Queensland by Rail

Wednesday 17 June

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 18 June

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

Friday 19 June

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 20 June

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 spirit of the OUTBACK’, where you have a sleeper cabin, meals 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 21 June

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. 

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 22 June

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 Thompson River sunset cruise, then relax under the stars with table-service dining featuring camp-oven themed modern cuisine and live entertainment.

Tuesday 23 June

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

Wednesday 24 June

A visit to the Waltzing Matilda Centre and learn the story of Banjo Patterson’s classic – ‘Waltzing Matilda’. We have allowed some time for a stroll down the main street before lunch at the historic North Gregory Hotel. Followed by a visit to the Age of Dinosaurs Centre, the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils.

Thursday 25 June

We have 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 our central city hotel.

Friday 26 June

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 27 June

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

Sunday 28 June

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

Monday 29 June

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 30 June

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