Welcome to the start of our exciting outback Queensland tour. Together with our fellow travellers, our journey kicks off with a flight to Townsville where our friendly coach captain awaits to greet us with a warm welcome.  Upon reaching our overnight accommodation, we have the opportunity to recharge before our onsite dinner. As we settle into our rooms later, we begin to anticipate the adventure ahead.

1 night | The Ville Resort Casino | 07 4722 2333
Dinner at the hotel

With an early start, we set out to uncover the far-reaching landscapes and welcoming communities of the Queensland Outback. Our first stop is Charters Towers where we’ll need to be ready with our cowboy hats and boots to visit the legendary Texas Longhorns! This special morning of discovery includes a Safari Tour, introducing us to the longhorns before a camp oven damper and billie tea, served from the genuine cowboy chuck wagon and a Gallery of Horns museum tour. After an early lunch we trek west via Hughenden onto Richmond, an area rich in fossils from the once-known Cretaceous Inland Sea.

1 night Ammonite Inn Motel | 07 4741 3932
Breakfast and dinner at Hotel | lunch at Texas Longhorns

We have time to take in the Kronosaurus Korner Complex this morning. Stepping back a million years, our guide will lead us on a prehistoric journey through the numerous displays. Travelling across this great land, we find ourselves watching the seamless horizon of the outback roll by as we drive to Julia Creek for a lunch break. A little further on is our destination of Cloncurry, the birthplace of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. We visit John Flynn Place Museum and uncover the story of John Flynn who dedicated his life to overcome isolation in the outback by bringing communication, education and health to remote Australia. The museum commemorates the committed people who devoted their lives to the RFDS and John Flynn’s vision to improve quality of life for rural Australians. We check into our accommodation at the Gidgee Inn Motel and relax.

2 nights Gidgee Inn Motel | 07 4742 1599
Breakfast and dinner at hotel | picnic lunch provided

We spend today getting to know the lively outback town of Mount Isa.  Arriving at the Outback at Isa complex we head underground on the thrilling Hard Times Mine Tour, letting our guide light the way as we descend to the tunnels in the Alamac cage. Wearing protective clothing, including a miner’s cap and lamp, our guide will offer a real insight into a miner’s life underground. Back on top soil you are treated to lunch and a ‘one-stop shop’ offering exciting and diverse activities, from the fascinating Laboratory Tours at the Riversleigh Fossil Centre, to the inspiring gallery exhibits.  After a wonderful day unveiling the secrets of Mount Isa we return to Cloncurry.

Breakfast and dinner at hotel | lunch at the Outback at Isa Complex

We are back on the road again this morning. We head north to the Burke & Wills Road House where we stop for an early lunch. Keeping an eye out for wildlife along the way, we take in the expanse of this rarely seen and unique part of the Australian outback before arriving into Karumba. Tonight, we dine at the Sunset Tavern, a wonderful spot to enjoy dinner while chatting amongst ourselves about the adventure we’ve had thus far! 

2 nights – End of the Road Motel | 07 4745 9599
Breakfast at motel | Lunch at roadhouse | Dinner at Tavern

This morning we visit the Barramundi Discovery Centre. Here you’ll meet your guide who will unveil the life cycle of Barramundi. Be wowed by the diverse range of leather products made from barramundi, sea snake and much more.  Later, taking an opportunity to taste some of the ‘swimming locals’ at Ash’s @ the Point Café, we enjoy some lunch before a few hours at leisure. Late afternoon we prepare for a very special evening. Make sure you have packed your camera, as you board the Crab & Croc Cruise. Watch the sky turn into fire upon the reflective waters, while sipping on a glass of wine with nibbles. Return to the hotel for a light dinner before a good night’s rest.

Breakfast and dinner at motel | lunch at Ash’s @ the Point Café

With an early breakfast under our belt, we make our way to Normanton to board the Gulflander Train. Taking us on a journey to Critters Camp, this nostalgic track takes us from wetlands and grasslands to savannah ‘from nowhere to nowhere’! En-route, our guide will keep us entertained with trivia and amusing stories of colourful local characters. Our coach will meet us at the other end where we are back on the open road to the old gold mining town of Croydon. Just after Georgetown, we leave the main road for Forsayth. 45kms further on is Cobbold Gorge, situated on Robin Hood Cattle Station. The station lies within the rugged sandstone formations that dominate the local area, deep in the heart of the Gulf Savannah region of Far North Queensland.  Settle into the comfortable, air-conditioned cabins and relax into this outback oasis before dinner.

2 nights Cobbold Gorge Camping Village | 07 4062 5470
Breakfast and dinner at motel | lunch in Croydon

Today we immerse ourselves in the natural wonder of this truly unique part of the outback and explore the remarkable Cobbold Gorge. Grasp the uniqueness of the narrow gorge with its majestic and sheer walls aboard a custom-made, electric powered boat. Gliding along in almost eerie silence, you’ll find yourself keeping an eye out for the resident freshwater crocodiles. This will be an unforgettable highlight of your trip! We return to the Village for lunch before our next adventure. Ever wondered about life on a working cattle station? There is no better opportunity to get a taste of outback Queensland than from an insider’s view of Robin Hood Station. After a special day exploring this truly unique part of the Australia we retire to our rooms after dinner.

Breakfast and dinner at motel | lunch at Cobbold Gorge Camping Village

Early this morning we farewell Cobbold Gorge and head to the Undara National Park. Arriving at the Lava Lodge, set in pristine tropical Savannah woodlands, we enjoy lunch and time to settle in before our afternoon tour. Out on a personal Archway Explorer Tour, your Savannah Guide draws your attention to interesting environmental, geological and historical features before reaching the Lava Tubes. Formed over a million years ago, they are oldest standing and best-preserved system found anywhere in the world. We then return for dinner and a well deserve rest.

1 night Undara Lava Lodge | 07 4097 1940
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at motel

Today is our final full day on tour, to which we shall end our adventure across this great land by witnessing some wonderfully green scenery. Enjoying comfort stops along the way we head straight to Cairns. Mid afternoon we check into our accommodation and freshen up for the special evening ahead. As the night takes hold, we’ll board the Spirit of Cairns for a magical cruise along the Trinity Inlet. Enjoying dinner on the glistening water, it will be a dazzling end to our wonderful tour.

1 night Pullman International, Cairns | 07 4031 1300
Breakfast at hotel | lunch at own arrangements | Dinner Cruise

What an astounding Queensland Outback Adventure experienced over the past 11 days! You have achieved a remarkable feat traveling this vast yet rewarding countryside, spending your days discovering spectacular gorges and picturesque waterways; uncovering unique pioneering history, fossil rich lands and meeting the industrious locals who call this place home. You will now board your flight and arrive home with many everlasting memories to share.

Breakfast at hotel