Queensland Backcountry

This morning, we’ll enjoy the incredible dedication, work and stories of Downs Steam Railway and Museum, a community based solely volunteer run organisation dedicated to the establishment of a tourist railway for the Darling Downs region. DownsSteam was formed to enable the preservation and active restoration of the last remaining steam locomotive built at the historic Toowoomba Foundry Company, C16-106 Southern Cross Works No. 28 circa 1914.  

It’s then on to the Downs Steam Silver Bullet RM2032, a rail motor that was formerly the Queensland Rail Commissioner’s Inspection Car, for our first train journey of the tour. After arriving late-morning at Brookstead, a typical small community in the famous Darling Downs, we’ll enjoy a light lunch at the local pub before boarding our comfortable Outback Touring Coach to Roma. With air-conditioning, more leg room than usual, a driver guide at the helm and two seats per person, your relationship with our special coach will be a positive one. Along the way, we’ll break for some time at the Miles Museum, the new home of the relocated old Dalwogan Railway Station, where we’ll get to “meet” Loco 944, a class C17 steam engine.

Then it’s on to our hotel to check in and enjoy dinner.

Overnight: Best Western Bungil Creek Motel, Roma (B,L,D)

This morning after breakfast and checking out we’ll board our private coach and embark on a town tour of Roma, home to the heritage-listed Hero’s Avenue, planted with more than 100 bottle trees, each tree commemorating a local soldier who lost their life in WW1. Our tour will include the Roma Saleyards, the largest livestock saleyards in the southern hemisphere. Here, you’ll be lucky enough to experience the energy and excitement of a real cattle auction with up to 7,000 head of cattle being bought and sold.

Later in the morning, we’ll head out to Western Queensland Spirits, the region’s first craft distillery for a delicious lunch featuring local produce, before reboarding our coach and travelling to Injune, located at the foothills of the Carnarvon Ranges. After a short break here, it’s off into the Central Queensland Sandstone belt of the Carnarvon Ranges. Travelling north, we’ll cross the water shed of the Maranoa and into the Dawson River catchment for a spectacular first glimpse of this stunning landscape from the Lonesome Lookout and then sit back and relax on the afternoon drive through the Arcadia Valley.

Upon arrival at Carnarvon Gorge, we’ll check into our accommodation for some down time before dinner.  

Overnight: Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge (B,L,D)

Carnarvon Gorge is an oasis in the semi-arid heart of Central Queensland. Here, towering white sandstone cliffs form a spectacular steep-sided gorge with narrow, vibrantly-coloured and lush side-gorges. Boulder-strewn Carnarvon Creek winds through the gorge. The gorge is home to a range of significant plant and animal species, many of them relics of cooler, wetter times, and the rock art on sandstone overhangs is a fragile reminder of Aboriginal people’s long and continuing connection with the gorge. Ochre stencils, rock engravings and freehand paintings include some of the finest Aboriginal rock imagery in Australia.

After breakfast this morning, we’ll head out to the rangers’ station where the walking trails begin. This is our chance to explore the Lower Gorge section of Carnarvon Gorge with a 2-3 hour return walk to The Moss Garden, arguably the most scenic of all the Gorge’s sites. On reaching the boardwalk that will take us there, you’ll be treated to a cliff line where the base is covered by a lush carpet of mosses, peperomia and ferns and is supported by the largest spring in the Gorge. At the end of the boardwalk your reward awaits! At the Moss Garden, a small waterfall cascades over the sandstone ledge, collecting in a clear pool, lined with colourful rocks and water-carved boulders. Elegant tree ferns create delicate shadows on the carpet of lush mosses, liverworts and ferns. Spend a while here, soaking up the cool atmosphere before embarking on the return journey. For those that would prefer a less active morning, there are alternative options to enjoy the gorge, including the gentler Platypus Walk, or simply find a shady spot and soak up the grandeur.  

Back at the Lodge, you’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch before a free afternoon – laze around the pool or head out on another walk – the choice is yours. Dinner tonight will be served at the Lodge.

Overnight: Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge (B,L,D)

After breakfast and check out we’ll farewell spectacular Carnarvon Gorge, board our private coach and travel back to Roma for a guided tour of The Big Rig for a journey through the twists and drama of the early days of the gas and oil industries in Australia. Discover the history of natural resource exploration in the Roma region as the pioneering story comes alive through interactive exhibits, machinery and equipment displays, and the insights of knowledgeable local ‘Roma Rigger’ guides. Don’t miss the chance to climb the 40-metre Big Rig Tower (via stairs or lift) and experience a day in the life of a rigger!

