Lightning Ridge Easter Festival

Day 1

Brisbane - Moree
Travel the Cunningham Highway through to Warwick for morning tea. Continue across the Downs to Texas for lunch before taking in the scenery of this fertile farming region as we make our way to Moree for our overnight stay. Don't forget to bring your swimmers if you wish to relax in the hot baths (own expense).

Day 2

Moree - Lightning Ridge
Today we head further west via the little town of Collarenebri before arriving into Lightning Ridge for lunch. This afternoon we will take a guided town tour highlighting the history and culture of this outback town. This afternoon we will settle in for the next four nights before venturing out to one of the Easter Festival activities - the Rodeo, where you can purchase your own dinner from one of the food outlets. We also recommend bringing a compact folding chair for your comfort.

Day 3

Artesian Baths, Festivities & Races
A relaxing start today with a visit to the Artesian Bore Baths where the warm water comes from the Great Artesian Basin. Our motel is right in the middle of town and easy walking distance to most of the Easter festival activities. Purchase your own lunch today and enjoy some free time to see some of the activities - perhaps the Miners' Strength Challenge or the Rickshaw Challenge. There's also the Big Dig where $10,000 is up for grabs in opal products. This afternoon, the Lightning Ridge Race Club holds its annual race meet. Be sure to pack your race wear and hat or fascinator, so you can dress up for a visit to these country races. This evening we'll dine at the Lightning Ridge Bowls Club and after dinner, you can stay to enjoy the live entertainment if you choose.

Day 4

Happy Easter!
Time has been allowed for those wishing to attend a church service this morning. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the markets and other activities of the festival. Many of the galleries and opal stores in town will also be open today for the festival, so be sure to take the time to see some of the wonderful artwork designed by the locals. Purchase your own lunch before taking your position for the Lightning Ridge Easter Festival Float Parade.

Day 5

Lightning Ridge
Today we will visit Chambers of the Black Hand for an informative and entertaining tour of an old opal mine with a difference. Next we stop at Bevan's Black Opal and Cactus Nursery where you will be amazed by over 2,000 different species of cactus. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before stopping at the Historical Society and Heritage Cottage. Return to our motel with time for another visit to the Artesian Bore Baths before dinner if you choose.

Day 6

Lightning Ridge - Goondiwindi
Today we farewell Lightning Ridge and travel north along the Castlereagh Highway. Journey through the small outback towns of Hebel and Dirranbandi before arriving at the Riversands Vineyard in St George. Enjoy lunch and a guided town tour before continuing on to Goondiwindi for our overnight stay.

Day 7

Goondiwindi - Brisbane
Today we travel the Gore Highway via Millmerran before arriving in Pittsworth for morning tea. Our journey continues via Toowoomba, one of the largest inland cities in Australia, before we descend the Great Dividing Range to Plainland for lunch. This afternoon we'll make our way back into Brisbane, where your transfers will be arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner