Day 1- Melbourne to Sydney

Make your own way to your nearest airport this morning to join your flight to Sydney. On arrival, you will be transported to your airport hotel for your night’s accommodation.

Day 2- Sydney to Narrabri

We depart Sydney this morning, heading north-west along the M1 and then join the New England Highway as the city gives way to open countryside. As we pass through the rolling landscapes of the Upper Hunter, the drive becomes increasingly relaxed and scenic. By midday we arrive in Muswellbrook, a convenient halfway point and a good place to pause for lunch. After lunch, we return to the highway and continue north through small towns and wide stretches of rural countryside, eventually transitioning onto the Kamilaroi Highway as we approach the northwest. As the afternoon light settles over the fields and ridges, we make our final approach into Narrabri, arriving at Southern Cross Narrabri (Ph: 02 6792 3838) with time to settle in and enjoy the slower country pace. (L,D)

Day 3- Narrabri to Mitchell 

Leaving Narrabri in the morning, we set out westward along the Kamilaroi Highway as the town gives way to quiet stretches of farmland and open country. The road carries you through a sequence of small rural communities before we cross the border into Queensland, where the landscape gradually shifts into wider plains and long, straight stretches of highway. By midday we reach St George, a welcoming riverside town on the Balonne, and make your way to the Australia Hotel for lunch. It’s a comfortable place to pause, enjoy a hearty meal, and take a break from the road. After lunch we continue north-west toward Mitchell, the drive easing into relaxed outback scenery as the afternoon light settles over the open country, eventually bringing you into town ready for the next part of your journey. Overnighting at Cambridge Motel (Ph: 07 3810 2170). (B,L,D)

Day 4- Mitchell to Longreach

Step into a world of whimsy and heartwarming tales when we visit Tambo Teddies. Stitched with love, we uncover the story of these beloved teddy bears, originally crafted by 3 local women determined to overcome the challenges of low wool prices and the unforgiving grasp of drought. Embark on a tour through the workshop and the world of fluffy wonder whilst enjoying lunch. At Ilfracombe we have time this afternoon to “wet the whistle” at the famous Wellshot Hotel. From here it’s onto Longreach, a town which has played a significant role in the early development of Central Queensland and Outback Australia. Arrive at the Longreach Motor Inn (Ph: 07 4658 2322) where you will be able to unpack for the next 3 nights. (B,L,D)

 Day 5 – Longreach Legendary Attractions

Today’s adventure starts as we uncover some national treasures at the QANTAS Founders Outback Museum. The historic photographs, memorabilia and multimedia displays bring the inspirational stories of our famous pioneering airline to life. From here we visit the iconic Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame to experience the Outback Stockman’s Show. The show encompasses modern day aspects of being a stockman, as well as telling the tales of the past. Heading back to town we really step back in time – Kinnon & Co in the main street.  Their Station Store has an amazing range of traditionally made leatherwear and a treasure trove of historic nostalgia. Upon arrival, we will join the in-depth experience on Outback Pioneers’ sunset cruise which was the original Thomson River Cruise and is still the favourite with its historic ‘Thomson Belle’ paddlewheeler or ‘Thomson Princess’ riverboat and its traditional riverbank entertainment, including a stockmen’s dinner around the campfire. As the sun goes down, the river is a peaceful environment of reflections and colour – perfect for photos. Then step ashore at our riverbank site and gather around the crackling fire for tales and bush poetry. Watch Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show featuring our exclusive movie about the adventures of Captain Starlight (aka Harry Redford). Enjoy an outback dining experience, entertainment and stories. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Winton

Today we see some dramatic and ever-changing scenery as we make our way to Winton. The area was once home to dinosaurs and is full of groundbreaking scientific discoveries and archaeological digs. Today we’ll have the opportunity to learn about this prehistoric phenomenon at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs. The centre hosts the largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils and the largest fossil perpetration laboratory in the Southern Hemisphere. We enjoy morning tea here before heading into the township.  It was here in Winton that Banjo Paterson wrote his famous poem about the swagman and jolly jumbuck and ‘Waltzing Matilda’ was heard for the first time in the North Gregory Hotel. We visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre, the only museum in the world dedicated to a song and enjoy lunch here before travelling back to Longreach. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Longreach to Carnarvon Gorge

Departing Longreach this morning we retrace our steps to Barcaldine, a town steeped in the history of the early pioneers’ struggles – and the evolution of Australia as a nation. It was here that the famous shearers’ strike of 1890 took place. The “Tree of Knowledge” monument next to the Barcaldine Railway Station marks the spot where the Australian Labour Party was formed. From Barcaldine, it’s onto Alpha for our lunch.  Alpha, known as “The Gateway to the West”, is an interesting mix of historic and modern buildings, changed by fire, flood and progress over the years. It was established in 1884 to serve railway construction workers and is still an important station on the line to the Central West. We continue our journey today to a fantastic scenic location and our accommodation for the next 2 nights at the Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge. (Ph: 07 4984 4503). (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Carnarvon Gorge

Carnarvon Gorge is one of Queensland’s most stunning natural attractions, offering a lush oasis set within rugged sandstone cliffs and dense eucalypt forests. This gorge, located within Carnarvon National Park, is known for its towering cliffs, rich cultural history, diverse wildlife, and vibrant landscapes. As you enter the gorge, you’ll notice the dense greenery that contrasts beautifully with the arid landscape of central Queensland. Carnarvon Creek flows through the gorge, providing a vital water source for the abundant plant and animal life found here. Fern-lined pools, palm groves, and small waterfalls are scattered throughout the gorge, adding to its serene beauty. The creek also creates natural swimming spots, such as the Rock Pool, where visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip surrounded by the forested scenery. The walking trails in Carnarvon Gorge offer a variety of experiences for hikers of all levels. The main gorge track is the most popular, taking visitors past many of the key features, including the Moss Garden, a shaded green alcove fed by a small waterfall, where mosses, ferns, and other water-loving plants thrive. Another popular stop is the Amphitheatre, an impressive, hidden cavern accessible through a narrow, laddered passageway. Inside, the natural acoustics and the play of light on the sandstone walls create a sense of awe. Further along the main track, you’ll find the Wards Canyon, a cool, fern-filled haven with tall, lush foliage and unique King Ferns that only grow in a few places in Australia. This area provides a stark contrast to the dry surrounding landscapes and offers a cool escape, especially in the warmer months. The Boowinda Gorge, a side gorge with high, winding walls, is another beautiful spot to explore, with its smooth, twisting rock formations shaped by years of water flow. Wildlife enthusiasts will find Carnarvon Gorge teeming with life. The park is home to a diverse range of species, including kangaroos, rock-wallabies, echidnas, and over 170 species of birds. Birdwatchers are often drawn here to spot species such as the whiptail wallaby, the rare Carnarvon fan palm, and rainbow bee-eaters. At dusk, the White-Naped Rock Wallabies can often be seen emerging from the rocky cliffs, making it a prime time for wildlife spotting. Today is a free choice day where you can relax and recharge around the resort. Your driver will explain your options and run a regular shuttle service to and from the park’s visitor’s centre where you can learn more about the area and receive further guidance from a park ranger should you wish to do your own self-guided experience. There is also the option for a scenic flight over the area in either a light plane or helicopter (subject to availability). Many of our guests choose this optional extra to truly experience the grandeur of the park and save their legs! (B,L,D)

Day 9 – Carnarvon Gorge to Roma

From Carnarvon Gorge we head south to Roma, taking a look at Heroes Avenue where 93 bottle trees were planted memorialising the local men lost in the First World War. Each tree originally bore a brass plaque stating the name of the fallen soldier, however only one of these plaques survives and is on a cairn outside the post office.  After dinner this evening we head out for tonight’s entertainment – Roma’s Big Rig Night Show. The Night Show is an outdoor cinema with an interactive display depicting a traditional oil rig site. The show itself is thoroughly entertaining, giving an overview of the discovery of Oil and Gas in Roma and the progression of the industry in Australia. Tonight is at Roma’s Explorers Inn (Ph:07 4620 1400). (B,L,D)

Day 10 – Roma to Narrabri

Departing Roma in the morning, we begin your journey southeast, traveling through the vast pastoral landscapes of western Queensland. As you leave the heart of the Maranoa region, you’ll pass through expansive cattle stations and rich agricultural land, with fields of sorghum, wheat, and barley lining the route. Travel along the Warrego Highway before turning south onto the Carnarvon Highway, which stretches through the scenic outback plains. Along the way, stop in St George, a charming riverside town on the banks of the Balonne River, for a morning tea break. Known for its cotton farms, vineyards, and relaxed country charm, St George offers a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy the tranquil water views. Continue south towards Hebel, a small but historically rich border town with a quirky, rustic pub and a strong connection to the legendary bushranger Ned Kelly. Cross the Queensland-New South Wales border and enter the rugged beauty of outback New South Wales, where the road leads into the Moree Plains Shire. Approaching Moree, you’ll notice the transition into fertile farmlands, famous for their artesian hot springs and rich cotton industry. Pause for an hour to enjoy the opportunity to soak in the natural Moree Artesian Baths (don’t forget your swimmers!), which have been renowned for their therapeutic waters for over a century. Continue on to Narrabri for your night’s accommodation at Southern Cross Narrabri. (B,L,D)

Day 11- Narrabri to Sydney then flight home

All good things must come to an end so, as we retrace our steps back to home, stopping for morning tea, lunch at Aberdeen and a break before the Sydney traffic, we hope you have been filled with wonderful new memories of your journey through the magnificent Queensland Outback. Thank you for choosing to travel with us. (B,L)