Queensland by Rail

Wednesday 03 September

Morning depart Auckland on Air New Zealand. On arrival transfer to your central city hotel. Rest of the afternoon free. This evening a welcome dinner 

Thursday 04 September

After breakfast depart from Roma Street Rail Station on the first leg of your train journey, “The Tilt Train” to Marybourgh where a short coach journey takes you to the coastal town of Hervey Bay.            

Friday 05 September

Discover the world’s largest sand island on a one-day 4WD tour. Accompanied by an experienced local guide to see K’gari’s iconic sights such as Lake McKenzie, World Heritage-listed rainforest, 75 Mile Beach, Eli Creek and the historic Maheno Shipwreck.

Saturday 06 September

This morning travel by coach to Bundaberg for a visit to both the Bundaburg Ginger Beer and Rum breweries. After dinner, board your overnight train “the SPRIT of the OUTBACK’, where you have a sleeper cabin, meals included. 

Sunday 07 September

Today this iconic train journey takes you through the heritage towns of Barcaldine, Emerald, Blackwater to arrive into Longreach (population 3500) late afternoon. Transfer to our hotel in Winton, for our two night stay.

 The Heart of the Outback - Winton and Longreach

Longreach is a town that celebrates the spirit and heritage of the Australian outback. Here, you can explore the history of aviation at the Qantas Founders Museum, learn about the lives of the pioneers at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, and enjoy a cruise on the Thomson River.

Winton has played an outsized role in Australian life - it’s where ‘Waltzing Matilda’ was first performed, and it was the birthplace of the country’s flag carrier airline. Lunch at the famous North Gregory Hotel.

Monday 08 September

We have a morning tea tour to the Rangeland Rifts which consist of the most amazing rock formation caused by natural erosion. Free time after this morning tour.  Later in the day a visit to the Age of Dinosaurs Centre, the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils.

Tuesday 09 September

A visit to the Waltzing Matilda Centre and learn the story of Banjo Patterson’s classic – “Waltzing Matilda”. We have lunch at historic North Gregory Hotel, then a drive to Longreach for another two night stay.

Wednesday 10 September

This mornings first visit is to The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre is Australia’s premier outback heritage institution. There are themed galleries, a 20 minute movie and a live show. Later in the afternoon depart on a Thompson River sunset cruise then relax under the stars with table-service dining featuring camp-oven themed modern cuisine and live entertainment

Thursday 11 September

After breakfast will be a visit to the Qantas Museum.In the afternoon depart on a flight to Townsville. On arrival there will a transfer to our central city hotel.

Friday 12 September

The day starts with an orientation tour of the city leaving the afternoon free to further explore the city at leisure. Maybe take a trip out to Magnetic Island or visit the Great Barrier Aquarium which is the world’s largest living coral-reef aquarium.   

Saturday 13 September

Today, join a mid-morning departure on your third train “The SPIRIT of QUEENSLAND” with an early evening arrival into Cairns.

Sunday 14 September

Depart on a fast catamaran directly from Cairns to the far outer reef where a stable pontoon  provides snorkelling, scuba diving, helicopter flights, glass boat, semi-sub tours or snorkel, dive or helmet dive with our crew.

Lunch, morning & afternoon tea served on board with complimentary water & tea/coffee. Bar available on board to purchase drinks and snacks.

Monday 15 September

Today a tour of Cairns city and surrounds leaves the afternoon free to visit the shops or just relax. Farewell dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

Tuesday 16 September

After breakfast transfer to the airport for a late morning departure on Air New Zealand to arrive in Auckland early evening.