.
MERCEDES BENZ & MAN
OPERATOR
SAVANNAH GUIDES DRIVERS & HOSTS
urn n Onboard restroom
When you travel with Outback Aussie Tours, you’re guaranteed to travel in comfort and safety. Our fleet of 2WD coaches and custombuilt 4WD coaches, are specially designed for outback conditions. Features for your comfort and safety include: Coach reclining seats with generous legroom Television and DVD Player hot water
4WD TOURING COACHES 5
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85km south west of Winton
CARISBROOKE STATION
The view from Cory’s Range at Carisbrooke Station is rated #27 of Australia’s Best Views by Australian Traveller. The beauty of this time-sculpted, ancient landscape is mesmerising.
35km west of Birdsville
BIG RED SAND HILL
Savannahlander Rail Journey
Toast the sunset from this 40-metre-high dune. The first of 1113 dunes in the Simpson Desert, the spectacular sunsets from the top of Big Red are a bucket-list item for sure.
KARUMBA
Known as The Outback By The Sea, Karumba offers stunning ocean views on the edge of Queensland’s most remote country. Cruise the Gulf of Carpentaria to a magic sand island.
QUINKAN ROCK ART SITES, LAURA
MEMORABLE
This dramatic body of prehistoric rock paintings has been identified as being at least 15,000 to 30,000 years old. Join a guided tour of the Split Rock Galleries.
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EXPERIENCES
THE
With over 35 years’ experience in crafting authentic Outback tours, you’re assured of a memorable and highly personalised touring holiday with Outback Aussie Tours. Guests travelling to our outback home are hosted to a suite of signature experiences, made possible through our long-standing local connections and partnerships.
Enjoy the hospitality of local graziers when we visit outback stations. It’s a true privilege to introduce guests to our local producers. Real working station visits are a signature experience with Outback Aussie Tours.
THEMED DINNERS & OUTBACK HOSPITALITY
Get a real taste of the Outback with our onboard home-baked goodies made to Sue’s favourite family recipes. Make the most of the incredible outback vistas with our special sunset drinks and nibbles events. Enjoy the benefits of our local connections with exclusive hospitality at outback stations and attractions.
OUTBACK AUSSIE TOURS EXPERIENCE
Professional tour guiding services play an essential role in great tours. Our drivers are all trained to Savannah Guides standards. This is a highly professional network of paleontologists, geologists, agronomists, wildlife experts and Traditional Custodians. What does this mean for you? It means you benefit from in depth natural and cultural interpretation and stories that will remain with you for a lifetime.
All of our guided holidays travel with an experienced Savannah Guides operator driver and onboard host. Our touring team are specially selected for their people skills and attention to detail. They are truly the icing on our touring cake!
SAVANNAH GUIDES OPERATOR
STATION VISITS
COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY
Outback Aussie Tours is a proud Eco Certified Nature Tourism Operator committed to best practice environmental sustainability, contributing to conserving the environment and helping local communities. We take our role as local custodians very seriously and our ethos is to leave the environment a better place.
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ONBOARD HOSTS
There are some exceptional accommodation experiences in Outback Queensland. Here’s a small sample…
Spend a night in a beautifully restored, turn of the century, railway carriage in Undara Experience’s signature accommodation. The carriages are set along an original teamsters coach road in the Australian bush.
OUTBACK RETREATS, OUTBACK STATIONS & OUTBACK PUBS
This iconic Aussie pub is steeped in Australia’s pioneering history. A destination in its own right, the Birdsville Hotel is on many a traveller’s bucket list. The comfortable motel rooms in the property complex allow guests plenty of time to discover the stories of this important outback landmark.
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SALTBUSH RETREAT, LONGREACH
Located on Robin Hood Station, Cobbold Gorge Village boasts an Infinity Pool with a swim up bar (and cocktail list); a delightful Outback Oasis. However, it’s the spectacular sandstone gorge that is the star. Well-appointed en suite cabins allow guests to relax into their beautiful surrounds and enjoy the serenity.
COBBOLD GORGE VILLAGE
UNDARA EXPERIENCE, RAILWAY CARRIAGES
BIRDSVILLE HOTEL
Saltbush Retreat’s rustic but beautiful accommodation reflects the unique textures and tones of Outback Queensland. The exquisitely themed Homestead Stables and Slab Huts deliver an authentic outback experience, without sacrificing those allimportant creature comforts.
84 Galah Street, Longreach LONGREACHSALTBUSHRETREAT 63-65 Ilfracombe Road, Longreach 9
If you would like to spend extra time at a destination before or after your tour, our team are happy to book your accommodation. Please request rates. RYDGESCAIRNSESPLANADERESORT 209-217 Abbott Street, Cairns
PRE & POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION
LONGREACHLONGREACHMOTORINN
n One way economy flight Brisbane to Barcaldine
n Waltzing Matilda Centre Entry
n Barcaldine/Longreach arrival/departure transfers
n Qantas Founders Museum Entry & Airpark Tour
Day 3 | MONDAY | WINTON
n Ilfracombe Tour & Historic Wellshot Hotel
Overnight Barcaldine Country Motor Inn, Barcaldine
n Touring with our Savannah Guides Operator driver and host
n Longreach Town Tour
Take a town tour of Barcaldine and visit the Australian Workers Heritage Centre and the heritage-listed Tree of Knowledge to hear about its fascinating history. Travel west to Ilfracombe and the historic Wellshot Hotel. Founded in 1891, Ilfracombe was a transport hub for Wellshot Station, which at the time
held the largest number of sheep on any station in the world. Enjoy an authentic pub lunch at the Wellshot Hotel before heading to Winton. Dinner tonight will be at the popular Tattersalls Hotel.
n Camden Park Station Sunset Dinner Tour
Learn the story behind Australia’s unofficial national anthem at the Waltzing Matilda Centre; the only museum dedicated to a song. Lunch today will be at another iconic favourite, the North Gregory Hotel. Mid afternoon, we take a short drive out of town to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, perched high on a spectacular mesa. Join a guided interpretive tour of the laboratory and collection room. Take in the moment at our very special sunset barbecue overlooking the plains where dinosaurs once roamed!
n Daylight rail economy seat Longreach to Emerald on the Spirit of the Outback
Day 4 | TUESDAY | LONGREACH
n Entries/activities as per itinerary
Board your QantasLink group flight in Brisbane for the two hour direct flight to Barcaldine. You will be met by our Savannah Guides Operator driver and host and transferred to your accommodation. Tonight you will be treated to an evening of culture, laughter and cuisine at the Desert Dreaming Centre corroboree grounds. See performances by the Desert Dust Dancers as you enjoy a three-course Trade Route Tucker dinner cooked by an Aboriginal chef from the Kimberley region now living in Barcaldine.
n Desert Dreaming Centre Dinner & Dance
n Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Outback Stockman’s Live Show
n Australian Workers Heritage Centre
n Blackwater Coal Mine Centre Tour
8 DAYS
n Daylight rail economy seat Rockhampton to Brisbane on the Tilt Train
OUTBACK GETAWAY
n Drover’s Sunset Cruise
INCLUSIONS
n All en suite accommodation
After breakfast, return to Longreach to explore the fascinating themed galleries
2 nights Boulder Opal Motor Inn, Winton
n Barcaldine Town Tour & Tree of Knowledge
n Australian Age of Dinosaurs Tour & BBQ Dinner
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Day 2 | SUNDAY | WINTON
EXPLORING LONGREACH, WINTON & BARCALDINE
n All meals as per itinerary
n Miners Heritage, Rubyvale
Desert Dreaming Centre
Day 1 | SATURDAY | BARCALDINE
Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show
Maraboon, Queensland’s second largest lake and a popular freshwater fishing destination. Continuing our drive east to Rockhampton, we’ll call in to the Blackwater International Coal Centre for an insight into this billion dollar industry and to see oversized machinery navigating massive open cut pits. Tonight in Rockhampton, we’ll celebrate our incredible journey with a farewell dinner at our accommodation.
at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and see the fabulous Stockman’s Life Live Show. Late afternoon experience the warm hospitality of local graziers on a visit to Camden Park Station. Join Outback Dan on a personalised tour of his family property, sunset drinks at Two Tree Hill, followed by an exclusive dinner in their 100-year-old woolshed. 2 nights Longreach Motor Inn, Longreach
Day 7 | FRIDAY | ROCKHAMPTON
Australian Age of Dinosaurs
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$4999 *pp $5579 *pp
Low level of fitnessDrover’srequiredSunsetCruise
Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
join a guided Airpark Tour. Tonight unwind on the Drover’s Sunset Cruise with tasty onboard nibbles, then take your seat at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show. Relax under the stars savouring a table service two-course camp oven themed dinner, as our talented outback entertainer performs live on the river stage.
08 April; 08 July; 05 August; 02 & 16 September; 14
8 Day Brisbane – Brisbane (OGET8) includes flight and daylight rail as specified
2023 TOURS Twin Share Single
ParkCamdenStationNEWSOUTH WALES TERRITORYNORTHERN QUEENSLAND LONGREACHWinton Barcaldine EmeraldRockhamptonBRISBANE2 2 1 1 1 2023 DEPARTURES
Day 8 | SATURDAY | BRISBANE
Day 5 | WEDNESDAY | LONGREACH
*Rail is based on Aust. Govt Senior Card holder fares. Included flight is subject to the individual airline booking and carriage conditions. Please ask for other fare types. Subject to availability. Wollongong (OGET8) & 2023 GETAWAY
OUTBACK
SYDNEY
28 October
Today we will take a short drive to Miners Heritage in Rubyvale for a walkin underground Sapphire mine tour. Learn the techniques used by pioneering gem miners to extract prize Sapphires buried in hard rock. Next, we’ll visit Lake
Overnight Mercure Hotel, Rockhampton
This morning, we are in for a treat. We get to enjoy the best section of the Spirit of the Outback in daylight hours. Settle into your comfortable, reclining seat and enjoy the spectacular scenery on the full day rail adventure to Emerald. You’ll pass through Barcaldine, Jericho and Alpha as well as the gemfield town of Anakie. Arrive relaxed and recharged in Emerald in time for dinner at your accommodation.
Overnight Emerald Maraboon Motel, Emerald
Wander the world-class Qantas Founders Museum, eloquently telling the story of the founding of Qantas. View marvellous interpretive and interactive exhibits then
Day 6 | THURSDAY | EMERALD
After breakfast, board the Tilt Train, the most modern passenger train in Australia. This is the fastest narrow gauge train in the world, a world-class standard of travel. As you journey south, enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in Southern Queensland before arriving in Brisbane mid afternoon.
LEGENDARY LONGREACH & WINTON 8 DAYS OUR BEST SELLING FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR FEATURING TOP LONGREACH & WINTON ATTRACTIONS AND HOSPITALITY
Qantas Founders Museum
Rosebank Station Tour Outback Stockman’s Show
Carisbrooke Station
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n Drover’s Sunset Cruise including Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show
BRISBANE StationPark 3 2
Board your QantasLink flight for a 2.5 hour journey to Longreach. You will be met at Longreach Airport by our Savannah Guides operator driver and host and transferred to your accommodation. Meet fellow travellers for a tour briefing and welcome dinner. During your three night stay at Saltbush Retreat, you can enjoy an indulging soak in one of three clawfoot baths on their exclusive Outdoor Bath Terrace or a swim in their outdoor pool.
Experience a totally different way of schooling on a tour of the Longreach School of Distance Education. Explore the fascinating themed galleries at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and discover inspiring stories of our pioneering heroes. Take your seat at the exciting Stockman’s Life Live Show to see amazing horsemanship and the action of a live muster. Witness the traditional Australian Stockman skills that are still used today. Enjoy some free time and outback retail therapy in downtown Longreach. Late afternoon experience the warm hospitality of local graziers on a visit to Camden Park Station. Join Outback Dan on a personalised tour of his family property, sunset drinks at Two Tree Hill, followed by an exclusive dinner in their 100-year-old woolshed.
NEW SOUTH WALES
n Blackwater Coal Mine Centre Tour
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n Australian Age of Dinosaurs Tour including Dinosaur Canyon and Deluxe Sunset Barbecue
Low level of fitness required
n Rosebank Station Tour & Smoko
n Camden Park Station Sunset Tour and an Exclusive Historic Woolshed Dinner
n Miners Heritage, Rubyvale
SYDNEY Wollongong
n Dinosaur Stampede National Monument at Lark Quarry Conservation Park
n Longreach School Distance Educationof
StampedeDinosaur
EmeraldRockhampton
n Carisbrooke Station Tour
Camden
TERRITORYNORTHERN QUEENSLAND
n Winton Town Tour
3 nights Saltbush Retreat, Longreach
Day 1 | WEDNESDAY | LONGREACH
Day 2 | THURSDAY | LONGREACH
1 1
WintonLONGREACH
n Waltzing Matilda Centre Entry
Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show
n Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Stockman’s Life Live Show
n Qantas Founders Museum Entry & Airpark Tour
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Day 4 | SATURDAY | WINTON
n One way economy flight Brisbane to Longreach
LEGENDARY LONGREACH & WINTON
Longreach to Emerald on the Spirit of the Outback
n Longreach accommodation arrival/departure transfers
n All en suite accommodation
2 nights Boulder Opal Motor Inn, Winton
n All meals as per itinerary
Rockhampton to Brisbane on the Tilt Train
Australian
n Daylight rail economy seat
INCLUSIONS
Stockman’s Hall of Fame
Day 3 | FRIDAY | LONGREACH
story behind Australia’s unofficial national anthem at the Waltzing Matilda Centre; the only museum dedicated to a song. Mid afternoon, we take a short drive out of town to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, perched high on a spectacular mesa. Join a guided interpretive tour of the laboratory, collection room and Dinosaur Canyon. Take in the moment at our very special sunset barbecue overlooking the plains where dinosaurs once roamed!
Travel into the heart of Waltzing Matilda country and Carisbrooke Station. Here we’ll follow the scenic Cory’s Range drive to the Three Sisters rock formation, fossick for opals and enjoy a relaxed billy tea. Witness a prehistoric event from some 95 million years ago at Dinosaur Stampede, Lark Quarry Conservation Park. Join an interpretive tour of the world’s only recorded dinosaur stampede featuring over 3000 footprints frozen in time in ancient mudflats. Return to Winton for a relaxed dinner at your accommodation.
This morning, we are in for a treat. We get to enjoy the best section of the Spirit of the Outback in daylight hours. Settle into your comfortable, reclining seat and enjoy the spectacular scenery on the full day rail adventure to Emerald. You’ll pass through Barcaldine, Jericho and Alpha as well
Receive a warm welcome to Longreach at historic Rosebank Station, originally settled as a sheep and cattle station some 100 years ago. Enjoy morning tea and a chat with the local Outback Aussie Tours owners. Wander the world-class Qantas Founders Museum, eloquently telling the story of the founding of Qantas. View marvellous interpretive and interactive exhibits then join a guided Airpark Tour. Late afternoon, unwind on the Drover’s Sunset Cruise with tasty onboard nibbles followed by a two-course table service dinner under the stars at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show.
n Touring with our Savannah Guides Operator driver and host
Day 6 | MONDAY | EMERALD
n Daylight rail economy seat
Be prepared to be impressed with the changing landscapes as we travel from Longreach to Winton. Enjoy a town tour to discover the quirky Arno’s Wall and play a tune on what is believed to be the world’s only musical fence. Learn the
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Day 5 | SUNDAY | WINTON
n All entries/activities as per itinerary
8 DAYS
*Rail is based on Aust. Govt Senior Card holder fares. Included flight is subject to the individual airline booking and carriage conditions. Please ask for other fare types. Subject to availability.
Australian
Continuing our drive east to Rockhampton, we’ll call in to the Blackwater International Coal Centre for an insight into this billion dollar industry and to see oversized machinery navigating massive open cut pits. Tonight in Rockhampton, we’ll celebrate our incredible journey with a farewell dinner in Rockhampton’s newest hotel (also our accommodation).
Today we will take a short drive to Miners Heritage in Rubyvale for a walk-in underground Sapphire mine tour. Learn the techniques used by pioneering gem miners to extract prize Sapphires buried in hard rock. Next, we’ll visit Lake Maraboon, Queensland’s second largest lake and a popular freshwater fishing destination.
Dinosaur Stampede, Lark Quarry Conservation Park
Overnight Mercure Hotel, Rockhampton
Day 8 | WEDNESDAY | BRISBANE
And so, we reach the last sector of our journey and the last of our iconic rail tours. After breakfast, you’ll board the Tilt Train, the most modern passenger train in Australia. This is the fastest narrow gauge train in the world, a world-class standard of travel. As you journey south, enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in Southern Queensland before arriving in Brisbane mid afternoon.
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as the gemfield town of Anakie. Arrive relaxed and recharged in Emerald in time for dinner at your accommodation.
Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show Age of Dinosaurs
Camden Park Station
Overnight Emerald Maraboon Motel, Emerald Day 7 | TUESDAY | ROCKHAMPTON
LONGREACHLEGENDARY & WINTON 2023 TOURS Twin Share Single 8 Day Brisbane – Brisbane (LLW8) includes flight and daylight rail as specified $5329 *pp $6374*pp Drover’s Sunset Cruise 2023 DEPARTURES (LLW8) 12 & 19 April; 10 & 17 May; 14 & 28 June; 12 & 26 July; 06 & 27 September; 04 October 2023
BIRDSVILLE DESERT ESCAPE 9 - 10 DAYS OUR POPULAR FULLY INCLUSIVE TOUR FEATURING BIRDSVILLE, WHERE THE CHANNEL COUNTRY MEETS THE DESERT Medium level of fitness required
Bedourie Shoe Sculpture
Camels, Boulia
Birdsville Hotel
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n Qantas Founders Museum Entry
Overnight Australian Hotel or Desert Sands Motel, Boulia
Board the Spirit of the Outback train for your overnight rail journey to Longreach. Relax in your First Class cabin and enjoy all meals and onboard facilities. 10 Day tour guests only.
n Waltzing Matilda Centre Entry
n Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame Entry
n Channel Country Touring
SYDNEY Wollongong
Day 3 | MONDAY | LONGREACH
n Sunset Sandhill nibbles, Windorah
n Quilpie Town Tour & Night Show
This morning we drive to Winton and uncover the story behind the song that lives in the hearts of all Australians, Waltzing Matilda. Follow a spectacularly scenic drive from Winton to Boulia via historic Middleton Hotel, built during the Cobb & Co. era. It was originally a changing station where tired horses were replaced with fresh horses. We stop at Cawnpore Lookout to view the stark flat-topped beauty of the surrounding Lillyvale Hills, before arriving in Boulia, the capital of the Channel Country.
10 Day tour guests will be met on arrival at Longreach Railway Station.
LONGREACH
BedourieBetootaEromanga SOUTH WALES
Big Red Sand Dune, Birdsville
BRISBANE Winton Boulia
n Historic Middleton Hotel & Cawnpore Lookout
n Drover’s Sunset Cruise with Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show
Enjoy an orientation tour of Longreach this morning. Visit the world-class Qantas Founders Museum, eloquently telling the story of the founding of Qantas. Discover the inspiring stories of our pioneering heroes at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Late afternoon, unwind on the Drover’s Sunset Cruise with tasty onboard nibbles followed by a two-course table service dinner under the stars at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show.
n Famous Birdsville Hotel
9 Day Tour guests will be met on arrival at Longreach Airport.
n Inland Hospital Ruins
n Eromanga Natural History Museum
n The Bilby Experience
Waltzing Matilda Centre
NEW
Windorah QuilpieCharleville
n Betoota and JC Hotel Ruins
n Longreach Town Tour
2 nights Longreach Motor Inn or Albert Park Motor Inn
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Guided Dinosaur Tour
n Min Min Encounter and Boulia Heritage Complex
n Cosmos Centre Big Sky Twilight Session
Day 4 | TUESDAY | BOULIA
n WWII Secrets Tour
Day 1 | SATURDAY | BRISBANE
Transfer to your accommodation for a welcome dinner and tour briefing.
Day 2 | SUNDAY | LONGREACH
TERRITORYNORTHERN QUEENSLAND 2 2 1 1 1 1
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Birdsville
n Deon’s Lookout and Dreamtime Serpent Art Sculpture
n Sunset nibbles atop Big Red (Sand Dune)
n Historic Corones Hotel Tour
Day 5 | WEDNESDAY | BIRDSVILLE
9 - 10 DAYS
18
n Touring with our Savannah Guides Operator driver and host
Day 7 | FRIDAY | WINDORAH
Join your guide for a town tour of Birdsville. See local Aboriginal artwork at the Wirrarri Centre then stand on the famous Birdsville Racetrack which hosts the annual ‘Melbourne Cup of the Outback’. See the Burke and Wills Tree, said to mark one of Burke and Wills’ final campsites. Take a stroll to Pelican Point Billabong with its abundant birdlife and tuck into a locally made pie at the Birdsville Bakery. Tonight we toast the glorious outback sunset from atop Big Red, a 40-metre-high sand dune marking the symbolic eastern edge of the Simpson Desert.
Overnight Western Star Hotel, Windorah
Overnight Quilpie Motor Inn
BIRDSVILLE DESERT ESCAPE
n Longreach accommodation arrival and Charleville departure transfers
n All meals as per itinerary
n All en suite accommodation
n Travel by comfortable touring coach from Longreach to Charleville
Day 6 | THURSDAY | BIRDSVILLE
Drive south along Kyabra Road to Eromanga, the furthest town from the sea, and home to Australia’s largest dinosaur. Get up close to a 95-million-year-old dinosaur bone on the Australian Dinosaur Giants Tour at the Eromanga Natural History Museum. Wander the Interpretive Corridor and see the Multi-Media Theatre Experience. Tonight, settle in for the Quilpie Night Show screened under the stars; an engaging tell-all story of how Quilpie came to be – the struggles, the triumphs and the multi-generational pioneering dynasties.
Today, we set off to see the Dreamtime Serpent Indigenous artwork; an impressive hillside installation created with gravel and gibbers. Visit Betoota, originally established to collect cattle tolls and later as a Cobb & Co change station. Take in spectacular views from Deon’s Lookout and see the JC Hotel Ruins, once part of the township site of Canterbury. Arrive in Windorah, said to be the only place in the world where two rivers form a creek! Late afternoon, we’ll take a short trip out of town to toast the sunset from beautiful wind-swept red sandhills. Have your cameras ready!
n One way first class Spirit of the Outback Rail Brisbane to Longreach (BDE10 only)
INCLUSIONS
n One way economy flight Brisbane to Longreach (BDE9 only)
n One way economy flight Charleville to Brisbane
n All entries/activities as per itinerary
This morning, visit the Min Min Encounter, a tribute to the famed mysterious Min Min Light phenomenon. Explore the Stonehouse Museum, one of the first homes built in Western Queensland, and see the impressive Marine Reptile Fossil exhibit. Witness spectacular 360-degree views from the Vaughan Johnson Lookout. Explore the remote town of Bedourie, located on a sand dune, overlooking the Eyre Creek floodplain. See the historic Royal Hotel, built in the 1880s with adobe bricks and still very much in its original condition. Visit the Carcory Ruins, a heritage-listed homestead built in 1877 and abandoned after years of drought. Keep a look out for a rare stand of Waddi Trees which occur in only a few places in the world. Arrive in Birdsville late afternoon.
2 nights Birdsville Hotel, Birdsville
Eromanga Natural History Museum
Day 8 | SATURDAY | QUILPIE
Overnight Mulga Country Motor Inn or Rocks Motel, Charleville
Day 10 | MONDAY | BRISBANE
Dreamtime Serpent, Betoota
Twin
On our guided tour of the USAAF top secret base, you’ll visit intriguing historical sites, understand the reasoning behind choosing Charleville and learn about the highly classified computerised bomb aimer. Then, at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum, you’ll get a better understanding of one of the outback’s most iconic services. Step inside the famous Hotel Corones, built during Charleville’s wool industry boom. Join a guided tour with exclusive access to normally restricted areas of the hotel. Hear the rags to riches story of local character Harry Corones, followed by lunch in the hotel dining room. Your tour concludes in Charleville with a transfer to Charleville Airport for your flight to Brisbane.
10 Day Brisbane – Brisbane (BDE10) includes rail and flight as specified $6738*pp
Middleton
Share Single
9 Day Brisbane – Brisbane (BDE9) includes return flights as specified $6703*pp
Opal Altar, Quilpie
Windorah Sandhill
BIRDSVILLE DESERT ESCAPE 2023 TOURS
Bilby Experience, Charleville
$5893*pp
$5928*pp
Day 9 | SUNDAY | CHARLEVILLE
This morning en route to Charleville we’ll pass through Cooladdi, one of the smallest towns in Australia to retain its own postcode. On a tour of the Charleville Bilby Experience, see some super cute bilbies during their night-time activities in their nocturnal house. Learn about the amazing efforts made by this group of passionate volunteers to save the bilby from extinction. Tonight, see the incredible night sky brought into focus with the help of powerful Meade telescopes at the Cosmos Centre. Their experienced sky guide will enthral you with stories of the Cosmos.
*9 Day (BDE9) Tour price includes return flights. 10 Day (BDE10) Tour price includes one way economy flight and one way First Class overnight rail on the Spirit of the Outback between Brisbane and Longreach. Rail is based on Aust. Govt Senior Card holder fares. Please ask for other fare types. Subject to availability and airline booking conditions. 2023 DEPARTURES 16 April; 11 June; 17 September 2023 – (BDE9) 06 May; 02 September 2023 – (BDE10) 19
Medium level of fitness required CAPE YORK & TORRES STRAIT 11 DAYS DISCOVER THE WILD UNSPOILED BEAUTY OF THE CAPE YORK PENINSULA AND TWO TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS ‘The Tip' of Australia 20
n James Cook Museum
n Gulf Eco Cruise
We continue along the Peninsula Developmental Road to the old mining community of Coen. The town was originally created around a repeater station in the Overland Telegraph Line to the Tip of Cape York Peninsula. We’ll arrive in time for lunch at the Archer River Roadhouse. Located on banks
Overnight Rydges Esplanade, Cairns
n Daintree Rainforest and Daintree Discovery Centre
n Moreton Telegraph Station
n Cape York Walk to ‘The Tip’
Travel to Lakeland and Laura via the mysterious Black Mountains, a special story place for the Kuku Yalanji people. World-class Aboriginal rock art and wonderful locally grown coffee are two big drawcards for these small towns. Best known are the Quinkan Rock Art Galleries, considered to be some of the most significant Aboriginal art sites in the world. We’ll join a guided tour of the Split Rock Galleries. Travel along the Peninsula Developmental Road to the Hann River Roadhouse for a short break before continuing on to Musgrave Roadhouse. Overnight Musgrave Roadhouse
Tibooburra CAPE YORK &
Your adventure begins with a Welcome Dinner at our tour hotel. Please checkin after 2.00pm. Meet fellow travellers and hear all about the adventures ahead with a comprehensive tour orientation by your Savannah Guides Operator driver and host.
n Fruit Bat Falls (swimming opportunity)
TERRITORYNORTHERN NEW SOUTH WALES QUEENSLAND Roma Thursday Island DaintreeMusgraveCooktownCAIRNS Weipa Horn Island Bamaga Innamincka 2 1 2 2 21 Bloomfield Falls INCLUSIONS n All en suite accommodation n Travel by luxury 4WD coach from Cairns n Touring with our Savannah Guides Operator driver and host n All meals as per itinerary n All entries/activities as per itinerary n Ferry transfers between Cape York, Thursday Island and Horn Island n One way economy flight Horn Island to Cairns 21
Day 1 | WEDNESDAY | CAIRNS
n Cooktown Botanic Gardens
n Horn and Thursday
2 nights River of Gold Motel, Cooktown
Day 4 | SATURDAY | MUSGRAVE
Birdsville LONGREACH
n Bloomfield Track and Daintree Coast
We travel north along one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives to Mossman, nestled in the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest. We’ll board the Daintree River Ferry for a short cable crossing of the famous Daintree River. Visit the Daintree Discovery Centre, an award-winning interpretive facility. Join a guided tour along the rainforest boardwalks. Follow the Bloomfield Track on a spectacular scenic journey hugging the Daintree Coast. Visit the Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre in Wujal Wujal, a small coastal Aboriginal community on the banks of the Bloomfield River.
Day 3 | FRIDAY | COOKTOWN
n Endeavour Strait Cruising
the
n Guided Tour of Split Rock, Quinkan Centre
n Bana Yirriji Art Cultural Centre&
CameronCorner Charleville TORRES STRAIT
Discover Cooktown’s colourful history today. We’ll visit the Cooktown Cemetery where you’ll learn the intriguing story of a fair skinned woman known as the ‘Normanby Woman’ who was seen living with Aboriginal people back in the 1800s. Visit James Cook Museum in the magnificent 19th Century Sisters of Mercy Convent. Gain an insight into the grounding of the Endeavour and the most significant land-based stay of Captain Cook’s east coast expedition. Wander the beautiful heritage-listed Cooktown Botanic Gardens and see the Vera Scarth-Johnson collection of original regional botanical illustrations. Enjoy some free time to stroll downtown Cooktown and a late afternoon tour of Grassy Hill with 360-degree views of Cooktown, the Endeavour River and the Great Barrier Reef.
CassowaryCooktown
Island Touring
Windorah
n Weipa Bauxite Mine Tour
Day 2 | THURSDAY | COOKTOWN
n Torres Strait Cultural Heritage Experiences
Day 5 | SUNDAY | WEIPA
HIGHLIGHTSTOUR
11 DAYS
of the crystal clear Archer River, the Roadhouse is famous for the massive Archer Burger, best served with an icy cold drink under their shaded patio. Last stop for the day is Weipa, the Barramundi capital of Queensland. Originally an Aboriginal mission, Weipa grew to become a township after the discovery of bauxite. Late afternoon relax at your accommodation with sweeping views of Albatross Bay.
Learn about Weipa’s mining operations on a morning tour of the world’s largest bauxite mine, operated by Rio Tinto. Get up close and personal to the 190 tonne Belly Dumper Haul trucks. Tour the working mine site, and follow the rail and conveyor belt system, as the bauxite makes its way to the loading dock. Join an Eco Cruise on the Gulf of Carpentaria for a chance to spot local birdlife and crocodiles. Relax with drinks and nibbles as you learn about the incredible ecosystems and local culture. Witness a stunning sunset in one of the few places in Queensland where the sun sets over the ocean in the west.
Day 7 | TUESDAY | BAMAGA
2 nights Albatross Bay Resort, Weipa
CAPE YORK & TORRES STRAIT
Fruit Bat Falls
Gulf Eco Cruise
Thursday IslandHappy travellers at ‘The Tip’
Day 6 | MONDAY | WEIPA
Follow the Old Telegraph Track to Moreton Telegraph Station on the banks of the Wenlock River. Part of the historic Overland Telegraph Line, Moreton Telegraph Station was completed in
22
Day 9 | THURSDAY |
Daintree Discovery Centre
Day 11 | SATURDAY |
Green Hill Fort, Thursday Island
Cruise the beautiful turquoise waters of the Endeavour Strait to Thursday Island; just one of 274 islands which lie between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea. Discover Thursday Island’s hidden past, including Green Hill Fort, on a
Your Cape York and Torres Strait adventure concludes after breakfast at Rydges Esplanade. Own arrangements for your connecting flight or rail home. Alternatively you may like to extend your stay in Cairns with one of our Post Tour packages – please contact us for further information.
1887 and ceased operations in 1987 with the introduction of microwave telecommunications. Spot giant termite mounds as the country changes to the open plains of Heathlands Resources Reserve. Cool off in the lush Fruit Bat Falls with its crystal clear water (croc free), a perfect swimming spot and one of the most special places on the Cape. Cross the Jardine River by cable ferry to Bamaga, the closest settlement to the Tip of Australia. This evening enjoy a relaxed dinner overlooking tropical gardens. 2 nights Cape York Peninsula Lodge, Bamaga
guided history tour and a visit to Gab Titui Cultural Centre. Enjoy some free time to explore Thursday Island.
CAPE YORK & TORRES STRAIT 2023 TOURS Twin Share Single 11 Day Cairns – Cairns (CAPE11) $7999 *pp $9399 *pp 2023 DEPARTURES (CAPE11) 07 & 21 June; 05 July; 02 & 30 August; 13 & 27 September 2023
Day 8 | WEDNESDAY | BAMAGA
Experience the highlights of Cape York Peninsula, one of Australia’s last great wilderness areas. We begin with a drive to Pajinka. The 45-60 minute walk over rocky headland to ‘The Tip’ of Cape York requires a good level of fitness. Take that ‘bucket-list’ photo as you stand at the Tip of Australia. Savour a picnic lunch on Somerset Beach with breathtaking views to Albany Island. Visit the iconic Croc Tent, then enjoy some free time back at your accommodation.
Day 10 | FRIDAY | CAIRNS
Overnight Jardine Motel, Thursday Island
Transfer to Horn Island this morning. Join local guides on a tour of the World War II sites. See gun emplacements, an underground command post and an aircraft wreck with an epic tale. Walk in the steps of traditional owners, the Kaurareg People, and learn their stories. Following the tour you will have time to wander the Torres Strait Heritage Museum. Enjoy an Asian buffet lunch on Horn Island before transferring to Horn Island Airport for your QantasLink flight to Cairns. Tonight we’ll celebrate the end of our adventure with a Farewell Dinner at the Coral Hedge Brasserie Restaurant & Bar. Overnight Rydges Esplanade, Cairns
HOMEWARD BOUND
Daintree River Crossing based on departure from Cairns.
TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS
23
*Price is
JOURNEY OF THE GULF SAVANNAH 14 DAYS Medium level of fitness required Gulf Sunset, KarumbaCopperfield Gorge EXPERIENCE THE GULFLANDER AND SAVANNAHLANDER SCENIC RAIL JOURNEYS, DISCOVER COBBOLD GORGE AND MUCH MORE 24
n Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Stockman’s Life Live Show
n Einasleigh Pub Copperfield Gorge&
25
Les
n Camden Park Station Sunset Drinks & Dinner Tour
n Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show
n Undara Lava Tubes Tour
Tilt SpiritTrainofthe
This morning you’ll board the high-speed Tilt Train for an exciting first leg of our tour. Travelling the 639-kilometre daylight trip between Brisbane and Rockhampton, you can relax with onboard meals and beverages while enjoying in-seat visual and audio entertainment. You will be met on arrival at Rockhampton Railway Station by our Outback Aussie Tours’ guide and host for transfer to your overnight accommodation. Keeping to the rail theme, our Welcome Dinner tonight will be at the Archer Railway Station. Overnight Mercure Hotel, Rockhampton
Day 1 | MONDAY
Hughenden Normanton CrittersCamp 3 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1
Today we’ll visit the ancient Capricorn Caves set into a limestone ridge. We’ll join a guided tour of the large caves, featuring the Cathedral Cave with its near perfect acoustics. Continuing our drive west we’ll call in to the Blackwater International Coal Centre for an insight into this billion dollar industry and to see oversized machinery navigating massive open cut pits. Arrive Emerald late afternoon for check-in. Enjoy sunset nibbles and drinks at Lake Maraboon, Queensland’s second largest lake and a popular freshwater fishing destination.
n Cobbold Gorge Tour and Cruise
SavannahlanderCentre TERRITORYNORTHERN QUEENSLAND LONGREACH RockhamptonGladstoneRichmondBarcaldine Emerald Cobbold
n Capricorn Caves Guided Tour
n Croc & Crab Sand Island Sunset Cruise
Day 2 | TUESDAY | EMERALD
n Qantas Founders Museum Airpark Tour
n Savannahlander Heritage Rail Tour
Julia Creek
Gulflander TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
n Australian Workers Heritage Centre
n Flinders Discovery Centre, Hughenden
SavannahlanderOutback
n Kronosaurus Korner
n Luminescent Longreach Sound & Light Show
n Woodleigh Station Morning Tea
n Normanton’s Purple Pub
TILT TRAIN TO ROCKHAMPTON
n Barramundi Discovery Centre
Overnight Emerald Maraboon Motel Wilson Barramundi Discovery Gorge
Karumba CAIRNS BRISBANE Undara Burke & RoadhouseWills AnakieMaraboonLake The Gemfields CapricornCaves DimbulahEinasleighEinasleigh
n Desert Dreaming Aboriginal Cultural Dinner & Show
n Drover’s Sunset Cruise
Legend
n Gulflander Heritage Rail Tour
Following breakfast, we’ll board our second rail experience, the Spirit of the Outback!
n Daylight Rail economy seat Brisbane to Rockhampton on the Tilt Train
Explore the fascinating themed galleries at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and discover inspiring stories of our pioneering heroes. Take your seat at the exciting Stockman’s Life Live Show to see amazing horsemanship and the action of a live muster. Witness the traditional Australian Stockman skills that are still used today. Late afternoon experience the warm hospitality of local graziers on a visit to Camden Park Station. Join Outback Dan on a personalised tour of his family property, sunset drinks at Two Tree Hill, followed by an exclusive dinner in their 100-year-old woolshed.
Gulflander
JOURNEY OF THE GULF SAVANNAH
n Savannah Guides Operator driver and host
n Rail touring on the Gulflander & Savannahlander
14 DAYS
founding of Qantas. View interpretive displays, interactive exhibits, original and replica aircraft, and an impressive collection of genuine artefacts. Enjoy some free time downtown Longreach after lunch. This evening, we return to the Qantas Founders Museum for an exclusive dinner surrounded by aviation history. See the entertaining Luminescent Longreach Sound & Light Show, which brings the 100-year story of Qantas to life.
We’ll travel north east via Muttaburra to Hughenden in the Flinders Shire. While in town we’ll visit the Flinders Discovery Centre, home to Hughie the Muttaburrasaurus. Continue along the Overlander’s Way to Richmond. Visit Kronosaurus Korner to see the most complete marine reptile fossils in the world. These fossils are from the Cretaceous
26
Overnight Barcaldine Country Motor Inn or Landsborough Lodge
3 nights Longreach Motor Inn or Albert Park Motor Inn
n Overland Touring by luxury 4WD coach
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your accommodation this morning. Visit the world-class Qantas Founders Museum, eloquently telling the story of the
n Arrival transfer from Rockhampton Railway Station
n All en suite accommodation
Day 7 | SUNDAY | RICHMOND
This morning, we’ll visit the Australian Workers Heritage Centre. Spread across two hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding a tranquil billabong, the Australian Workers Heritage Centre presents a rich tapestry of exhibits capturing the spirit of our nation’s workers. Continuing our drive west, we’ll enjoy a traditional pub lunch at the historic Wellshot Hotel in Ilfracombe. Arrive in Longreach early afternoon with time to relax and refresh. Late afternoon, we’ll join the Drover’s Sunset Cruise followed by Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show.
We get to enjoy the best section of the Spirit of the Outback in daylight hours. Settle into your comfortable, reclining seat and enjoy the expansive outback scenery on the full day rail adventure to Barcaldine. You’ll pass through the gemfield town of Anakie, then Alpha and Jericho. Arrive relaxed and recharged in Barcaldine in time for the Desert Dreaming Indigenous cultural dinner and show.
Day 4 | THURSDAY | LONGREACH
INCLUSIONS
Day 5 | FRIDAY | LONGREACH
Day 3 | WEDNESDAY | BARCALDINE
n All meals, entries & activities as per itinerary
n Daylight Rail economy seat Emerald to Longreach on the Spirit of the Outback
Day 6 | SATURDAY | LONGREACH
JOURNEY OF THE GULF SAVANNAH 2023 TOURS Twin Share Single 14 Day Brisbane – Cairns (GULF14) includes daylight rail sectors as specified $9999 *pp $11699 *pp 2023 DEPARTURES (GULF14) 24 April; 08 & 22 May; 19 June; 17 & 31 July; 14 & 28 August; 11 September 2023
Travel through contrasting landscapes and Forty Mile Scrub National Park to Woodleigh Station. Take a tour through the original homestead built in 1876 and learn how hard life was for Queensland’s early settlers. Relax with morning tea in view of their giant 100-year-old bougainvillea and take a stroll around their expansive gardens. Travel the Kennedy Highway to the lush Atherton Tablelands and Dimbulah. We’ll pass through Ravenshoe, the highest town in Queensland at 920m above sea level and the bustling township of Atherton. Next we board the Savannahlander in Dimbulah for a unique outback rail experience on this classic 1960s ‘silver-bullet’ railmotor. Enjoy Happy Hour and spectacular views on the descent into Cairns.
2 nights End of the Road Motel, Karumba
Discover the amazing secrets of the mighty barramundi at The Barramundi Discovery Centre, the only hatchery in the world to breed the Southern Gulf strain of this iconic fish. Your tour of this stateof-the-art Interpretive Centre includes the opportunity to feed a barramundi. Enjoy free time after lunch to explore the town or to simply relax and take in this beautiful location. Late afternoon, we’ll cruise the Gulf of Carpentaria to a remote sand island where we’ll toast the sunset and feast on fresh seafood as spectacular twilight hues colour the skies.
Day 13 | SATURDAY | CAIRNS
Day 12 | FRIDAY | MOUNT SURPRISE
Travel to Normanton for a nostalgic rail journey on the famous Gulflander, affectionately called the ‘Tin Hare’. Visit the historic gold mining townships of Croydon and Georgetown. See the impressive mineral collection display at the TerrEstrial Centre. Arrive at the hidden outback oasis Cobbold Gorge in time for sunset drinks overlooking the stunning infinity pool!
Inland Sea that covered a large section of Queensland 100 million years ago.
*Rail is based on Aust. Govt Senior Card holder fares. Please ask for other fare types. Subject to availability. 27
Cobbold Gorge
COBBOLD GORGE
Day 8 | MONDAY | KARUMBA
Day 10 | WEDNESDAY |
We drive north along the Burke Developmental Road to the Burke & Wills Roadhouse. You will be travelling through mostly cattle country along this road. See the contrasting colours of this rugged landscape; the black trunks of the gidgee scrub, golden Mitchell grass, and enormous rust red termite mounds. In Normanton, take a selfie with Krys the life-size statue of the largest saltwater crocodile ever caught. See the Purple Pub and Queensland’s earliest surviving and heritage-listed Burns Philp store. Arrive in Karumba, also known as ‘outback by the sea’, in time to capture your first memorable Gulf sunset.
COBBOLD GORGE
Undara
we join a guided tour of the incredible Undara Lava Tubes, part of the world’s longest lava flows from a single volcanic crater. Enjoy learning about the geological and historical features pointed out and explained by your Savannah Tour Guide.
Day 11 | THURSDAY |
Enjoy smoko at the Einasleigh pub with its quirky miniature furniture collection and see the impressive rock formations of Copperfield Gorge. We take a scenic drive to Mount Surprise before heading on to the Undara Experience. This afternoon Experience
Day 9 | TUESDAY | KARUMBA
Overnight Ammonite Inn or Lake View Caravan Park, Richmond
Overnight Undara Experience, Mount Surprise
Day 14 | SUNDAY | CAIRNS
Enjoy a tour of the magnificent sandstone gorge on this privately owned cattle station. The gorge is stocked with a variety of native fish and freshwater crocodiles. On a guided cruise, you’ll glide silently between towering cliffs in a specially designed, electric-powered punt. Join an optional walk to the top of the escarpment for awesome views of the gorge below from the glass bridge!
Your tour concludes after breakfast. Own transfers to your homeward bound connections.
Overnight Rydges Esplanade, Cairns
2 nights Cobbold Gorge Resort
Innamincka
Sandhills EXPLORE MAJESTIC DESERT LANDSCAPES AND REMOTE OUTBACK TOWNS WITH LEGENDARY OUTBACK CHARACTERS 28
Medium level of fitness required CORNER COUNTRY EXPLORER 13 - 14 DAYS
Boulia ThargomindahTibooburraLONGREACHInnamincka CameronCorner Bedourie 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 BRISBANEQUEENSLANDNEW
n Meet the Bilby Experience
Day 2 | THURSDAY | CHARLEVILLE
township of Eulo, hear tales of Isabel ‘The Eulo Queen’ and learn the story of the Eulo Artesian Mud Baths. Travel to Thargomindah and tour the historic Old Thargomindah Hospital to learn some fascinating tales from the 1800s. Discover the story behind Thargomindah’s electrical street lighting story. Enjoy exclusive sunset drinks at the historic bore followed by dinner.
Day 1 | WEDNESDAY | CHARLEVILLE
n Waltzing Matilda Centre
Travel south west across the Dingo Barrier Fence to historic Noccundra Hotel, then cross the border at Warri Gate into Outback New South Wales. View the eastern sections of the Sturt National Park. Traverse gibber plains and spectacular ‘jump up’ country to Tibooburra. The striking granite boulders around Tibooburra are said to be remnants of a mass underground granite dome dating back around 410 million years. Explore the National Park Interpretive Centre and Court House Museum.
n Qantas Founders Museum & Airpark Tour
This morning, we’ll be joined by a local guide for a tour of the USAAF top secret sites. Visit intriguing historical sites, understand the reasoning behind choosing Charleville as a WWII base and learn about the highly classified computerised bomb aimer. Then, at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum, you’ll get a better understanding of one of the outback’s most iconic services. Step inside the famous Hotel Corones, built during Charleville’s wool industry boom. Join a guided tour with exclusive access to normally restricted areas of the hotel. Hear the rags to riches story of local character Harry Corones, followed by lunch in the hotel dining room. Visit the Bilby Experience for a tour of the nocturnal house. Learn about the incredible volunteer programme underway to protect this environmental engineering marvel.
Board your REX Aircraft flight in Brisbane for a 1 hour 45 minute flight to Charleville. Get a birds-eye view of the lush Darling Downs agricultural region before heading west to big sky country. You will be welcomed on arrival in Charleville by your Savannah Guides Operator driver and host. Explore Charleville on an insightful town tour before checking in to your accommodation. Early evening, visit the Cosmos Centre for the Big Sky Twilight Tour. See an amazing night sky brought into focus with the help of powerful Meade telescopes and listen to captivating stories from their experienced sky guide. 2 nights Mulga Country Motor Inn, Charleville
Day 3 | FRIDAY | THARGOMINDAH
n Inland Hospital and Royal Hotel Ruins
Overnight Oasis Motel or Explorers Caravan Park Cabins, Thargomindah
n Historic Noccundra Hotel
Follow the Warrego River to Cunnamulla, which came into being as a Cobb & Co coach stop. Visit the Cunnamulla Fella Centre, home to the art gallery and Artesian Time Tunnel. Discover the quaint
n Birdsville Racetrack and Birdsville Billabong
n Australian Age of Dinosaurs
n Historic Corones Hotel Tour
HIGHLIGHTSTOUR
n Channel Country Touring
Overnight Granites Motel, or Family Hotel, Tibooburra
n Longreach Town Tour
n Ilfracombe Tour & Historic Wellshot Hotel
n Burke & Wills Dig Tree
n Birdsville Hotel and Big Red Sunset
Day 4 | SATURDAY | TIBOOBURRA
Travel through Sturt National Park to Cameron Corner where the boundary lines of the states of Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales meet. See the Strzelecki Desert, characterised by extensive red dune fields; home of the endangered Dusky Hopping Mouse. Pass by large cattle stations then travel through the heart of the oil and gas fields to Innamincka, on the banks of Cooper Creek. Learn the important role played by the Australian Inland Mission in providing essential medical services to remote towns.
n Cunnamulla Fella Centre
29
Channel Country Birdlife
DesertSimpsonNP
n Cosmos Centre Big Sky Twilight Session
Birdsville
n WWII Secrets Tour
n Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum
n Cameron Corner & Strzelecki Desert
n Exclusive Qantas Founders Museum Dinner & Luminescent Longreach Show
n Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame Entry & Stockman’s Live Show
2 nights Innamincka Hotel, Innamincka
n Drover’s Sunset Cruise including Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show
Day 5 | SUNDAY | INNAMINCKA
WintonCharleville
n Min Min Encounter & Boulia Heritage Complex
SOUTH WALES
n Exclusive Thargomindah Sunset Drinks
n Travel by luxury 4WD coach Charleville to Longreach
n Touring with our Savannah Guides Operator driver and host
n One way first class Rail Sleeper from Longreach to Brisbane aboard the Spirit of the Outback (CCE14 only)
Day 10 | FRIDAY | WINTON
Day 9 | THURSDAY | BOULIA
n Economy flight Brisbane to Charleville with REX Airlines
n Longreach accommodation departure transfer to Longreach Airport or Railway Station
CORNER COUNTRY EXPLORER - 14 DAYS
n One way economy flight Longreach to Brisbane (CCE13 only)
30
n All meals as per itinerary
n All entries/activities as per itinerary
Day 7 | TUESDAY | BIRDSVILLE
2 nights Birdsville Hotel, Birdsville
Overnight North Gregory Hotel, WintonBrolgas, Boulia
This morning visit the Wirrarri Centre to view work by local Indigenous artists. Next take a stroll to the Birdsville Billabong where birdlife, fish and yabbies abound. Stand on the well known Birdsville Racetrack and explore the Inland Hospital and Royal Hotel ruins; poignant reminders of a pre-federation metropolis. Tonight we’ll toast the glorious outback sunset from Big Red, a 40-metre-high sand dune on the edge of the Simpson Desert.
INCLUSIONS
Follow the Strzelecki Desert through flood plains, sand dunes and gibber country. See the historic woolshed on Cordillo Downs Station, once one of the largest pastoral properties in the country. Further north we’ll pass the crumbling ruins of Cadelga Outstation as we travel to Birdsville through some of Australia’s richest cattle country. Tonight have a yarn with the locals and enjoy a dinner at the famous Birdsville Hotel.
13
Follow the spectacularly scenic drive between Boulia and Winton. Call in at Cawnpore Lookout to view the stark flattopped beauty of the surrounding Lillyvale Hills. Visit the historic Middleton Hotel, built during the Cobb & Co. era. It was originally a changing station where tired horses were replaced with fresh horses on the Winton to Boulia route. Uncover the story behind the song that lives in the hearts of all Australians at Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Centre. This afternoon, we visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, perched high on a spectacular mesa. Join a guided interpretive tour of the laboratory, collection room and Dinosaur Canyon. Take in the moment at our very special sunset barbecue overlooking the plains where dinosaurs once roamed!
Leaving Birdsville this morning, we’ll visit the Carcory Ruins, a heritage-listed homestead built in 1877 and abandoned after years of drought. Explore the remote town of Bedourie located on a sand dune, overlooking the Eyre Creek floodplain. See the Royal Hotel, built in the 1880s with adobe bricks and still very much in its original condition. Witness spectacular 360-degree views from the Vaughan Johnson Lookout. In Boulia we’ll visit the Min Min Encounter, a tribute to the famed mysterious Min Min Light phenomenon. Explore the Stonehouse Museum, one of the first homes built in Western Queensland and see the impressive Marine Reptile Fossil exhibit.
Day 6 | MONDAY | INNAMINCKA
Overnight Australian Hotel or Desert Sands Motel, Boulia
Retrace the last days of Burke & Wills and learn the story of Innamincka, dubbed ‘the town with two lives’. Visit the heritage-listed Burke & Wills Dig Tree, an enduring reminder of our pioneering spirit. Located on the northern bank of the Cooper Creek, it is believed to be between 200-250 years old. Tonight, we toast the glorious outback sunset from the Airport, as we watch a blanket of stars rise up above the Innamincka township.
Cameron Corner
Day 8 | WEDNESDAY | BIRDSVILLE
n All en suite accommodation
The Dig Tree
CORNER COUNTRY EXPLORER Day Brisbane – Brisbane (CCE13) includes return flights as specified Brisbane – Brisbane (CCE14) includes flight and overnight rail as specified
Bilby Experience,BirdsvilleCharlevilleHotel 2023 DEPARTURES 10 May 2023 – (CCE13) 21 June; 12 & 26 July; 16 August; 27 September 2023 – (CCE14) 31
2023 TOURS Twin Share Single 13
Noccundra Hotel
$8453*pp $9632*pp
Day 13 | MONDAY | LONGREACH
*13 Day Tour price includes return flights. 14 Day Tour price includes one way economy flight and one way first class overnight rail on the Spirit of the Outback between Longreach and Brisbane. Rail is based on Aust. Govt Senior Card holder fares. Please ask for other fare types. Subject to availability and airline booking conditions.
Day 11 | SATURDAY | LONGREACH
$8418*pp $9597*pp 14 Day
Your Outback Queensland adventure comes to an end after breakfast with a complimentary transfer to Longreach Railway Station to board the Spirit of the Outback for your overnight rail journey to Brisbane. (Note: CCE13 tour guests will return to Brisbane by QantasLink)
Day 14 | TUESDAY | BRISBANE
This morning, explore the fascinating themed galleries at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and discover inspiring stories of our pioneering heroes. Take your seat at the Stockman’s Life Live Show to see amazing horsemanship. Experience the action of a live muster, and witness the traditional Australian Stockman skills that are still used today. Take a short drive to Ilfracombe, founded in 1891 as a transport hub for Wellshot Station, which at the time held the largest number of sheep on any station in the world. We’ll cap off the tour with an authentic pub lunch at the historic Wellshot Hotel. Late afternoon join the Drover’s Sunset Cruise on the beautiful Thomson River. Unwind with onboard nibbles as you gaze out to a magnificent outback sunset. Enjoy live entertainment and a two-course camp oven themed dinner under the stars at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show.
2 nights Longreach Motor Inn, Longreach
Day 12 | SUNDAY | LONGREACH
Follow the Matilda Way east to Longreach. Enjoy a relaxed lunch and some free time downtown. Wander the interactive displays of the Qantas Founders Museum to discover the real Qantas story. Hear the inspiring human stories of our national airline’s early years. Step inside the Boeing 747, 707 and Super Constellation on an interpretive tour of the impressive Airpark. Late afternoon we return to Qantas Founders Museum for an exclusive dinner surrounded by aviation history. See the entertaining and informative Luminescent Longreach Sound & Light Show, which brings the 100-year story of Qantas to life.
CCE14 tour guests will arrive at Roma Street Station, Brisbane aboard the Spirit of the Outback.
DAYS OF NOTICE FEE PER PERSON 60 days and over Loss of deposit 59-46 days 50% of tour fare 45-15 days 75% of tour fare 14-0 days 100% of tour fare
Passenger participation in tours operated by the carrier companies and Outback Aussie Tours may incur certain risks and dangers which are beyond the operators’ control including, but not limited to, the hazards of travelling in remote areas, travel by boat, train, automobile, aircraft or other means of transportation, the forces of nature and accident or illness in remote regions without means of rapid evacuation or medical facilities. The carrier companies and Outback Aussie Tours will not have any liability regarding provision of medical care or the adequacy of any care that may be rendered. It is understood that Outback Aussie Tours will use their best efforts to ensure that adequate measures are taken. Passengers must make their own enquiries regarding safety warnings in relation to the destination they are travelling to.
