Aussie Outback Explorer

DAY 1

(flight inclusive) Morning departure on Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow

DAY 2

Arrive Sydney early evening, private coach transfer into the city. 3 nights at a 4-star Hotel near Central station. .

DAY 3

Free day to explore Sydney, your included Opal Pass gives unlimited travel on trains, ferries, trams and buses.

DAY 4

Excursion by rail to Katoomba in the scenic Blue Mountains for the spectacular "Scenic World" funiculars and cableway.

DAY 5

Morning departure by rail from Sydney north and along the coast to Casino then by coach to Brisbane for two nights hotel stay.

DAY 6

At leisure in Brisbane, why not use the FREE "City Hopper" ferry service along the river for the sights or take an optional escorted tour by rail and bus to Ipswich Railway Museum.

DAY 7

Afternoon departure on the "Spirit of the Outback" train. Relax as you enjoy private sleeping compartments, included meals in the dining car and an exclusive lounge car.

DAY 8

We continue through small outback towns and rugged terrain to arrive Longreach in the afternoon. Overnight Longreach Motor Inn, across the road from the station.

DAY 9

Visit the Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach is where the airline first started before departure by private coach to Winton for two nights at a heritage hotel in the centre of town, Dinner is taken in the authentic retro dining room.

DAY 10

Today we explore Australia's rich Dinosaur legacy with a visit to Lark Quarry National Monument where some of the best preserved fossils were discovered. After free time in the town and a look at the Age of Dinosaurs Museum we have dinner at the museum and observatory.

DAY 11

After a look at the Waltzing Matilda Centre ("Banjo" Patterson who composed it lived in Winton) we continue our journey through the remote and rugged outback by private coach to Mount Isa.

DAY 12

Relax over a full day in Mount Isa, we visit the Isa Experience giving at insight into the history of this mining town before heading out to Lake Moondarra for sunset drinks and canapes

DAY 13

This morning board a small mail-plane for a flight over the Gulf of Carpintera to Normanton, flying low enough to enjoy the views. After lunch in the town we drive to Karumba for two nights stay. Evening meal is taken in a restaurant where we witness the spectacular sunset over the Gulf.

DAY 14

A morning at leisure or take an optional bird-watching tour. We gather late afternoon for a sunset dinner cruise to Sun Island in the Gulf sampling the local speciality fish dish - banana prawns.

DAY 15

Drive to Normanton's 1889 station for an incredible journey on the once-a-week Gulflander railcar over the totally isolated Heritage-Listed 94 mile line to Croydon with occasional stops to drop off mail or to allow wandering animals to cross the track. After lunch in Croydon we drive to the quiet and remote out-station of Cobbold Gorge Resort where dinner is served on the deck of the restaurant.

DAY 16

Excursion by boat through the strangely sculptured walls of dramatic Cobbold Gorge, lunch included at Cobbold Village. Afternoon visit to a cattle ranch for an outback barbie, optional helicopter ride over the property.

DAY 17

Transfer by road to Einasleigh for lunch at the historic pub before boarding the vintage "Savannahlander" railcar on its once a week run over remote outback lines, (look out for wildlife on-route) to Mt. Surprise where there is an afternoon tour of the incredible lava tubes. Stay overnight at Undara Lava Tubes in restored railway carriages, dinner included.

DAY 18

After breakfast rejoin the Savannahlander to resume our journey through the amazing outback scenery. Lunch at the Almaden Railway Hotel, afternoon tea at Dimbulah before descending from the Atherton Tablelands past Barron Falls, (photo stop) to the coast at Cairns for three nights stay.

DAY 19

We drive north, calling at the Port Douglas market before arriving at Mossman Gorge for a stroll through the beautiful tropical rainforest. We return to Cairns via Kuranda and the Skyrail Gondola ride affording wonderful views over the rainforest and out to the Coral Sea.

DAY 20

We take a tour of the region passing sugar cane fields then up the steep Ghillies Highway calling in at a mining museum and on to the Herberton Steam Railway for a ride behind a 1905 British-built loco* (steam may be substituted for diesel) to the amazing historic village with its 60 restored buildings and vintage farm machinery.

DAY 21

Morning at leisure or take an optional morning half day tour by Catamaran to Green Island at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef where you can take a glass bottom boat or semi-submersible trip for the best views of the reef. Afternoon transfer to Cairns Airport for the early evening flight to Singapore, connecting onwards to London Heathrow arriving the following morning.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner