The Longest Shortcut – Perth to Cairns

Departing Perth, we head off on Australia’s Longest Shortcut – Perth to Cairns. We travel through the wheatbelt to the WA Goldfields, arriving in the mining town of Kalgoorlie, our home for the evening.  (D)

This morning we head to Menzies after a visit to the historic Kalgoorlie two-up ring. Here we enjoy morning tea.  We pass many ghost towns from a bygone era, then the Gwalia Museum on the edge of the large open pit of Sons of Gwalia Mine. Here we explore this wonderful old town, before continuining on to Leonora, our stop for the night. (B,D)

On to the first of many dirt roads on this tour just north of Laverton – The Great Central Road, winding through the ranges, sand hills and salt lakes of the desert which  has a beauty that is iconically Australian. We arrive at the remote town of Warburton, our stop for the night. (B,D)

We pass through many ranges today, one being the Schwerin Mural Ranges, and then we cross over into the Northern Territory through the Gibson Desert. Deep into the south west corner of the Northern Territory. In the distance we sight the Olgas and Uluru, which we visit tomorrow. We continue on to Curtin Springs Station, our home for two nights. (B,D)

A later start today before we head to Alice Springs  in the centre of Australia. We pass through range country, which shows us just how big our country is and how vast the distances  are. We arrive in Alice later in the afternoon and settle into our accommodation at the wonderful Desert Palms, for a two-night stopover. (B,D)

This morning you have the option for a early morning Hot Air Balloon through the rugged McDonald Ranges, followed by a visit to Simpson Gap and the Old Telegraph Station. (B) Note: Optional Hot Air Balloon approx $415.

An early start for a big drive into Queensland. We take a short drive up the Stuart Highway then back on the dirt of the Plenty Highway. Through the Harts, Jervois, Tarlton and Toko Ranges in the northern reaches of the Simpson Desert to Tobermorey Station just inside the Northern Territory border. This is our home for the night. (B,D)

Today we cross the border on the Donohue Highway shadowing the Georgina River with its many tributaries to Boulia. This highway is the home of the Min Min Lights, an unusual shimmering light phenomenon that can appear at night. We arrive in Boulia and explore the town, then check in to our accommodation (B,D)

Today we cross into the Queensland Channel Country and over the Diamantina which flows south past Birdsville to Lake Eyre, We have a break on the way at Middleton. Middleton made history in 1862, when the first white men, McKinlay and his search party for Burke and Wills, explored the area. Middleton later became the site of the Middleton Hotel in 1876 and was a Cobb & Co changing station. In the afternoon we reach the sheep and cattle town of Winton on the sprawling Western River. (B,D)

This morning we visit the Age of Dinosaurs Centre, the world’s largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils. In the afternoon we visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre followed by free time in Winton, a classic outback Queensland town. Note: Dinosaur and Waltzing Matilda Centres entries included. (B)

A late start today before we arrive in Hughenden, travelling through typical cattle country of the area. We visit some the attractions of the town, before arriving at our accommodation. (B,D)

A morning visit to Porcupine Gorge Lookout on the last of the outback dirt roads. We travel past Mount Garnet and Ravenshoe, before descending the Great Dividing Range through the winding rainforest highway, enjoying the lush rainforest and tropical plantations on the way into Cairns. (B)

We start the day with a relaxing and informative tour at the Hartley’s Crocodile farm, set in the rain forest area of Cairns. Hartley’s was also the first place in Australia to breed crocs in captivity. Later we visit the rainforest town of Kuranda. You will have an opportunity to take the Sky Rail down the mountain, where your crew will be waiting for you to transport you back to your accommodation. (B,D)

Late check out today with time to relax around Cairns  before a flight home having crossed this amazing country. We have made new friends and new memories – ones that will last a lifetime. (B)