Outback Queensland 2022: 12-Day Small-Group Tour with Spirit of Queensland Rail & Full-Day Great Barrier Reef Experience with Heli-Flight
Discover Outback Queensland’s rugged wonders and hidden gems on this quintessential 12-day small-group adventure (max. 16 travellers) through a unique landscape layered in history and mesmerising beauty.
Beginning in Brisbane, travel in a luxurious RailBed onboard the Spirit of Queensland and slice through the sunkissed coast to Cairns, where you will have the chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef from all angles with a full-day outer reef pontoon experience and once-in-a-lifetime scenic helicopter flight. Next, meet your expert outback guide and venture deep into the Gulf Savannah to admire the kaleidoscopic colours of Undara’s volcanic lava tubes. Gaze across an endless plateau where dinosaurs once roamed on an incredible visit to Winton’s Australian Age of Dinosaur, and take a journey through the country’s fascinating aviation history at the Qantas Founders Museum. Cruise through endless natural beauty, including the geological haven of Cobbold Gorge, and indulge in outback dining experiences, including a starlit dinner at an outback cattle station.
Enjoy unique accommodation throughout, including an incredible stay at Mitchell Grass Retreat, a luxury eco-glamping experience in the heart of Queensland’s outback. Plus, stay in beautifully restored, turn-of-the-century railway carriage rooms at the Undara Experience (select dates) and spend two nights at the five-star Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns.
- 11 nights of handpicked accommodation, including one night onboard the Spirit of Queensland, two nights at the five-star Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns, and a two-night luxury glamping experience at Mitchell Grass Retreat
- Daily breakfast, nine lunches and nine dinners
- Experience one of Australia’s great rail journeys on the Spirit of Queensland
- Cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef to a custom-built pontoon and spend a full day exploring with glass-bottom boat rides and more
- Soar above the Great Barrier Reef on a once-in-a-lifetime scenic helicopter flight
- Visit the incredible Undara Lava Tubes, one of the rare volcanic marvels of Australia, and the Ted Elliot Mineral Collection in gold-rush Georgetown
- Spend a night in Karumba, a former WWII RAAF base
- Discover the great Australian story of the Royal Flying Doctor Service at John Flynn Place in Cloncurry
- Swagger up to Walkabout Creek Hotel like Paul Hogan in Crocodile Dundee
- Take a journey through Australia’s fascinating aviation history at the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach
- Join Outback Dan for an afternoon tour of his family property, Camden Park Station, an 18,000-acre sheep and cattle station
- Economy-class flight between Longreach and Brisbane
- The services of an expert driver-guide who will accompany you from Cairns to Longreach
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- All sightseeing and national park entry fees as per the itinerary
Your journey takes you to: Brisbane — Cairns — Undara — Cobbold Gorge — Karumba — Cloncurry — Winton — Longreach — Brisbane.
Covid-19 health and safety practices: Our expert Tours team is working hard to ensure the highest health standards at every point of your journey. Find out more.
Book with Confidence: We work directly with our trusted partners and provide 24/7 customer service to ensure that no matter what happens, we’re here to help. If your escape is affected by Covid-19 restrictions, we will do our best to assist you with a date change or provide you with a Luxury Escapes credit for another Limited Time Lux Exclusive accommodation, tour or cruise offer, less any unrecoverable costs; excludes flights. Find out more.
The Spirit of Queensland — Travel overnight in business-class style
Travelling overnight from Brisbane to Cairns, roll through the stunning scenery of Queensland’s sunkissed coast in style onboard the Spirit of Queensland, an iconic rail service that redefines luxury long-distance travel.
Relax the moment you step onboard, as you sink into your business class-style RailBed, which conveniently converts from a spacious seat by day into a lie-flat bed by night. Watch movies on demand on your state-of-the-art entertainment system with 18.5-inch screen, unwind with a selection of music and audiobooks or admire the landscapes through your panoramic window. All linen is provided, including sheets, a duvet and pillow, along with a complimentary amenities pack to ensure maximum comfort.
You’ll be treated to three meals during your journey. Enjoy a hearty dinner as you trundle the tracks from Brisbane to Cairns: choose from the likes of chicken tenders, spinach and ricotta roll or fish and chips, or ask a friendly staff member for the pizza of the day. The following morning, breakfast is a delicious selection of freshly baked ham and cheese croissant, raisin toast with preserves or creamy scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage and baked beans. For lunch, why not begin your Australian adventure with a classic meat pie? If you’re feeling peckish between meals, light snacks or refreshments are available for purchase in the club car. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.
Unique Outback Experiences — Travel through some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes to discover the country’s little-known gems
From cavernous underground lava tubes to spectacular oases in the remote outback, each day will surprise you in outback Queensland.
Prepare for an unforgettable full day exploring one of the world’s wonders — The Great Barrier Reef. Board a super-fast catamaran to the incredible Moore Reef platform, home to an expansive sundeck and underwater observatory. Boasting an unbeatable location renowned for its exceptional water clarity, coral quality and marine diversity in the outer reef, this fun-filled platform offers myriad activities, from snorkelling tours to glass-bottom boat rides. The highlight of the day — board a modern, air-conditioned helicopter and admire the spectacular reef from above on a 10-minute, once-in-a-lifetime scenic flight.
Discover the charm of the classic country pub, including trips to The Blue Heeler Hotel, drinking hole of great Australian poet Banjo Paterson, and Walkabout Creek Hotel, immortalised by another Aussie icon — Crocodile Dundee.
Experience unique landscapes throughout, with a sunset cruise through Cobbold Gorge and a starlit dinner on a cattle property in Longreach.
Mitchell Grass Retreat — Five-star luxury glamping in the rugged bush landscape
This iconic property invites privileged guests to capture the true beauty of rugged Australia in luxury style.
Unwind in your cosy, eco-friendly canvas sanctuary, complete with kitchenette, private ensuite with lavish amenities and plush bedding dressed in luxury linen, or step outside onto your private decking to take in serene vistas and relaxing outback acoustics. Admire the views from your luxe bathtub (Gidyea Tents) or lounge on your cosy leather sofa (Mulga Tents); both tents feature air conditioning, power and insect screens to ensure maximum comfort.
Designed to be your outback haven, Mitchell Grass Retreat is a place to rest, reconnect and discover the peaceful surrounding landscapes at your own pace. When you’re not exploring with your guide, why not cool off from the Queensland heat in the glorious saltwater swimming pool or enjoy the complimentary books and board games in the communal meeting tent? As darkness falls, gather around the fire pit and share stories with your newfound friends or gaze up at a star-filled sky.
Update [10 March 2022, 4pm AEST]: The included flight from Longreach to Brisbane is set to arrive at approx. 4:30pm, subject to airline schedule and operational times. Guests are advised to book their departure flights from Brisbane for after 6pm on Day 12.
Your tour begins at Roma Street Station in Brisbane at 3.45pm and ends at Brisbane Airport (BNE) at 4.30pm.
A one-way economy class flight from Longreach back to Brisbane with Qantas Airways (operated by Qantaslink — Sunstate airlines) is included in your package. Any additional flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. Please check with sales@luxuryescapes.com before you book your flight. Do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed.
Please ensure you arrive at Roma Street Station by 2pm on Day 1. Please book your flights to depart Brisbane Airport after 6pm on Day 12.
Transfers to Roma Street Station and from Brisbane Airport are not included in your package. Please plan accordingly.
You MUST complete your booking form within 7 days of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements, contact sales@luxuryescapes.com
Important Destination Information:
Time zone: AEST GMT +10
Telephone: +61
Currency: AUD
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.
Language: English
Climate: Moderate to warm with an average temperature of 29 degrees.
Day 1: Depart Brisbane
Depart Brisbane at 3.45pm, and travel in style and comfort along Queensland’s sun-kissed coastline onboard the iconic Spirit of Queensland in a reclining RailBed. Unwind in your spacious seat by day and lie flat by night with all linen provided, including sheets, duvet and pillow, to ensure maximum comfort.
Roll past stunning scenery while enjoying onboard features including a state-of-the-art entertainment system with an 18.5-inch screen, offering on-demand movies, music, audiobooks and more. If you’re feeling peckish, light snacks and refreshments are available for purchase in the club car, and dinner this evening will be served to your seat.
