Outback Opera Odyssey 10 Day Tour

Board the Spirit of the Outback at Roma Street Station and begin your Festival of Outback Opera adventure. Relax in your private sleeper and enjoy dining in the Tucker Box restaurant.

Overnight on the Spirit of the Outback

By mid-afternoon, the train glides into Barcaldine. Known as the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party and home to the famed Tree of Knowledge. Meet your Outback Aussie Tours driver and host, and board the coach for the drive south to Blackall, once home to the famous shearer Jackie Howe. Checking in, you’ll have time to freshen up before dinner at your accommodation.

2 Nights at the Oasis Motor Inn, Blackall

Begin the day at the historic Blackall Woolscour— Australia’s last remaining steam-powered wool-washing plant. From there, visit the Bushman’s Gallery to enjoy the resilience and artistry of life in the bush. This evening, enjoy a recital by Opera Queensland artists. Dinner is served at Lodge on Hawthorn, where the warm lighting, rustic décor, and local produce make for a memorable night.

Explore the Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre, home to a life-sized replica of Isisfordia Duncani, an ancient crocodilian ancestor from around 98 million years ago. Enjoy lunch at the iconic Wellshot Hotel – the oldest pub in the west. Arrive in Winton, check into your accommodation, and immerse yourself in the excitement of the Festival of Outback Opera. The evening begins with a welcome event, then at a nostalgic open-air movie at the historic Royal Theatre. The night winds down with dinner enjoyed under the outback stars.

3 Nights at the Matilda Motel or Winton Outback Motel, Winton

After breakfast, journey to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, perched high on a mesa with panoramic views. Here, passionate guides reveal the secrets of enormous creatures who roamed this land millions of years ago. The afternoon is yours to explore Winton at your own pace. This evening, experience the Regional Touring Show ‘All Together Now’ at the Crack Up Sisters Dustarena, followed by dinner.

Enjoy breakfast at the North Gregory Hotel before visiting the Waltzing Matilda Centre, where Australia’s unofficial anthem and Winton’s heritage is celebrated. Later, join a thought-provoking Cultural Conversation with lunch at the North Gregory Hotel, offering insights into the stories and people of the outback. Enjoy some free time before the evening unfolds into one of the trip’s most magical moments – the Dark Sky Serenade at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, an outdoor gala concert. Under the dazzling night sky, glorious music, the stage becomes a cathedral of light. A light supper will be served on-site, rounding off a truly spectacular day.

Travel to Longreach and the Qantas Founders Museum for the next Opera event, the ‘Long Lunch’ surrounded by aviation history. Dine in style, celebrating all things Outback cuisine and the magic of Opera. Once checked into your accommodation, it’s time to join the festivities at the Longreach Show – a lively celebration of rural life featuring everything from livestock displays to craft exhibitions. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy dinner at a local venue.

3 Nights at the Longreach Motor Inn

Visit the historic Longreach Railway Station and board the unforgettable 2000 class rail motor for the Great Darr River Run. Take a different perspective of the country as we encounter wildlife and bring alive the numerous waterholes. Step off the rail motors for a short Mulga Walk, learn of bush medicines and Leander sand ridge secrets. Our rail motors amble through the western side of the sand ridge and onto the floodplains and waterhole of the Darr River to boil the billy for smoko. After lunch, continue your journey through history at the Qantas Founders Museum, with its fascinating Airpark Tour and museum exhibits. As the sun sets, travel to Camden Park Station for ‘Singing in the Night’. This majestic concert showcases Opera’s best-loved hits among the spellbinding colours and fading twilight of the outback.

The morning begins with ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ at The Drovers Place – a joyful community sing-along event. Enjoy lunch before taking the chance to relax and get ready for this evening’s event. This evening, we begin with a serene sunset cruise along the Thomson River with the M.V. Explorer showcasing 360 degree views, where the sky turns gold and the water reflects the fading light. Then step into the glamour of the ‘Opera Ball’ at Smithy’s River stage – this relaxed, yet stylish, gathering embodies the spirit and iconography of the Outback with its casual approach that adds just enough glitz to ensure the evening is memorable.

Spend the morning at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and discover inspiring stories of our pioneering heroes. Take your seat at the exciting Stockman’s Live Show. After the show we share a special lunch with the Stockman himself, before boarding your QantasLink group flight back to Brisbane.