13 Day Queensland Gulf Country Tour
Dotted with geological wonders, historic mining towns and untouched landscapes, the Gulf Country has plenty to offer. Discover this unique area as we travel from Brisbane to Cairns via the outback.*
Sunday 13 June - Friday 25 June 2021
Day 1
Brisbane to Roma
Sun 13 June 21 (D)
Welcome to our fantastic tour from Brisbane to Cairns exploring outback towns Longreach, Mount Isa, Karumba and the stunning Lawn Hill National Park. Today is a full day on the coach as we travel to Roma. Sit back and enjoy a smooth and comfortable ride while getting to know your fellow travellers (lunch at own expense / dinner included).
Day 2
Roma to Longreach
Mon 14 June 21 (BD)
We have a travel day ahead as we make our way to Blackall, home of the legendary “gun shearer” Jackie Howe. He set the unbelievable record of shearing 321 sheep with blade shears in a day. A bronze statue now stands as a monument to the man and the achievement. We arrive in Longreach, a place where welcoming locals are ready to share a laugh and a good story. Tonight, we enjoy Luminescent Longreach, a spectacular light and sound experience where the story of Qantas is projected onto the mighty Boeing 747 (breakfast & dinner included / lunch at own expense).
Day 3
Longreach to Winton
Tue 15 June 21 (BLD)
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 enjoy a visit and lunch at the Waltzing Matilda Centre, the only museum dedicated to a song. The world class museum and art gallery has a strong focus on the Australian landscape, channel country, the women of the homesteads and livestock/wool industries of the outback (breakfast & dinner included / lunch at Waltzing Matilda Centre).
Day 4
Winton to Mount Isa
Wed 16 June 21 (BD)
We have a travel day ahead as we make our way through Winton and Cloncurry to Mount Isa. Nestled among the ochre-red Selwyn Ranges and set on the banks of the Leichhardt River, the town has a rare mix of culture and industry. Mount Isa is home to one of the most productive single mines in world history and also the largest rodeo in the southern hemisphere (breakfast at North Gregory Hotel / dinner included / lunch at own expense).
Day 5
Mount Isa
Thu 17 June 21 (BD)
Our morning is spent at the incredible Outback at Isa. We’ll be fascinated from the moment we meet our tour guide who has worked as a miner for most of his life. After kitting out in overalls and cap lamps, we descend into the mine in the Alimak Cage as our guide tells tales of life underground before getting up close with the machinery and seeing how tunnels are formed and shaped first-hand. Back on the surface, we will be captivated, educated and entertained by the Riversleigh Fossil Centre and Outback Park before free time in Mount Isa this afternoon (breakfast & dinner included / lunch at own expense).
Day 6
Mount Isa to Adels Grove
Fri 18 June 21 (BLD)
Today we express to Adels Grove located just outside of Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. Set amidst a plantation of exotic trees, Adels Grove is a true oasis and a fantastic place to refresh and relax. We finish our day with drinks and nibbles on Harry’s Hill as we watch the beautiful sunset in this unique country (breakfast, lunch & dinner included).
Day 7
Adels Grove
Sat 19 June 21 (BLD)
We have a full day to discover the stunning Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. With its emerald waterways winding through lush foliage and towering red sandstone walls, this national park ticks all the boxes for a postcard-worthy remote outback escape. Boarding our electric pontoon boats, we begin by meandering along the Lawn Hill Creek to indulge in the most stunning sights of the Lawn Hill Gorge. Take in views of the soaring gorge walls and the natural spa bath at the Indarri Falls. What an incredible day! (breakfast, lunch & dinner included).
Day 8
Adels Grove to Karumba
Sun 20 June 21 (BLD)
We have a travel day ahead as we make our way to Karumba on the edge of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Tonight we dine at the Sunset Tavern, a wonderful spot to enjoy dinner and absorb the evening’s beauty (breakfast & dinner included / packed lunch included).
Day 9
Karumba
Mon 21 June 21 (BD)
After a relaxed morning, we visit the Barramundi Discovery Centre. Enjoying a morning tea here, we meet our guide who will unveil the life cycle of the Barramundi. Take the opportunity to taste some of the ‘swimming locals’ at Ash’s @ the Point Café before time at leisure. This evening, make sure you have your camera packed as we board the Crab & Croc Cruise. Watch the sky turn into pops of bright colours upon the reflective waters, while sipping on a glass of wine with nibbles. Sunsets are renowned in this area and tonight we will see why (breakfast & dinner included / lunch at Ash’s@the Point Cafe).
Day 10
Karumba to Georgetown
Tue 22 June 21 (BD)
We make our way to Normanton and enjoy the sights before boarding The Gulflander to Critters Camp. The historic train takes us on a journey ‘from nowhere to nowhere’. We are back on the wide open road with the coach this afternoon as we make our way to Georgetown. With comfort stops along the way, we’ll arrive at the hotel in time for dinner (breakfast & dinner included / lunch at own expense).
Day 11
Georgetown to Cairns
Wed 23 June 21 (BLD)
Today we head to Undara National Park, set in pristine Savannah Woodlands. We enjoy a tour of the Undara Lava Tubes. These amazing underground tunnels formed thousands of years ago when the volcano Undara erupted and the tunnels were gouged out by the lava flow. What an amazing geological experience! We continue to Cairns, the bustling heart of Tropical North Queensland (breakfast & dinner included / lunch at Undara Lava Lodge).
Day 12
Cairns
Thu 24 June 21 (BD)
This morning we board the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and embark on our gondola journey down the mountain and across the rooftop of the tropical rainforest. Stretching 7.5km along the rainforest canopy, the views are spectacular. We finish at the unique rainforest village of Kuranda. We have time to explore the village before an afternoon at leisure in Cairns. We enjoy a beautiful farewell dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront with views of the Trinity Inlet and surrounding mountainside (breakfast included / lunch at own expense / dinner at Dundee’s Restaurant).
Day 13
Cairns to Brisbane
Fri 25 June 21 (B)
With our bags packed we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Brisbane. We arrive home with new friends and amazing memories of our incredible holiday (breakfast included / lunch at own expense).