Accommodation: Spirit of Queensland
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Arrive Cairns
Continue your rail journey along the coast, with breakfast and lunch included, before arriving in Cairns at 4.30pm. You will be met by your tour representative and transferred to your ultra-luxe accommodation for the evening — Crystalbrook Flynn — to enjoy a welcome dinner including wine, with your fellow travellers at the Ochre Restaurant; a short walk from your hotel.
One of the newest five-star hotels in town, Crystalbrook Flynn is a designer oasis enviably located on Cairns’ glistening Esplanade. Enjoy blissful sea views along with three levels of restaurants and bars, a rooftop swimming pool, Eléme Day Spa and a 24-hour fitness centre.
Accommodation: Crystalbrook Flynn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (with wine)
Day 3: Cairns
Prepare for an unforgettable full day exploring one of the world’s wonders — The Great Barrier Reef.
Make the short distance from your hotel to Cairns Marina, where you will board a super-fast catamaran, which will provide a smooth, swift and stable journey to your exploration base for the day — the incredible Moore Reef in the Outer Great Barrier Reef — which you and your fellow travellers will have all to yourselves. Boasting an unbeatable location renowned for its exceptional water clarity, coral quality and marine diversity, this fun-filled platform offers myriad activities for all levels; snorkel through the crystal-clear waters of the sheltered coral lagoon, take the plunge on an optional scuba dive (charges apply) or gain a fascinating insight into the reef on a guided snorkel safari with a marine biologist (charges apply). For those less confident in the water, choose to view the reef from the semi-submersible glass-bottom boat or underwater observatory. For an additional cost, you might like to try a Helmet Dive, for a scuba-style experience without getting your hair wet. If simply relaxing and soaking up the sun is more your style, take some time out on the platform’s spacious sundeck.
Later, admire the reef from a new perspective on an incredible 10-minute scenic helicopter flight. Onboard a modern, air-conditioned chopper, gaze across the vast ombre of blues that blankets a sprawling network of coral reefs, tropical islands and merging sand cays. Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime adventure while you listen to engaging in-flight commentary from your expert pilot.
Accommodation: Crystalbrook Flynn
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Optional Activity:
- Seawalker Helmet Dive (from A$149 per person)
Day 4: Cairns — Undara
After a delicious breakfast, board your coach at 8.30am and head for the outback savannah trails, traversing the Gilles Highway through the fertile Atherton Tablelands to Millstream Falls. Take a rest stop at Ravenshoe, Queensland’s highest town, and perhaps treat yourself to a coffee and something sweet at the town’s popular bakery (own expense). Continue your journey through contrasting landscapes to Undara and visit the incredible Lava Tubes, one of the rare volcanic marvels of Australia and reportedly the longest lava tubes in the world.
Iconic Australia comes to life this evening with a Gulf Savannah Big Sky experience. As kangaroos and wallabies bound across the outback landscape and colourful cockatoos and lorikeets flood the sunset sky, your Savannah Guide unlocks the secrets of this timeless land. Relax and take it all in with a glass of sparkling wine and a delicious cheese platter. At dusk, travel to the entrance of a lava tube to watch thousands of microbats as they emerge from the darkness to feast on insects.
Tonight you’ll be staying at Undara Experience, unique outback accommodation that provides guests with an authentic escape into the bush. Surrounded by a natural landscape of rolling savannah plains and ancient lava tubes, the property is home to a variety of flora and fauna — days begin with birdsong and end with a golden sunset. You’ll enjoy a truly different bush experience at Undara, with the opportunity to stay in a beautifully restored, turn-of-the-century railway carriage (select dates), set along a former teamsters coach road, among tall trees inhabited by native wildlife.
Indulge in an incredible locally sourced dinner this evening with two glasses of wine. Choose from steak, fish from the Gulf of Carpentaria, sausages from Georgetown or kangaroo. To finish, there is a dessert appropriately named Chocolate Volcano — a must-try!
Accommodation: Undara Experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (with wine)
Day 5: Undara — Cobbold Gorge
Set your alarm early and wake up with a hearty bush breakfast served at the Ringer’s Camp. Simply pull up a stump and tuck into a feast of bacon, eggs and sausages, while sipping a cup of steaming billy tea.
Afterwards, get a fascinating insight into Undara Lava Tubes’ environmental, geological and historical significance from your expert guide, before reboarding the coach for a journey along the Gulf Development Road to Mount Surprise and on to Einasleigh Hotel. Here, you’ll be treated to a local lunch and have the chance to marvel at its quirky miniature furniture collection. Continue to Forsayth and perhaps enjoy a drink at its newly refurbished outback Aussie pub and corner store, before arriving at your destination, Cobbold Gorge, a breathtaking natural paradise tucked within the rugged sandstone of formations of North Queensland.
Settle into your accommodation for the evening, a hidden outback oasis set amid the geological wonder of the gorge. Tonight, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner, including two glasses of wine, before retiring for the evening.
Accommodation: Cobbold Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (with wine)
Day 6: Cobbold Gorge
After a leisurely breakfast, depart for your shared three-hour tour of Cobbold Gorge – an ancient natural landscape formed from 30-metre-high walls of rugged sandstone. Take an informative guided walk of the escarpment and cross the glass bridge, where you’ll be able to gaze down into the waters below.
Next, you’ll enjoy a cruise on a custom-made, electric-powered boat, designed to ensure minimal disturbance to local wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a crocodile as you glide silently through the waters. Return to your accommodation in time for lunch and a glass of wine.
This afternoon, a two-hour tour of a working cattle station (with a stop for a ‘smoko’ tea break along the way) will give you an insight into the way of life in Outback Queensland.
Afterwards, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might choose to explore the savannah, take a swim in the infinity pool or take a kayak out onto the freshwater billabong.
This evening, a delicious dinner at the McDonalds Deck licensed bar and bistro awaits, accompanied by two glasses of wine.
Accommodation: Cobbold Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (with wine)
Day 7: Cobbold Gorge – Karumba
Rise this morning to a continental breakfast served with a cup of coffee – the perfect way to fuel another day of adventure. Checkout from the resort should be complete by 7.45am to ensure a timely departure at 8am for Georgetown.
Nestled on the Etheridge River, this charming town was the site of a gold rush in the 1870s. In its heyday, Georgetown attracted nearly 3,000 prospectors — all keen to get rich! While in town, you will have the chance to see the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection, an incredible display of over 4,500 specimens of all shapes, structures and colours, from all over the world.
Continue to Croydon — a small town with big history. Step back in time, stroll streets still lit with kerosene lamps from the gold rush days and call into the state’s oldest store: built in 1894, the interior retains its original design. Your next stop is Normanton, home of the nostalgic rail journey on the famous Gulflander, affectionately called the ‘Tin Hare,’ followed by Karumba, described by locals as the ‘outback by the sea’. Karumba was a base for the famous Empire flying boats on their trek from Australia to England and served as an RAAF base during World War II.
On arrival in Karumba, transfer to the Gilbert Street Boat Ramp Pontoon for your shared sunset cruise. Karumba boasts some of Australia’s most breathtaking sunsets, and there’s no better place to admire them than from the water. Raise a toast to your adventure with a glass of wine accompanied by local prawns.
Tonight, head to Sunset Tavern for some of the finest seafood in town, accompanied by a glass of wine.
Accommodation: End of the Road Motel or Ash’s Holiday Units
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Karumba – Cloncurry
Journey back through Normanton and onto the crystal-clear waters of the spring-fed Gregory River and enjoy lunch at the Burke & Wills Roadhouse. Hear the fate of this duo before continuing to Cloncurry — home to several of Australia’s iconic innovations; according to locals, Qantas was conceived in Cloncurry, born in Winton and raised in Longreach, and you’ll have the chance to see an original Qantas Hangar still in use at the Cloncurry Airport.
Drive along the Barkly Highway and admire stunning mural by artist Joel Fergie, known as ‘The Zookeeper’. This magical piece portrays many local references including the Cloncurry parrot, dreaming bird of the Mitakoodi people, and the paper plane symbolising the birthplace of Royal Flying Doctor Service; later this afternoon you will have chance to discover the great Australian story of the Royal Flying Doctor Service at John Flynn Place.
Tonight, enjoy a three-course dinner including two glasses of wine, amid the surroundings of the Gidgee Inn, made from jarrah timber and rammed earth.
Accommodation: Gidgee Inn
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (with wine)
Day 9: Cloncurry — Winton
After breakfast, take a side trip to McKinlay and Walkabout Creek Hotel. If it sounds familiar, then it should; this quirky hotel was made famous by the blockbuster movie Crocodile Dundee. Inside the pub, you will find plenty of memorabilia from the days when Paul Hogan swaggered up to the bar as Mick Dundee. Continue to another famous pub, The Blue Heeler Hotel, a frequent watering hole of Banjo Paterson — it’s said both the swagman and the squatter immortalised in Waltzing Matilda had their last drinks inside these walls.
Your next stop is Winton, home of Waltzing Matilda and the distinctive Boulder Opal. Enjoy some free time to stroll the opal walk and a visit to the only museum dedicated to a song — the Waltzing Matilda Centre.
For dinner this evening, enjoy a traditional pub lunch with two glasses of wine at Tattersalls Hotel, a local favourite.
Accommodation: Boulder Opal Motel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (with wine)
Day 10: Winton — Longreach
After breakfast, journey back millennia on a visit to Winton’s Australian Age of Dinosaurs (AAOD), an incredible museum perched high on a rugged escarpment, with impressive views across plains where these mammoth creatures once roamed. Discover the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the world, including bones found in the surrounding region, and witness world-class digital animation as dinosaurs are brought to life in front of your eyes.
Afterwards, board your coach and travel to Longreach, where you’ll take a short, guided town tour before checking into Mitchell Grass Retreat for your glorious luxury glamping experience. Retreat to your ensuite tent, where you can take some time to relax on your private deck.
Later, immerse yourself in a truly local experience as you join Outback Dan for an afternoon tour of his family property, Camden Park Station — an 18,000-acre sheep and cattle station that has been in the family for five generations. Enjoy sunset nibbles and drinks at Two Tree Hill with 360-degree views of his property, followed by dinner under the stars, hosted by Dan himself.
Accommodation: Mitchell Grass Retreat
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11: Longreach
Wake up to a gourmet breakfast basket to enjoy in your luxury tent. Afterwards, meet with your guide, who will uncover the fascinating story behind Australia’s national airline at the Qantas Founders Museum, followed by a tour of the enormous aircraft in the newly opened Airpark. Next, enter the world of the Aussie stockman on a new cinematic experience at Stockman’s Hall of Fame.
Later, join the award-winning Drover’s Sunset Cruise for a captivating evening on the Thomson River. Take your seat on the top deck and cruise to Sunset Bend, toasting the golden hues of an incredible outback sunset over a drink or two. Hear captivating stories about the river, its wildlife and Indigenous heritage before docking at Smithy’s for dinner under the stars and a live show on the river stage.
Return to Mitchell Grass Retreat for one last night in outback paradise.
Accommodation: Mitchell Grass Retreat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Longreach — Brisbane
Enjoy your last breakfast at Mitchell Grass Retreat before transferring to Longreach Airport (LRE) for your return flight to Brisbane (BNE) (arrive approx. 4.30pm, subject to airline schedule and operational times). Guests are advised to book their flights to depart Brisbane Airport after 6pm.
Meals: Breakfast
Your comfort and safety are our number one concern. Our expert Tours team is working hard to ensure the highest health standards at every point of your journey. Find out more.
Booking confirmation: after you book, please follow the instructions on your confirmation email and ensure you complete your traveller information details within 7 days.
This tour package is valid for the following departure dates:
- 23 May 2022
- 13 June 2022
- 22 August 2022
- 12 September 202
- 10 October 2022
IMPORTANT: Please allow for travelling time. Flights to Brisbane are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Brisbane on your chosen tour start date. Please do NOT book flights until your tour is confirmed.
NONE OF THESE DATES SUIT YOUR TRAVEL PLANS? If you wish to travel on an alternate date to those listed above, or on your own private tour with friends, please enquire for further information. Please note that surcharges may apply.
Private Group Tour Pricing:
- 2—3 passengers: A$12,999pp twin share
- 4—7 passengers: A$8,999pp twin share
- 8—16 passengers: A$8,599pp twin share
- Solo traveller: + A$1,200
Booking Process
- Select which package option you would like, taking care to choose the correct season, length of stay and room capacity (Twin Share or Solo Traveller)
- Click on the green ‘Check Availability’ tab
- Using the plus or minus adjust the number of people you would like to book then click the ‘View Available Dates & Prices’ tab
- Click the blue ‘Select’ button then the green ‘Review & Payment’ tab at the bottom right of the screen
- Fill out your preferred payment method and click the green ‘Pay Securely Now’ tab
- Once your order is complete, you will receive your Luxury Escapes automated booking confirmation email (this is not your tour confirmation), and you will be prompted to complete your Traveller Details within 7 days of purchase
- One of our dedicated Tours Concierge Agents will then be in touch at a later stage to advise if your tour is confirmed. Please refrain from booking flights until tour is confirmed by our Tours Concierge team
- Should you require assistance with your tour, please contact our Tours Concierge team on tours@luxuryescapes.com who will be happy to assist with any of your queries and who will support you right up until you return from your journey
IMPORTANT: The Twin-Share Package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin share). If you are travelling with another person you must purchase TWO PACKAGES, otherwise please purchase a Solo Traveller package.
Please note that packages cannot be split.
AMENDMENTS & CHANGES
Name Change or Corrections
- Name corrections may incur a fee.
- Name changes are not permitted.
7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee: Things don’t always work out. Our 7-day Change of Mind Guarantee is there to help. Bookings (except for cruise bookings and flights) may be cancelled with a full refund provided that cancellation occurs strictly within 7 days from the date of purchase and provided that the cancellation is made no less than 60 days prior to the departure date.
Date Changes
- You can enjoy unlimited, free date changes up until 60 days prior to original travel date, which are available via ‘My Escapes’, on request only
- Alternatively, you can cancel your tour booking up until 60 days prior to original travel date, with credit towards future travel for any Limited Time Lux Exclusive accommodation, tour or cruise package, excludes flights. Additional charges for date changes that result in a higher value will be charged to your account. Credit must be used within 12 months of issue date. After this time bookings are non-refundable except in accordance with our Refund Policy.
- Date changes do not apply to flights booked with Luxury Escapes. Flight fulfilment is provided by the airline(s) selected at the time of finalising the booking. For your air travel, you are bound by the terms and conditions and fare rules of the selected airline(s).
- Luxury Escapes will advise if the change is confirmed via email and provide an invoice for the following, subject to fees from third party suppliers, air and rail travel and hotels (cabins on cruises).
Covid-19 Related Cancellations
For all new bookings from 13 October 2020, if you can’t travel as a direct result of border closures or Government-imposed travel restrictions that directly impact your booking, Luxury Escapes will:
- allow you to change the dates of your tour,
- offer you a credit for another tour, cruise or accommodation offer, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers), or
- refund the full value of your tour, less any third-party costs that Luxury Escapes can’t recover (including from airlines and tour providers)
Accommodation
This tour includes accommodation at the following hotels:
- Brisbane — Spirit of Queensland (RailBed)
- Cairns — Crystalbrook Flynn (Urban Room)
- Undara — Undara Experience (Railway Carriage - 23 May, 22 Aug & 10 Oct) or ( Undara Homestead Room - 13 Jun, 12 Sep)
- Cobbold Gorge — Cobbold Village (King or Twin room)
- Karumba — End of the Road Motel (Studio Apartment - 22 Aug & 10 Oct) or Ash’s Holiday Units (Unit - 23 May; 13 Jun & 12 Sep)
- Cloncurry — Gidgee Inn (Queen or Twin Room)
- Winton — Boulder Opal Motel (Standard Unit)
- Longreach — Mitchell Grass Retreat (Gidyea or Mulga Glamping Tent)
Outback accommodation is best available.
IMPORTANT:
- Accommodation is subject to availability and may be substituted for a hotel of a similar or higher standard without notice.
- Rooms will be made available after 3pm on day of arrival. Checkout is required by 10am. Early check-in and late checkout are available at an additional fee. Please contact the Luxury Escapes Tours Concierge team on tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
- Maximum room capacity is two adults.
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation
Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour. Please contact the Luxury Escapes Tours Concierge team on tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Inclusions
- Accommodation as specified
- Daily breakfast and additional dining experiences as specified in the itinerary
- All sightseeing and national park entry fees as per the itinerary
- The services of an expert driver-guide who will accompany you from Cairns to Longreach
- One-way economy class flight from Longreach to Brisbane with Qantas Airways (operated by Qantaslink — Sunstate airlines)
Exclusions
- Any additional flights
- Airport/train station transfers
- Visas
- Single supplement
- Meals/drinks not stated in the itinerary
- Optional activities/tours, personal expenses/transfers not mentioned
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Tips and gratuities
- Dining inclusions do not include drinks (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
Age Restrictions
- This tour is restricted to guests aged 18 years and over.
Group Size
- Minimum number for this tour to operate is four guests. Please do NOT book your flights until your tour is confirmed.
- Maximum tour capacity is 16 people.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Luxury Escapes recommends purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
- Luxury Escapes can assist you in purchasing travel insurance through our preferred provider. Please enquire for further information and to see if our policy is suitable for you.
Passports & Visas
- A valid passport or government-issued photo identification is required for all passengers. A current Medicare card can be used for guests under 18 years of age and must be presented upon embarkation.
- When travelling within Australia, please check current state/territory border entry requirements to ensure you’re eligible to travel and have completed any required permits or passes.
Health & Vaccinations
- Travellers are advised to check the vaccine requirements for their trip with their local health professional at least 45 days prior to departure, as some vaccines require 30 days or more to be effective. Please check with your health professional that you hold the appropriate vaccination entry requirements for your destination.
- By purchasing this tour, you acknowledge the COVID 19 Health & Safety advice as shown here.
- Guests may be required to provide evidence of proof of vaccination against COVID 19 from our ground operator prior to departure. Please contact the Luxury Escapes Tours Concierge team on tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
- Important: The hotel, transportation and/or destination you are travelling to may have health, insurance and vaccination requirements in place. Please ensure you stay up to date with any requirements prior to your departure.
Flights:
- A one-way economy class flight from Longreach to Brisbane with Qantas Airways (operated by Qantaslink — Sunstate airlines) is included in your package.
- Preferred airline seating is the responsibility of the passenger. For any specific airline seat reservations, contact the airline with the booking number included on your tour confirmation.
Tour Baggage Restrictions & Timing
- Please note that baggage restrictions apply to your included domestic flight.
- Passengers are permitted one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 23kg.
- Passengers are permitted one additional, smaller piece of luggae with a maximum weight of 7kg.
- Timing provided on the itinerary is based on current schedules provided by Qantas Airways (operated by Qantaslink — Sunstate airlines) and can change at any time without notice.
Porterage
On occasion, porterage is not included, therefore at times you may be expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available. Please refer to inclusions if porterage is included.
Tipping
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the package unless otherwise stated, and are at your own discretion. As a guide, approx. A$14 – A$20 per person, per day, is the industry standard.
Fitness Requirements
Travellers acknowledge that they are required to have a good level of health and fitness to undertake the activities in this tour. Further, travellers acknowledge and agree that neither Luxury Escapes nor the tour provider will be able to provide medical or other assistance in the event that they are unable to complete any aspect of the tour as a result of their health or physical condition (nor is Luxury Escapes liable for any loss, damage, expense, injury or death arising from such).
Dietary Requirements
In most cases Luxury Escapes can cater for special dietary requirements but please note that on occasion, this may not be possible due to location, lack of availability of ingredients, and other extenuating circumstances. It is always advised to carry supplies with you.
Any dietary requirements must be received by Luxury Escapes at least 30 days prior to your scheduled departure date. Failure to provide these details by this date may result in an inability to cater for your requirements.
Valued Up To The value and comparative savings have been determined based on published rack rates and the value of inclusions. Please be advised that rack rates may not be reflective of actual rates being charged, dependent on the timing and manner of your booking and therefore are only indicative of the level of saving.
Itinerary Amendments & Changes Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers’ feedback as well as updates from our ground operators. Please note that while we operate successful tours in this region throughout the year, some changes may be necessary due to inclement weather, public holidays, common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes, and unforeseen circumstances. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route. The order and timing of included activities may also vary from time to time.
Surcharges Any prices quoted exclude specific costs/measures which may be introduced at a later stage as a result of Government changes due to COVID-19 health and safety restrictions. Luxury Escapes will inform its guests of these changes as soon as possible, these additional charges will be passed on by Luxury Escapes to the guest.
PLEASE NOTE:
Luxury Escapes reserves the right to modify prices for marketing and commercial reasons. Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.
Package inclusions are correct at the time of purchase. Refer to your booking confirmation for details.