Day 1: Saturday 24 August, Sydney – Broken Hill
Join fellow travellers for our morning flight from Sydney to the far west of New South Wales and the mining town of Broken Hill. For 100 years the mineral wealth of Broken Hill ensured a booming community and the city’s history is reflected in Broken Hill’s magnificent buildings. This afternoon we visit the Living Desert to see the uniquely positioned sandstone sculptures, highlighting the desert’s the vast skyline. We also stop at the Line of Lode Miner’s Memorial, dedicated to miners who lost their lives. This evening you are invited to a Welcome Dinner with your crew, Tour Escorts and fellow travellers.
We stay overnight in Broken Hill’s best hotel, The Royal Exchange.
Day 2: Sunday 25 August, Broken Hill – Flinders Ranges
This morning we take a tour of the city and stop at the Pro Hart Gallery before rejoining our Private Plane for the flight to Port Augusta. For two hours we drive through the striking scenery of the Pichu Richi Ranges to Wilpena Pound Resort, within the magnificent Flinders Ranges. The rugged yet beautiful scenery of the area refreshes the soul and cleanses the mind.
Day 3: Monday 26 August, Flinders Ranges
The Flinders Ranges offers some of Australia’s most spectacular countryside yet its remote location means few people have the opportunity to experience this ancient land, filled with over 100 million years of history. Our 4WD trip takes us through breathtaking terrain to the incredible gorges of Brachina and Bunyeroo. The changing colours of the landscape and softening hues are spellbinding.
This afternoon is free to relax and enjoy this magnificent locale; or take one of the scenic bushwalks from the resort into Wilpena Pound.
Day 4: Tuesday 27 August, Flinders Ranges – Lake Eyre – Birdsville – Longreach
Our flight this morning takes us over Lake Eyre, usually a vast saltpan but in recent years a spectacular inland sea and one of the world’s largest lakes. We continue flying to Birdsville, the original ‘Back of Beyond’. We take a tour of Birdsville including the racetrack before an outback lunch at the famous Birdsville Hotel. This afternoon we fly on to Longreach, famous as one of the birthplaces of Qantas and location of the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. We stay for two nights at the Albert Park Motor Inn. This evening we dine at our motel. The outback’s night sky envelops us with its never ending carpet of silken stars.
Day 5: Wednesday 28 August, Longreach
This morning we explore Longreach including a visit to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre, where we receive a fascinating insight into outback life. Later this afternoon we tour the Qantas Founders Museum before settling in to enjoy a special dinner amid the historic aircraft.
Whilst at the museum you may wish to take a 747 and 707 Wing Walk tour (additional cost).
Day 6: Thursday 29 August, Longreach – Winton
This morning we take a two hour drive through the outback to Winton. We enjoy lunch at the Waltzing Matilda Centre, dedicated to the famous song. This evening we celebrate our outback adventure at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, tonight is sure to be a highlight.
Day 7: Friday 30 August, Winton – Cairns
This morning our exploration of Winton continues with a visit to the location of the world’s only recorded dinosaur stampede. Farewell fellow travellers and enjoy lunch enroute to Cairns. Please enquire about connecting flights home or you may wish to consider spending some time in Port Douglas or Palm Cove.
Alternatively you may wish to join our Bungle Bungles, Cape York & Beyond tour from Cairns to Broome (two night’s accommodation in Cairns is provided prior to joining the tour).