Discover secret southwest Queensland with Boobook Explore

2024 season

Discover secret southwest Queensland Reveal its nature. Share its wonder.

ECO CERTIFIED

advanced ecotourism 1

About Boobook If you like to travel in smaller groups to lesserknown places and really understand what you’re seeing, Boobook is for you. Because it is founded by ecologists, you get 360-degree insights. From the role of the smallest creature to the significance of Indigenous sites, you’ll learn about the biodiversity and human history of our fascinating region.

Founders Craig and Meryl Eddie are long-time locals with a passion for the complex web of Australian life that reveals itself in the remote bush and outback communities. Craig (aka Queensland’s David Attenborough) has explored little-known corners of this diverse landscape, mapping its flora and fauna. Both he and Meryl continue to work locally as ecological and land management consultants.

boobookexplore.com.au * To discover more about Boobook Explore’s tours scan the QR codes throughout the brochure.

ECO CERTIFIED

advanced ecotourism

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Explore a region that awakens a sense of wonder At Boobook Explore we take small groups to lesser-known destinations within a few hours’ reach of our base in Roma.

Whether you want a day tour that brings fascination to every footstep, or a longer break deep in a remote and enchanting natural landscape, we have unique explorations that reveal the hidden stories of past and present.

Our mission is to share the wonders of our region and create a deeper understanding of how nature and humanity can thrive in our interconnected world. That means you’ll discover the secrets behind the sights. A butterfly’s wing or a rock wallaby may be as thrilling as the panoramic Arcadia Valley.

You will walk lesser-known paths in places few tourists visit. You’ll ponder the ever-changing interplay between human activity and the environment.

You’ll see the world through fresh eyes and be awe-inspired by both remote wilderness and the dazzling diversity of life.

Queensland

Carnarvon Ranges Carnarvon Gorge

Walla llaroo Outback ack Retreat

Expedition National ational Park Pa

Roma

Brisbane

Arcadia Valley Injune

Boobook Explore

Gurulmundi State Forest

Roma

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Insights that reveal Australia’s nature and human heritage The treasures of our region are yet to be discovered by many of the visitors but it has a wealth of wonder for both a weekend away or longer breaks.

From the early settler history of Roma and its current country-town activity to the remote wilderness of the Carnarvon Ranges, to springtime’s spectacular wildflowers in Gurulmundi State Forest, there’s a vibrant web of life waiting to be discovered.

Boobook founders’ extensive experience as local ecologists means you have the most knowledgeable guides to the rich biodiversity that still thrives in remote pockets of southwest Queensland bushland. We also share our fascination with the region’s human endeavours from the traces left by Indigenous ancestors to exploring how traditional ideas and today’s innovations can lead to the most beneficial ways to work and protect the land.

Come and explore!

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Book online or call us on 07 4622 2646

Ask us about getting to Roma by air, bus, train or car.

It all starts in Roma…

An hour’s flight from Brisbane, Roma is the first taste of the outback as you travel west from the Queensland coast. It has history, heritage, scenic landscapes and warm hospitality.

Our day tours and holidays give you the opportunity to discover Roma from a new perspective, revealing how its past affects its present, and how its nature and community thrive together. From the famous cattle saleyards to historic Mount Abundance, we share diverse living stories.

Explore the Carnarvons.

So close yet another world.

The Carnarvons are one of Queensland’s underrated wonders and are the focal point of most Boobook Explore holidays. Here you will be in a pristine area of Australian bush that still holds secrets in its wilderness, sandstone caves and hidden gorges. In this remote bushland, timid Australian fauna retreat to quiet habitats and rare flora find refuge in areas of unique geology. Indigenous heritage and tradition is visible here too with incredible rock art and cultural sites.

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Day tours and activities Landscape and legacy in Roma

From

180pp

$

New in

2024

Follow in the footsteps of explorers. On the lands of the Mandandanji people, early explorer Mitchell stood at Mount Abundance overlooking the rich native grasslands and remarked on the prime agricultural land. It is also the last place explorer Leichhardt was seen alive. Discover how this landscape has changed.

This fascinating tour of Roma and its surrounds explains the region’s development and includes a visit to the famous cattle saleyards. A highlight is a picnic lunch at Mount Abundance where wildlife and soaring wedgetailed eagles take refuge, and iconic bottle trees grow in their natural habitat.

When: Weekly on Tuesdays, March to October Timing: 9am – 4pm Departs: Roma Price: Adult $195 Seniors $180 Child $70

Group size 8-14

Walking Grade 3

Lunch Included

Wildflower Wonderland Join our botanist for a day at amazing Gurulmundi.

