Essence of the Outback

Be met on arrival in Cairns and transferred to your hotel. This evening, a relaxed welcome dinner provides the perfect opportunity for you to meet your fellow travellers.

Travel to the authentic cattle station of Woodleigh Station for lunch, which has been family-owned for five generations. Continue to Undara Volcanic National Park and set out on a guided discovery of the intriguing lava tubes. The mysterious lava tubes and caves are the result of a massive volcanic eruption that occurred 190,000 years ago. The Undara tubes are some of the longest in the world, and are home to a unique array of native Australian plants and animals.

Signature Experience – Undara Lava Tubes

Embark on the Archway Explorer tour through the mysterious Undara Lava Tubes. Be guided through the mesmerising lava tubes, the result of a volcanic eruption that spewed molten lava down a dry riverbed. The outer layer formed a crust, and when the lava below drained away, a series of long, hollow tubes remained.

Journey to the historic goldrush town of Croydon and visit the True Blue Interactive Information Centre, home to an array of heritage items and sculptures. Continue to Karumba and end your day with a special Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Karumba Sunset

Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise in Karumba and indulge in a selection of local king prawns as you take in the sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Set off for Mount Isa, commonly referred to as the ‘oasis of the outback’. En route, stop to see the Purple Pub, one of the most iconic hotels in the north of Australia. Here, take a photo with Krys the Croc, a life-size statue of Australia’s largest-known saltwater crocodile measuring 8.64 metres long.

Located on the banks of the Leichhardt River, Mount Isa is a melting pot of culture and industry. A tour of Hard Times Mine reveals its history as you enter the Alimak Cage with your guide and descend into the mine. Donned with overalls and cap lamps, you'll see how the tunnels are formed and shaped by the drills and mucking units. Feel the earth tremble and cover your ears as you have a go at using the air-leg drill.

Embark on a drive to the outback town of Cloncurry. After some time here, visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre – the first museum in the world dedicated to a song, which also includes a nostalgic light and sound show in the Billabong Theatrette. Within the centre, there is also the Qantilda Pioneer Place Museum, which honours the accomplishments and hardships of Winton's pioneers. After time exploring these exhibits, wander the Outback Regional Gallery, which houses a range of beautiful individual and touring artwork. Later, arrive in Winton in time for dinner.

Travel to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs exhibition and enjoy a Signature Experience. Continue to Lark Quarry to visit the Dinosaur Track-ways exhibit, known as one of the most concentrated set of dinosaur footprints in the world. Here, find more than 3,000 individual footprints, from small ornithopods to large theropod dinosaurs, preserved on a trackway surface roughly the size of a tennis court.

Signature Experience – Dinosaur Fossils

Visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs exhibition for an exclusive experience with APT, where you will enjoy working with recently unearthed dinosaur fossils in a specialised laboratory. See 100-million-year-old bones and learn how professional tools are used.

Visit the Qantas Founders Outback Museum, an award-winning museum that tells the story of Qantas through interactive exhibits and original and replica aircraft. Then head to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre, dedicated to the custodians of the bush and Australia's pioneering history. Located in the town of Longreach, the beautifully constructed museum is an iconic feature of the Queensland Outback. And since its opening in 1988, the Hall of Fame has provided an authentic Outback experience for more than one million interstate travellers.

Signature Experience – Drover's Breakfast Cruise

Start your morning with a leisurely breakfast cruise aboard the M.V. Longreach Explorer. Discover the stories behind the sacred Iningai Scar Trees along the banks of the mighty Thomson River, and how Longreach received its name. While on board, savour a light breakfast selection of fruit, pastries and other local delights.

Signature Experience – Ultimate Outback Dinner Experience

Experience the ultimate dinner adventure. Begin your evening with the mesmerising Silver-Tails Sunset rail journey, soaking in the breathtaking sunset over the floodplains while indulging in signature canapés and drinks aboard a heritage rail motor. Then, immerse yourself in the unforgettable Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show experience under the stars, savouring a delectable two-course camp oven themed dinner, freshly baked damper and billy tea.

Set off for Carnarvon National Park. Along the way, stop at the famed Tree of Knowledge, known as the founding site of the political movement that helped to create the Australian Labor Party. Arrive in Springsure, set in a beautiful valley which hosts remarkable Mount Zamia and Virgin Rock overlooking the town.

During a half-day exploration, take in the landscapes of Carnarvon National Park, including the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge. As you explore the area, admire its soaring sandstone cliffs, vibrantly coloured gorges and diverse wildlife. Visit the Moss Garden where a small waterfall cascades over the sandstone ledge, collecting in a clear pool, lined with colourful rocks and water-carved boulders. Spend awhile here soaking up the atmosphere.

This morning, visit Minerva Hills National Park, keeping an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, wallaroos and wallabies as you explore this rugged and scenic landscape. Continue on to Emerald, stopping to view the Emerald Historic Railway Station, a reminder of the town’s origins as a key hub for the western railway, established in 1879.

While in Emerald, see the famous Van Gogh Sunflower Painting installation and take time to wander through the Botanic Gardens, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of this regional centre and gateway to the Sapphire Gemfields.

This evening, check in to the Mayfair in Emerald, where you’ll stay overnight, and enjoy dinner at the property in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Travel to Clermont this morning. Established in 1862, the town was the first inland settlement in the tropics and is one of the most historic towns in the region. Afterwards, enjoy a lunch stop at Belyando Crossing, bring your appetite and savour a local lunch. Continue onto Charters Towers today. Established as a gold rush town in 1871, it quickly grew to become the second-largest town in Queensland. Admire the beautiful heritage buildings as you make your way to the Cattleman's Rest Motor Inn for an overnight stay.

On the way back to Cairns, stop at Paronella Park, nestled amid heritage gardens and 13 acres of lush Australian rainforest. Situated on the banks of the crystal-clear waters of Mena Creek, this unique attraction also features a Spanish-inspired castle. After time exploring the castle ruins and grounds, continue to the Shangri-La Hotel in Cairns. This evening, celebrate the end of your journey during a final farewell dinner.

Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Be transferred to the airport for your onward flight home.