Signature Outback Opera 8 Day Tour

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 on the Spirit of the Outback train

Soak up the romance of rail, passing through the spectacular Drummond Range via Bogantungan and Hannon’s Gap.  Travel through the quaint townships of Alpha, Jericho, Barcaldine, and Ilfracombe – towns steeped in heritage. On arrival at Longreach Railway Station, you’ll be met by your Outback Aussie Tours’ driver and host. Enjoy this evening to settle into Longreach at your accommodation.

6 Nights at Saltbush Retreat, Longreach

Start the morning with a breakfast basket at your accommodation. Travel and enjoy the morning light on the coolibah-lined creeks and vast open plains on our way to Winton. Late morning, explore the Waltzing Matilda Centre. After lunch at the centre, we travel to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, perched high on a mesa formation with panoramic views. Next, enjoy some retail time at the Reception area before joining the signature Outback Opera ‘Dark Sky Serenade’ outdoor gala concert. Post-performance, enjoy a light supper and explore Dinosaur Canyon as a fun finish to an incredible day before returning to Longreach.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before joining the Opera ‘Long Lunch’ at the Qantas Founders Museum where you will dine in style. As the flavours dance on your palate, the music takes flight, with rich arias and delicious duets making this an afternoon to remember. This afternoon join the festivities at the annual Longreach Show – a lively celebration of rural life featuring everything from livestock displays to craft exhibitions. Enjoy pop-up Opera performances throughout the show followed by dinner at a local venue.

This morning, visit the historic Longreach

Railway Station and board the 2000-class rail motors for a unique Outback Rail Adventure. Gain a new perspective on the country as the train passes scrublands, grass plains and waterholes alive with birdlife. Step off for a short Mulga Walk to learn about bush medicines and the secrets of the Leander Sand Ridge. The rail motors continue along the western edge of the ridge and onto the floodplains of the Darr River, where we pause to boil the billy for smoko. Return to your accommodation for a short break before this evening’s Festival of Outback Opera event at Camden Park Station. This working cattle station hosts Singing in the Night, a powerful concert featuring Opera’s best-loved works set against the glowing colours of the outback sunset.

Start the day at your own pace with a leisurely breakfast, then join the lively Sing, Sing, Sing at The Drover’s Place. Afterwards, visit the one-pub town of Ilfracombe, home to the quirky Machinery Mile and the character-filled Wellshot Hotel. Enjoy a drink and lunch while browsing the pub’s fascinating collection of memorabilia – every corner tells a story or two from days gone by. Return to your accommodation for a short break before dusting off your boots and slipping into your finest for an Opera Ball like no other. Relaxed and full of character, this stylish gathering captures the spirit of the Outback, adding just enough glitz to capture the magic of an outback celebration.

This morning, explore the engaging themed galleries at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame before taking your seat at the Stockman’s Live Show. Watch traditional bush skills and horsemanship come to life, just as they’re still practised today. After the show, share a relaxed lunch with the Stockman himself. This afternoon, uncover the stories of Australian aviation at the Qantas Founders Museum with a guided Airpark Tour and free time to wander through the exhibits. Enjoy dinner afterwards before returning to your accommodation.

This morning, enjoy some free time in downtown Longreach before joining a special cruise on the Thomson River. Aboard the M.V. Longreach Explorer, take in sweeping 360-degree views of the river and surrounding floodplains. Enjoy a relaxed barbecue lunch with live entertainment, the perfect finale to your festival experience. Afterwards, transfer to Longreach Airport for your onward flight.