Welcome to our 12-day tour to the Central West and Coastal Queensland. Sit back and relax as we begin our journey through to the state’s outback. We have a travel day today as we cover the distance through to Roma. It is vast out here, away from the coast – big sky country as they call it. Outback towns; night skies; Bilbies; Stations and Longhorns – there is certainly plenty to see! We continue through Chinchilla to Roma for our first overnight stay. We have time to freshen up before dinner at the motel.

1-night | Roma Explorers Inn, Roma 07 4620 1400
Dinner at the Hotel | lunch  

Experience the vibrant energy and thrill of an authentic cattle auction at Roma saleyards, Australia’s largest cattle selling facility.  Being a sale day, it’s a bustling hub where an impressive number of cattle are brought in for sale.  Exclusive to us, a retired grazier will provide an insider’s perspective during a tour of the yards which also grants us access to the state of the art Interpretative Centre.  Later we set off towards Charleville, the centre of a rich pastoral district.  Did you know that Charleville played a pivotal role in aviation history? In 1919 Ross and Keith Smith landed here with engine trouble on their first flight from London to Sydney.  Settling into our comfortable motel, we then head out to the captivating Cosmos Centre.  The centre is a remarkable blend of technology and imagination which will dazzle us with a celestial journey through the ages, unfolding the mysteries of the night sky.  

2 nights | Mulga Country Motor Inn, Charleville 07 4654 3255
Breakfast & Dinner at the Hotel | Lunch

We embark on a tour of intrigue and discovery this morning as the local expert decodes the secrets behind the Charleville airport and how it came to be a top-secret site during World War II.  Next is the Bilby Experience, a fascinating exploration of Australia’s native animal extinction crisis. Listen as our guide sheds light on the plight of the Bilby and the crucial conservation efforts being undertaken to protect them.  With a touch of luck, we may even have the privilege of witnessing these endearing little creatures firsthand.  As the sun dances high above, we stop in at Hotel Corones to hear the great story of Harry Corones’ journey from rags to riches. Granted privileged access to exclusive areas, we delve into the hidden layers of intrigue of this establishment and the man who built himself an empire.  Returning to our motel, we relish in the well-deserved dinner reminiscing our day’s adventures.

Breakfast & Dinner at the Hotel | Lunch at own cost

Step into a world of whimsy and heartwarming tales when we visit Tambo Teddies this morning.  Stitched with love, we uncover the story of these beloved teddy bears, originally crafted by 3 local women determined to overcome the challenges of low wool prices and the unforgiving grasp of drought. Embark on a tour through the workshop and the world of fluffy wonder before uncovering the rich history of the oldest town in the central west, where time seems to stand still. Continuing on, we find ourselves in Barcaldine, a town steeped in the trials and triumphs of early pioneers and the profound evolution of Australia as a nation. The legendary Tree of Knowledge, an iconic ghost gum stands as a symbol of resilience and political transformation. It was here, under the shade of this iconic tree that the seeds of the Australian Labor Party were sown, forever shaping the country’s landscape. Finally our path leads us into Longreach, where we settle in for the next 3 nights.

3 nights | Longreach Motor Inn, Longreach 07 4658 2322
Breakfast at the Hotel |Lunch at own cost| Dinner at the Woolshed

Our day commences with a glimpse into the heart and soul of the area through the perspectives of local station owners. A warm welcome awaits us at Rosebank Station where we have the privilege of connecting to their stories and gaining an insight into their way of life. We’ll hear of the profound impact they have on the land as well as savour a delicious morning tea.  We then head back into town and visit the Station Store in the main street, housing an amazing range of traditionally made leatherwear and a treasure trove of historic nostalgia. A delightful surprise awaits us with the enchanting performance of the Harry Redford Old Time Tent Show, a celebration of Aussie outback humour and ingenuity.  Drawing inspiration from the traditions of outback travelling shows, we’ll be highly entertained by the characters and animals in this improvised live theatre. 

A Billy Can lunch is provided as we watch.  Later, as the sun descends, casting its golden glow upon the majestic Thomson River, we board our cruise immersed in the tranquil beauty of the river. Disembarking for a traditional stockman’s camp-fire dinner, our authentic experience combines inspiring tales, humorous entertainment and hearty fare as we are transported back to a bygone era where the spirit of the outback comes alive with every flickering flame.  Next, the bush is illuminated by Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show, a unique big-screen presentation featuring the amazing adventures of the notorious cattle thief known as Captain Starlight. Finally, in the gentle ambience of the bush at night, indulge in a timeless favourite – billy tea and damper before heading back to town.

Breakfast at the Hotel |Lunch included | Dinner on tour

Our day begins with a visit to the School of Distance Education that spans an area more than twice the size of Victoria. Here, the playground stretches as far as the eye can see into the expansive outback and the partnership between home and school is nurtured.      Venturing to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame we are treated to the heartwarming Stockman’s Experience. The show intertwines the modern-day realities with tales that date back to another era. Wander the themed galleries that proudly showcase the illustrious history of Australia’s greatest and bravest individuals.  Early afternoon we arrive at the Qantas Founders Outback Museum, a testament to the triumph of human spirit that conquers vast distances. Explore this world-class museum which eloquently narrates the incredible story of Australia’s national airline from its humble beginnings in outback Queensland to its remarkable present day achievements.  Following a freshen up, we head out to Camden Park Station where we’ll meet the welcoming Walker family at their sheep and cattle property, now in their fifth generation. We are hosted to a delicious BBQ dinner in the charming woolshed where the camaraderie and warmth of the evening will leave us with long lasting memories.

Breakfast at the Hotel | Lunch at own arrangements and cost | Dinner at Station

Leaving Longreach, we head off to experience the freedom of the vast open plains and Coolabah-lined creeks. We will see some dramatic and ever-changing scenery around Winton including the “jump up,” a rugged mesa plateau formation that towers above the surrounding plains. Arriving in Winton we visit the newly re-built Waltzing Matilda Centre, a world class museum and art gallery. Following our self-guided tour, we enjoy lunch. Heading to our hotel, The North Gregory, we find an historical building with an impressive past, from the first public performance of Waltzing Matilda to the clandestine meetings that saw the launch of a little airline named QANTAS. Midafternoon we discover the Australian Age of Dinosaurs. Be guided through the largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils and uncover the largest fossil preparation laboratory in the southern hemisphere.  Witness the outback sunset with a drink and a BBQ dinner before returning to Winton.

1 night| North Gregory Hotel, Winton 07 4657 0647
Breakfast at the Hotel | Lunch at the Waltzing Matilda Centre | Dinner at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs

As the morning unfurls, we head to the sprawling cattle and sheep grazing lands of Hughenden. With picnic lunches in hand, we pause to indulge in a delightful outdoor feast before resuming our travels towards Charters Towers, an old gold mining city that is big on history and character. We’ll settle into our hotel and revitalise ourselves before an eagerly anticipated dinner.

1 night | Cattleman’s Rest Motor Inn, Charter Towers 07 4787 3555
Breakfast & Dinner at the Hotel | Picnic Lunch supplied

Have your cowboy hats and boots ready as you arrive at the legendary Texas Longhorns! Enjoy a camp oven cooked damper and billie tea served from the genuine cowboy chuck wagon before touring the custom saddle shop. Uncover the history of this iconic and magnificent breed of cattle whilst spinning yarns with your hosts and friends. After a special morning of discovery, it is now time to hang up our boots, as we express Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays.

3 nights | Colonial Palms Motor Inn, Airlie Beach 07 4946 7166
Breakfast & Dinner at the Hotel | Picnic Lunch supplied

An earlier start to the day has us embarking on a captivating full day cruise through the beautiful Whitsundays. We set sail to Hamilton Island, granting us ample time to explore its wonders. Strolling along the waterfront of Hamilton Island’s famous Front Street and Marina Village, we immerse ourselves in the sights visiting the galleries, doing some shopping and enjoying lunch at the Marina Tavern. Our voyage carries us to the pristine Whitehaven Beach on the uninhabited Whitsunday Island. We uncover the beauty of this unspoilt paradise, adorned with shimmering, untainted silica sand and we may even be enticed to take a refreshing swim in the crystalline blue waters. Returning to the vessel, we delight in afternoon tea as we make our way back to the mainland.

Breakfast & Dinner at the Hotel | Lunch at Marina Tavern

Anticipate another extraordinary day as we are welcomed to the Whitsunday Crocodile Safari. Promising excitement and discovery, our journey begins on a private section of the Proserpine River. The day unfolds in two distinct parts, starting with the Crocodile safari, experiencing a remote and fascinating cruise. We navigate the tranquil waters during low tide, allowing us to witness the mesmerizing sight of local saltwater crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbank. We then gather for a delicious BBQ lunch, replenishing our energy for the next leg of our journey. A wetlands tour is conducted aboard an open-air wagon train, granting us panoramic views of the thriving wildlife that populates the Googanga Plains.  This nationally listed wetland habitat boasts a remarkable array of scenery from lush flood plains to serene saltpans and enchanting melaleuca forests. At the conclusion of this enthralling day, we return to our hotel, filled with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the Whitsundays.

Breakfast & Dinner at the Hotel | Lunch on tour

Today, we bid a fond farewell to the amazing landscapes we’ve witnessed during our outback and coastal tour. It will be with a hint of nostalgia that we board our flight, reliving the moments we shared with bush poets, with the echoes of ancient dinosaurs and with the wildlife we encountered in the communities we visited. Arriving home, we’ll have everlasting memories to share with our friends and family.

Breakfast at Hotel | lunch at own arrangements and cost