After lunch we’ll reunite with our coach and follow the Maranoa River into Mitchell. Situated on the river and named after explorer Sir Thomas Mitchell, the town is rich in history and culture, highlighted by the Kenniff Courthouse, where notorious bushrangers Patrick and James Kenniff were tried, and the nearby Arrest Creek monument commemorating their capture. Bushrangers aside, Mitchell is most famous for the Great Artesian Spa, which offers naturally heated waters sourced from the Great Artesian Basin, providing a relaxing and therapeutic experience, so bring your togs!  

After checking into our hotel, we’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight: Cambridge Motel, Mitchell (B,L,D)

After an early breakfast and check out, we’ll transfer to the railway station to board the Queensland Rail twice-weekly Westlander Rail Journey from Mitchell to Charleville, where the Darling Downs meets the Mulga Country of Southwestern Queensland. We’ll enjoy some morning tea on the train before arriving just before noon. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Charleville Bilby Experience, a volunteer-run Bilby breeding facility funded by the ‘Save the Bilby Fund’ and horses in the old Charleville Railway Station. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the nocturnal house (where they alter the timing so that the bilby’s night is during the day) and see some super cute bilbies during their night-time activities. After an engaging talk by one of the keepers you will understand more about the plight of this delightful eco-engineer and exactly why they are worth saving from extinction.

Our coach will then take us on a town tour, before settling into the iconic heritage-listed Corones Hotel for lunch. This establishment is steeped in history. Built in the early 20th century, it reflects the opulence and optimism of Australia’s outback during the region’s wool boom. Named after its founder, Harry Corones, a Greek immigrant with a larger-than-life persona, the hotel became famous for its grand architecture, luxurious accommodations, and vibrant social scene. Blending Art Deco and classical design elements, with ornate interiors and a sweeping staircase. It has served as a social hub, welcoming notable guests like royalty and celebrities, for many years. While enjoying lunch, we’ll be treated to a talk to learn about its fascinating history and the legacy of Harry Corones.

After checking into our accommodation, we’ll make a visit to the WWII Secrets Base, an interactive exhibition centre outlining Charleville’s role during 1942-1946. Learn why Charleville was chosen as the location, and experience for yourself what life was like for 3500 United States Army Air Force personnel stationed in Charleville in 1943. Enlist yourself at our brand new interactive, educational exhibit, showcasing; Ocean voyages, Top Secret information, classified missions, wartime romances and command your own bombing mission from inside a simulation B-17 Bomber.

Early in the evening, we’ll visit the Charleville 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 before returning to our hotel for dinner.

Overnight: Mulga Country Motor Inn, Charleville  (B,L,D)

This morning after breakfast and check out, it’s off to be inspired by the farmer who turned a long-term dream into reality with a tour of the Charleville Date Farm, an Australian, family run fully working date plantation.  Learn how dates grow and how reclaimed water came to be used for this environmentally friendly project. Best of all, you’ll enjoy a delicious date loaf for morning tea. 

Back on our coach, we’ll head west to Quilpie, with a stop at Lake Houdraman, a beautiful expanse of water set amongst shady gum trees on the outskirts of the town and part of The Lake goat station. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of the property and some lunch before taking a look around the township of Quilpie, including visiting St Finbarr’s Church, with its altar held up with rocks of opal!

After arriving at our unique farm-stay accommodation, there’ll be some time to relax before enjoying an exclusive sunset tour to nearby rolling red sandhills where the contrasting outback colours dazzle. After a big day of activities, enjoy a gourmet paddock-to-plate dinner experience with drinks included.

Overnight: Toogunna Plains Farmstay, Quilpie  (B,L,D)

This morning after a hearty breakfast, you’ll be treated to an exclusive station tour of Toogunna Plains to learn the history of this 4th generation family-owned 130,000-acre sheep and cattle property situated in tough Mulga country. After lunch, take some time to relax and soak up the panoramic views of this vast open plain.  

Later this afternoon, we’ll travel to Eromanga, famous for being Australia’s furthest town from the ocean, and home to Australia’s largest dinosaur. You’ll have the chance to get up close to a 95-million-year-old dinosaur bone on the Australian Dinosaur Giant’s Tour at the Eromanga Natural History Museum, and enjoy the Interpretive Corridor and Multi-Media Theatre Experience before enjoying a degustation dinner at the Museum, complete with drinks paired to the menu.

Overnight: Toogunna Plains Farmstay, Quilpie  (B,L,D)

Today is a long travel day and you’ll be pleased with the amenities of our touring coach.  After breakfast and check out, we travel to Longreach, often referred to as the gateway to the outback. Steeped in history and culture, the town is best known as the birthplace of Qantas, Australia’s national airline, with the Qantas Founders Museum celebrating its aviation heritage. Longreach is also home to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, a tribute to the pioneers of the outback. 

Our journey itself is one of wonder, as we witness the transition of the Mulga, sand dunes and extensive flood plains of the Channel Country into the vast open plains of Longreach.  Along the way, you’ll enjoy learning the stories and folklore of the Mithaka people and the explorers and pioneers around Cooper Creek, and there’ll be some time to explore the quaint town of Windorah and enjoy a picnic lunch. Following the Thomson River, you’ll pass through the outback towns of Jundah and Stonehenge, experience the pre-historic feel in “Jump-Up” country (a landscape of mesas, gullies and steep escarpments), and  the ecological wonder that is the Mitchell Grasslands.

Upon arrival in Longreach, we’ll check into our hotel, our home for the next three nights. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Saltbush Retreat Outback Cabins, Longreach (B,L,D)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll explore the fascinating themed galleries at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and discover inspiring stories of our pioneering heroes.  Living in the Australian bush is not always easy, even today the challenges of distance and environment continue to shape the people who call it home. The stories captured and retold at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame are our country’s history and they remain as compelling and inspirational as they have always been.

Later in the morning, we’ll board Outback Aussie Tours’ fully restored heritage 2000 class rail motor to the one pub town of Ilfracombe.  Feel the freedom and romance of rail come together in the vast open plains before disembarking in Ilfracombe to explore the unique attractions in “the Hub of the West” like the Wellshot Centre, the Machinery Mile and enjoy lunch at the famous Wellshot Hotel.

We’ll return to our hotel after lunch for a short break and then in the late afternoon, join a guided Airpark tour at the world-class Qantas Founders Museum. As the sun sets take a seat for the entertaining and informative Luminescent Longreach Sound & Light Show, which brings the 100-year-story of Qantas to life, followed by an exclusive dinner surrounded by aviation history. 

Overnight: Saltbush, Longreach (B,L,D)

This morning after breakfast it’s back on our heritage rail motor to head west and take in a different perspective of the country as we encounter wildlife and bring alive the numerous waterholes, passing scrub and grasslands with its incredible natural and cultural heritage.  Stops along the way will include a short guided Mulga walk, where you’ll learn of bush medicines and the secrets of the Leander Sand Ridge, a prominent geological and ecological feature of the region – a distinctive red sand ridge supporting unique flora and fauna and is part of the traditional lands of the Iningai people, adding cultural significance to its natural heritage. Then it’s on to the Darr River waterhole for a homemade morning tea before returning to Longreach for some free time and lunch at a favourite local restaurant. 

After a relaxing afternoon, it’s all aboard our train again to soak up the romance of the rail on our Silvertails Sunset Rail Adventure. Settle in and watch the sun set while enjoying complimentary canapes and a bar to purchase your favourite tipple.

Tonight, dinner is under the stars beside the Coolibah-lined Thomson River at Smithy’s. Enjoy full table service while being entertained by our talented outback performer.

Overnight: Longreach Motor Inn, Longreach (B,L,D)

This morning after breakfast and checking out, it’s across to the railway station to enjoy an up-front view of Queensland’s captivating outback, in air-conditioned comfort on board the Spirit of the Outback. From the comfort of your seat, you’ll wonder at the ever-changing landscape while enjoying lunch and afternoon refreshments at your seat. As the Spirit of the Outback makes its way east through heritage townships and history of early Australia, soak up the captivating comfort on board of the Spirit of the Outback, arriving in the evening into Emerald.

We’ll enjoy a light dinner at the hotel after checking in.

Overnight:  Maraboon Gardens Motor Inn, Emerald (B,L,D)

We depart Emerald this morning by coach but before we leave, we’ll visit the Blackwater International Coal Centre to gain an insight into this billion-dollar industry.

Continuing our journey east, we’ll stop in at the Mount Morgan Railway Museum. Here you will get a sense of the history of rail in Queensland and even see the railway equipment at the former station. Step back in time and experience how life and travel used to be through audio-visual displays and a 3D screening of the fascinating history of the rack railway.

After lunch at the Grand Hotel, we continue on to Rockhampton and the 100-year-old Archer Park Rail Museum for afternoon tea, where we’ll learn more about the history of rail-based transportation in this major central Queensland town. 

After checking into our accommodation, there’ll be some time to relax before dinner at the nearby Ribs and Rump Restaurant.

Overnight: Empire Apartment Hotel, Rockhampton (B,L,D)  

This morning after a very early checkout, you’ll take your Business Class seat on one of the fastest trains in Australia, the Tilt Train, to Brisbane, complete with a breakfast pack from our hotel. You’ll have lunch on the train as you head toward the end of an incredible outback journey filled with great heritage rail experiences and the best natural and cultural wonders of Western Queensland, arriving in Brisbane just before 3.00pm. 

END OF TOUR (B, L)