Queensland Outback Escape

We depart Brisbane and fly west passing over St George and on to our first stop, Charlotte Plains. This is a family-owned and operated sheep station and campground, near Cunnamulla – Queensland.

Originally spanning approximately 155,920 hectares, Charlotte Plains Station was established in the 1860s. The family has opened their back yard for you to enjoy the Artesian Hot Springs and offer a naturally heated water park for guests wishing to soak in the warm mineral-rich water, while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

In addition to the Hot Springs, you can take an authentic Australian outback guided tour of the property, providing an insight into sheep station life. There is also a spectacular array of birds and other animals to spot around the area.

In the afternoon we depart this ‘oasis in the Outback’ for our next destination, Eromanga, and the Natural History Museum which is the home of Australia’s largest Dinosaur. You will have the opportunity to have a private tour with an experienced guide of their workshop, laboratory, and collection centre, followed by a unique dinner experience with the ‘giants of the past’.

Overnight at the Coopers Country Lodge – Studio Room

This morning, we head further West to Birdsville flying over the vast Channel Country with its ever-changing landscape. On arrival our Birdsville Sights Tour takes in all of the prominent attractions worth seeing in this unique little town.

Learn about the fascinating Geothermal Power Plant that once powered the township, the old Royal Hotel built in 1883 and historic now ruins, the Frontier Services Building (the local hospital) that was only decommissioned in 2006, just to mention a few before heading over the Diamantina to the Racetrack, home of the famous Birdsville Races.

After lunch at the famous Birdsville Hotel, we head out to Big Red. Standing at 40 metres tall, and situated just 35 kilometres from Birdsville; the famous Big Red Sand Dune provides a challenge for any four-wheel drive enthusiast. The first of 1,140 parallel dunes in the Simpson Desert. As Big Red looms your guide will prepare the vehicle for the steep ascent up the tallest sand dune in the region. With spectacular views in every direction, enjoy some time to explore and take in the beauty of this distinctive environment.
When you return to the airport we then fly North to Winton in central Queensland situated on Western Mills Creek, an intermittent tributary of the Diamantina River. Settled in 1873 and originally called Pelican Waterholes, it became a village in 1875 and a town in 1879. It was later renamed after Winton, England, the birthplace of its postmaster.

Late afternoon you will depart on the ‘Rangelands Rifts and Sunset Tour’ which is located at the jump-up (mesa) region of Rangelands Station, where erosion has created narrow channels (rifts) through the rock. Explore these rift formations before enjoying the spectacular views from the sunset lookout while enjoying nibbles and a glass of wine at sunset.

Overnight at the North Gregory Hotel – Deluxe Room.

Today you will journey with our local guides, through Winton’s mesa country to see a snapshot of an ancient environment and dinosaur footprints from many years ago. Along the way we will go off the beaten track to enjoy some of the magnificent country this region has to offer – we drive onto a working cattle station to see Merton Gorge and its lookouts.

At the Dinosaur Stampede you will have a guided tour of the footprints and have time to stroll around the spinifex walking track.
Arriving back at Winton late afternoon you will be able to step back in time and visit The Royal Theatre, which is one of only two of its kind still operating in Australia. Built in 1918 the Royal is a rare gem.

By night-Sit back under the stars on the canvas seats for a classic movie from the past. (Seasonal).

Dinner back at The North Gregory Hotel, which is more than just a hotel, it’s where Banjo Paterson’s Waltzing Matilda was first performed in 1895. The North Gregory is an art deco masterpiece and an attraction itself. Many more significant historical events happened here, while plenty of famous faces have enjoyed the hospitality at this legendary hotel of yesteryear. Pull up a chair in the beer garden and soak up the sights, enjoy a meal in the Daphne Mayo dining room.

Overnight at the North Gregory Hotel – Deluxe Room.

After a leisurely breakfast your local guide will point out the highlights of the town including the Waltzing Matilda Museum, where you can ‘step back in time’ and experience some true Australian History.

The Great Shearers Strike of 1891, the birthplace of Qantas and Banjo Paterson’s balladic tale of a jolly-but-ill-fated sheep-swiping swagman is one the entire nation has long held close to its heart, and Waltzing Matilda was penned in (well, just outside of) Winton. The museum and gallery feature an exhibition space dedicated to the song, and a much larger exhibition hall that weaves in other local narratives. There’s even more to see out the back in the Qantilda Museum Park.

In the afternoon we depart Winton for our next destination of Longreach. Checking in at Outback Pioneers’ heritage accommodation, ‘The Stables’ designed by the Kinnon family to immerse you in the outback pioneering world.

Late afternoon you will be transferred to the Thomson River for our Starlight’s Cruise Experience. The cruise is followed by a hearty stockman’s dinner around the campfire with bush poetry, then the Starlight’s Spectacular Sound & Light Picture Show.

Overnight at The Stables – Studio Room

Enjoy an early gourmet buffet breakfast. Afterwards we’ll pick you up for the Nogo Station Experience, which tours Longreach before heading out to the Kinnons’ historic station. Your Kinnon host will take you on an insiders’ journey of station life, including the merino story in the wool shed, Captain Starlight’s stockyards, and their amazing station safari by open-top, double-decker bus to spot outback animals. Finish the morning’s adventure with a saddle-bag lunch and billy-tea by the gidgee campfire.

Following lunch, you will have the opportunity to visit The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, known as the ‘Sydney Opera House of the bush’ and is now a leading global attraction.

Finally, you will visit the Qantas Founders’ Museum where you will have the opportunity to tour the Museum and go on an Airpark Tour. This will take the group through the history of Aviation and Qantas in Australia. Enjoy getting up close to some classic aircraft types including the Boeing 747, 707, DC-3 and Super Constellation.

Freshen up at your accommodation before your Stonegrill Dining Experience.

Overnight at The Stables – Studio Room

This is the highlight of a trip to Longreach for many guests! Meet at ‘The Welcome Home’ for your gourmet buffet breakfast. Watch the harnessing of the stagecoach horses, then see our Town Crier announcing the day’s activities including the famous Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience. This experience includes a stagecoach ride along the old Longreach to Windorah mail route, home-baked ‘smoko’ (scones and tea) in our tearoom, followed by a classic Australian movie.

After a short break you will be ‘taken back in time’ to the pioneer era, where people flocked to the tent shows whenever they arrived in town. This show is inspired by the simple fun and humour of those days. Of course, times have changed, and we shudder at some of the original exhibits, but we’ve still managed to pack in plenty of quirky humour and a few animal antics. With a very loose connection to the Harry Redford story, this show will give you a-laugh-a-minute outback style! Enjoy a billy-can lunch while you watch the Old Time Tent Show.

Enjoy some free time before your return trip to Brisbane after what has been quoted as ‘The best Outback experience ever.’