Eromanga Charleville And Quilpie

Day 1

Brisbane - Miles
Your tour begins with transfers to meet your coach as we set out on an adventure into Queensland's outback. Enjoy morning tea and lunch enroute to Miles Historical Village Museum which has been operating since 1971. With 30 buildings and countless displays, the complex has become an important tourist destination featuring authentic and original buildings from the 19th and 20th Centuries. This afternoon, settle into our overnight accommodation with time to freshen up before dinner.

Day 2

" Miles - Mitchell
This morning we travel via the small country towns of Condamine, Meandurra and Glenmorgane before arriving in Surat. Visit the Cobb and Co Changing Station which is on the original site of the Cobb and Co Store and browse the displays depicting lifestyles of yesteryear. There is also a 14-seater Cobb and Co coach on display along with a social history museum and regional art gallery. This afternoon there will be time to relax and unwind in the mineralised waters at the Great Artesian Spa in Mitchell after checking into our accommodation, so be sure to pack your swim wear and towel.

Day 3

Mitchell - Charleville
This morning, travel to Morven where a visit to the Morven Museum will allow you to experience the wonder of the handcrafted miniature building display that took over fifteen years to complete. Step back in time and see the Kerosene Hut from the 1930's great depression and other displays of a bygone era. Arrive in Charleville for lunch at the famous Hotel Corones, well known as one of the truly iconic hotels in the heart of the outback. Later, join a guided history and stories tour, giving us some insight of the historical hotel from a local, before settling into our accommodation for the next two nights.

Day 4

Charleville
After breakfast, visit the Outback Date Palm Farm for a guided tour and morning tea. Next, stop at The Bilby Experience for a tour of the nocturnal house to see the Bilbies during their night-time activities. Hear about the work of the breeding program and the efforts to save the Bilby from extinction. Later wander the displays at the RFDS Visitors Centre, depicting just how important this service is to those living in the outback. This evening is sure to impress during a visit to the Big Sky Observatory at the Cosmos Centre. A mesmerising sky filled with thousands of stars, combined with the beauty of deep celestial objects all come alive in front of your very eyes. Be sure to pack warm clothing, beanies and gloves as the outback nights can be very cold.

Day 5

Charleville - Quilpie
The Bureau of Meteorology automatically launches a weather balloon each day that collects meteorological data such as temperature, wind direction and speed, which is used to forecast the weather. Today we will watch as the balloon is released before visiting Charleville's Historic House Museum filled with treasures from a bygone era when life was tough for both early pioneers and indigenous Australians. The building was once the former premises of the Queensland National Bank established in July 1881. We will then make our way to Quilpie for lunch before taking a guided town tour with a local. Late afternoon settle into our accommodation for the next two nights, where there will be time to freshen up before heading out to the Quilpie Information Centre for the Quilpeta Night Show.

Day 6

Eromanga Day
Today we travel west to Eromanga, a town with the claim to fame of being the 'furthest town from the ocean' in Australia. It now also claims fame to the significant paleontological discoveries of Australia's largest dinosaurs. Visit the Eromanga Living History Centre which incorporates a Museum and Object Theatre, along with displays of historic photos and stories of the surrounding area. Enjoy a guided our and lunch before returning to Quilpie where there will be free time.

Day 7

Quilpie - St George
Following breakfast, travel to Eulo for morning tea and time to browse the opals and art gallery at Eulo Queen Opal Centre. Continue on to Cunnamulla for lunch and see the bronze statue of the Cunnamulla Fella in the main street - a tribute to the Aussie larrikin stockman, made famous in the song sung by the late Slim Dusty. This afternoon continue on to St George, situated on the banks of Balonne River, settling in for the next two nights.

Day 8

St George Day
After breakfast, a local guide will join us on board our coach for a guided town tour. Stop for morning tea at Beardmore Dam before enjoying a picnic style lunch, tour and wine tasting at Riversands Winery. Later, visit The Unique Egg Gallery to see the amazing variety of patterns and scenes hand carved and illuminated on each egg. This afternoon, there will be opportunity to soak in the healing warm waters of the Balonne Artesian Thermal Hot Springs before returning to our motel.

Day 9

St George - Goondiwindi
This morning we will travel to the town of Thallon, still within the Balonne Shire, to see the painted grain silos. Titled 'The Watering Hole', the mural portrays the Thallon district and its surrounding area. Continue on to Goondiwindi, located on the banks of the Macintyre River, and enjoy some free time to purchase your own lunch. This afternoon we will welcome a local on board for a guided town tour of "Gundy" including a talk on the process surrounding the Cotton Gins.

Day 10

Goondiwindi - Home
Today we travel to Yelarbon to see the spectacular painted silos which form part of the Australian Art Silo Trail. After morning tea in Inglewood, travel to Warwick for lunch. This afternoon, we make our way back to Brisbane, where on arrival, your transfers will be arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner