Warrumbungles And Dubbo Zoo

Day 1

Brisbane - Goondiwindi
Sit back and relax as our journey takes us via Cunninghams Gap into the Southern Downs region. Pass through rolling fertile hills, high altitude granite rock country and wide open plains. Stop for lunch at Inglewood before continuing to Goondiwindi where we will hear the history of the area and experience the region through the eyes of a local tour guide who will delight you with tantalising tales of life in the area. Stay overnight in Goondiwindi.

Day 2

Goondiwindi - Warialda - Coonabarabran
Today we travel through the area known as Fossickers Way; encompassing an ever-changing landscape that is both picturesque and productive. Journey via North Star, an agricultural centre with an emphasis on grain growing and arrive in Warialda for morning tea. A visit to Sawn Rocks will leave an unforgettable impression and is a great place for our picnic lunch. With an easy walk beside a shady creek bed, you will see one of the most spectacular features of the park. These amazing rocks are one of Australia's best examples of rock formation known as 'organ piping', as they look like a wall of giant organ pipes. You'll also see remnants of the rainforest that once covered much of this area. This afternoon, settle in for the next two nights in Coonabarabran.

Day 3

Coonabarrabran and Warrumbungles
Just north of Coonabarabran is Pilliga Pottery. This family owned business uses a unique and stunning "lead-light" effect in their traditional and Australian pottery designs; all handmade on site from locally sourced clay by their artistic team. You can watch the potters at work before sitting back to enjoy morning tea. Continue our journey to Siding Spring Observatory (SSO), set on the edge of the Warrumbungle National Park. SSO is Australia's largest optical astronomy research facility and home to Australia's largest optical telescope. We'll enjoy a site tour and talk after lunch and this evening you will enjoy the unique experience of having an astronomer come to our motel for a talk and special viewing under the stars; there is nothing quite like the night sky in country Australia.

Day 4

Coonabarrabran - Dubbo
Departing Coonabarabran our journey takes us through the pretty riverside township of Gilgandra, situated on the Castlereagh River. Continue to Dubbo, where there is so much to see and do. Begin with a guided historical town tour and learn about the history behind this town. Enjoy a picnic lunch before a visit to Red Earth Estate Winery for a talk and wine tasting. Our final visit of the day is to the Old Dubbo Gaol. At 105 years old, the gaol has been completely restored and is home to large displays of animatronics and holographic displays which provide an insight into a bygone era of barbaric prison life. Settle in for the next two nights in Dubbo.

Day 5

Dubbo
Enjoy a leisurely start today with a morning visit to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Be captivated by giraffes and bison as they roam the plains, perhaps see a hippo rise from the waterhole and be entertained by the monkeys. Whether you get up close to a big cat or are enchanted by antics of the Meerkats, you are sure to have a truly special experience on our guided tour. After lunch we will visit the Royal Flying Doctor Base Education Centre. Learn about the development and operation of the Dubbo base and see RFDS history and memorabilia.

Day 6

Dubbo - Armidale
After breakfast, travel the Newell and Oxley Highways through Gunnedah, where the views across the black soil plains of the upper Namoi River Valley and surrounding mountains is said to have inspired the writings of Dorothea Mackellar (author of "My Country"). Continue on to Tamworth where time is allowed to purchase your lunch before our touring takes us to the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Stay overnight in the picturesque, historic town of Armidale, giving you a cosmopolitan feel amid old world charm.

Day 7

Armidale - Brisbane
Farewell Armidale as you continue northward along the New England Highway. Travel through Guyra, the highest town in the region, over Ben Lomond, continuing through Glen Innes and 'Town of the Willows' - Tenterfield. Enjoy lunch before returning back to Brisbane where your transfers will be arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner