24 days from Lightning Ridge to Sunshine Coast

Day 1

LIGHTNING RIDGE

Check-in to the Caravan Park between 10.00 &12.00
In the afternoon we will get together and meet all the tour participants, Introduction of Tour Guides, we will go through the entire itinerary and talk about all the “do’s and don’ts “

Day 2

LIGHTNING RIDGE

Today we will explore this truly quirky place by bus. Discover the town and surrounding opal fields, get a taste of how the miners feel underground, see how precious opals are cut and polished and hear how it all started …. in “The Ridge”

Day 3

LIGHTNING RIDGE

Today we will be visiting the “Chambers of the Black Hand” a truly breathtaking experience. Ron Canlin has spent 18 years carving and painting 40 feet underground. Optional activities: artesian bore baths, Australian Opal Centre, Bottle House, Coopers Cottage, trip to The Grawin, Bevans Cactus Nursery

Day 4

LIGHTNING RIDGE to ST. GEORGE WITH LUNCH AT THE NINDIGULLY PUB

- approx. 280km

We are heading across the border to visit Queensland’s oldest continuously licensed hotel also famous home to the “Roadtrain Burger”.
Included: lunch at the Nindigully Pub

Day 5

ST. GEORGE TO CUNNAMULLA

- approx. 260 km

We will be staying on a family-owned and operated sheep station. The property offers an exceptional Artesian bathing experience for all. You can relax in the outdoor setting and simply unwind, washing all the stresses and worries about your day away. With a water source that is naturally heated to a near perfect 42oC, many have found comfort in using the baths at night simply to be out under the stars and just be at peace with the world.

Day 6

FARM TOUR

The Station was originally a property of approximately 155,920 hectares (385,280 acres) and was established in in the 1860s. By 1914 there were more than 67,000 head of sheep on the property producing nearly 1500 bales of wool. In 1923 the property was purchased by the Nagel family, which still owns the property to this day. The station is now somewhat smaller, covering 29,000 hectares – still half the size of Singapore!

Day 7

CUNNAMULLA TO QUILPIE

approx.. 370 km

Our drive today takes us to the outback town of Quilpie, home to approx.. 650 people

Day 8

QUILPIE

Optional: if you are into Dinosaurs the visit of the Eromanga Natural History Museum is a must. Some 95-98 million years old, the Eromanga dinosaurs are some of the world's largest dinosaurs

Day 9

QUILPIE TO WINDORAH

- approx. 265km

Today our drive takes us to Windorah, home to 115 people. We will check out Coopers Creek and the Solar Farm
Optional: visit the red sand dunes

Day 10

WINDORAH TO LONGREACH

- approx. 340km

Our journey today takes us all the way to Longreach. Tonight we will enjoy a river cruise along the Thomson River. Experience the colours of the outback with some of the most magnificent sunsets. As the vibrant sunset colours fade into starlight, we dock at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show. Relax under the stars with table-service dining featuring camp-oven themed modern cuisine. Live on stage, our talented musical performer will entertain you with their songs and stories.

Day 11

LONGREACH

Enjoy a vast option of activities and explore Longreach: visit the Stockman's Hall of Fame, the Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach School of distant Education, enjoy a Scenic flight or a Cobb and Co stage coach ride

Day 12

LONGREACH TO LARA STATION WETLANDS

approx. 140km

Only a short drive today will take us to a true little oasis in the outback. The Wetlands are fed by a century old artesian bore and the unpowered camping is quite delightful. The water is knee deep all the way across the lake and is full of dead ghost gums that have been standing since 1908. It provides a wonderful habitat for over 127 species of birds. Sunrise and Sunset’s are just amazing with the reflections on the water.
Please note: the access road to Lara Station is a well-maintained dirt road. It is accessible for motorhomes and campervans unless it has rained. In this case an alternative itinerary will be provided

Day 13

LARA STATION WETLANDS

Today we will visit the Lara Station Homestead built in 1912 and learn about the history of the property. But don’t worry there will still be enough time to simply relax and put your feet up. If you can’t … grab a Kayak and explore the wetlands or sit back and enjoy the Artesian hot pool

Day 14

LARA STATION WETLANDS TO CHARLEVILLE

approx. 390km

Our journey today takes us from Lara via Tambo and Augathella to Charleville, where we will spend a couple of days.

Day 15 and 16

CHARLEVILLE

There is so much to see and to do in Charleville. Learn all about the Bilbies, visit the Royal Flying Doctors, enjoy the true outback sky & have its wonders explained by your guide with 20 years experience , campfire, freshly made damper

Day 17

CHARLEVILLE TO CHINCHILLA

approx. 465 km

After a couple of days rest, we have a long drive ahead today To break the journey we will stop off in Roma. We will be staying on Cattle property. Set on 35 acres on the banks of Charley Creek, it has a beautiful bush land setting adjacent to the creek. A truly tranquil experience. This campground offers toilets, showers, access to potable water, and power hook ups. Open fire pits, and fire wood available In the evening we learn first hand about the wagyu breed and enjoy a genuine paddock to plate experience. For dinner we will have locally grown wagyu beef brisket, smoked low and slow for 12 hours Served with 'warregold' gravy, smoked stuffed pumpkin, campfire roasted vegetables & salad . Yum.

Day 18

CHINCHILLA TO KINGAROY

approx. 210 km

We are continuing our journey, working our way to the coast. Today we will be visiting the “Peanut Capital” of Australia Kingaroy. We will visit Kingaroy’s Heritage Museum and learn about the ingenuity and inventiveness of the local farmers and tradespeople. Machinery for farming peanuts was not available in the early 1920s, so farmers invented their own.

Day 19

KINGAROY TO BUNDABERG

approx. 240 km

Today we will reach the coast and spend a couple of days in beautiful Bundy. A total contrast to the outback where we were just a few days ago.

Day 20 and 21

BUNDABERG

There is so much to see and do in Bundaberg. No visit is complete without going to the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. Rum is not the only beverage distilled in Bundaberg, Kalki Moon Gin Distillery is well worth a visit. Experience “The Bundaberg Barrel” … so much more than just ginger beer. Although it’s not turtle season yet - visiting the Mon Repos Turtle Centre is an eyeopener. Since we are on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef a day trip to Lady Musgrave Island with the opportunity to snorkel and dive would be a great highlight. One thing for sure… you won’t get bored.

Day 22

BUNDABERG TO RAINBOW BEACH

approx. 230 km

This will be our final drive together. We will wind our way from Bundaberg via Maryborough to the quaint little place called Rainbow Beach. There will be plenty of time for a walk on the beach or enjoy beautiful Carlos Sandblow.

Day 23

K’GARI - FRASER ISLAND

Truly one of the highlights of our tour is the Day tour to K’gari. We will travel along narrow inland 4WD Sand Tracks through heathlands and towering hardwood forests to our destination… crystal clear Lake McKenzie (Lake Boorangoora) – world famous for its turquoise colours and fine dazzling white 92% pure silica sands. After a refreshing dip we will enjoy a delicious “Aussie Style" bush picnic served with complimentary icy cold beer, wine and soft drinks. After lunch we will explore Central Station, an old Forestry Station surrounded by magnificent rainforests.

Day 24

TIME TO SAY GOOD BYE

Sadly all good things have to come to an end. We will enjoy a breakfast together before it’s for our farewells