Please note: transferring to another date is treated as a cancellation and cancellation fees apply. All cancellations must be advised in writing. Please refer to our website for latest COVID-19 cancellation conditions.
10. BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
11. YOUNG TRAVELLERS
Please note tours include leisurely walks that can be in excess of 1.5km on uneven, steep or slippery surfaces. Not suitable for guests needing wheelie walkers or wheelchairs.
14. THIRD PARTY SUPPLIERS
1. TOUR PARTICIPATION / EXCLUSION / RELEASE
5. PRICING AND CONDITIONS
13. SEAT ROTATION AND SMOKING
Third party excursions such as Scenic Flights, Boat Cruises and Rail are not operated by Outback Aussie Tours, nor by persons or companies associated with Outback Aussie Tours. These activities may involve inherent risk of injury, death, accident, delay and loss, and clients assume all such risk with regard to any misadventure, death, injury, delay or loss which occurs during, or as a result of, any such activity. Please note that Outback Aussie Tours does not incur any liability for airfares purchased by travel agents or clients via the internet, if a tour is cancelled. Outback Aussie Tours cannot be held responsible for airfare conditions. All such risk, loss and expense must be borne by the travel agent or client.
2. SPECIAL DIETS
To confirm your reservation, a non-refundable deposit of $200 per person is required. Additional deposit payments are required for Rail and Flight add-ons and deposit amounts will be advised at time of booking. Reservations will be held for 7 days only without deposit. Once your deposit, booking form, proof of COVID-19 vaccination and COVID-19 Declaration Form have been received, OAT will send your travel agent or yourself (if you’ve booked direct with OAT) confirmation of your booking. All airfares are subject to strict payment and ticketing deadlines, to be advised at the time of booking. Balance of payment for your tour is to be paid 60 days prior to departure. For bookings made less than 60 days prior to travel, full payment is required within 48 hours of booking. It is the responsibility of the passenger or their agent to pay the tour price by the due date. Agents must advise OAT in writing if payment is not received by their client on time to avoid cancellation fees.
Call +61 7 4658 3000 Email info@oat.net.au or visit www.outbackaussietours.com.au Longreach Historic Railway Station, Landsborough Hwy ABN: 31 010 813 313 | ACN: 010 813 313
9. TRAVEL INSURANCE
12. RESPONSIBILITY
One small to medium sized suitcase per person (approx. height 60cm - width 40cm - depth 30cm) maximum weight 15kg. One piece of hand luggage/day pack may be carried onboard the coach. Drivers may require passengers to load heavy luggage into the storage compartment themselves for health and safety reasons. An additional charge may apply on excess baggage or excess weight. Due to limited space, the carriage of wheelie-walkers must be requested prior to travel.
Tours include short and long distance walks with varying degree of difficulty from moderate to challenging, and often over uneven ground or including steps. For safety and enjoyment passengers should be in good physical condition to participate in all tours. OAT reserves the right at its discretion to exclude from a tour, or to terminate the travel arrangements during the course of the tour without refund, of anyone who is unable to cope with the requirements of coach travel – this includes using coach steps for embarking and disembarking; needing services or facilities that are not available; failing to comply with the reasonable instructions of OAT personnel; and/or engaging in undesirable behaviour or interfering with the enjoyment of or jeopardising the safety of other participants. OAT also reserves the right at its discretion to exclude from a tour anyone who becomes unwell, who may need services or facilities that are not available; or are jeopardising the safety of other participants or the operation of the tour. In accordance with these conditions, OAT will not be held liable for any termination of your travel arrangements or any expenses incurred as a consequence of decisions made by OAT. Passengers need to be aware of the high temperatures which may be experienced in the outback. Medical Equipment: Please note that in some remote Outback locations electric power may not be available 24 hours per day. Passengers are advised to bring adequate medication (and spare prescriptions for essential medication) for remote travel and emergencies.
Outback Aussie Tours is often not the provider of attractions, excursions and/or optional tours. Accordingly, Outback Aussie Tours may, where it is required to do so, suspend or cancel any tour inclusion where that tour inclusion is not available or in the opinion of Outback Aussie Tours, unadvisable, unsafe or unsuitable. During local or national holidays, certain facilities such as museums and restaurants, sightseeing tours and shopping may be limited or not available. Outback Aussie Tours reserves the right to alter or change the accommodation, carriers or vessels at any time for any reason; and cancel or alter the itinerary and/or tour at any time without notice as Outback Aussie Tours considers necessary for any reason whatsoever including road, weather or traffic conditions, nonperformance of suppliers, industrial action, operational conditions and requirements. Where a tour is cancelled prior to the departure date, Outback Aussie Tours will use all reasonable endeavours to offer the nearest possible alternative tour (subject to a refund or payment to cover any tour price difference) or, if this is not acceptable, refund the tour price or such portion of it as Outback Aussie Tours considers appropriate. Services of a tour host are not guaranteed on tours with less than 20 passengers.
Outback Aussie Tours (OAT) may, if in the opinion of any representative of Outback Aussie Tours or carrier, either refuse to allow persons on the tour or expel persons from the tour if their mental or physical condition is such as to render them: incapable of caring for themself; likely to become objectionable to other passengers; or a hazard to themself or other passengers. Outback Aussie Tours will not be liable for any expenses arising from such persons being precluded from completing the tour for any such reason. Each booking is conditional on Outback Aussie Tours securing the minimum number of bookings required to operate the tour and to ensure an enjoyable group atmosphere. Where sufficient numbers cannot be achieved, Outback Aussie Tours reserves the right to cancel or suspend a scheduled departure.
Passengers are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance to cover against unforeseen circumstances. Ask your travel agent for details.
YOUR LICENSED TRAVEL AGENT
Persons under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Where a child rate is quoted, children aged 4 to 14 years are permitted to travel. Some guided tours are not suitable for children.
Low level of fitness – minimal walking with some wheelie-walker accessible facilities. A Carer is required should guests have mobility concerns with any facilities on tour or boarding the coach as OAT team will not be available to assist. At no time should a tour be delayed from its operations.
Outback Aussie Tours welcomes passengers with disabilities or special needs provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance. Any special requirements must be advised at time of booking. Outback Aussie Tours reserves the right to refuse to carry any person who it deems cannot fully care for themselves on tour without assistance. Wheelchairs cannot be carried on motorcoaches due to space limitation. Wheelchair passengers should be aware of these limitations. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a passenger for walking, dining, getting on and off motorcoaches or other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. Passengers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion.
Passengers requiring special diets, such as vegetarian or gluten free, must inform Outback Aussie Tours at time of reservation and reconfirm their request with the Outback Aussie Tours Driver/Host upon arrival. Outback Aussie Tours cannot guarantee special requests will be met in all instances.
6. CHANGES TO THE ITINERARY
To ensure all clients have the opportunity to enjoy front and window seats, a daily seat rotation system is employed. Government regulations prohibit smoking on tour coaches.
All prices in this brochure are quoted in Australian currency and include tour preparation, operation costs and GST where applicable. Prices include all on-tour coach travel, Longreach railway station and Longreach Airport transfers, meals, accommodation, sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary. Prices do not include airfares, rail tickets, meals and transfers not specified in the itinerary. Nor do they include drinks, laundry, optional activities or items of a personal nature. Changes to rail/flight schedules may require additional overnight accommodation at either commencement or completion of the tour, which is at passenger’s own expense. Additional optional activities are not included in the tour cost and incur additional charges.
15. BROCHURE VALIDITY
01 Apr 2023 to 31 March 2024. These terms and conditions may be subject to further changes by Outback Aussie Tours from time to time and are shown on the Outback Aussie Tours website.
Medium level of fitness – guests have no mobility concerns and they have declared any pre-existing injuries which may affect their participation.
4. HEALTH AND FITNESS
7. CANCELLATION FEES
8. DEPOSITS AND FINAL PAYMENTS
3. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS