Outback Heritage Rail Trail

Arrive in Brisbane, the gateway to your Outback Queensland adventure. After settling into your accommodation, meet your Savannah Guide driver, tour host and fellow travellers over a relaxed welcome dinner. Your guide will introduce the journey ahead, sharing insights into the diverse landscapes, fascinating history and unique experiences that await over the coming days.

Overnight Royal on the Park, Brisbane

This morning, we visit DownsSteam Tourist Railway & Museum, where passionate volunteers have lovingly preserved and brought Queensland’s rail history back to life. Explore the beautifully restored carriages and discover the Silver Bullet rail motor, once used by the Queensland Rail Commissioner.

Then, step back in time as we enjoy a nostalgic short rail journey to Pittsworth, a charming little town on the Darling Downs, followed by lunch at the local pub.

After lunch, we continue west by coach through the region’s rich and fertile farming country, arriving in Miles by late-afternoon. Visit the Miles Museum where the old Dalwogan Railway Station has been relocated to and we meet 944 a class C17 steam engine. Check into your accommodation before dinner.

Overnight Western Downs Motor Inn, Miles

Departing Miles, we make our way to Roma, where we’ll explore Australia’s largest cattle selling centre, the Roma Saleyards. Led by local graziers, our guided tour offers fascinating insights into the region’s cattle industry and the important role it plays in Western Queensland.

Next, we visit The Big Rig for a guided tour bringing the twists, triumphs and drama of Australia’s early oil and gas exploration to life through engaging stories and interactive exhibits. Lunch is at Western Queensland Spirit Distillery, where regional produce is paired with a touch of locally crafted gin for a memorable dining experience. After lunch, we follow the Maranoa River to Mitchell, a historic town named after explorer Sir Thomas Mitchell. Beyond its bushranger history, Mitchell is perhaps best known for its Great Artesian Spa. Take the opportunity to unwind in the naturally heated, mineral-rich waters of the Great Artesian Basin – the perfect way to soothe tired muscles after a day of exploring. Don’t forget your togs!

After checking in, settle in and enjoy a hearty country dinner.

Overnight Cambridge Motel, Mitchell

This morning, board the Westlander for a classic Queensland Rail journey through the rugged landscapes of mulga country to Charleville. Settle back and watch the scenery unfold as the train carries us deep into the heart of outback Queensland.

On arrival, visit the Bilby Experience, where passionate volunteers share their work to protect and conserve this endangered Australian marsupial. Enjoy lunch and some free time in downtown Charleville. Continue with a town tour of Charleville before checking into your accommodation. As evening falls, turn your eyes to the heavens for an unforgettable night beneath the stars. Through powerful telescopes, expert guides will introduce you to the wonders of the southern night sky, revealing its brilliance and beauty.

2 nights Mulga Country Motor Inn, Charleville

This morning, be inspired by the farmer who turned a long-term dream into a reality with a tour of the Charleville Date Farm. Learn how dates grow, how reclaimed water came to be used for this environmentally friendly project, followed by morning tea. Explore the historic secret United States Army Air Force site and uncover why Charleville was chosen as a key WWII base.

Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum, then step inside the historic Hotel Corones, built during Charleville’s wool industry boom. Enjoy a guided tour with exclusive access to areas normally closed to the public, followed by lunch. Returning to your accommodation or downtown for some leisure time.

Depart Charleville in the morning and travel towards Blackall, taking in the changing landscapes and character of the Queensland outback along the way. Enjoy a morning tea at Tambo Teddies, where you can discover the story behind the famous Tambo Teddy. After morning tea our journey continues towards Blackall.

Arrive in Blackall for lunch. Following lunch, join a guided Blackall Woolscour Tour to learn about the history of wool production, the shearing industry and the role the wool trade played in the development of Blackall and the surrounding outback towns. Enjoy a Blackall Welcome tour before checking into your accommodation for a relaxed evening with fellow travellers.

Overnight Oasis Motel, Blackall

We say goodbye to Blackall this morning as we continue to Barcaldine. Visit the Australian Workers Heritage Centre and discover the stories, achievements and contributions of Australian workers and the important role they played in shaping our nation.

Continuing on to Ilfracombe, home to an impressive collection of historic machinery and equipment and the historic Wellshot Hotel.We then board the Heritage Rail Motors for our journey from Ilfracombe to Morella. Enjoy lunch on board as the train travels through the outback landscape, arriving at the Morella CWA Hall with time for afternoon tea. We return to Longreach mid-afternoon, with time to relax and freshen up before an evening of outback entertainment.

As the sun sets, enjoy nibbles followed by the entertaining and informative Luminescent Light & Sound Show, bringing the 100-year story of Qantas to life. The evening concludes with a relaxing dinner.

2 nights Longreach Motor Inn, Longreach

This morning explore the fascinating themed galleries at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and take your seat at the exciting Stockman’s Live show to see amazing horsemanship in action. Enjoy lunch before exploring the Qantas Founders Museum to learn about the founding behind our national airline. Late afternoon, unwind on the Drover’s Sunset Cruise with tasty onboard nibbles followed by a two-course table service dinner under the stars at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show.

Your outback adventure comes to an end when following breakfast, we transfer you to your departure point.