Travel Dates
Departing 17th Aug 2020
Tour Provider: APT
Region:
Duration: 14 Days
Day 1.Arrive Cairns
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. Accommodation: Cairns, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina Meals: Dinner
Day 2. Woodleigh Station, Undara
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. Accommodation: Undara Experience Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3. Undara, Karumba
Today, set off on the legendary Gulflander Train, originally built to connect the once bustling river port of Normanton with the gold fields of Croydon. This nostalgic rail journey is the perfect way to discover an area rich in pioneering history and heritage. From grasslands and wetlands to barren Savannah territory, the Gulflander travels through countryside rarely seen by the average traveller. Accommodation: Karumba, End Of the Road Motel or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4. Mt Isa
Set off for Mt 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. Accommodation: Two Nights, Mt Isa, Red Earth Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5. Mt Isa
Located on the banks of the Leichhardt River, Mt 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. Feel the earth tremble and cover your ears as you have a go at using the air-leg drill. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6. Cloncurry, Winton
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. Later, arrive in Winton in time for dinner. Accommodation: Winton, Boulder Opal Motor Inn Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7. Lark Quarry, Longreach
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. Accommodation: Two Nights, Longreach, Saltbush Retreat Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8. Longreach, Thomson River Cruise
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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9. Carnarvon National Park
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 Carnarvon Gorge, set beneath a canopy of gum trees. Accommodation: Two Nights, Carnarvon National Park, Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10. Carnarvon National Park
During a half day exploration, take in the landscapes of Carnarvon National Park, including a scenic helicopter flight over the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge. admire its soaring sandstone cliffs, vibrantly coloured gorges and diverse wildlife. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11. Minerva Hills National Park, Emerald
View Minerva Hills National Park, keeping an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, wallaroos and wallabies. Afterwards, continue on to Emerald. Established in 1879 as a base for building the western railway, the town is a gateway to the Sapphire Gemfields. Accommodation: Emerald Maraboon Motor Inn Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12. Charters Towers
Travel to Charters Towers today. Established as a gold rush town in 1871, it quickly grew to become the second-largest town in Queensland. Admire its heritage buildings on your way to the Heritage Lodge Motel. Accommodation: Cattleman’s Rest Motor Inn Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13. Paronella Park, Cairns
On the way back to Cairns, stop at the stunning Paronella Park on the banks of the pristine Mena Creek. Home to 13 acres of lush Australian rainforest and heritage gardens, this unique and eco-friendly attraction also features a Spanish-inspired castle. After some time exploring these beautiful grounds, continue on to the five-star Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina for a Farewell Dinner. Accommodation: Cairns, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14. Depart Cairns
Your holiday comes to an end after a final breakfast this morning. Bid farewell to your Tour Director, Driver-Guide and new-found friends before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight home. Meals: Breakfast
Join an epic 4WD adventure and journey deep into Queensland's Savannah country to discover fascinating geological wonders and historic mining towns. Wander through the Undara Lava Tubes, travel on the Gulflander Train and explore Carnarvon Gorge.
Your Guided Holiday Includes:
Price is based on 19 June 2020 departure only
Tour Highlights
Be A Palaeontologist For A Day
Sunset On The Thomson River
Epic Carnarvon Gorge
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.