Murray Bridge to Lightning Ridge

Day 1

Home - Adelaide - Murray Bridge
After arriving in Adelaide, enjoy lunch before travelling on to South Australia's largest river town - Murray Bridge. The first bridge to span the Murray was built here in 1879 and the town is rich in river history. The majestic Murray has an impressive fleet of vessels which pass up and down each day, especially the grand old paddlesteamers.

Day 2

Murray Bridge - Mildura
Depart Murray Bridge and travel via Tailem Bend to join the Mallee Highway before arriving in Lameroo. Visit Dolly's Golden Rain Tree Crafts and Heritage and browse the beautifully kept shop which is stocked with an ever changing range of locally made quality craft, country cooking, sewing, knitting, art and woodcraft. Enjoy morning tea and a stroll around the museum. Continue on to Pinnaroo and the Mallee Tourist and Information Centre which has a variety of displays providing an educational and historical picture of life in a rural community. Enjoy a picnic lunch before crossing the border into the real Mallee country on the edge of Victoria's 'Big Desert'. As you head north along the Calder Highway, Mildura is a welcome sight situated on the banks of the Murray River.

Day 3

Mildura - "Big Lizzie" - Red Cliffs
This morning visit the Mildura Visitor information Centre to view a film about the early days of the area. We then head south towards the town of Red Cliffs, a soldier settlement established after WWI, located within a major citrus and grape growing district. See the biggest tractor ever made - the 45 tonne steam tractor, "Big Lizzie", which was built in 1915 and contributed to clearing the dense Mallee bushland. This afternoon visit Orange World, one of Sunraysia's most popular and longest operational tourist attractions where you will be inspired by the working 50-acre citrus property. Learn the secrets to successfully growing citrus trees at home and enjoy an informative tour of the property aboard the undercover tractor train. The tour concludes with a mini processing display and a demonstration of a very unique orange peeler. This evening, enjoy the ultimate dining experience aboard the magnificent paddleboat - the "Rothbury".

Day 4

Wentworth
Discover the importance of the town of Wentworth situated at the junction of the Murray/Darling River system. Wentworth was one of the busiest inland ports in New South Wales and it's a unique experience to stand on the observation tower and witness where Australia's two greatest rivers meet. Next we drive to Perry Sandhills to see 10 hectares of striking red sandhills which date back to the ice age 40,000 years ago. After zig zagging across the Victorian/New South Wales border, we return to Mildura for a Murray River cruise where we'll experience the thrill of negotiating Loch 11.

Day 5

Mildura - Griffith
Farewell the hive of activity along the Murray for a very relaxed drive along the Sturt Highway over some of the flattest terrain on earth. Large herds of sheep and cattle can be seen together with huge wheat belts as we head for Hay, via Euston and Balranald. Hay is the centre of what is generally regarded as the best medium wool region in Australia and situated very close to the Murrumbidgee River irrigation system. Marvel at the multi-million dollar Australian Shearers Hall of Fame complex which brings home how tough it was to get things done in days gone by and invites you to enjoy the 'real bush' and country hospitality.

Day 6

Griffith - Cobar
We live in a land of vivid contrasts and as we make our way along the Kidman Way, traffic jams are a distant memory. Continue travelling through western New South Wales, to Cobar, situated at the crossroads of the Barrier Highway and Kidman Way. Mining has long been the lifeblood of Cobar and the wealth that followed its discovery influenced the many fine buildings still in existence today.

Day 7

Cobar - Lightning Ridge
Today our journey takes us via Nyngan, which lies on the banks of the Bogan River near the geographical centre of New South Wales, and on to Coonamble for lunch. This afternoon, stop in Walgett before continuing on to Lightning Ridge, home to the Black Opal. Hear how many of the residents came for a holiday and never left as they found they enjoyed living the old fashioned, carefree lifestyle.

Day 8

Lightning Ridge
Today is for exploring Lightning Ridge. Enjoy an informative and entertaining tour of a 100 year old opal mine and see the beautiful wall hand carvings, opal cutting demonstrations and underground showrooms with fine jewellery. For the gardeners on board, a visit to Bevans Black Opal and Cactus Nursery is sure to be a pleasant surprise. Bevans hosts the largest cactus nursery in the southern hemisphere with over 2500 young and aged cactus varieties to see. Late afternoon, you may choose to experience the town's popular hot mineral water spa baths, so be sure to bring your bathers.

Day 9

Lightning Ridge - Goondiwindi
After breakfast, we cross the Queensland border, travelling through some rugged countryside before reaching the irrigation area of the Balonne. Sheep, wheat, cotton, rockmelons and grapes all benefit from the impressive Beardmore Dam which at full supply, covers 3350 hectares. Visit the Riversands Winery in St George, located on the banks of the Balonne River, which produces top quality grapes thanks to the well drained soil and the plentiful supply of sunshine and water.

Day 10

Goondiwindi - Home
Travelling home along the Gore Highway it's time to reflect on our time together, a journey that has touched on four states. Marvel at the agricultural area of the Darling Downs, before stopping in Toowoomba for lunch. This afternoon, on arrival into Brisbane, your crew will have your transfers arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner