Queensland By Rail

Wednesday 16 September

Morning departure from Auckland on Air New Zealand. On arrival transfer to your central city hotel. Rest of the afternoon free. This evening a Welcome Dinner. 

Thursday 17 September

After breakfast depart from Roma Street Rail Station on the first leg of your train journey, ‘The Tilt Train’ to Maryborough. On arrival a short coach journey takes you to the coastal town of Hervey Bay. 

Friday 18 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 19 September

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

Spirit of the Outback Cabins 

• A single berth cabin includes a washbasin , mirror and small wardrobe. 
• Twin cabin contains two seats which convert to beds by night, two wardrobes and a full-length mirror, a table and washbasin with mirror.
• Both cabin categories have shared toilet and shower facilities.

Sunday 20 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 your hotel. 

 The Heart of the Outback: 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. 

Monday 21 September

This morning’s first visit is to The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre  - 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 Thomson River sunset cruise, then relax under the stars with table-service dining featuring camp-oven themed modern cuisine and live entertainment.

Tuesday 22 September

After breakfast, visit the Qantas Museum. Then a drive to Winton for another two night stay. 

Wednesday 23 September

This morning a visit to the Age of the Dinosaurs Centre, the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils. Enjoy lunch at the historic North Gregory Hotel, allowing some time for a stroll down the main street this afternoon. Later this afternoon, a visit to the Waltzing Matilda Centre and learn the story of Banjo Patterson’s classic – ‘Waltzing Matilda’. 

After dinner return to the Age of the Dinosaurs Centre to experience the Gondwana Stars Observatory. Winton is an officially designated ‘dark sky sanctuary’, exceptional for stargazing.

Thursday 24 September

Enjoy a morning tea tour to the Rangeland Rifts which consist of the most amazing rock formation caused by natural erosion. In the afternoon depart on a flight to Townsville. On arrival transfer to your central city hotel.

Friday 25 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 one of the many museums.   

Saturday 26 September

Today, join a mid-morning departure on your third train ‘The Spirit of Queensland’ with an early evening arrival into Cairns.

Sunday 27 September

Today is a free day. You may like to take the optional day tour to the outer Great Barrier Reef. Or take the day at your leisure - visit the shops, one of the many museums or just relax. Farewell dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

Optional Great Barrier Reef Excursion -  approx. AUD 300 per person Full-day trip to the far outer reef, board a stable pontoon to snorkel, take glass-bottom boat rides, and explore one of the world’s natural wonders. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea served on board. Return to Cairns marina late afternoon (transfers not included but can be added for an additional charge). Other reef activities – scuba diving, semi-sub tours, helmet dive at additional charge.

Monday 28 September

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