This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
✓ Travel with Australian Pacific Touring
✓ Experiences in 16 destinations
✓ Locally inspired dining - a total of 38 meals
✓ The services of an APT Tour Director and Driver
✓ Embark on the Archway Explorer tour through the mysterious Undara Lava Tubes
✓ Watch the sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria and tuck into fresh local prawns in Karumba
✓ Experience working with recently unearthed dinosaur fossils in a specialised laboratory
✓ Take in the landscapes of Carnarvon National Park
✓ Including the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge
✓ Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Thomson River and savour a three-course drover dinner
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Be met on arrival in Cairns and transferred to your hotel. This evening, a relaxed welcome dinner provides the perfect opportunity for you to meet your fellow travellers.
Travel to the authentic cattle station of Woodleigh Station for lunch, which has been family-owned for five generations. Continue to Undara Volcanic National Park and set out on a guided discovery of the intriguing lava tubes. The mysterious lava tubes and caves are the result of a massive volcanic eruption that occurred 190,000 years ago. The Undara tubes are some of the longest in the world, and are home to a unique array of native Australian plants and animals.
Signature Experience: Embark on the Archway Explorer tour through the mysterious Undara Lava Tubes.
Today, set off on the legendary Gulflander Train, originally built to connect the once bustling river port of Normanton with the gold fields of Croydon. This nostalgic rail journey is the perfect way to discover an area rich in pioneering history and heritage. From grasslands and wetlands to barren Savannah territory, the Gulflander travels through countryside rarely seen by the average traveller.
Signature Experience: Travel to Karumba and tuck into fresh local prawns as you watch the sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Set off for Mt Isa, commonly referred to as the ‘oasis of the outback’. En route, stop to see the Purple Pub, one of the most iconic hotels in the north of Australia.
Located on the banks of the Leichhardt River, Mt Isa is a melting pot of culture and industry. A tour of Hard Times Mine reveals its history as you enter the Alimak Cage with your guide and descend into the mine. Feel the earth tremble and cover your ears as you have a go at using the air-leg drill.
Embark on a drive to the outback town of Cloncurry. After some time here, visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre – the first museum in the world dedicated to a song, which also includes a nostalgic light and sound show in the Billabong Theatrette. Later, arrive in Winton in time for dinner.
Travel to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs exhibition and enjoy a Signature Experience. Continue to Lark Quarry to visit the Dinosaur Track-ways exhibit, known as one of the most concentrated set of dinosaur footprints in the world.
Signature Experience: As part of your exclusive experience with APT, enjoy working with recently unearthed dinosaur fossils in a specialised laboratory.
Visit the Qantas Founders Outback Museum, an award-winning museum that tells the story of Qantas through interactive exhibits and original and replica aircraft. Then head to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre, dedicated to the custodians of the bush and Australia's pioneering history.
Signature Experience: This evening, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Thomson River, before savouring a three-course drover dinner and an entertaining performance.
Set off for Carnarvon National Park. Along the way, stop at the famed Tree of Knowledge, known as the founding site of the political movement that helped to create the Australian Labor Party.
Discover incredible Carnarvon National Park today.
Signature Experience: Take to the skies on a helicopter ride for an aerial perspective of Carnarvon National Park, including the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge. Admire its soaring sandstone cliffs and vibrantly coloured gorges from above.
View Minerva Hills National Park, keeping an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, wallaroos and wallabies. Afterwards, continue on to Emerald. Established in 1879 as a base for building the western railway, the town is a gateway to the Sapphire Gemfields.
Travel to Charters Towers today. Established as a gold rush town in 1871, it quickly grew to become the second-largest town in Queensland.
On the way back to Cairns, stop at Paronella Park, nestled amid heritage gardens and 13 acres of lush Australian rainforest. Situated on the banks of the crystal-clear waters of Mena Creek, this unique attraction also features a Spanish-inspired castle. After time to explore the castle ruins and grounds, continue to the Shangri-La Hotel in Cairns. This evening, celebrate the end of your journey during a final farewell dinner.
Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Be transferred to the airport for your onward flight home.
Designed Exclusively for APT guests
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
Please follow the 'book now' prompts and select 1 passenger to view the single supplement cost.
Triple Share
Not Available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Group size varies from package to package. Depending on the services provided, the group size might range from private 2 person experiences up to coaches of 50 people depending on your selected holiday.
Children
Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults.
For all international voyages, it is the traveller's responsibility to ensure that they have a valid passport and they meet the visa requirement. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au or https://safetravel.govt.nz/ for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
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