Tropics To Outback Treasures

Arrive in tropical Cairns, the perfect launch point for your Outback Queensland adventure. Tonight, meet your Savannah Guides Operator driver, host, and fellow guests over a relaxed welcome dinner at the Coral Hedge Brasserie Restaurant.

Departing Cairns, we’ll follow the coastal route via Babinda before heading inland to Millaa Millaa Falls. Stroll the short rainforest path to view this magnificent, heritage-listed cascade as it drops into a pristine waterhole.

Continue to Forty Mile Scrub National Park on the northern edge of the McBride Plateau for a short break in this unique pocket of dry rainforest.

Arrive at Undara Experience for a picnic lunch, then join a Savannah Guide for an afternoon tour into the Undara Lava Tubes—part of one of the longest lava-tube cave systems in the world and the remnants of volcanic eruptions that began around 190,000 years ago.

After the tour, travel west through Gulf Savannah country and pause in Georgetown, a classic goldfields-and-grazing service town with deep outback roots. Arrive at Cobbold Gorge Village in the early evening for check-in and dinner.

Catch the heritage Rail Motor from Longreach for a one-way Great Darr River Rail Run tour before boarding the coach to Darr River Downs Station.  Learn the evolution of the pastoral industry on a private tour and enjoy lunch with the owners of this heritage listed homestead. 

This afternoon be prepared to be impressed with the changing landscapes as we travel to Winton. 

After dinner at the iconic North Gregory Hotel, we wander next door to the Royal Open-Air Theatre built in 1937, where you can sit back and enjoy a classic movie under the stars!

Travel via Einasleigh Pub and Copperfield Gorge, where the river has carved striking basalt pools.

Continue to the Lynd Junction Roadhouse, often billed as one of Australia’s smallest towns.

Take in sweeping views from Porcupine Gorge Lookout, nicknamed Australia’s “Little Grand Canyon,” before heading west to Richmond.

Late afternoon, visit Kronosaurus Korner, Australia’s premier marine fossil museum, to see rare relics of the ancient inland sea, from giant marine reptiles to fossil fish and shells.

Head further west through open downs country and the Ayrshire Hills, a striking stretch of country on the approach to Winton. Explore the award-winning Waltzing Matilda Centre, the only museum dedicated to a song. Visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils. Join local dinosaur enthusiasts for a guided tour of the working Laboratory and Collection Room where these prehistoric giants are brought to life.

Travel to Longreach, arriving late afternoon to settle into your accommodation.

Board the Great Darr River Rail Run, travelling by heritage rail motor across sweeping grasslands to the Darr River waterhole. Enjoy billy tea and homemade treats as your guide shares stories of bush tucker and traditional plant uses.

Back in Longreach, you have the option to visit the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum, or to explore downtown Longreach.

Late afternoon join the Drover’s Sunset Cruise on the Thomson River then take your seat at Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show for a fabulous night under the stars.

After breakfast, it’s time to farewell your travel companions and guides who’ve shared this epic Outback Queensland journey. Transfers are included to Longreach Airport or Railway Station for your onward travel.