Arrive in Cairns and check in to our centrally located hotel. In the evening we’ll meet for a celebratory welcome dinner and drinks. For those wishing to explore more of Cairns region on day tours, pre tour accommodation at our start point hotel in Cairns is available upon request.

For those wishing to spend more time in Cairns before the start of the tour can book on to the optional Atherton-Herberton Historic Railway tour or the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge tour. Please contact us for more information and how to book.

Overnight: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Cairns (D)

This morning you will take the ever-popular Kuranda Scenic Railway from Freshwater Station in Cairns to Kuranda. The original Kuranda Scenic Railway Heritage Class carriages offer the old-world charm of travelling in authentic timber carriages, some of which are up to 100 years old. Experience your scenic journey in the refurbished original red-wooden heritage carriages. Sit back and enjoy the scenery and numerous photographic opportunities as you wind through World Heritage-listed rainforest. This famous railway is brought to life with excellent commentary and astounding scenery as the railway line runs over the Great Diving Range and down the Barron River Gorge to Cairns.

Upon arrival in Kuranda, explore this iconic rainforest clad town and visit the Rainforestation Nature Park where Indigenous Pamagirri Guides welcome you to join them on a journey to discover the Dreamtime and learn about the fascinating customs and ancient traditions that are kept alive.

Enjoy lunch at Kuranda and learn how didgeridoos are made and used in local ceremonies. After a demonstration and lesson, try your hand at boomerang throwing and spear throwing!

Board the Skyrail and travel back to Cairns. The Skyrail Gondola is a special experience that takes us down to the coastal plains, flying over the canopy of the rainforest and marvelling at the wonderful views across the ranges and out over the Coral Sea.

Later, at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures you will see some of Australia’s iconic wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles. During your tour you will hand-feed the kangaroos and enjoy a boat ride through Hartley’s Lagoon to see saltwater crocodiles in their natural habitat.

Travel to Palm Cove, a tiny beachside village centred around an esplanade lined with 500-year-old melaleuca trees to enjoy a dinner and spectacular views of the coast.

Return to Cairns after dinner.

Overnight: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Cairns (B, L, D)

After breakfast this morning, spend the day on the Outer Great Barrier Reef and Green Island.

Our Island ferry takes off from the Cairns wharf and you have a full day excursion with options to do as much or as little as you like. Green Island is one of 300 sand (coral) cays on the Great Barrier Reef, but it is the only one with a rainforest. It’s a delightful place to explore, wander and swim. The island is only 1.6kms in circumference and about 600 meters across. Lunch will be provided at the Resort and if you’re interested trips on the glass bottom boat and out to the platform on the Outer reef are included. You may just want to relax by the pool or stroll the island however, and the 45-minute return sea voyage will have you back in Cairns by 5.30pm where your evening is free.

Overnight: Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Cairns (B, L)

After breakfast, at 8:35am rediscover the luxury of time with a rail journey along Queensland’s coast aboard the Spirit of Queensland from Cairns to Townsville in Premium Economy seats.

The morning departure offers a gentle run down the coast, passing by lush green landscape, sugar fields, dense rainforest coastline and cane tramways weaving their way across the North Coast rail line and the Bruce and Cook Highways.

The Spirit of Queensland is a modern tilt train that runs the length of the Queensland coast between Brisbane and Cairns. The train makes the 1,681km journey five times per week. The Spirit of Queensland has a maximum speed of 160km/h and the entire trip takes 25 hours.

Arrive in Townsville in the mid-afternoon and transfer to your hotel.

Townsville has a lively, young populace, with thousands of students and armed forces members intermingling with old-school locals and fly-in, fly-out mine workers. After checking into your hotel, take a tour of the Army Museum of Queensland located in the beautiful Jezzine Barracks. The museum collects objects and stories relating to the history of the Australian Army in North Queensland.

In the evening, experience a very Australian dinner at the Townsville RSL. The Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) is a support organisation for people who have served or are serving in the Australian Defence Force. Return to your hotel after dinner.

Overnight: Hotel Grand Chancellor Townsville (B, D)

In the late morning, fly from Townsville to the classic outback town of Winton.

On arrival, travel to the North Gregory Hotel authentic retro dining room and have a beer with locals in the atmospheric bar. The North Gregory is an oasis in the heart of this sun-browned land, promising the ultimate one-stop outback adventure in style and comfort. The North Gregory Hotel has played its part in many significant moments in Australia’s history and is an attraction in itself. It is a must-see in your ultimate outback Queensland experience.

After lunch, visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre, the first museum in the world dedicated to a song. The displays on Banjo Paterson’s iconic song Waltzing Matilda (including a fascinating high-tech analysis of the original manuscript) are the highlights, but you’ll also find exhibitions on local geology, opals, dinosaurs and movies filmed in the Winton area.

After the tour, travel the 180 kilometres to Longreach. Named after the “long reach” of the Thomson River, the town had only been gazetted for five years when the railway arrived in 1892. Longreach is situated right on the Tropic of Capricorn and has a population of just over 3,000, boosted by travellers who come to see the great museums, notably the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the Qantas Founders Museum.

Check into your hotel where you’ll enjoy dinner with the group.

Overnight: Longreach Motor Inn, Longreach (B, D)

After breakfast, we head off to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Australia’s premier outback heritage institution where you can explore the museum showcasing an eclectic mix of objects – touchscreens, open displays, photographs, artworks, and audio-visual presentations. Enjoy a live ‘Outback Stockman’s Show’ which tells the story of real-life stockmen and women who work on the land. Lunch is at leisure.

Moving on, we visit Qantas Founders Museum which tells the story of the four key figures who founded Qantas and highlights what life was like in Queensland in the 1920s. The history of our iconic airline unfolds as you experience a 1½-hour Jet Tour, a behind-the-scenes look at both a 747, 707.

This evening, enjoy a Thompson River cruise followed by dinner around the campfire.

Overnight: Longreach Motor Inn, Longreach (B, D)

This morning after breakfast we head to the station to board the Spirit of the Outback for our overnight journey to Brisbane.

As we head out of the heart of Outback Queensland, the ever-changing landscape passes the sleepy Central Queensland towns like Barcaldine, Alpha, and Jericho. Enjoy a chef-prepared dinner is served in the train’s “Tuckerbox” dining car while the Central Ranges towns of Emerald, Blackwater, and Bluff roll by. Afterward, you can unwind in the “Shearers Rest” lounge car as evening descends on our southbound train. From the comfort of your air-conditioned, first-class sleeping berth you will enjoy a fascinating journey from Longreach to Brisbane.

Overnight: On board the Spirit of the Outback (B, L, D)

Wake up to a vista of a lush sub-tropical coastal plain with features like the Glass House Mountains to capture.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the train this morning with an expected arrival at Roma Street Station in Brisbane just before midday.

In Brisbane, enjoy lunch on arrival and tour the historic CBD, walk along the Brisbane River to the Story Bridge and wander South Bank’s sandy beach.

Heading out of Brisbane to visit the Ipswich Workshops Rail Museum, one of Australia’s premier museums, built around the living history of one of the country’s great industrial complexes. Here you have time on your own to explore the world-class collection and tour the restoration work in progress.

Moving on, we reach Toowoomba in the late afternoon.

After checking into our hotel, you have the evening at leisure and time to take advantage of the central location of the hotel.

Overnight: Burke and Wills Hotel, Toowoomba (B, L)

It’s an early start this morning as we head out after breakfast by coach to Warwick to meet our special steam train for the run to Wallangarra. Once every few years the Southern Downs Steam Railway volunteers gather to explore this region by steam, and while it is open to regular travellers too, we will have our own dedicated heritage carriages and attendants. We depart Warwick station at 8.00am and shortly after leaving the yard our train branches out onto the western line. Morning tea is served on board as we travel south to Wallangarra. Here, on the platform of the classic timber station, we have a BBQ lunch.

This afternoon, tour the excellent Railway Museum at nearby Tenterfield station, which will also be the site for our afternoon tea.

The next leg of our tour takes us south and explores parts of the old Great Northern Railway. Sadly, the line in this part of New England is closed, however much of the infrastructure remains and along the way, we’ll see things like the grand old stations, long truss bridges, and scenic sections of this once pivotal railway.

In the mid-afternoon, we arrive in the town of Glen Innes. This city takes special pride in its Celtic heritage, and we take time to reflect on the amazing standing stones on the hill overlooking the town.

Arrive in Armidale in the late afternoon where dinner will be provided in the restaurant at the hotel.

Overnight: Powerhouse Rydges Hotel, Armidale (B, L, D)

After breakfast, today, enjoy a full day of sightseeing around this charming city. First off, we explore the grand old homestead of Booloominbah, which was designed by Horbury Hunt in the 1880’s. This exceptional country mansion was originally owned by the White family and is now the head office of the University of New England.

Following this, we’ll visit the Victorian estate of Saumarez, another grand country homestead set in magnificent gardens, and a veritable time capsule of how the family lived and worked. The estate’s café provides a mighty fine morning tea, a short intermission before a precursor to a guided tour of this authentic country estate.

We’ll then continue our round trip to Uralla, enjoying lunch at McCrossin’s Mill Museum and visit Dangars Falls in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. We’ll then head back to Armidale with a short stop at the commemorative atmospheric monument at Dangarsleigh.

The evening is yours for some free time to explore the many dining options in and around Armidale, including of course our own hotel which has a fine restaurant.

Overnight: Rydges Hotel, Armidale (B, L)

After breakfast, take the XPT Northern Tablelands Express train the 579 kms from Armidale to Sydney.

The Northern Tablelands Express first ran in June 1941 between Sydney and Armidale, composed of R type carriages that were replaced by air conditioned RUB carriage stock in April 1951. It was usually hauled by a 35 class steam locomotive. In 1959 it was converted to DEB set railcar operation and in 1984, the service was taken over by XPTs and renamed the Northern Tablelands XPT.

Today’s train journey will travel via the country music capital of Australia, Tamworth, over the Liverpool Ranges, through the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast Line, finally arriving in the ‘big smoke’ at Central Station Sydney at around 4:30pm.

Upon arrival in Sydney, transfer to the hotel where you can freshen up.

This evening, enjoy an evening dinner cruise that includes a 3-course meal with food and wine around the world-famous Sydney Harbour, seeing Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House.

Overnight: Novotel Darling Harbour, Sydney (B, D)

Take the Sydney Light Rail from your hotel to Circular Quay where you’ll embark on a walking tour to the historic “Rocks” area. The Rocks hold a unique place in Sydney’s colonial history as the birthplace of European Australia.

Moving on, walk to Circular Quay, a hub of activity at the heart of Sydney’s waterfront where you’ll see the world-famous Sydney Opera House and the beautiful Sydney Harbour.

Walk through parkland to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for spectacular views of Sydney Harbour and then visit Australia’s most famous beach – Bondi Beach. Here, you will dine at elegant Icebergs Dining Room where you will enjoy unforgettable views of Bondi Beach.

Bondi Beach delivers with its crescent of golden sand, crashing waves, and crowds of bronzed sunseekers. After lunch, explore the beach and take a short hike along coastal cliffs via Icebergs Pool to Tamarama.

Return to your Sydney hotel in the late afternoon where your evening is free.

There is free time in the late afternoon to take part in the Sydney Bridge Climb (at your own cost).

The Sydney Bridge Climb is an iconic Australian experience that takes you on a journey to the top of the nation’s most famous and celebrated structure.

Overnight: Novotel Darling Harbour, Sydney (B, D)

After an early breakfast, travel on the light rail and an urban train from Central Station via the Blue Mountains to the village of Katoomba. Here you will explore the vibrant Katoomba village in your own time before walking out to the edge at Echo Point to see the majestic Three Sisters.

Travel to Scenic World and jump aboard the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest passenger train, travelling from the escarpment down 310 metres into the forest on a 52-degree rail incline.

At the base, a web of hiking trails follow the Jamison Valley rainforest. Take the train’s return trip and travel on the Scenic Skyway, which glides between clifftops 270 metres above the valley floor for spectacular views of the Blue Mountains.

The Scenic Railway was opened back in 1945 and takes its name from the term used in the 19th century to refer to amusement rides at seaside funfairs in England.

Travel one hour north for a journey on the Zig Zag Railway which will give you the chance to relive the magical era of steam trains. You will be offered views of grand sandstone viaducts as well as the remarkable scenery of the Blue Mountains. Accompanying you will be the romantic sights, sounds and smells of a steam locomotive, hauling you and your fellow passengers over the Great Lithgow Zig Zag.

Travel south to the elegant 120-year-old art deco-style hotel at The Hydro Majestic Hotel Blue Mountains.

It’s teatime in the Blue Mountains and the grand tradition of the Hydro Majestic Afternoon High Tea awaits you served in the majestic Wintergarden with panoramic views overlooking the Megalong Valley.

After a long day, return to Sydney where your evening is free.

Overnight: Novotel Darling Harbour, Sydney (B, L)

After breakfast, travel south to the New South Wales Railway Museum at Thirlmere where the icons of the state’s collection are housed on the site of the original Great Southern Railway. Here you will explore Australia’s largest collection of heritage rolling stock. Whether it’s the stunning Royal Carriage or the Rail Pay Bus – used for transporting employees’ wages all over the state’s rail system, we have something interesting to see at every corner. While here you will enjoy a railmotor journey from Thirlmere Museum to Buxton on our local loop-line travelling through the Wollondilly escarpment where you will reach the historical Buxton station. While here you will alight at the station and return via the railmotor to Thirlmere Museum.

After lunch, you will head to Sydney’s west to experience Australia’s unique wildlife up close at Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to the world’s largest collection of Australian wildlife. Here, you will have a personal encounter with a koala and hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies. You will encounter emus, penguins, wombats, and a brand-new saltwater crocodile, Max.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon where the rest of your evening is free.

Overnight: Novotel Darling Harbour, Sydney (B, L)

After breakfast, at 7:40am take the NSW TrainLink XPT train from Sydney to Melbourne arriving at Southern Cross Station at 6:30pm.

The Sydney–Melbourne rail corridor is a 953-kilometre standard gauge railway corridor that runs between the two largest cities in Australia. Freight and passenger services operate along the route, such as the NSW TrainLink XPT passenger service. In 1883, the Victorian Railways broad gauge line met the New South Wales Government Railways standard gauge line at Albury at a break-of-gauge. The two tracks were separated by a long island platform. It was not until 1962, with the opening of the North East standard gauge line in Victoria, that through services were possible between Melbourne and Sydney.

Arrive in Victoria’s vibrant capital city, Melbourne and check-in to your hotel where the rest of your evening is free.

Overnight: The Batman Hill on Collins, Melbourne (B)

After breakfast, we head to Flinders Street Station – Australia’s oldest train station to take a metro train to Belgrave, the departure point for the legendary Puffing Billy, Australia’s most popular heritage railway situated in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges.

Originally built in the early 1900’s as a low-cost 2’6” gauge line to service the local communities and timber industry, it was closed in stages in the 1950’s before being saved by dedicated volunteers and rail fans who strived to restore the line and the rolling Stock. Since the 1960’s it has been serving a huge role as one of Victoria’s most popular tourist attractions. Here you’ll get to experience a steam-hauled trip along the length of the character-filled narrow-gauge line.  There will be opportunities to visit the new Lakeside Centre or Menzies Creek museum as part of your excursion ticket.

Return to Melbourne and explore Melbourne on a guided tour visiting Federation Square, The Yarra River, St Patrick’s Cathedral, The Block Arcade, AC/DC Lane, Hosier Lane, Degraves Street and Hardware Lane.

There’s the option to catch a historic tram to St Kilda beach and pier for dinner.

Overnight: The Batman Hill on Collins, Melbourne (B, L)

We depart Melbourne this morning, travelling by regional express train to the quaint goldfield town of Castlemaine. On arrival visit Buda House, a classic, beautifully preserved Victoria Goldfields Villa set on 8 acres of tranquil gardens. Take some time to explore before heading down to the railway station.

At 11.30am, we’ll embark on a steam-hauled tour on the Victorian Goldfields Railway along the old branch line to Maldon.

Explore Maldon, an iconic gold rush town awarded the ‘most intact townscape’ by the National Trust.

Your first-class ticket allows you to ride in the wonderful parlour cars with access to the bar for some refreshments along the way if you so desire.

Enjoy lunch in Maldon at your own cost and return on the steam train to Castlemaine.

Return to Melbourne by regional express train for your farewell dinner.

Overnight: The Batman Hill on Collins, Melbourne (B, D)

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Transfer to the airport for flights home or onward for other journeys. Tour terminates. (B)

This morning, explore Adelaide, stopping off at major attractions on the way, and enjoy the leafy surrounds of Adelaide’s North Terrace and Botanic Gardens. Top it off with visits to the Adelaide Oval Precinct, St Peters Cathedral and the Rundle Mall.

Afterwards, drive out to the world-famous Barossa Valley, Australia’s best-known red wine region for a delicious lunch and a chance to sample some of the region’s best wines.

Stop at Mengler’s Hill Lookout and travel through the beautiful Adelaide Hills back to Adelaide.

Tour the National Railway Museum in Port Adelaide where we explore the history of the Australian Railways.

Return to Adelaide and finish the day by catching a tram along the vibrant Jetty Road to Glenelg Beach for a seafood dinner by the ocean. Return to the hotel after dinner.

Overnight: Adina Apartment Hotel Treasury, Adelaide (B, L, D)

This morning, travel to the Adelaide airport for your morning flight over the desert outback to Alice Springs, arriving just after lunch.

Check in and enjoy lunch at your hotel.

Later, delight in charming Alice Springs, where you’ll tour the Royal Flying Doctor Service, ANZAC Hill, Old Telegraph Station and the fascinating School of the Air that reaches out to children across the vast Australian interior.

The highlight of today is the Old Ghan Heritage Railway and Museum which contains narrow gauge equipment and rail carriages plus memorabilia from the original Central Australian Ghan Railway.

Return to the hotel for a meal in the hotel restaurant.

Overnight: Mercure Alice Springs Resort (B, D)

After an early breakfast, travel through the rugged outback from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock (Uluru).

En route you will stop at the junction town of Ghan. The locality’s name is given in recognition of the important role the Afghans and their camels played in opening up Central Australia.

After stopping at the Mt Conner Lookout and at Curtin Springs Station for lunch, you will arrive at Desert Gardens Hotel in the mid-afternoon. Check-in and freshen up before enjoying the Field of Light Dinner experience at the resort.

Acclaimed artist Bruce Munro was so inspired by Ayers Rock (Uluru) that he created the Field of Light, an illuminated installation that channels the spiritual energy Munro felt during a visit to Australia’s Red Desert.

Observe the radiant display and watch a magical sunset at this iconic Australian landmark, Ayers Rock and return to your hotel.

Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel (B, L, D)

The township of Yulara is situated outside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, about a ten-minute drive from the entry station. Most of the town is made up of Ayers Rock Resort, an Aboriginal-owned enterprise that provides accommodation, restaurants and other essential services to people visiting the park. There are shops, several art galleries, conference facilities, an outside pool and a fantastic day spa.

This morning head off to see both Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) in one day on a day tour.

You’ll hear in-depth guide commentary about the history and culture of the country’s most famous rock formations. Enjoy a BBQ lunch and get in touch with nature during a Mala Walk and hike to the Mutitjulu Waterhole to see Aboriginal rock art, the Walpa Gorge, the waterfalls of Kantju Gorge accompanied by a visit to the Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

In the late afternoon, take part in an Uluru sunset experience and star tour. Watch the sunset and light up the red monolith of Uluru while you sip wine or beer and then sit down for a traditional Australian BBQ dinner. At dinner’s conclusion, your guide will take you on a star tour before dropping you off at your hotel.

Overnight: Desert Gardens Hotel (B, L, D)

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Transfer to the airport for flights home or onward for other journeys. Tour terminates. (B)

There are direct connecting flights from Ayers Rock to Sydney and Brisbane on Saturdays for international flights home.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 5 nights’ accommodation in comfortable, 3 or 4-star hotels
• 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 dinners
• Economy class flight Adelaide to Alice Springs (luggage included)
• Complimentary drinks with welcome and farewell dinners
• Comprehensive sightseeing with expert local guides
• Excursion/entrance fees, except those listed as optional in the itinerar

We can arrange a trip on the famous Ghan long distance luxury train. There is no connecting flight from Ayers Rock to Adelaide on Saturdays.

For those wanting to do the Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin (departure from Adelaide is Sunday at 12.15) must fly Ayers Rock-Sydney-Adelaide (2.15pm-10.30pm) on Saturday 13 April 2024 for the train the following day.

Or, you can spend another night in Ayers Rock on Saturday, transfer the 5 hours by road on Sunday, stay in Alice Springs on Sunday and take the train from Alice Springs to Darwin at 6.15pm on Monday 15 April 2024.

Ghan departures from Alice Springs to Darwin are on Thursday and Monday at 6.15pm only in April 2024. Arrives Darwin Tuesday 5.30pm. 24-hour journey.

Ghan departures: Adelaide to Darwin on Sunday at 12.15pm only in April 2024. Arrives Darwin Tuesday 5.30pm. 53-hour journey.

*Subject to availability at the time of booking