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	Outback Queensland/NSW Spectacular   Departs:  Monday, 27 July 2020     Duration:  26  Days Tour Number: 3230     Price:    $8980 p.p. twin share Travel Club $8531 p.p. Single Supplement $2650 Deposit $620 p.p. Balance Due 16th June, 2015   BEST VALUE FOR MONEY TOUR AVAILABLE FROM ADELAIDE WITH NEW EXCITING TOUR INCLUSIONS   Tour Cost Includes: Breakfasts on all mornings except day 1 All evening Meals except day 8 & 16,  6 Lunches Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary Does not include the cost of options on day 16.  HOME PICK UP AND RETURN   THIS TOUR WILL BE IN A 24 SEAT SPECIAL PURPOSE COACH Note Limited Luggage Space, Luggage Size & Weight Restrictions  Suit Case/Soft Bag Max Size Must not exceed 140 cm Height 80cm x Width 40cm x Depth 30cm Weight No more Than 15 KG Walking Frames on Application, And May Not Be Taken   All Touring in 5-star Luxury Coach ~ Video/Toilet/Air-cond.                                               For Bookings Contact                                             Brett or Staff(08)8261 4891 Or email: info@austwidetours.com.au         For availability, please contact the office.     Book Now       Print Flyer      Make an Enquiry    Email to Friend          26 day Queensland/NSW Outback  July 27-August 21,  2020   Highlights Wirrarri Centre, Qantas Museum & Stockman's Hall of Fame, Cobb and Co Stage Coach Ride, Drovers Outback Dinner, Waltzing Matilda Centre, Australian Age of Dinosaurs , Mount Isa, Cobbod Gorge Cairns, Charters Towers, Emerald, Roma, Lightening Ridge   DAY 1  (D):  DAY 1 (D): ~ Your chauffeured car will pick you up from home and drop you at Our Aust-wide tours Depot 101 Muller Rd Hampstead Gardens for our 7am departure. We travel through Port Wakefield, Snowtown and Crystal Brook for our morning cuppa then continuing on to Port Augusta we travel through the Pichi Richi Pass to Quorn, onto Hawker, Parachilna, Leigh Creek and Lyndhurst and finally Maree with time to freshen up before dinner. Marree Hotel 08 8675 8344   DAY 2 (BLD): ~ BIRDSVILLE For those early risers you may want to do an early morning Flight before we depart Marree. (own Cost). The Birdsville Track is a notable outback road in Australia. The 517 kilometres (321) track runs between Birdsville in south-western Queensland and Marree, a small town in the north-eastern part of South Australia. It traverses three deserts along the route, the Strzelecki Desert, Sturt Stony Desert and Tirari Desert. We pack the coach and travel along the famous Birdsville Track to Birdsville, with some Comfort Stops along the Way Birdsville Hotel 07 4656 3244   DAY 3 (BD): Today We discover Birdsville, we drive out to Big Red, a 40 metre high sand dune marking the symbolic eastern edge of the Simpson Desert.. Discover the Burke and Wills Tree on the Diamantina River and see the Birdsville Racetrack. the Wirrarri Centre to view local artists' work in their extensive gallery and explore the Inland Hospital ruins. And have some time to wander at your own leisure.   DAY 4  (BLD):  BIRDSVILLE ~  LONGREACH WE make our way  through Betoota, Windorah and Jundah to Longreach, a town which has played a significant role in the early development of central Queensland and outback Australia.  On arrival we settle into our motel for the next two nights. Albert Park Motor Inn, Longreach:  Ph 07 4658 2411   DAY 5  (BD):  LONGREACH This morning we visit the Qantas Founders Outback Museum, adjacent to the historic 1922 Qantas hangar, which has been restored as part of the project.  The complex houses the museum, theatrette and exhibition hall, visitor information centre and restaurant.  Historic photographs, memorabilia and multi-media interactive displays eloquently tell the inspirational stories of overcoming the problems of long distance travel in Outback Australia.  A Boeing 747-200, donated by Qantas Airways Ltd, is the latest addition to the exhibit, and forms a spectacular part of the museum's outdoor display. Our guided tour provides us with an appreciation of the vision and achievements of the Qantas Founders, which was "that Qantas would one day become one of the world’s greatest airlines".  This afternoon Outback pioneers for a Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience you’ll travel in a restored stagecoach, first at a leisurely pace through town and then full-tilt along a stretch of the original Longreach-Windorah mail route. the pounding hooves of the magnificent horses on the outback dirt road. Hear the rattle and creak of the coach. Hold on to your hat for the only stagecoach gallop in Australia. We then break for smoko before we see Australian Classic Bush Movie and an old time tent show. This evening soak up the sunset with the Drover’s Extravaganza Dinner.  Be charmed by our outback entertainers and savour the traditional outback-themed cuisine .  This will be a memorable evening.   DAY 6  (BD):  LONGREACH  ~  WINTON This morning we visit the Stockmans Hall of Fame.  Here we will see outback antiques, videos that make use of modern technology to tell old stories, an 1866 settlers hut, and all the stockman’s paraphernalia is on show.  We depart Longreach and make our way to Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum. The Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History is home to the world's largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils, including some of our most famous such as Australovenator (Banjo) and Diamantinasaurus (Matilda). Located on top of a huge mesa plateau near Winton called "The Jump Up", a wonderful attraction in itself with huge rocky outcrops, cliffs, canyons. While we are there we have a special Sunset Dinner before making our way to Winton and our motel for a well earned rest   Winton Out Back Motel (07) 4657 1422   DAY 7  (BD):  WINTON  ~ MT ISA This central region of Queensland abounds with early Australian folklore and history.  It was in this area that Banjo Paterson wrote his famous poem about the swagman and the jolly jumbuck, and “Waltzing Matilda” was first heard in a pub in Winton.  The Waltzing Matilda Centre is the only centre in the world dedicated to a song!  The complex, costing more than $3 million, was opened in 1998 and was architecturally inspired by the homesteads of outback Queensland.  We will spend a fascinating few hours in the centre.  There is a café within the complex where we can purchase lunch.  This afternoon we go express to Cloncurry, passing a couple of famous outback pubs in this region, one being the Blue Heeler at Kynuna.  We then travel past Dagworth Station, where Banjo Paterson stayed when visiting the region, and where the famous ballad was supposedly penned. The other famous pub is the Walkabout Creek Hotel at McKinlay, where the opening scenes of Crocodile Dundee were filmed.  Continuing through Cloncurry we make our way to Mt Isa where we will stay for the next 2 nights. Burke And Wills Motel :  Ph 07 4743 8000   DAY 8   (B) MOUNT ISA After a hearty breakfast we set out to discover “The Isa”.  Visit the underground hospital for a new perspective on health care.  During World War II, the Mount Isa community feared they would be a target, and precautions were taken to protect their hospital in the event of an air raid.  The miners gave their time, and the underground hospital was established in 15 weeks, and see the Beth Anderson Museum, which is the entrance building to the underground hospital. We have time for lunch in the centre of mount Isa before visiting The award winning “Outback at Isa” Centre provides the experience of a lifetime, with the Isa Experience Gallery capturing the very essence of Mount Isa and its colourful history before returning to the motel.   DAY 9  (BD):  Mt ISA  ~  NORMANTON We depart Mt Isa and travel through Cloncurry which has a name for being Australia’s hottest spot (one of the reasons we are travelling during the spring months!)  Continuing our journey, we head north along the Burke Developmental Road to Normanton to our accommodation.  After checking in to our motel we take a Gulf Sunset Cruise at Karumba of approximately two hours.  We cruise up the river, past the wharves, the whole time receiving a comprehensive history of the boats and area, stopping for photos and to feed the eagles, brahminy kites, ospreys and any other birds we may find.  Then it’s out into the Gulf to view the spectacular sunset, with a glass of wine and some nibbles.  We return to the Normanton to the motel.Gulflander Motel:  Ph 07 4745 1290   DAY 10  (BD):  NORMANTON  ~  MOUNT SUPRISE This morning we join the Gulflander Train for a special charter ride from Normanton to Blackbutt.  This will be a true rail adventure on the old “Tin Hare” Railmotor – one of the last great characters of rail travel anywhere in the world!  After lunch, we travel east through the old gold mining town of Croydon to Georgetown.  Croydon was a large pastoral holding covering an area of approximately 5,000km², when first settled in the 1880s.  Gold was discovered in 1885 and by 1887, the town's population had reached 7,000.   Gold was to be the main economic production of the area for four decades.  The Mining Warden left in 1926 as there were too few miners left on the field.  During its heyday, Croydon was the fourth largest town in the colony of Queensland.  Georgetown is a town on the Etheridge River.  The Gulf Developmental Road passes through the town, linking Cairns to the east, and Normanton to the west.  The Etheridge River was the site of a gold rush in the 1870s; and the town of Georgetown was established on the site of the diggings.  Originally known by the name Etheridge, the town's name was changed in 1871 to honour an early gold commissioner, Howard St George.  By 1900 grazing had replaced gold mining as the region's primary source of income, and we continue to Mt Surprise for the next 2  nights. Bedrock Holiday Village:  07 4062 3193   DAY 11  (BD):  MOUNT SUPRISE   This morning we drive east.  Just past Mount Surprise, we enter the Undara National Park. We have arranged a morning tour of the Undara Lava Tubes - amazing underground tunnels formed thousands of years ago when the volcano Undara erupted, and the tunnels were formed by the lava flow. Returning to Mount Surprise, we board the Savannahlander in Mount Surprise, thenback and relax for your two-hour rail journey,your way through the heart of cattle country to the quaint outback town of Einasleigh. We have stop at the outback hotel for a refreshment before visiting the fascinating Copperfield Gorge. Here you'll learn abouthistory and geology of the region. On your return bus journey, we'll stop among riverbank trees and boil the billy for afternoon tea.   DAY 12  (BLD) MOUNT SUPRISE ~  COBBOLD GORGE Today we make our way to  Cobbold Gorge. Cobbold Gorge is a breathtaking natural wonder, tucked away within the rugged standstone formations of North Queensland. Located on a private property, access is by guided tour only. Starting with an informative insight to the geology of the rugged sandstone formations, followed by a guided bushwalk to the top of the escarpment and a magnificent view of the gorge below (not compulsory). We then board custom-made, electric powered boats and glide in almost eerie silence ensuring minimal disturbance to the wildlife.  We have time to put up our feet before dinner. Cobbold 07 4062 5470   DAY 13  (BLD) COBBOLD GORGE ~ MAREEBA Departing Cobbold we back track to Georgetown and Mount Surprise. We make our way to Mount Garnet for our lunch break (included).  After lunch we make our way to Malanda and visit Nerada Tea Plantation for a talk and a look around. We discover how tea is grown and processed, see the factory, buy factory-fresh tea or a special gift.  Time to wander to Mareeba for our overnights accommodation  Jackaroo Motel 07 4092 2677   DAY 14 (BD):  MAREEBA ~ CAIRNS What makes Atherton so special is the combination of its geographic location in the Tropics (between 400 and 1100 metres), its pleasant climate and the volcanic activities that have shaped large parts of its landscape.  One of the most dramatic examples of this is Lake Barrine –a beautiful volcanic Crater Lake.  We enjoy morning tea, then a cruise on Lake Barrine.  The 40-minute, 6km cruise provides a close-up view of one of the most complex and amazing rainforest eco-systems in the world.  We make our way to Atherton for lunch, first stopping to visit the Curtain Fig Tree.  This is the most amazing tree you are ever likely to see.  It is a picture of a century of natural history, a unique example of nature's unpredictability and power.  After lunch we visit Jaques Coffee Plantation, viewing the plantation, processing and roasting factory while coffee production is explained.  Moving along, we travel to our accommodation in Cairns. Ibis Styles Cairns 07 4051 5733   DAY 15  (BD):  KURANDA One of the “must do” tours in Cairns is a trip on the historic Kuranda Train for the spectacular ride up the range to the famous tropical plant-clad Kuranda Station.  Our train journey takes us through the magnificent Barron Falls National Park.  See the stunning Barron Falls, picturesque valleys, rain forest, as well as railway bridges and tunnels built over a century ago.  Perched above Cairns on the top of the range and surrounded by World Heritage Listed Rain Forest is the village of Kuranda.  The town is full of art and craft shops. After lunch, we board the fabulous Skyrail Rainforest Cableway which takes us across the rooftop of World Heritage Listed rainforest area and back to the coastal plain.  Stretching 7.5 kilometres across the rainforest canopy, Skyrail is the world’s longest gondola cableway.  The views are spectacular.  We stop off during our descent to visit a rainforest interpretive centre, and take a short walk along the boardwalk through the rainforest.  Then returning to the Motel   DAY 16  (B):  CAIRNS Today is a completely free day to recharge the batteries and soak up the sun, or you may wish to take an optional tour of the Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree (own expense).  The Ibis Styls has more details of tours you may wish to take. There are restaurants within easy walking distance of the Motel   DAY 17  ( BD):  CAIRNS  ~  TOWNSVILLE Today we say farewell to Cairns and travel south along the coast.  Our destination today is Townsville, so sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery of this section of the coast. First stop this morning is historic Paronella Park.  What an amazing place!  Created in the 1930’s by Spanish immigrant Jose’ Paronella, this once thriving social and entertainment centre is today still enjoyed by visitors from near and far.  Protected by the National Trust, Paronella Park is what remains of a magnificent castle surrounded by acres of gardens, modelled on the best botanic gardens of Europe.  We enjoy an early lunch before continuing south through Tully, the wettest place in Australia (but only during the wet season!).  On our journey south we visit the Frosty Mango – a roadside café selling local produce, including a tasty range of tropical fruit ice cream!  Mid afternoon we arrive in Townsville; the third largest city in Queensland.  Townsville is the port for the agricultural and mining production of the vast inland region of Northern Queensland. This afternoon we take a scenic drive along The Strand and head up to Castle Hill Lookout for some fantastic views across to Magnetic Island before checking into our accommodation.       DAY 18  (BD):  TOWNSVILLE  ~  CHARTERS TOWERS We board the coach and make our way to Charters Towers On arrival we call into the  Zara Clark Museum It Boasts most impressive memorabilia and artefacts, with displays on everything from the military presence during WWII, to medical history and agricultural equipment. We have time to wander in the town centre for lunch before we visit Located on the outskirts of Charters Towers, the Venus Gold Battery. It offers an insight into an amazing real life gold rush of the late nineteenth century. The Battery is of national cultural significance as the largest surviving Battery relic in Australia and the oldest surviving Battery in Queensland and our last stop for the day will be the towers hill lookout before making our way to the motel. Cattleman's Rest Motor Inn - 07 4787 3555   DAY 19 (BD):  CHARTERS TOWERS `~  EMERALD We farewell Charters Towers  an make our way to Emerald via Clermont. We will lunch break before we view the Clermont Railway Station and Murals. Back on the coach we make our way the motel   Maraboon Motor Inn 07 4982 0777   DAY 20  (BD):  EMERALD ~ ROMA We start the day with a visit to the visitor information centre, which is surrounded by interesting and unusual sculptures and artefacts here is an excellent Aboriginal canoe tree, an Historic Precinct with a number of historic buildings, the Centenary of Federation Mosaic Pathway and the huge Van Gogh Sunflowers painting. Late morning we make our way to Roma for our next 2 nights accommodation. We have time to see the  Night Show Sunset Experience, As the sun sets relax under the outback skies as you are taken on a 35 minute sound and light journey to learn of the entertaining trials and triumphs of early industry men and women in Roma. Roma Explorers Inn 07 4620 1400   DAY 21   (BD):  ROMA We start the day with a trip to a local property. Called El Dorado and view local vegetation and wildlife. Learn about local pastoral practices and history of the owners pioneering family. Get up close with some of the animals. Wander through the relaxing garden and view the amazing collection of petrified wood. Returning to Roma we visit the Big Rig. Discover the unique history of how and where the Australian oil and gas industry originated, and a  tour through The Oil Patch outdoor Museum. We also view Three Dimensional Mural, which gives a concise and interesting overview of the history, industry and culture of Roma and its district. Next we call into the Roma Court House is a impressive building which was opened in 1901. This heritage listed building replaced the original structure which was opened in 1873 for the trial of the infamous cattle duffer, Harry Redford alias Captain Starlight who had stolen 1,000 cattle and driven them to South Australia.   DAY 22  (BD):  ROMA ~ LIGHTNING RIDGE We pack the coach and make our way to St George for a Boat Cruisethe Balone River, we sit back and enjoy the tree lined riverbank on returning to the boat ramp we have time for lunch we hop on the coach and Join the Castlereagh highway through Diranbandi and Hebel to Lightning Ridge for our next 2 nights accommodation.  Wallangulla Motel Ph 02 6829 0542   DAY 23 (BD): LIGHTNING RIDGE This morning we have a local guide in tow we discover the many hidden gems of this fascinating town. We visit Fred Bodel’s hut, the oldest miner’s camp in the area and the Historic Three Mile Flat, the site of the early miners’ settlement. We learn about the historic opal mining techniques at Lunatic Hill Open Cut, then travel back to town for an opal cutting demonstration. The hand built Amigo’s Castle and Bevan’s cactus gardens, the largest variety of cacti in Australia. Chambers of the Black Hand. It has taken the miner 18 years to complete the carvings so far and the evolving process will see even more sculptures and chambers added to the tour. Visit the John Murray Art Gallery. Later take a therapeutic soak in the naturally heated thermal baths, allow the water to soothe your aches after a day of sightseeing while you enjoy the serenity. After the busy day we have time for a rest before dinner.   DAY 24  (BD):  LIGHTNING RIDGE ~ COBAR Departing Black opal country we make our way to Bourke via Walgett and Brewarrina. On Arrival in Bourke we visit the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre, Enjoy the interactive stories of the Inland Sea, CEW Bean, the Wool story, Riverboats, conflict and much more.  After lunch we have a drive around Bourke and visit the Cemetery to have a Gander at Fred Hollows Grave and Memorial. Our next place to visit is Cobar, we arrive in time to freshen up before dinner at the motel Cobar Motor Inn: Ph 02 6836 2304   DAY 25  (BD):  COBAR ~ BROKEN HILL Our port of call is the Fort Bourke Hill Lookout & New Cobar Open Cut Gold Mine before making our way to the Cobar Heritage Centre. Built in 1910 as the Administration Building for the Great Cobar Copper Mine, this imposing structure now houses the town's Heritage Museum which focuses on mining, agricultural and Aboriginal history, we have time to look through the Centre. join the Barrier Highway for our drive to Wilcannia, Which was once known as Queen City of the West, and the site of the original Resches Brewery. the town has seen better days! stop for our late lunch at the Wilcannia Golf Club lunch we continue to Broken Hill, Dominating this town is the “Line of Lode” – the seven kilometre strip of what was the biggest of , lead and zinc in the world. modern mining towns, where the accommodation is built well away from the mine activities, Broken Hill’s population, in the pick and shovel days, built their houses as close as they could to their work. , one of the best views of the town is from the top of the Line of Lode. Desert Sands Motor Inn 08 8088 4172   DAY 26: (B)   BROKEN HILL  ~  ADELAIDE This morning we pack the coach and make our way home from Broken Hill stopping for a cuppa at Yunta then lunch at Burra (own expense) Arriving back in Adelaide at approx. 5.00pm where your car will be waiting to Take you home