Queensland Backcountry

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll head off to marvel at the incredible dedication, work and stories of the DownsSteam Railway and Museum, a heritage steam railway operation run by volunteers dedicated to preserving and showcasing Queensland’s rail history through scenic rail journeys. 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.  

After enjoying some time wandering at leisure, we’ll board the DownsSteam Silver Bullet RM2032, a rail motor that was formerly the Queensland Rail Commissioner’s Inspection Car, for our first train journey of the tour, complete with morning tea served on board.  After arriving 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 for the journey 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.

Upon arrival in Roma, we’ll check in to our accommodation and enjoy dinner together.

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 an up close and personal look at the Roma Saleyards, the largest livestock saleyards in the southern hemisphere. If we’re lucky, we may even get to experience the energy and excitement of a real cattle auction with up to 7,000 head of cattle being bought and sold.

After an early lunch in a local restaurant, we’ll reboard our coach and travel to Injune, located at the foothills of the Carnarvon Ranges. After a short break here, we’ll continue north into the range, crossing the watershed 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 spectacular Arcadia Valley.

Upon arrival at our accommodation in the Gorge, we’ll check in and enjoy 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, with towering white sandstone cliffs forming a spectacular steep-sided gorge with narrow, vibrantly-coloured and lush side-gorges. With the boulder-strewn Carnarvon Creek winding through the gorge, it 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. Later, we’ll travel to Nianda Station to see the sunset against the backdrop of Mount Carnarvon. As the escarpments glow pink and red with fiery colour we’ll enjoy drinks and canapés before returning to the lodge for dinner. 

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!

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. 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 housed 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, 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, stopping for a picnic lunch at the Visitor Information Centre where you’ll have time to explore its museums and art gallery. We’ll then enjoy a locally guided tour of Quilpie, revealing the town’s stories and visiting St Finbarr’s Church, with its altar held up with rocks of opal! 

By late afternoon we’ll arrive at our unique farm-stay accommodation in the heart of channel country, 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 5th 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 our accommodation.

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

This morning after breakfast we’ll board our privately chartered fully restored heritage 2000 class rail motor operated by our friends at Outback Aussie Tours 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. Stop along the way for a short guided Mulga walk along the Darr River, where you’ll learn of bush medicines before a homemade morning tea. From here we’ll continue on 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:  Longreach Motor Inn, 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.

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. Relax in your private cabin or mingle in the club car as the train makes its way east, you’ll wonder at the ever-changing landscape while enjoying onboard meals that showcase country hospitality.  

Overnight: The Spirit of the Outback (B,L,D)

You’ll have breakfast 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 midday. 

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