Opera in the Bush 7 Days

Your Festival of Outback Opera adventure begins today. Check in at Roma Street Station to board the Spirit of the Outback rail journey. Relax in your private sleeper and enjoy the onboard dining experience in the Tucker Box Restaurant.

Overnight Spirit of the Outback

Arrive in Longreach and be met by your Outback Aussie Tours driver and host for a transfer to your accommodation. Enjoy a relaxed evening to settle into Longreach and your accommodation.

5 nights Saltbush Retreat, Longreach

Enjoy a relaxed morning before setting out on the Longreach Welcome Tour, offering a fascinating introduction to the region’s rich history, heritage and unique Outback charm, and enjoy some free time downtown.  

After lunch, travel towards Winton, soaking up the beauty of the Outback landscape, with coolibah-lined creeks, expansive plains and rugged scenery along the way. On arrival at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, spectacularly perched atop a mesa formation, take in panoramic views across the surrounding landscape before visiting the museum tour and Dinosaur Canyon.  

As evening falls, prepare for an unforgettable experience at the Dark Sky Serenade – an outdoor gala concert beneath the spectacular, star-filled Outback sky. Combining world-class entertainment with the natural beauty and magic of the Queensland Outback, this unique evening promises to be a truly memorable highlight. Enjoy a light supper onsite before departing for the return journey to Longreach, arriving back at the end of an exceptional day in the Outback.

Board the Heritage Rail Motors travelling west for the Great Darr River Run and take in the changing country as you encounter wildlife and bring alive the numerous waterholes, passing scrub and grasslands with incredible natural and cultural heritage. Step off the rail motors for a short Mulga walk, learn of bush medicines and the secrets of the Leander sand ridge. Enjoy a homemade morning tea after arriving at the beautiful Darr River waterhole.

Travelling east en route to the one pub town of Ilfracombe, with stories of nostalgia to tell your mates about for years to come. Feel the freedom of the vast open plains before disembarking in Ilfracombe to explore the unique attractions in “the Hub of the West” like the Wellshot Centre, the Machinery Mile, and grab some lunch at the famous Wellshot Hotel. 

After returning to Longreach, spend the evening, begin your Outback experience with a special QLD Music Trails experience, enjoying an evening of live music in the heart of Queensland.

This morning, start the day with a leisurely morning cruise aboard the M.V. Longreach Explorer. Discover the sacred Scar Trees and the magic of being on the water in the heart of the Outback.

Disembark at Smithy’s for a relaxed recovery brunch and a taste of true Outback hospitality. Enjoy a delicious spread of food, cold drinks and a laid-back atmosphere, while live entertainment keeps the good times rolling. It’s the perfect way to unwind, refuel and relive the highlights of your Outback adventure in true Smithy’s style.

As the sun sets, journey to Camden Park Station for Singing in the Night. Set against the breathtaking colours of the Outback, this unforgettable concert brings opera’s most beloved classics to life beneath the fading twilight skies.

Start the day with a leisurely breakfast before joining the Sing Sing Sing Opera Queensland event, immersing yourself in the music and spirit of the Festival of Outback Opera. Afterwards, step into aviation history with a visit to the Qantas Founders Museum, where you’ll discover the remarkable story behind Australia’s national airline and enjoy a guided tour of the Airpark.

Return to your accommodation for a short break and some time to relax and freshen up before the evening’s celebrations. Dust off your boots and slip into your finest attire for an Opera Ball like no other.

Relaxed, stylish and full of Outback character, the evening captures the true spirit of an Outback celebration, with just the right touch of glamour and glitz. Expect an unforgettable night of music, atmosphere and warm Outback hospitality as the magic of opera meets the heart of the Australian bush.

This morning, immerse yourself in the rich stories and traditions of the Australian Outback as you explore the engaging, themed galleries at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Then, take your seat for the Stockman’s Live Show, where traditional bush skills, horsemanship and the enduring spirit of the Australian stockman are brought vividly to life.

Following the show, enjoy a relaxed lunch with the stockman himself – a memorable finale to your festival experience and a wonderful opportunity to hear more stories from life on the land. After lunch, transfer to Longreach Airport for your onward flight.