This is one of the region’s best locations for wildflowers and sits on the crest of the Great Dividing Range.

Conditions here support a rare and dazzling diversity of Australian native flora with over 200 species. In this protected web of biodiversity our botanist guide shows you where to find unusual specimens and you’ll be inspired to see the bush through fresh eyes. You’ll be amazed by the springtime display of colourful grevilleas, hakeas, wattles, bush peas and many more.

This may be a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to see rare or threatened species and we’ll take you to the best areas where, if you’re lucky, you’ll spot the Gurulmundi heath-myrtle and delicate ground orchids plus any other unusual blooms.

When: 2 and 7 September 2024 Timing: 7am – 4pm Departs: Roma, and Jackson (near Miles) Price: Adult $230 Child $115

*Morning tea and lunch are included.

Group size 8-14

6

From

230pp

$

Walking Grade 2

All meals Included

Lost World Carnarvons (Wallaroo)

From

280pp

$

Best Seller

Experience a day you’ll never forget in a wilderness that time forgot. Travel by 4WD mini-bus to the privately-owned Wallaroo Station covering nearly 300 square kilometres of bush, gorges, rivers and natural diversity deep in the Carnarvons. Step back through millennia as we explore cycad groves, incredible sandstone formations and Indigenous rock art. On short walks from the mini-bus you’ll see wonders few eyes see.

From an Aboriginal axe-grinding area on the flat stones of the Dawson River to the cathedral-like rainbow cave and a breathtaking view of the Arcadia Valley, the day is full of wonders.

When:

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays.

March to October Timing: 7am – 6pm Departs: Roma, Injune and Wallaroo Outback Retreat Price: Adult $295 Seniors $280 Child $255

Group size 8-14

Walking Grade 3

All ages

Guided nature trail in Roma Awake to the wonders of the bush on our 1-hour guided walk. Join a small-group, nature-rich journey of discovery, celebrating the beauty of our local reforested bushland. During a leisurely 1-kilometre walk around Roma Bush Gardens, you’ll learn about diverse habitats, from the majestic River Red Gums to the Brigalow open forest. The gardens also feature the picturesque 19thcentury Railway Dam, a tranquil haven for water birds.

Your eco-guide will give you fascinating insights into the native vegetation and the vibrant flora and fauna that call this place home.

Our stroll takes around an hour but you are welcome to stay longer for bird watching, photography or even sketching and painting ‘en plein air’! * BYO binoculars, water bottle

All meals Included

15pp

$

When: Weekly on Mondays, March to October Timing: 1-hour, 7:30am – 8:30am Departs: Roma Bush Gardens Price: $15 (all ages)

Group size 8-16

Walking Grade 2

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Get closer to nature with our longer holidays With a few days in the remote bush, you become so much more than a visitor. Here, you adjust to the rhythm of nature’s days and nights, of sunrises and sunsets, of quiet creatures and timeless bird calls.

Explore. Discover. Unwind.

Welcome to Wallaroo Station.

In the Carnarvon Ranges, Boobook Explore has a partnership with the unique private property, Wallaroo Station – nearly 300 square kilometres of unspoilt bushland on the Dawson River where few visitors go. We have exclusive access to lead tours in this biodiverse area because they know we will tread lightly and respect the fragile ecosystems and Indigenous heritage.

Wallaroo Outback Retreat is the perfect 4-star bush accommodation for our holidays. Here you are immersed in the bush day and night, experiencing its sights, sounds and silence. With comfortable beds, wholesome food and an evening campfire, you’ll become part of your surroundings in the best possible way.

You probably wouldn’t guess but Wallaroo is also a cattle property. It is a great example of a family-owned agricultural enterprise that protects its precious environment and shares it with low-impact visitors.

Come and stay. Come and be inspired by our natural heritage.

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5-day/4-night ecological walking holiday

Hike Secret Carnarvons

From

2825pp

$

Nature lovers

Trek the hidden Carnarvons with a local ecologist.

Carnarvon Ranges with 8-15 kilometre walks through the remote Wallaroo Station with its incredible diversity of flora, fauna, scenery and Indigenous sites. We also walk the Lonesome section of Expedition National Park to the spectacular Candlesticks rock formation and follow the renowned trail in the Carnarvon Gorge section of the Carnarvon National Park.

In this diverse wilderness you’ll see nature at its undisturbed best and have plenty of time to appreciate the small miracles as well as the breathtaking vistas.

Your ecologist guide will reveal timeless wonders including spectacular sandstone rock cliffs and caves, cycad groves, and Indigenous sites with rock art. You’ll be awed by the incredible biodiversity from overlooked treasures of the micro world to prehistoric plants and rare fauna. A night walk reveals another aspect as you discover the mysterious world of nocturnal creatures.

When: 30 September 2024 Duration: 5-days/4-nights Departs: Roma, Injune Accom: 1 night at Explorers Inn, Roma, 3 nights at Wallaroo Outback Retreat

This is the best of all worlds with real adventure on lesser-known trails, a small group of companions and comfortable bush glamping.

Group size 8-14

Walking Grade 4

Accommodation Motel/Glamping

All meals Included

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6-day/5-night ecological science holiday

Carnarvons BioBlitz Expedition

From

3925pp

$

Citizen Science

Join our science expedition in the Carnarvon Ranges. This expedition is designed to appeal to naturalists, ecology enthusiasts and fit citizen scientists alike. We will explore the previously unsurveyed, remote headwater regions of the Dawson River and map the biodiversity there.

Guests on this expedition, which takes place on the vast privately-owned Wallaroo Station, will seek to unlock the secrets of this remote area both on land and in the water. We hope to find threatened species such as the glossy black-cockatoo and greater glider amongst other flora and fauna. During our last expedition we found a new species of Bottlebush – yet to be described.

The fascinating remote habitat promises a rich expedition but it also requires good fitness and resilience – there are steep-sided gorges in rugged terrain harbouring flora and fauna that prefer cooler, more moist environments.

Led by Boobook founder and principal ecologist Craig Eddie, you’ll get new insights every step of the way and appreciate the interconnectedness of all we see. Outcomes will contribute to science through a publicly accessible report and databases.

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When: 13 October 2024 Duration: 6-days/5-nights Departs: Roma Accom: 1 night at Explorers Inn, Roma, 4 nights at Wallaroo Outback Retreat

Group size 8-14

Walking Grade 4

Accommodation Motel/Glamping

All meals Included

A few things to know before you go!

Book a group tour From small groups of eight to large groups of 16, we’ll design a unique itinerary, provide expert guides, and take care of all the catering. We tailor single-day or multiple-day options for walking groups, gardening groups, bird watchers, photographers, schools, universities and many other special interests.

We promise to inspire and educate your group with a one-of-a-kind adventure – get in touch and we’ll help you plan!

Just some of the possibilities for groups in our beautiful region: • ‘Colours of Roma’ half-day and full-day tours

Help us rescue our native animals We love the diverse wildlife in our region.

Every mammal, bird, reptile and amphibian is precious and we need them in our ecosystem to preserve biodiversity for future generations.

Please support us in caring for injured and orphaned animals by donating to Maranoa Wildlife Caring and Education Centre.

Find out more at mwcec.org.au

• Variations on our Carnarvon and wildflower tours • Painting, drawing and art with workshop facilities • Nature photography • Environmental studies • Walking/fitness options • Bird watching • School and university excursions (science, biology, geology, human settlement etc) • Farming tours • Botany, gardening interests • Bushtucker and cooking workshops • Team bonding or meetings (optional digital detox) • Industry studies • Special occasions

Eco Certified Boobook Explore has a continued commitment to sustainable practices and providing high-quality nature-based tourism experiences. We also acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which our tourism business operates and pay respect to the Elders past, present and emerging. The ECO Certification logo means you are guaranteed to experience a genuine and authentic tour, attraction or accommodation option that looks after the environment.

Our tour season and climate Our tours run March to October when conditions are not too hot in the bush and outback. Mornings and evenings can be cool but days warm up to mid-20s in winter and high-30s in summer.

How to get here Roma is easily reached on a good road network (no need for dirt roads). Rex Air flies between Brisbane and Roma. Greyhound and Bus Queensland also link the two. The Westlander train does the journey twice a week. Please get in touch if you’d like advice on getting here from other departure points.

We’ve lots more to tell you You’ll find more detail of the tours, accommodation, fitness levels needed and inclusions on our website. You can book online or call to chat to our reservation team.

Discover more and book at boobookexplore.com.au Boobook Explore | 15 Quintin Street Roma Queensland | boobookexplore.com.au | +61 7 4622 2646

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Cover image: Graham Lukins

15 Quintin Street Roma Queensland | info@boobookexplore.com.au | +61 7 4622 2646