13 nights
from
$5,699^
Members from
$5,414*
Escorted Tour
Gulf Country Explorer
This is a wonderful way to explore Australia's legendary Gulf Country and what better way to do it than by train?
Five unique rail journeys are included in this very special trip. You'll enjoy first class sleeper accommodation aboard the Spirit of the Outback from Brisbane to Longreach. Over the next 14 days ypu'll visit the John Flynn Memorial at Cloncurry, Cobbold Gorge, the Rocky Springs Cattle Station, the Undara lava tubes and the Atherton Tableland. Travel aboard the Old Tin Hare (The Gulflander) and you can also travel from Kuranda to Cairns aboard the Kuranda Scenic Rail or the Scenic Sky Rail Rainforest Cable Car before embarking on the Sunlander for a very comfortable premium sleeper journey back to Brisbane. All the while you're guided and entertained by one of the best touring companies in the outback region of Queensland.
Here's a few testimonials from previous NRMA Members who outlined what they liked most about last year's journey:
Janet - NRMA Gold Member for 41 years
"Croc and Crab trip and dinner on the sand bank.The big bus with lots of room!! Our driver made the trip comfortable by his driving skills and interesting by his knowledge of that part of Australia"
Margaret & Frank - NRMA Life Members for over 50 years
"The outback, the country people we met, the beautiful fish meals at Karumba. Sally & Trev (driver & escort) were a great couple. Nothing was too much trouble. They gave us their all."
Lou & Frances - NRMA Life Member for over 59 years
"In spite of my mobility problems, I was able to participate in all excursions. The help from tour guide was very much appreciated"
Inclusions
- Overnight Queenslander Class travel on The Sunlander from Brisbane to Cairns including all meals
- Overnight first class travel on the Spirit of the Outback from Longreach to Brisbane including all meals
- 10 nights accommodation in various locations including; Cairns, Mt Surprise, Cobbold Gorge, Karumba, Mt Isa & Longreach
- Kuranda Scenic Railway, Atherton Tablelands, Undara Lava Tubes, Rocky Springs Cattle Station, Savannahlander & Gulflander rail journeys, Cloncurry, Australian Stockmans Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Museum
Highlights
Up to 5 rail journeys
35 meals
Extensive outback touring
NRMA Members save 5%
Day 1: SunLander Brisbane to Cairns
9:00am Depart Brisbane on the Sunlander Queenslander Class to Cairns. (L,D)
Day 2: Cairns
7:15pm Arrive in Cairns and transfer to your motel for a welcome dinner and briefing. (B,L,S)
Stay: Overnight in Cairns
Day 3: Kuranda - Atherton Tableland - Mount Surprize
This morning depart Cairns to board your choice of either the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway or the amazing Scenic Sky Rail Rainforest Cable Car up to Kuranda amongst the famous rainforest community. Travel through the Atherton Tablelands and McBride volcanic province. Arrive at Mt Surprise mid afternoon to check in for a break prior to happy hour and briefing on tomorrow's activities. (B,L,D)
Stay: Two nights stay at Bedrock Village
Day 4: Undara Lava Tubes & Surroundings
Today meet some of the local characters at Rocky Springs Cattle Station. Explore the Undara Lava Tubes, one of the longest lava flows in the world. Visit the Undara Lodge prior to lunch in an amazing bush setting reflecting on an incredible morning of diversity. Return to Bedrock Village in time to freshen up for dinner and a campfire Sing-along. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Savannahlander rail journey
This morning travel from Mount Surprise to Forsyth on the Savannahlander for the most scenic section of this rail journey. Arrive in the quaint town of Einasleigh, explore the Copperfield Gorge and much more. (B,L,D)
Stay: Two nights stay at Cobbold Gorge
Day 6: Cobbold Gorge
Relax in a half day tour taking a cruise of Cobbold Gorge, a short walk into the escarpment for fresh water crocodile and breathtaking Gorge viewing. Visit Corbett's Pioneer Grave and enjoy the true value of this special part of the Savannah landscape. After a chance to freshen up, enjoy the station tour amongst incredible geology and operational challenges. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Gulflander rail journey
This morning enjoy Georgetown's terrestrial centre, featuring the Elliott Mineral collection. Explore the Gold Mining Heritage at Croydon and after lunch rendezvous with the famous Gulflander train. We board the old 'Tin Hare' at Critters Camp for a journey through the Gulf Savannah bushland. Arrive at Normanton Railway Station with time to explore the Museum and discover the big crocodile, the purple pub and historical buildings. We continue on to Karumba where we check into our accommodation and freshen up for dinner at Karumba Point's Sunset Tavern overlooking the mouth of the Gulf of Carpentaria. (B,L,D)
Stay: Two nights stay at Karumba
Day 8: Karumba
Explore and learn about the fascinating industries of the port of Karumba. Visit the Barramundi Discovery Centre and see the breeding program. Enjoy the ultimate Karumba experience aboard the Croc and Crab cruise. Savour the famous sand island seafood enjoying prawns and crabs as the sun sets over the Gulf of Carpentaria - where the outback meets the sea. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Cloncurry
Travel through Normanton on route to the Burke & Will's Roadhouse for a break. Arriving in Cloncurry we explore the John Flynn Memorial, an interpretive tribute to the beginnings of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Explore the Outback at Isa Galleries and Fossil Centre. (B,L,D)
Stay: Overnight at Mount Isa
Day 10: Mount Isa - Longreach
This morning discover the Mount Isa mining story with a Surface Mine Tour. Visit the famous Crocodile Dundee Walkabout Creek Hotel and Blue Heeler Hotel soaking up the outback character. Traverse the vast open plains and coolabah lined creeks on the way to Longreach. Overnight Longreach (B,L,D)
Stay: Two nights stay at Longreach
Day 11: Longreach
Learn about the legends and unsung heroes at The Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame, a fascinating tribute to the pioneering men and women of Australia. Discover national treasures such as the historic 1922 Qantas hangar at the Qantas Founders Museum. The historic photographs, memorabilia and multi-media displays bring alive the inspirational stories of one of the world's pioneering airlines. This evening sit back and be charmed by our entertaining local characters and savour the traditional flavours of our outback themed cuisine with our fun farewell awards at the Drover's Extravaganza Dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Spirit Of The Outback rail journey
This morning depart on the Spirit of the Outback bound for Brisbane after an outstanding NRMA Great Queenslander Gulf & Savannah journey of a lifetime. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Brisbane
Arrive into Brisbane for your onward journey home (own expense). Feel free to speak with one of our travel consultants about the most suitable solution for you
