The Darling Way - Bourke, Menindee and Broken Hill

Day 1

Brisbane - Moree
Departing from Brisbane, our journey takes us along the Cunningham Highway via the Southern Downs, stopping in Texas for lunch. This afternoon as we make our way to Moree, expansive cotton fields and vast stretches of grazing land dominate the landscape. Be sure to pack your swimwear, to take advantage of our motel's hot artesian thermal pools and spa facilities.

Day 2

Moree - Bourke
Following breakfast, our journey continues via Collarenebri, Walgett and on to Brewarrina, situated at the point of the Darling River system where it's generally accepted that the Barwon River ends and the Darling River commences. Following lunch, browse the displays in the Settlers Museum and Information Centre before re-boarding the coach for an informative guided tour of this small but progressive township. Leaving Brewarrina behind, continue on to the historic town of Bourke, once a busy river port on the Darling River in outback New South Wales, to settle in for the next two nights.

Day 3

Back O' Bourke Day
This morning sit back and relax onboard Jandra, an incredible 24m long and approx. 8 metres wide paddlewheeler, weighing 55 tons. Later visit the Back O' Burke Information and Exhibition Centre, surrounded by native gardens and River Red Gums where you can purchase your own morning tea from the café. Wander through the interactive installations and visual displays, and discover stories of the Australian Outback. This afternoon a local guide will come aboard our coach to provide a tour of the area.

Day 4

Bourke - Broken Hill
Our route today is weather dependant. Travel via the Bourke Wilcannia Road through Louth and Tilpa or alternatively, travel the Kidman Way to Cobar. Enjoy a picnic lunch as we make our way to Wilcannia which was once a key inland port. Continue on to the "Silver City" of Broken Hill, where we will stay for the next three nights.

Day 5

Broken Hill - Silverton
After breakfast we'll make our way to Silverton, once a thriving town where miners came to seek their fortune. The landscape now inspires a new generation of artists and film makers and many will recognise it from countless films, television shows and commercials. Silverton now boasts beautiful colonial buildings and space as far as the eye can see. Visit the Mad Max Museum - Australia's first and only museum dedicated to George Miller's globally popular film series. Enjoy a cuppa before a visit to the rustic gallery showcasing the photographic works of Silverton Photographer Helen Murray. Be sure to also admire the prize-winning outback garden oasis while there. Today you can purchase your own lunch in town before discovering the Silverton Gaol and Museum. Return back to Broken Hill late afternoon to freshen up before dinner.

Day 6

Broken Hill Day
Ignite your sense of nostalgia and your taste buds as you step back in time to the 1950s with a visit to Broken Hill's Bell's Milk Bar. Beginning as a confectioner in 1892, this iconic milk bar has maintained its 1950s architecture and unique interior murals. Les Bell Jr. and his wife Mavis, inherited the shop in 1953 and added modern ingredients to the old-fashioned recipes of his mother's - you will have the opportunity to purchase your own morning tea and enjoy one of Les Bell's famous secret recipes. Next, take a tour of the Royal Flying Doctors Visitor Centre located at the base. After lunch, browse the artworks on display at the Broken Hill Regional Gallery - NSW's oldest regional art gallery. This evening, take a stroll around the Living Desert Sculpture Site before enjoying drinks and nibbles as you take in the sun setting over the desert.

Day 7

Broken Hill - Mildura
Today we visit Menindee Lakes and Kinchega National Park. These naturally occurring series of shallow wetlands, located along the lower Darling River, are typically dry, filling with water for brief periods following rainfall. These lakes were modified during the 1950s and 1960s to provide water storage for Broken Hill. Continue our journey alongside the Darling River to Wentworth where it joins the Murray River before crossing the border into Victoria, arriving into Mildura for our overnight stay.

Day 8

Mildura - Murray Bridge
After breakfast, travel along the Sturt Highway, crossing the border into South Australia. Continue on to Loxton for morning tea before our visit to Monarto Safari Park, one of the largest open range zoos in the world. Nestled in stunning natural landscapes, Montaro offers an up-close encounter with exotic wildlife from majestic lions and towering giraffes, to playful meerkats and rare birds. A picnic lunch is provided in the grounds before time is allowed to ride the Zu-loop. This hop on, hop off bus will allow you to do a full loop of the park listening to the commentary. You can hop off and on as you choose, listening to Keeper Presentations if time permits. Late afternoon, settle into our Murray Bridge accommodation before dinner.

Day 9

Murry Bridge - Hahndorf - Brisbane
Our final morning of tour will take us into the Adelaide Hills, enjoying morning tea at the iconic German Cake Shop in the charming village of Hahndorf. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to wander the picturesque main street to discover local boutiques, artisan galleries and specialty shops, or simply soak up the village's European charm. Your crew will then transfer you to Adelaide Airport where you can purchase your own lunch before your flight home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner