Historic Outback Towns – Cairns to Perth

Arrive in Cairns where you will be met by the Aussie Redback Tours team and transferred to your accommodation. (D)

This morning we take a scenic train ride to the rainforest village of Kuranda. On the way you will experience the magic of Barron Falls as your train meanders through the rainforest before arriving at Kuranda. Ample time to explore before the opportunity to descend the mountain in the purpose-built cable car (own expense) where you will be met by your crew. Free time in the afternoon to explore Cairns. (B)

Departing Cairns, we travel through the Atherton Tablelands, stopping at Ravenshoe (the highest town in Qld). We continue on the Kennedy Hwy, crossing the Great Dividing Range and arriving in Charters Towers mid-afternoon. After dinner tonight we “Ghosts After Dark”, a film screened in the amphitheatre of Towers Hill. As the film suggests, the ghosts of the past have a starring role. (B,D)

Still crossing the Great Dividing Range, we travel through several national parks on our way to Clermont, which lies near the impressive Peak Range Park. We continue to Emerald which contains the largest sapphire gemfields in the world. We continue to Emerald which lies in the Capricorn hinterland, and contains the largest sapphire gemfields in the world. (B,D)

Today we visit the town of Sapphire, named after the beautiful blue gemstones which have been found here since the late 1800s. Later we travel on to the towns of Barcaldine and Longreach. (B,D)

We start the day with a visit to the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, followed by free time to visit the QANTAS museum, and ride on a stagecoach before we head off for our afternoon cruise and show on the Thompson River. (B,D)

More historic towns today, starting with Blackall which is nestled on the banks of the mighty Barcoo River. We continue on to the outback towns of Tambo and Augathella, arriving in iconic Charleville in the late afternoon. (B,D)

Today we travel to Cunnamulla, a little town created by Cobb & Co in 1879 when the first coach drove through from Bourke. We visit the ‘Fella from Cunnamulla’, and then travel through to Bourke, our home for two nights. (B,D)

We have a full day in Bourke today, visiting the Back O’ Bourke Exhibition Centre, and enjoying an afternoon cruise on the Darling River on board the river boat PV Jandra. (B)

This morning we head to Cobar, a mining town for over 100 years, then continue on the Barrier Hwy to Broken Hill, our home for two nights. (B,D)

This morning we explore Broken Hill – ‘The Silver City’ – before heading to nearby Silverton, which has starred in countless films, television shows and commercials. We have our evening meal at the Silverton Hotel. (B,D)

We continue on the Barrier Hwy to Peterborough, via Yunta, and the beautiful plains of rolled gold running to ancient ranges. Later we head to Port Augusta, through the majestic Flinders Ranges. (B,D)

Today we head to the steel city of Whyalla, famous for its steelworks industry. After a short visit we continue to Cowell, a small fishing and oyster port on the Eyre Peninsula. Our last stop for the day is Port Lincoln, at the end of Spencer’s Gulf. (B,D)

We follow the Flinders Hwy along the coast to the seaside towns of Elliston and Streaky Bay, stopping at Murphy’s Haystacks on the way, then Ceduna, and stay the night at Nundroo. (B,D)

Today we cross the famous Nullarbor Plain, checking out the Great Australian Bight and crossing the border into Western Australia. You’ll spot camels, kangaroos, emus, and wombats along the way. Overnight at Cocklebiddy. (B,D)

After conquering the Nullarbor Plain, we continue through wooded nature reserves to Balladonia and Norseman. In the afternoon we’ll arrive at Coolgardie, another historic gold-mining town (and also our stop for the night). (B,D)

We spend our last day on this mighty journey travelling through Southern Cross, Merredin, and Cunderdin, arriving in Perth late afternoon. (B).