Western Downs Escape

Day 1

Brisbane - Goondiwindi
Travelling west beyond the Main Range and Cunninghams Gap lies the vastly rich and diverse Darling Downs Region. Enjoy a tasty lunch in Texas, beside the Dumaresq River, before travelling to Yelarbon to see the artwork making up part of the National Art Silo trail. Continue on to Goondiwindi for a tour of the local town area, the Namoi Cotton Gin and a visit to the Botanical Gardens of the Western Woodlands.

Day 2

Goondiwindi - St George
After breakfast, join the Barwon Highway westward via the tiny settlements of Toobeah, Bungunya and Talwood to Nindigully. View the historic Gully Hotel, built in 1863, which is said to have the longest continuing licence in the state. St George supports a healthy cotton industry and after stopping for a picnic lunch on the banks of the Balonne River, enjoy a locally guided tour of the district including the cotton growing areas, the Jack Taylor Weir and the Riversands Winery including a tour of the vineyard and wine tasting. A real surprise will be a visit to the Unique Egg with their World Expo accredited display of carved illuminated emu eggs.

Day 3

St George - Roma
Head north along the Carnarvon Highway to Surat. Enjoy an eagerly anticipated "cuppa" before visiting The Cobb & Co Changing Station Complex comprising of the Cobb & Co Store Museum, Window to the Balonne Aquarium and Balonne River Gallery. Enjoy lunch before our visit to Australia's living history of oil and gas exploration which is depicted at the "Big Rig" complex in Roma. This afternoon, a guide will come aboard the coach and take us for a town tour of Roma before checking into our overnight accommodation. We return to the "Big Rig" this evening to hear the stories of yesteryear while being taken on a sound and light sunset experience.

Day 4

Roma - Dalby
Bidding Roma's country hospitality farewell, travel to the tiny railway and farming community of Wallumbilla, stopping at Calico Cottage to browse the quality, locally made handicraft. Continue on via Jackson to Miles and following lunch, stroll through the award winning Miles Historical Village with its artesian bore and numerous displays; including the prickly pear scourge that crippled farming and agricultural pursuits throughout vast areas of the country in the early 1900s.

Day 5

Dalby - Brisbane
Commence your last day's touring with a visit to Bell to view a truly spectacular series of artworks in the Catholic Church. They depict a passion for faith and creativity by the acclaimed artist Meg Cullen who wanted to share her love with the community. Continue on to Highfields for a catered lunch and some free time to explore the town square. Continue back to Brisbane where your transfers will be arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner