East Coast Islands Explorer Sydney to Cairns via Byron Bay Noosa Hervey Bay, Frazer Island, Hamilton Island overnight, Magnetic Island by luxury boutique group 4WD seeing and stopping where you want to see and stop

Highlights -

• Balanced Drive Times: Easy drive days with regular rest stops and scenic highlights.
• Island Retreats: Explore Frazer Island (K'gari) and plus overnight on Hamilton and Magnetic Islands offer relaxation and tropical luxury.
• Unique Experiences:
  Fraser Island, the Whitsundays, and Magnetic Island provide
  opportunities for gentle adventure and wildlife encounters. Plus
  fascinating Paronella Park
• Accessibility and Comfort: The itinerary prioritizes comfort, leisure, and accessible activities suitable for all fitness levels.

Itinerary

Day 1: Sydney to Port Macquarie

• Distance: ~385 km | Drive Time: ~4.5 hours
• Highlights:
  • Depart Sydney via the Pacific Highway with a break at Newcastle for morning tea.
  • Visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie to learn about local conservation efforts.
  • Enjoy a leisurely walk along Town Beach or explore the Breakwall.
• Overnight: Port Macquarie.

Day 2: Port Macquarie to Byron Bay

• Distance: ~440 km | Drive Time: ~5.5 hours
• Highlights:
  • Drive through scenic coastal areas, stopping at the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour for refreshments.
  • Arrive at Byron Bay and visit Cape Byron Lighthouse for panoramic ocean views.
  • Relax with dinner at a beachfront café and explore local boutique shops.
• Overnight: Byron Bay.

Day 3: Byron Bay to Hervey Bay

• Distance: ~400 km | Drive Time: ~5.5 hours
• Highlights:
  • Travel along the Pacific Motorway, crossing into Queensland.
  • Stop in Brisbane for lunch and a stroll along South Bank’s scenic riverfront.
  • Arrive at Hervey Bay, known for its calm waters and proximity to Fraser Island.
  • Enjoy an evening walk along the Esplanade.
• Overnight: Hervey Bay.

Day 4: Explore Fraser Island (K’gari)

• Highlights:
  • Embark on a full-day guided tour of Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world.
  • Visit iconic sites such as Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, and the Maheno Shipwreck.
  • Return to Hervey Bay in the evening for a relaxed dinner by the bay.
• Overnight: Hervey Bay.

Day 5: Hervey Bay to Yeppoon

• Distance: ~590 km | Drive Time: ~7.5 hours
• Highlights:
  • Journey through the Queensland countryside, stopping in Bundaberg for lunch.
  • Arrive in Yeppoon, the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
  • Walk along the Yeppoon Lagoon and Foreshore for stunning coastal views.
• Overnight: Yeppoon.

Day 6: Yeppoon to Hamilton Island (Drive + Ferry Transfer)

• Distance: ~520 km | Drive Time: ~6.5 hours
• Highlights:
  • Drive to Airlie Beach, then enjoy a ferry transfer to Hamilton Island.
  • Relax on the island’s pristine beaches or indulge in a spa treatment.
  • Consider a sunset cruise or leisure activities like golf or wildlife encounters.
• Overnight: Hamilton Island.

Day 7: Hamilton Island to Bowen (Ferry + Drive)

• Distance: ~85 km | Drive Time: ~1.5 hours
• Highlights:
  • Take the ferry back to the mainland and drive to Bowen, a quiet coastal town.
  • Visit Horseshoe Bay for snorkeling or a relaxing beach stroll.
  • Explore Bowen’s famous murals and enjoy the seaside atmosphere.
• Overnight: Bowen.

Day 8: Bowen to Magnetic Island (Drive + Ferry Transfer)

• Distance: ~210 km | Drive Time: ~2.5 hours
• Highlights:
  • Drive to Townsville and take a ferry to Magnetic Island, known for its scenic beauty and wildlife.
  • Explore Magnetic Island’s walking trails or take a guided wildlife tour to spot koalas.
  • Relax with dinner at a beachfront restaurant overlooking the Coral Sea.
• Overnight: Magnetic Island.

Day 9: Magnetic Island to Cairns

• Distance: ~350 km | Drive Time: ~5 hours
• Highlights:
  • Return to the mainland and travel to Cairns via lush tropical landscapes.
  • Visit historic and fascinating Paronella Park
    
  • Stop at Babinda Boulders or Josephine Falls for a refreshing rainforest walk.
  • Arrive in Cairns and enjoy a celebratory dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
• Overnight: Cairns.

his itinerary offers a seamless blend of scenic drives, natural wonders, and relaxing island stays for senior travelers seeking a memorable journey from Sydney to Cairns.

Hunter Valley Wine & Wildlife Tours Hunter Valley Tour  – 1 Day Hunter Valley Wine & WildlifeTours  for Sydney Visitors Wine tasting, Spectacular Scenic Circleroute, Wildlife, Convict and Pioneer Village and History, Cheese,Chocolate and Champagne tasting

You can join a small private group in on a luxury 4WD tour and explore the Hunter Valley, Watagan Forests, Wollombi, Broke, Aboriginal and pioneer history of the region. Your tour includes Wine tasting, Spectacular Scenic Circle route, Wildlife, Convict and Pioneer Village and History, Cheese, Chocolate and Champagne tasting.

Travel in your private group or a small group of like minded explorers and visit major and boutique wineries in historic Wollombi village and the famous Hunter Valley. Travel the land pioneered by the O’Neill family, early wine and tobacco growers from the 1860s.

• Travel the Aboriginal trading route and song line via scenic bush and the convict built Old Northern Road.
• Learn of Aboriginal tribes of the region and there way of life
• Visit historic villages of the 1830’s and savour the life of the early settlers and convicts.
• Includes wine tastings at 3-4 (or more) wineries
• Enjoy tea/coffee in the beautiful Wollombi Valley … and share the history of the “locals”.
• Fine Australian wines and delicious lunch
• Lunch in the vineyards – Add a 2 course gourmet lunch ($40 ), purchase own from cafe $5-30 or  bring a picnic.
• Hunter Valley Gardens as an option from wine tasting
• Cheese and Chocolate tastings included – Champagne tasting option.

Call 1300 763 188  or 02 8213 3225

1/2 day tour – (4 hours or 2 or more days available - Please ask

Hotel pick-up and return.

Overnight options available … a great escape in this beautiful and rich river country by Wollomi / Yengo National Parks

Tour Code: HVW1  – Depart Sydney city approximately 8:00 am return approx 6:00pm. Lunch own purchase (many options) includes morning tea and wine tasting stops

Explore Tasmania’s Wilderness Tracks when you  join this small private group Tasmanian Wilderness Explorer 4WD Tours seeing the best of Tasmanian wilderness including Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, Huon Valley,  Cradle Mountain (walks), Port Arthur (or other options), Hobart, Macquarie Harbour, Gordon, Franklin & King Rivers, West Coast Wilderness Railway option, Burnie, Stanley & “The Nut”

Tours from Launceston  (or Sydney / Melbourne other cities options)Explore Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Tracks when you  join this small private group Tasmanian Wilderness Explorer 4WD Tours seeing the best of Tasmanian wilderness including Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, Huon Valley, Tarkine Forest, Styx River Valley walk, Cradle Mountain (walks), Port Arthur, Hobart, Macquarie Harbour, Gordon, Franklin & King Rivers, West Coast Wilderness Railway, Burnie, Stanley & “The Nut”Itinerary for 8 days tour shown below.Our 12 day Tasmanian Wilderness Explorer 4WD Tours include the 8 days PLUS 4 extra nights for –

•     Tour through Central Plateau & Great Lake Conservation Areas, via Western Tiers
•     Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise exploring the rugged coastline of Bruny Island in southern Tasmania.
•     Strathgordon tour via Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon & Admansfield Conservation Area
•     Fly to the Southwest World Heritage Area via South East Cape, to Melaleuca for a boat trip to Bathurst Harbour, Port Davey.  
•     Optional time for Mona Art Gallery and more

8 & 12 Day Tour – DAY 1: Tamar Valley – Liffey Falls – Launceston Liffey Falls

Arrive in Launceston (airport links from major cities) by 12:30 pm for an afternoon exploring Launceston, and the scenic Cataract Gorge Reserve plus Liffey Falls in the shadow of the Western Tiers mountain range.  All meet at 6:00 pm in our Launceston hotel for Welcome Dinner this evening

DAY 2: Launceston – St Helens – Bicheno - 

Depart Launceston and head towards the north east coast via Scottsdale, call into Pyengana and visit St Columba Falls and the Pyengana Cheese FactoryVisit the coastal town of St Helens, then Binalong Bay and World Heritage Listed Bay of Fires for beach walk and stunning red rock photography

•     Explore the fishing village of Bicheno and the sea bird life at the fishing port of The Gulch
•     Meet the Little Penguins on a penguin parade from the local penguin colony
•     Overnight at Bicheno (B,L,D)

DAY 3: Bicheno- Swansea – Freycinet National Park – Hobart• 

Explore the Freycinet National Park and the spectacular scenery and natural wonders of the World Heritage Listed area including Friendly Beaches, the Hazards and Wineglass Bay. Visit Cape Tourville Lighthouse and spot the Sea Lions on the nearby Nuggets Islands. Meet the cute little local Bennetts Wallaby, usually happy to greet visitors. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the beach at Honeymoon Bay with a wide view over Coles Bay and the Hazards• On the scenic drive to Hobart call in for some tasty homemade ice-cream and fruit at Kate’s Berry Farm• Visit Constitution Dock (Hobart waterfront) then check in to your 2 nights accommodation near the waterfront in Hobart (B,L,D)

DAY 4: Hobart – Port Arthur (or Mona, Bruny Island options) – Hobart

Begin the morning visiting Mount Wellington, towering 1271 metres over HobartOptions available today include Mona Art Gallery (by boat up the Derwent River), Huon Valley & Southern tip drive, South West Cape with forests flight, Bruny Island cruise – please askFor Bruny Island cruise we depart Hobart 745am for 45 mins to Kettering ferry at 9 am ferry then 35 min on Bruny for 11am cruiseOR we drive down the Tasman Peninsular, and see the Peninsula’s natural wonders – the Tessellated Pavement, Blow Hole, Devil’s Kitchen and Tasman Arch (all at Eaglehawk Neck) before arriving into Port Arthur. Here experience a guided tour, harbour cruise and access to the historic site and buildingsReturn to Hobart for 2nd night in Hobart hotel (B –  Lunch and dinner own costs)

DAY 5: Hobart – Styx Valley – Lake St Clair – Mt Field NP – Strahan•

If your tour has you in Hobart on a Saturday, enjoy a morning enjoy a stroll through Salamanca Markets area and experience some of Tasmania’s local produce, arts and crafts.• Travel to New Norfolk and up the Derwent River Valley to head west to the Styx Valley Forest walk• Marvel at these ancient and giant trees – some over 80 metres tall – the tallest in the world with the highest carbon density – recently threatened by logging• Visit Mt Field National Park and the spectacular waterfall walks to famous and nearby Russell Falls then only 300 metres beyond the top of Russell Falls the beautiful Horseshoe Falls.• Heading towards the west coast wilderness, we take a break and walk at scenic Lake St Clair. Heading towards the west coast wilderness, we take a break and walk at scenic Lake St Clair. We visit the outstanding artistic creation and depiction of Tasmanian history in the wooden carved The Wall- in the Wilderness at Derwent Bridge

The Wall in the Wilderness - Artist Greg Duncan is creating a stunning sculpture at Derwent Bridge in the heart of Tasmania. The Wall in the Wilderness is a commemoration of those who helped shape the past and present of Tasmania’s central highlands. A work in progress, The Wall is being carved from three-metre high wooden panels. The carved panels will tell the history of the harsh Central Highlands region – beginning with the indigenous people, then to the pioneering timber harvesters, pastoralists, miners and Hydro workers.

We cross the Franklin River and check the wilderness lookout before driving through the bare hills of Queenstown and arriving into Strahan late afternoon on the scenic shores of Macquarie Harbour

• Buffet Dinner with delicious local seafood Overnight Strahan Village, Strahan (B,L,D)

DAY 6: Strahan – Gordon River – Tarkine – Cradle Mountain• 

Today you have the choice between a Gordon River Cruise or the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Both take you deep into Tasmania’s most stunning wilderness telling stories of the areas colourful history.• OR from Strahan, take an optional extra cost helicopter flight and fly over the King and Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers, World Heritage Area, landing on the Gordon for a short walk amongst the Huon Pines near the river junctions where the Gordon River dam was going to be, but was stopped by environmental protests. On return explore and relax on the waterfront in Strahan.• OR from Strahan there’s time to ride the steam train of the West Coast Wilderness Railway, (SEE VIDEO BELOW) a beautifully scenic and history filled journey through the forests, as we cross high bridges and climb steep grades through a narrow gorge and follow the route built by pioneers more than a century ago.• We explore Strahan and surrounds including Henty Dunes and Ocean Beach to experience the Great Southern Ocean with no land mass west of here until Argentina. We depart the area via the historic mining town of a Zeehan. We take the ferry over the Pieman River then the dirt road from Corinna through the unique Tarkine Forest region to Savage River. We stop at the Heritage Mining town of Waratah to admire the waterfall in the middle of town and the old miner’s Stamper Mill, before arriving into Cradle Mountain.• Tonight will include an optional tour ‘Devils@Cradle’, where you can watch Tasmanian Devils feed at night• Dinner at Cradle MountainOvernight Cradle Mountain (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Cradle Mountain

This ancient glacial area is one of Tasmania’s highlights. Enjoy the unique climate and spectacular scenery with numerous walks, or just relax with our 2 nights in the Cradle Mountain Lodge.• Dove Lake Circuit Walk – A fairly easy grade makes this walk suitable for all ages and fitness levels, focusing on Cradle Mountain, temperate rainforests and sub alpine plant communities.

See Cradle Mountain in all its glory and learn about the action of past glaciers on the landscape.

Optional walks include ...

Duration – 3 Hours Grade – Easy• Crater Lake Walk – An excellent walk which takes you to the Crater Falls and a magical forest with pandini and sassafras trees. Discover the hidden glacial lake surrounded by 200 meter cliffs covered with fagus. Great views of Marion’s Lookout and Crater Lakes.

Duration – 3 Hours Grade – Medium• Marions Lookout Walk – This is a moderate grade walk with some steep sections, so a reasonable degree of fitness is desirable. On a clear day, this walk offers spectacular views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. Duration – 3 Hours Grade – Medium to Hard  Overnight Cradle Mountain Chateau, Cradle Mountain (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Cradle Mountain – Arthur River – Stanley – The Nut – Burnie – Launceston• After a tasty breakfast, we drive back into the Tarkine Forest region for quiet walks time in this amazing forest. Then travel via the west coast road to Arthur River with time at Couta Rocks and The Edge of the World at Gardiners Point. The ocean west of Tasmania is the longest uninterrupted expanse of ocean on the globe. From Argentina the currents sweep unimpeded more than halfway around the planet until they hit this point. Enjoy the quaint Tasmanian village of Arthur River Ocean then north to Stanley and the famous Nut, visiting Rocky Cape National Park & lighthouse. Returning along the northern coast road via Burnie and Penguin to Launceston.• Return to Launceston for flights home approx 1900 hrs• Optionally extend your stay in Tasmania for flights or ferry next day. (B, L)     

 Inclusions for Tasmanian Wilderness Explorer 4WD Tours – 8 Days Tour :

•     7 nights 3 ½ – 5 star accommodation including breakfast daily
•     All Dinners except 1
•     5 lunches – 2 are own purchase in local markets, villages
•     Entry to Port Arthur Historic site
•     Gordon River Cruise included or West Coast Wilderness Railway (add $230)
•     Airport, ferry or hotel pickup & return in Launceston
•     Small group travel in luxury 4WD
•     National Park entry fees
•     Professional guide/drivers

12 day Tasmanian Wilderness Explorer 4WD Tours includes the 8 days PLUS 4 extra nights for –

•     Tour through Central Plateau & Great Lake Conservation Areas, via Western Tiers
•     Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise exploring the rugged coastline of Bruny Island in southern Tasmania.
•     Strathgordon tour via Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon & Admansfield Conservation Area
•     Fly to the Southwest World Heritage Area via South East Cape, to Melaleuca for a boat trip to Bathurst Harbour, Port Davey.   
•     Optional time for Mona Art Gallery and more

Exclusions – 2 lunches (Port Arthur/Hobart, Strahan), alcohol, fares to & from Launceston, Tasmania.Travel from Melbourne or Sydney available – Please ask.Itinerary for 8 days tour shown. 12 day tour includes the 8 days PLUS 4 extra nights for tours listed 8 day tour Departs and Returns to/from Launceston

Explore Tasmania’s West Coast Wilderness Tracks when you  join this small private group Tasmanian Wilderness Explorer 4WD Tours seeing the best of Tasmanian wilderness including Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, Huon Valley, Tarkine Forest, Styx River Valley walk, Cradle Mountain (walks), Port Arthur, Hobart, Macquarie Harbour, Gordon, Franklin & King Rivers, West Coast Wilderness Railway, Burnie, Stanley & “The Nut”

Tours from Launceston  (or Sydney / Melbourne other cities options)

Itinerary for 8 days tour shown below.

12 day Tasmanian Wilderness Explorer 4WD Tours includes the 8 days PLUS 4 extra nights for –

•     Tour through Central Plateau & Great Lake Conservation Areas, via Western Tiers
•     Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise exploring the rugged coastline of Bruny Island in southern Tasmania.
•     Strathgordon tour via Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon & Admansfield Conservation Area
•     Fly to the Southwest World Heritage Area via South East Cape, to Melaleuca for a boat trip to Bathurst Harbour, Port Davey.   See map
  
•     Optional time for Mona Art Gallery and more

8 & 12 Day Tour – DAY 1: Tamar Valley – Liffey Falls – Launceston Liffey Falls

Arrive in Launceston (airport links from major cities) by 12:30 pm for an afternoon exploring Launceston, and the scenic Cataract Gorge Reserve plus Liffey Falls in the shadow of the Western Tiers mountain range.  All meet at 6:00 pm in our Launceston hotel for Welcome Dinner this evening

DAY 2: Launceston – St Helens – Bicheno
 Depart Launceston and head towards the north east coast via Scottsdale, call into Pyengana and visit St Columba Falls and the Pyengana Cheese Factory
Visit the coastal town of St Helens, then Binalong Bay and World Heritage Listed Bay of Fires for beach walk and stunning red rock photography
    Explore the fishing village of Bicheno and the sea bird life at the fishing port of The Gulch
    Meet the Little Penguins on a penguin parade from the local penguin colony
    Overnight at Bicheno (B,L,D)

DAY 3: Bicheno- Swansea – Freycinet National Park – Hobart

• Explore the Freycinet National Park and the spectacular scenery and natural wonders of the World Heritage Listed area including Friendly Beaches, the Hazards and Wineglass Bay. Visit Cape Tourville Lighthouse and spot the Sea Lions on the nearby Nuggets Islands. Meet the cute little local Bennetts Wallaby, usually happy to greet visitors. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the beach at Honeymoon Bay with a wide view over Coles Bay and the Hazards
• On the scenic drive to Hobart call in for some tasty homemade ice-cream and fruit at Kate’s Berry Farm
• Visit Constitution Dock (Hobart waterfront) then check in to your 2 nights accommodation near the waterfront in Hobart (B,L,D)

DAY 4: Hobart – Port Arthur (or Mona, Bruny Island options) – Hobart

    Begin the morning visiting Mount Wellington, towering 1271 metres over Hobart
    Options available today include Mona Art Gallery (by boat up the Derwent River), Huon Valley & Southern tip drive, South West Cape with forests flight, Bruny Island cruise – please ask
     For Bruny Island cruise we depart Hobart 745am for 45 mins to Kettering ferry at 9 am ferry then 35 min on Bruny for 11am cruise
    OR we drive down the Tasman Peninsular, and see the Peninsula’s natural wonders – the Tessellated Pavement, Blow Hole, Devil’s Kitchen and Tasman Arch (all at Eaglehawk Neck) before arriving into Port Arthur. Here experience a guided tour, harbour cruise and access to the historic site and buildings
    Return to Hobart for 2nd night in Hobart hotel (B –  Lunch and dinner own costs)

DAY 5: Hobart – Styx Valley – Lake St Clair – Mt Field NP – Strahan

• If your tour has you in Hobart on a Saturday, enjoy a morning enjoy a stroll through Salamanca Markets area and experience some of Tasmania’s local produce, arts and crafts.
• Travel to New Norfolk and up the Derwent River Valley to head west to the Styx Valley Forest walk
• Marvel at these ancient and giant trees – some over 80 metres tall – the tallest in the world with the highest carbon density – recently threatened by logging
• Visit Mt Field National Park and the spectacular waterfall walks to famous and nearby Russell Falls then only 300 metres beyond the top of Russell Falls the beautiful Horseshoe Falls.
• Heading towards the west coast wilderness, we take a break and walk at scenic Lake St Clair. We visit the outstanding artistic creation and depiction of Tasmanian history in the wooden carved The Wall- in the Wilderness at Derwent Bridge

The Wall in the Wilderness - Artist Greg Duncan is creating a stunning sculpture at Derwent Bridge in the heart of Tasmania. The Wall in the Wilderness is a commemoration of those who helped shape the past and present of Tasmania’s central highlands. A work in progress, The Wall is being carved from three-metre high wooden panels. The carved panels will tell the history of the harsh Central Highlands region – beginning with the indigenous people, then to the pioneering timber harvesters, pastoralists, miners and Hydro workers.

We cross the Franklin River and check the wilderness lookout before driving through the bare hills of Queenstown and arriving into Strahan late afternoon on the scenic shores of Macquarie Harbour

• Buffet Dinner with delicious local seafood
Overnight Strahan Village, Strahan (B,L,D)

DAY 6: Strahan – Gordon River – Tarkine – Cradle Mountain

• Today you have the choice between a Gordon River Cruise or the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Both take you deep into Tasmania’s most stunning wilderness telling stories of the areas colourful history.

• OR from Strahan, take an optional extra cost helicopter flight and fly over the King and Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers, World Heritage Area, landing on the Gordon for a short walk amongst the Huon Pines near the river junctions where the Gordon River dam was going to be, but was stopped by environmental protests. On return explore and relax on the waterfront in Strahan.

• OR from Strahan there’s time to ride the steam train of the West Coast Wilderness Railway, (SEE VIDEO BELOW) a beautifully scenic and history filled journey through the forests, as we cross high bridges and climb steep grades through a narrow gorge and follow the route built by pioneers more than a century ago.

• We explore Strahan and surrounds including Henty Dunes and Ocean Beach to experience the Great Southern Ocean with no land mass west of here until Argentina. We depart the area via the historic mining town of a Zeehan. We take the ferry over the Pieman River then the dirt road from Corinna through the unique Tarkine Forest region to Savage River. We stop at the Heritage Mining town of Waratah to admire the waterfall in the middle of town and the old miner’s Stamper Mill, before arriving into Cradle Mountain.
• Tonight will include an optional tour ‘Devils@Cradle’, where you can watch Tasmanian Devils feed at night
• Dinner at Cradle Mountain

Overnight Cradle Mountain (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Cradle Mountain

This ancient glacial area is one of Tasmania’s highlights. Enjoy the unique climate and spectacular scenery with numerous walks, or just relax with our 2 nights in the Cradle Mountain Lodge.

Optional walks include ...

• Dove Lake Circuit Walk – A fairly easy grade makes this walk suitable for all ages and fitness levels, focusing on Cradle Mountain, temperate rainforests and sub alpine plant communities. See Cradle Mountain in all its glory and learn about the action of past glaciers on the landscape. Duration – 3 Hours Grade – Easy

• Crater Lake Walk – An excellent walk which takes you to the Crater Falls and a magical forest with pandini and sassafras trees. Discover the hidden glacial lake surrounded by 200 meter cliffs covered with fagus. Great views of Marion’s Lookout and Crater Lakes. Duration – 3 Hours Grade – Medium
• Marions Lookout Walk – This is a moderate grade walk with some steep sections, so a reasonable degree of fitness is desirable. On a clear day, this walk offers spectacular views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. Duration – 3 Hours Grade – Medium to Hard

 Overnight Cradle Mountain Chateau, Cradle Mountain (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Cradle Mountain – Arthur River – Stanley – The Nut – Burnie – Launceston

• After a tasty breakfast, we drive back into the Tarkine Forest region for quiet walks time in this amazing forest. Then travel via the west coast road to Arthur River with time at Couta Rocks and The Edge of the World at Gardiners Point. The ocean west of Tasmania is the longest uninterrupted expanse of ocean on the globe. From Argentina the currents sweep unimpeded more than halfway around the planet until they hit this point. Enjoy the quaint Tasmanian village of Arthur River Ocean then north to Stanley and the famous Nut, visiting Rocky Cape National Park & lighthouse. Returning along the northern coast road via Burnie and Penguin to Launceston.
• Return to Launceston for flights home approx 1900 hrs
• Optionally extend your stay in Tasmania for flights or ferry next day. (B, L)   
  

Inclusions for Tasmanian Wilderness Explorer 4WD Tours – 12 Days Tour :

•     11 nights 3 ½ – 5 star accommodation including breakfast daily
•     All Dinners except 1 (including Welcome Dinner in Launceston)
•     8 lunches – 2 are own purchase in local markets, villages
•     Entry to Port Arthur Historic site
  
•     Gordon River Cruise included or West Coast Wilderness Railway (add $249)
•     Airport, ferry or hotel pickup & return in Launceston or Devonport return to Hobart airport
  
•     Small group travel in luxury 4WD
•     National Park entry fees
•     Professional guide/drivers

EXTRA in the 12 day tour

•     Tour through Central Plateau & Great Lake Conservation Areas, via Western Tiers
•     Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise exploring the rugged coastline of Bruny Island in southern Tasmania.
•     Strathgordon tour via Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon & Admansfield Conservation Area
•     Fly to the Southwest World Heritage Area via South East Cape, to Melaleuca for a boat trip to Bathurst Harbour, Port Davey.    See map
•     Optional time for Mona Art Gallery and more

Exclusions –

• 2 lunches (Port Arthur/Hobart, Strahan), alcohol,
  
• Fares to & from Launceston, Tasmania.
• Travel from Melbourne or Sydney available – Please ask.

Itinerary for 8 days tour shown 12 day tour includes the 8 days PLUS 4 extra nights and activities as above

3 Day Sydney to Outback NSW via Jenolan Caves Blue Mountains Hunter Valley Tours with Hill End & Mudgee NSW Tours

Day 1 – Jenolan Caves Blue Mountains Hunter Valley Tours Depart your Sydney hotel or accommodation at 730 am and enjoy the fresh early light and air of the spectacular Blue Mountains. Visit Katoomba, Leura, Echo Point, Three Sisters, Jamieson Valley (Grand Canyon) and Cliff Drive over Megalong Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view from Govett’s
Leap near Blackheath, overlooking the Grosse Valley and spectacular Blue Gum Forest. Descent the 1500 metres of the Great Dividing Range to the western slopes, then down the scenic Jenolan Caves road for a cave tour or nature walk.

Jenolan Caves are the world’s oldest dated caves – over 340 million years old!  They contain some of the world’s most spectacular calcite crystal formations, which since 1838 have entranced visitors.

Regarded as Australia’s most outstanding cave system – with 11 spectacular show caves, multi-lingual self-guided tour, pure underground rivers and amazing formations – Jenolan Caves is among the finest and oldest cave systems in the world.

Jenolan Caves is in a huge nature reserve which forms part of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area. You can stroll along a choice of scenic bush tracks (from easy to strenuous), picnic at the Blue Lake, and in the quiet of the early morning or at dusk, see native animals and birds. On almost any day you can spot a platypus, and if overnighting,
you are sure to see kangaroos. After a caves tour and nature walk, we enjoy a delicious meal at the local restaurant, before overnight at Caves House.

Day 2: After a healthy breakfast travel through the mountain region to the timber town of Oberon, then the scenic drive into Bathurst. Bathurst was home to New South wales first big gold rush in the 1850s and became home to the Cobb & Co (stage) coach company, who ran the largest transport network in the world with 6,000 horses running daily. Enjoy a look at local history, and this truly pioneering country town before we “head for the hills” and back country via the quaint old gold mining town of Sofala. From here we wind our way along the bridle track following the Turon River, to Hill End.

Some history – In 1851, gold was discovered at Hill End, and by 1872, at the height of the great gold rush, the town was the largest inland settlement in NSW. With its museum displays and many preserved buildings, Hill End offers a fascinating insight into the 19th-century gold rush. This well-preserved, former Bathurst gold-mining town is set in an isolated valley surrounded by rugged mountains and gorges. The rugged scenery has inspired many renowned Australian painters, including Donald Friend and Russell Drysdale, who painted some of the finest Australian landscapes of the 20th century.  In its heyday in the 1870s, Hill End had a population of 10,000 and boasted a kilometre of colourful shopfronts, including 28 pubs, an opium den and an oyster bar. Today you can take a self-guided tour of the gold-rush streetscape, go underground at the Bald Hill Mine or join a ‘fossicking’ tour and searchfor gold among mounds of old mine tailings.

Eastern Grey Kangaroos Hunter Valley TourTime here to enjoy the local history, before travelling back countrytrails, to arrive at Mudgee, and prosperous volcanic soil wine growingarea. Enjoy a tasty lunch at a Winery in Mudgee and enjoy wine tastingat a premium local winery.We see wild kangaroos as we travel through dense forests andspectacular rock and mountain scenery to descend into the Upper HunterValley. Overnight Sandy Hollow or Denman.

Day 3: Depart through picturesque rural properties, crossing the Goulburn & Hunter Rivers (The Twin Rivers) to follow the Golden Highway in the foothills of Wollomi National Park. We visit the sacred Aboriginal “Biamme Cave” with a massive Aboriginal cave painting depicting the supreme Aboriginal creator spirit Biamme, with outstretched arms caring over his people. (Known as the “rope man” in the Pacific Islands. Learn of local Aboriginal history, and landmarks before we enjoy lunch at a scenic vineyard picnic area. We travel through Broke and the historic village of Wollombi (more wine tasting options) before arriving in the heart of the Lower Hunter Valley, Pokolbin.

Lots of treats here including many boutique wineries, the Hunter Valley Gardens, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, Cheese tasting and more. A local Wildlife park visit option is also available to ensure close encounters of the furry kind with koalas, kangaroos, wombats, Tasmanian Devils, crocodiles and more. After a full day we travel back to Sydney crossing the mighty & scenic Hawkesbury River, travelling back into the city via the leafy north shore suburbs, arriving approximately 6pm.

Hunter Valley Wollombi Broke Wine Tasting & Wilderness Tours from Sydney or Hunter Valley – 2 day Tour Balloon Flight option

Private & personalized small private group in a luxury 4WD tour to explore the Hunter Valley & Watagan Forests, Wollombi, Broke & Aboriginal and pioneer history of the region. Your tour includes Wine tasting, Spectacular Scenic Circle route, Wildlife, Convict and Pioneer Village and History, Cheese, Chocolate and Champagne tasting.

Travel in a small group and visit major and boutique wineries in historic Wollombi village in the famous Hunter Valley. Travel the land pioneered by the O’Neill family, early wine and tobacco growers from the 1860s.  Visit the famous PJ O’Neill’s wine saloon, and key stopping and resting place on the Old Northern Road from Sydney to Newcastle.

Travel the Aboriginal trading route and songlines via scenic bush and the convict built Old Northern Road.

• Learn of Aboriginal tribes of the region and their way of life
• Visit the Biamme Cave with ancient artwork showing the great Aboriginal creator spirit Biamme blessing the land.
• Visit historic villages of the 1830’s and savour the life of the early settlers and convicts.
• Includes wine tastings at 5-8 (or more) wineries
• Enjoy tea/coffee in the beautiful Wollombi Valley … and share the history of the “locals”.
• Fine Australian wines and an outdoor gourmet picnic lunch
• Hunter Valley Gardens as an option from wine tasting
• Cheese, Champagne and Chocolate tastings available.
• Wild kangaroos at sunset

 Sydney CBD Hotel pick-up and return.

2 Day Overnight option … a great escape in this beautiful and rich river country by Wollomi / Yengo National Parks – Tour Code: HVW2

Depart to suit you from 8:30 -10:00 am return approx 4:30 – 6 pm the next day. Includes wild kangaroos, delicious country-style dinner, delicious lunches, morning and afternoon teas and 3 to up to 10 (depending on your preferences) special and boutique vineyards for wine tasting.

If a group of 4 or more, $980 per person. Double or twin share rooms. Single supplement $880

Call 1300 763 188  or  +61 417 244 600  

Lightning Ridge Blue Mountains Hunter Valley Outback NSW Tour

This 3 day Lightning Ridge Blue Mountains Hunter Valley Outback NSW Tour from Sydney gives you the real outback and country NSW experience plus Blue Mountains with Katoomba, Echo Point and Govetts Leap, wine tasting in Hunter Valley, and Mudgee wine and gold country.

Lightning Ridge Opals Tour

Sydney to Outback New South Wales ( NSW ) tour via Blue Mountains, Mudgee wines, Wollomi National Park, Warrumbungle Mountains, Lightning Ridge opals, hot springs, Mt Kaputar, Hunter Valley 

• Wildlife in the wild. See emus, kangaroos, reptiles, wallabies, stunning native birds and much more
• Buy opal at traders prices from the source at Lightning Ridge
• Meet real Australian’s and local Aboriginal people in communities
• Silo Art Trail art includes Dunedoo, Gulargambone, Coonamble, Walgett, Gunnedah, Quirindi 
• John Murray Art Gallery at Lightning Ridge
  
• Other tour options include Broken Hill, Lake Mungo NP, Gundabooka National Park, Bourke

 3 day Lightning Ridge Blue Mountains Hunter Valley Outback NSW Tour

– itinerary

Day 1 – Depart your Sydney hotel or accommodation at 730 am and enjoy the fresh early light and air of the spectacular Blue Mountains. Visit Katoomba, Leura, Echo Point, Three Sisters, Jamieson Valley (Grand Canyon) and Cliff Drive over Megalong Valley before a morning tea at Govett’s Leap near Blackheath, overlooking the Grosse Valley and spectacular Blue Gum Forest in the Blue Mountains.

Descent the 1500 metres of the Great Dividing Range and from Pearson’s Lookout view the Blue Mountains region and Wollomi National Park in this World Heritage area. Enjoy a tasty lunch at a Winery in Mudgee and enjoy wine  tasting. Travel on through old gold mining towns, and historic Gulgong – the town on the $10 note. Travel via Dunedoo to Coonabarabran for overnight.. Dine at own expense in town (numerous options) and consider a visit to the Sky Watch Observatory to view the night sky through their giant telescope. This area experiences some of the clearest skies in the world, hence the nearby Siding Springs Observatory. Enjoy motel style accommodation this evening.

Day 2: After a healthy breakfast see wild kangaroos and emus as we travel through Warrumbungle National Park. We take a short bushwalk to see the spectacular view of the Breadknife and surrounding mountains in this unique volcanic region. Consider a close-up visit to the large 3.9-metre diameter optical telescope at the Anglo-Australian Telescope facility at Siding Springs in the Warrumbungles. Siding Spring Observatory houses over 60 telescopes from institutions across the world including, Korea, America, the UK, Poland, Hungary, Germany and Russia. Travel through rural grain producing towns, and see the innovative and large water tower and silo artworks Arrive Lightning Ridge, home to Australia’s beautiful black opal. Visit an underground mine and see how the mining community lives. Buy your opals direct from the Opal Cutters and Wholesalers at huge discounts to City  prices.

Day 3: Depart Lightning Ridge for the 800 km return journey to Sydney via huge sheep stations and some of the largest fields of wheat and cotton in the world. Witness the majestic 1520 m high Mt Kaputar dominating this ancient volcanic landscape.  Lunch in a “Country Pub”. Travel on through the Liverpool Ranges, and Scone, the heart of horse breeding country in Australia. Time permitting enjoy some wine tasting in the Hunter Valley before arrival in Sydney approximately 7:00 pm

Inclusions –

• Motel style en-suite accommodation
• All meals except 2 dinners own cost in restaurants
• Silo Art Trail art includes Dunedoo, Gulargambone, Coonamble, Walgett, Gunnedah, Quirindi 
• John Murray Art Gallery at Lightning Ridge
• Wine tastings
• Wild wildlife!!
• Discount opal buying
• Aboriginal art and real Aussie county folk
• National Parks entry fees.
• Tour price supports Outback Kids Fund & Nature Care projects.

For full itinerary details, images and travel information, visit the Spirit Safaris tour page HERE >  View details & images

BOOK HERE
Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

Mungo National Park and Silo Art Trail Tour from Sydney to Broken Hill & Adelaide

Possible to Meet Lake Eyre to Alice Springs tour from Adelaide or Broken Hill OR Meet Cameron Corner Country tours

Options to depart at Broken Hill on day 4 and or take a day tour of Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Mungo National Park Tours Discover Outback NSW and this ancient landscape, travel the Darling River Run, and explore Bourke & Wills camp and wetlands at Menindee Lakes on this Mungo National Park Tours from Sydney to Broken

Hill (or reverse option)

Day 1 – Depart from Sydney – travelling via the famous “Dog on the Tucker Box” (Canberra pickup available) over the Great Dividing Range to Wagga Wagga, and on to Narrandera in the Heart of Australia food bowl, the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, then Hay to see the Shearers Hall of Fame at Shear Outback and learn of the rich life in the wool industry in early NSW. Overnight Balranald for a hearty local meal and overnight stop.

Day 2 – Into the desert and Mungo National Park to explore this ancient lake bed environment. Here the stories of the regions from local Aboriginal guide, and learn of the oldest known ritual burial in the world. Discover the Walls of China and the megafauna history of the area, explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park.

Days 3 – Travel the Darling River via Pooncarie, Menindee and Kinchega National Park. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lakeshore, and a haven for wetland birds. Dinner at famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals from Priscilla fame) Overnight Broken Hill.

Day 4 – Explore Broken Hill highlights (your choice) including Pro Hart Gallery, The Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures or Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Day 5 – Explore Broken Hill in the morning then travel to Adelaide via Peterborough (railway history) Burra (historic Copper mine town) and tour via rural South Australia to Adelaide and tour completion this eve.

4 day tour – Cost including 3 nights motel accommodation, all meals, 4WD travel, twin share or double. Single supplement $480. Excludes Mutawintji National Park tour cost

5 day tour – Cost including 4 nights motel accommodation, all meals, 4WD travel, twin share or double. Single supplement $580. Excludes Mutawintji National Park tour cost

8 DAY Corner Country, with Birdsville Track, Strzelecki Track, Oodnadatta Track & Lake Eyre Tour - From Adelaide or Broken Hill option to Birdsville, Cooper Creek, Lake Eyre via Coober Pedy, Arkaroola (2 nights, includes Ridge Top Tour, optional heli flight), Wilpena Pound (walk & flight options), Moomba, Innamincka (incl Burke & Wills Dig Tree & Burkes Grave), Lake Eyre (Optional Lake Eyre flight available), Mound Springs, Old Ghan Railway, Brachina Gorge, Parachilna Gorge, Flinders Ranges to Adelaide.  Cameron Corner - Broken Hill options - please Ask. Completes around 6pm

Day 1 – From Adelaide pickup (or Broken Hill option) approximately 8 am from airport or your accommodation for departure via spectacular mountain scenery as we travel via Clare Valley wine country, then the Flinders Ranges to Wilpena Pound. Our journey takes us through rural SA to enjoy picturesque roadside stops for lunch and morning tea. Visit historic Quorn & Hawker before arrival at Wilpena Pound resort for our comfy overnight stop. Enjoy a sunset walk with the kangaroos amongst the ancient Red River Gums and a relax at the bar before dinner. L, D

Day 2 – This morning we recommend the spectacular optional scenic flight over the pound. There’s time also to enjoy the Wangarra Lookout & Hills Homestead walk into the Pound. We leave Wilpena and pass by traditional sheep stations and plains stretching to Lake Frome, and through into the Gammon Ranges National Park to Arkaroola. Overnight Arkaroola Resort. B,L,D

Day 3 – There’s plenty to do here in this remote,  rugged area, including scenic flights or relaxing walks in the paths by nearby creeks, but the highlight is the Ridge Top Tour.  The 4.5 hour Ridge Top Tour showcases the magic of the Northern Flinders Ranges timeless terrain and unique natural beauty of the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Witness some of the most spectacularly rugged country on earth as you travel through Arkaroola’s 1600-million year geological history, as the inspiring images of red granite mountains and golden spinifex hillsides give way to a breath-taking view across the Freeling Heights, Lake Frome and the desert beyond. After a spectacular day, relax by the fireside and share your experiences. Overnight Arkaroola BLD

Day 4 – Today we pass by desert sand dunes, gibber plains and hot springs as we heading north to Innamincka. We pass by Lake Callabonna, where Diprotodon and numerous Australian megafauna roamed in swampy terrain when this was the eastern most shore of Australia. There are many remains of ancient beasties here, and the country makes it easy to imagine this other world of many millions of years ago. At Mt Hopeless (aptly named) we join the Strzelecki Track, we pass Merty Merty homestead and on via the vast oil and gas fields of Moomba and the Delta gas fields to enter the Innamincka Regional Reserve area, and famous Innamincka township on the banks of the notorious Cooper Creek.  An optional Cooper Creek cruise (if running and time permits) is in order before dinner at the Innamincka pub.

Day 5 – Today we visit the Burke & Wills dig tree, were the ill fated explorers arrived too late for their support party, and did not respond to the message on the tree to dig, where supplies were buried that could have saved their lives. We do though enjoy the prolific birdlife near here and unique flora before heading up the track, passing the largest shearing shed in Australia and the ruins of Cadelga Downs station, (alternatively via Haddon Corner, depending on road conditions) over the Queensland border to arrive Birdsville for overnight. BLD

Day 6 – Birdsville is an icon of the outback, attracting outback travellers to connect with the frontier history of this landmark town. Birdsville used to be the customs post for goods and cattle travelling to and from South Australia before Federation. It was the route used by the great cattle drovers, including S. Kidman & Co, and there’s plenty of this history to experience in Birdsville, especially at the local museum, adjacent the tasty treats of the Hard Road Cafe. Today we visit Big Red, the Simpson Desert’s biggest sand hill, and see Burke & Wills marked tree on the  Diamantina River. An optional flight over the Simpson Desert and Goyder Lagoon is available here. We head off south on the Birdsville Track following the spectacular Diamantina River past Pandie Pandie station and Goyder Lagoon. Time and track conditions willing, we visit Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary & Station, part of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy for overnight, or alternatively overnight at Mungeranie Roadhouse on the Birdsville Track. BLD

Day 7 – Arriving in Marree, explore this once thriving railway town that helped save Darwin during WWII with 56 trains per week! Marree is at the junction of the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks, and the path of the Great Northern  Railway / Old Ghan for over 100 years, so lots of history here including Aboriginal museum and history, Tom Kruse (Outback Mailman from “Back of Beyond”) and Donald Campbells Bluebird story. Take an optional 1 or 2 hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre to see the Warburton Groove, the main inflow channel to Lake Eyre, Elliot Price Conservation Park, Halligan Bay, Lake Eyre South and the Marree Man (a 4 km long, giant engraving in the landscape). On return to base, we see some of the sights of Marree, this once thriving Ghan Railway town. Marree is caretaker for some interesting railway relics, plus the old mail truck used by legendary outback mailman Tom Kruse on the run from Marree to Birdsville. We visit the shores of Lake Eyre south and connect with the wonder of the bird and plant life which becomes revitalised after flooding rains. We also see the fascinating Mound Springs bringing water up from the Great Artesian Basin. Overnight in Marree with a few yarns around the campfire or at the local pub. BLD

Day 8 – Today we visit the restored ruins of the old Ghan railway town of Farina, which once supported 300 people. We view the giant Leigh Creek coal mine, enjoy a break at the Quandong cafe at Copley and travel via old Ghan railway towns to Parachilna, and in the foothills of the Flinders Ranges to Hawker and picturesque mountain landscapes to arrive in Adelaide around 6pm, delivered to your accommodation or airport connection. BL

Inclusions –

• 7 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 2-4 per 4WD Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

Exclusions

• Transport to and from departure / return points
• Alcohol
• Items of personal nature
• Optional Flights or flight extensions - eg Lake Eyre, Wilpena Pound 
• Cooper Creek cruise (available at extra cost if operating)
  

BOOK HERE Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

Sydney to Wollongong & NSW South Coast Tours

1 Day Tour via Bulli Lookout, Stanwell Tops, Royal National Park and Grand Pacific Drive – the NSW South Coast Tour. Extended options available – please ask.

Grand Pacific DriveHidden National Park Beaches

Explore the NSW South Coast Tours by coast from Sydney via Botany Bay, viewing La Perouse (French connection) and Kurnell (Captain Cooks landing place) to scenic Bulli Lookout with spectacular views over Wollongong and the NSW South Coast.

After a delicious morning tea at Bulli Lookout, arrive in Wollongong (or optionally the spectacular Nan Tien Temple) for free time to explore and / or swim Wollongong beach or explore the Nan Tien Temple (largest Buddhist Temple in Southern Hemisphere).

After a delicious lunch, explore some of the famous local sites. Wollongong is a thriving multicultural city, home to Australia largeststeelworks, with a rich natural and local history.

Return via the GRAND PACIFIC DRIVE which encompasses 70 kms of some of NSW’s most spectacular scenery and coastline. Heading south from the Royal National Park (world’s second oldest), the route takes you through beautiful coastal rainforests, spectacular driving scenery with close proximity to sheer cliffs and the ocean, the impressive 665 metre newly opened sea bridge and quaint coastal villages boasting some of the state’s most beautiful beaches and rock pools.

Grand Pacific Drive takes you into Wollongong, which is a bustling coastal city with a vast array of attractions and activities for any visitor. NSW South Coast Tours then travel from Wollongong you can head south to Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven or beyond, or head west and travel over the escarpment to the Southern Highlands and then south to Canberra.

A great option for a day visit, short stay or as a great appetiser to the ‘Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive’. Just 1 hour from Sydney and 2.5 hours from Canberra, Grand Pacific Drive is a must for all those want to experience some of the state’s finest assets on these NSW South Coast Tours

NSW South Coast Tours can pick you up from City Hotels, Manly or Milson’s Point/North Sydney or as arranged.

After a delicious morning tea at Bulli Lookout, arrive in Wollongong (or optionally the Nan Tien Temple) for free time to explore and / or swim Wollongong beach or explore the Nan Tien Temple (largest Buddhist Temple in Southern Hemisphere).

After a delicious lunch, explore some of the famous local sites. Wollongong is a thriving multicultural city, home to Australia largest steelworks, with a rich natural and local history.

Includes – Small group luxury transport, Local & professional driver guide, morning and afternoon tea, Option lunch at the temple or Wollongong Beach, National Park.

Departs: 9 am – return 5 pm.  Cost: $387 per person   Pick up from your CBD hotel by arrangement

4 Day Sydney to Outback NSW via Jenolan Caves Blue Mountains Hunter Valley Nelson Bay Tours with Hill End & Mudgee NSW Tours

Jenolan Caves Blue Mountains Hunter Valley Nelson Bay Tours Includes Jenolan Caves underground tour, 3 nights’ accommodation (based on double or twin share), morning teas, 4 lunches, 3 breakfasts.  All fees, professional guide, luxury 4WD transport (Toyota Landcruiser or similar).  Add an extra night to your 3 day tour above with a night in the Hunter Valley to relax & enjoy the history and wines or overnight in Port Stephens on Nelson Bay near Newcastle (with optional swim / surf or whale or dolphin watching cruise)

Day 1 – Jenolan Caves Blue Mountains Hunter Valley Tours Depart your Sydney hotel or accommodation at 730 am and enjoy the fresh early light and air of the spectacular Blue Mountains. Visit Katoomba, Leura, Echo Point, Three Sisters, Jamieson Valley (Grand Canyon) and Cliff Drive over Megalong Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view from Govett’s Leap near Blackheath, overlooking the Grosse Valley and spectacular Blue Gum Forest. Descent the 1500 metres of the Great Dividing Range to the western slopes, then down the scenic Jenolan Caves road for a cave tour or nature walk.

Jenolan Caves are the world’s oldest dated caves – over 340 million years old!  They contain some of the world’s most spectacular calcite crystal formations, which since 1838 have entranced visitors. Regarded as Australia’s most outstanding cave system – with 11 spectacular show caves, multi-lingual self-guided tour, pure underground rivers and amazing formations – Jenolan Caves is among the finest and oldest cave systems in the world.

Jenolan Caves is in a huge nature reserve which forms part of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area. You can stroll along a choice of scenic bush tracks (from easy to strenuous), picnic at the Blue Lake, and in the quiet of the early morning or at dusk, see native animals and birds. On almost any day you can spot a platypus, and if overnighting, you are sure to see kangaroos. After a caves tour and nature walk, we enjoy a delicious meal at the local restaurant, before overnight at Caves House.

Day 2: After a healthy breakfast journey through the mountain region to the timber town of Oberon, then the scenic drive into Bathurst. Bathurst was home to New South Wales first big gold rush in the 1850s and became home to the Cobb & Co (stage) coach company, who ran the largest transport network in the world with 6,000 horses running daily. Enjoy a look at local history, and this truly pioneering country town before we “head for the hills” and back country via the quaint old gold mining town of Sofala. From here we wind our way along the bridle track following the Turon River, to Hill End.

Some history – In 1851, gold was discovered at Hill End, and by 1872, at the height of the great gold rush, the town was the largest inland settlement in NSW. With its museum displays and many preserved buildings, Hill End offers a fascinating insight into the 19th-century gold rush. This well-preserved, former Bathurst gold-mining town is set in an isolated valley surrounded by rugged mountains and gorges. The rugged scenery has inspired many renowned Australian painters, including Donald Friend and Russell Drysdale, who painted some of the finest Australian landscapes of the 20th century.  In its heyday in the 1870s, Hill End had a population of 10,000 and boasted a kilometre of colourful shopfronts, including 28 pubs, an opium den and an oyster bar. Today you can take a self-guided tour of the gold-rush streetscape, go underground at the Bald Hill Mine or join a ‘fossicking’ tour and search for gold among mounds of old mine tailings.

Eastern Grey Kangaroos Hunter Valley TourTime here to enjoy the local history, before travelling back country trails, to arrive at Mudgee, and prosperous volcanic soil wine growing area. Enjoy a tasty lunch at a Winery in Mudgee and enjoy wine tasting at a premium local winery. We see wild kangaroos as we travel through dense forests and spectacular rock and mountain scenery to descend into the Upper HunterValley. Overnight Sandy Hollow or Denman.

Day 3: Travel through small rural towns on the Golden Highway, via some of Australia’s most prestigious thoroughbred horse studs, and cattle country. We visit the sacred Aboriginal “Biamme Cave” with a massive Aboriginal cave painting depicting the supreme Aboriginal creator spirit Biamme, with outstretched arms caring over his people. (Known as the “rope man” in the Pacific Islands. Learn of local Aboriginal history, and landmarks before we enjoy lunch at a scenic vineyard picnic area. We travel through Broke and the historic village of Wollombi (more wine tasting options) before arriving in the heart of the Lower Hunter Valley, Pokolbin. Lots of treats here including many boutique wineries, the Hunter Valley Gardens, Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, Cheese tasting and more. A local Wildlife park visit option is also available to ensure close encounters of the furry kind with koalas, kangaroos, wombats, Tasmanian Devils, crocodiles and more.

We see the vast coal mines of the Hunter Valley before our stop at some local wineries for wine tasting a full range of wines from various vineyards, and a delicious lunch. If willing, we can also visit the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company, a Cheese factory for cheese tasting and a fudge factory … mmm. Wildlife are waiting for us at a nearby wildlife park (closed Wednesdays). Here we can take a close up look and see most of the famous Ozzie wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, dingoes, wombats, echidnas and native birds. Overnight Port Stephens / Nelson Bay.

Day 4 – With an extra night added to your 3 day tour with a night & day to relax & enjoy the sun, surf, and sailing (optional extra) in Port Stephens Resort on Nelson Bay north of Newcastle with optional swim/surf or whale or dolphin watch cruise (extra cost). Enjoy a scenic walk through the bushland to Nelson Bay Headland in Tomaree National Park. After a full day we travel back to Sydney crossing the mighty & scenic Hawkesbury River, travelling back into the city via the leafy north shore suburbs, arriving approximately 6pm..

Tour includes all accommodation, morning teas, lunches, breakfasts. All fees, professional guide, luxury 4WD transport (Toyota Landcruiser or similar). Two dinners at own expense in local restaurant of your choice..

2 Day Sydney to Jenolan Caves Blue Mountains Tour

Day 1 – Jenolan Caves Blue Mountains Tour Depart your Sydney hotel or accommodation at 800am and enjoy the fresh early light and air of the spectacular Blue Mountains. Visit Katoomba, Leura, Echo Point, Three Sisters, Jamieson Valley (Grand Canyon) and Cliff Drive over Megalong Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view from Govett’s Leap near Blackheath, overlooking the Grosse Valley and spectacular Blue Gum Forest. Descend the 1500 metres of the Great Dividing Range to the western slopes, then down the scenic Jenolan Caves road for a cave tour and nature walk - likely seeing platypus.

Jenolan Caves are the world’s oldest dated caves – over 340 million years old!  They contain some of the world’s most spectacular calcite crystal formations, which since 1838 have entranced visitors.

Regarded as Australia’s most outstanding cave system – with 11 spectacular show caves, multi-lingual self-guided tour, pure underground rivers and amazing formations – Jenolan Caves is among the finest and oldest cave systems in the world.

Jenolan Caves is in a huge nature reserve which forms part of the Blue Mountains World Heritage area. You can stroll along a choice of scenic bush tracks (from easy to strenuous), picnic at the Blue Lake, and in the quiet of the early morning or at dusk, see native animals and birds. On almost any day you can spot a platypus, and if overnighting, you are sure to see kangaroos. After a caves tour and nature walk, we enjoy a delicious meal at the local restaurant, .Accommodation at nearby Oberon or Jenolan Caves House option

Day 2: After a healthy breakfast a second (optional) cave tour is available before we travel through stunning mountain country to Kanangra Walls scenic lookout in the Kanangra Boyd National Park overlooking deep gorges and the Cox's River. We then travel in the mountain region to the timber town of Oberon, then the scenic drive into Bathurst. Bathurst was home to New South Wales first big gold rush in the 1850s and became home to the Cobb & Co (stage) coach company, who ran the largest transport network in the world with 6,000 horses running daily. Enjoy a look at local history, and this truly pioneering country town before we visit the Charles Darwin memorial who visited the region in 1836. From Lithgow, the site of Australia's early ironworks we check out the Zig Zag steam railway history and head up Victoria Pass to return to Sydney by the scenic Bells Line of Road with a visit to the Mt Tomah Botanic Gardens time permitting. Return to Sydney arriving approximately 6 pm.

REVERSE OF BELOW ITINERARY

Mungo National Park Tours from Sydney to Broken Hill & Adelaide

Possible to Meet Lake Eyre to Alice Springs tour from Adelaide or Broken Hill OR Meet Cameron Corner Country tours

Options to depart at Broken Hill on day 4 and or take a day tour Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Mungo National Park Tours Discover Outback NSW and this ancient landscape, travel the Darling River Run and explore Bourke & Wills camp and wetlands at Menindee Lakes on this Mungo National Park Tours from Sydney to Broken

Hill (or reverse option)

Day 1 – Depart from Sydney – travelling via the famous “Dog on the Tucker Box” (Canberra pickup available) over the Great Dividing Range to Wagga Wagga, and on to Narranderra in the Heart of Australia food bowl, the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, then Hay to see the Shearers Hall of Fame at Shear Outback and learn of the rich life in the wool industry in early NSW. Overnight Balranald for a hearty local meal and overnight stop.

Day 2 – Into the desert and Mungo National Park to explore this ancient lake bed environment. Here the stories of the regions from local Aboriginal guide, and learn of the oldest known ritual burial in the world. Discover the Walls of China and megafauna history of the area, explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park.

Days 3 – Travel the Darling River via Pooncarie, Menindee and Kinchega National Park. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lake shore, and haven for wetland birds.Dinner at famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals fromPriscilla fame) Overnight Broken Hill.

Day 4 – Explore Broken Hill highlights (your choice) including Pro Hart Gallery, The Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures or Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Call Now: 1300 763 188

Silo Art Trail Mungo NSW Outback Tours Sydney to Broken Hill 6 days 

Our Silo Art Trail Mungo NSW Outback Tours Sydney to Broken Hill 6 days are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles or we do have a comfortable minibus for up to 10 people

The Silo At Trail is transforming Australian regional towns. Join us on an adventure through rural Australia to witness these great masterpieces and the local hospitality.

Possible to Meet Lake Eyre to Alice Springs tour from Adelaide or Broken Hill OR Meet Cameron Corner Country tours

Options a day tour Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Here is our 6 day tour Sydney to Broken Hill (or reverse option please ask)

Highlights – NSW Silo Art Trail Tours

• Portland Silo Art
• Parkes Radio Telescope  – The Dish
• Canowindra – Age of Fishes Fossil Museum
• Grenfell Silo Art
• Weethalle Silo Art
• Hay – Shear Outback Centre
• Wentworth – Junction of the Darling & Murray Rivers + Megafauna Museum
• Mungo National Park & China Walls tour
• Menindee – Lakes & Burke & Wills Camp
• Broken Hill & Silverton
• Return optional tours or meets rail to Sydney or Adelaide

Following is our 6 day Silo Art Trail Mungo NSW Outback Tours Sydney to Broken Hill in outback regional New South Wales Sydney to Broken Hill – (reverse available) supporting regional communities and those that have been suffering through recent droughts and the bushfires – hope you can join us.

NOTE This tour also available as 12 days Sydney Broken Hill Sydney return via Tibooburra Bourke, Brewarinna Gundabooka, Macquarie Marshes - see https://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/391372/nsw-outback-explorer-silo-art-corner-country-mungo-broken-hill-darling-river-bourke-sydney-return-12-days

Silo Art Trail Mungo NSW Outback Tours Sydney to Broken Hill 6 days

Day 1 – NSW Silo Art Trail tours take us through some lovely country towns and regional areas, and our 6 day tour from Sydney to Broken Hill includes the Portland silos at the old Cement Factory – beautiful artwork there on the cement works and symbolic of the restoration of the community in Portland exemplified by their site work and the wonderful annual art exhibition.

Moving on beyond Bathurst and the fascinating history of the gold rush and Cobb & Co coaches, then The Dish Exhibition centre at the giant CSIRO operated radiotelescope that brought the 1st moon landing images to Earth. Overnight Parkes

Day 2 – We visit Canowindra and the Museum of Fishes – ancient fish fossils from this area that was once an inland sea. Then Cowra (and railway roundhouse for the keen). Onwards to the popular Grenfell Wheat silos completed in 2019 and then moving to the well-known Weetalle Silos.  Driving West via Rankin Springs the country spreads and
the sky seems to get bigger as the sun sets over the Hay Plains. Overnight Goolgowi LD

Day 3 – Shear Outback, Wine Tasting, Murray Darling Junction, Wentworth

Today we travel to Hay, one of Australia’s major wool growing areas, and a visit to the Shear Outback centre takes
to you into the rich life in the wool industry in early NSW. We’ll take the backroad through saltbush plains, that are home to over 50 farming
families. Tiny villages are the social hub for many of the large outback
stations, where life can often be lonely. . Follow the Murray River to Trentham Estate,
a family-owned winery on the banks of the Murray River. Enjoy an
afternoon wine tasting by the river before we head to Wentworth. In the
late 1800’s Wentworth was the largest river port in Australia with over
400 boats plying the Murray and the Darling Rivers, which meet here.
Overnight Wentworth Meals: BLD

Day 4 – From Wentworth visit the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers, Australia’s biggest river system and also visit Wentworth Pioneer Museum with life-size megafauna replicas from the local area including the cuddly 2-metre high Diprotodons. Into the desert and Mungo National Park to explore this ancient lakebed environment. Here the stories of the regions from a local guide, and learn of the oldest known ritual burial in the world. Discover the Walls of China and megafauna history of the area, explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park.

Day 5 – Travel the Darling River via Pooncarie, Menindee and Kinchega National Park. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lakeshore, and a haven for wetland birds. Into Broken Hill and dinner at famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill.

Day 6 – Tour completes at 10 am after breakfast. You are free to explore many of the rich history and fascinating Broken Hill highlights (your choice) including Pro Hart Gallery, The Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures or Mutawintji National Park (extra optional cost) for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Day 7 options – Explore Broken Hill in the morning then travel to Adelaide via Peterborough (railway history) Burra (old Copper mine tour) and tour completion

Silo Art Trail Mungo NSW Outback Tours Sydney to Broken Hill 6 days

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure.  Should you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 6 days with 5 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation – twin share or single supplement available – see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle – usually 4WD Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & AWC Nature Care projects.

Call 1300 763 188 or BOOK Here

Corner Country Bourke Darling River Macquarie Marshes Broken Hill to Sydney Outback NSW 12 days

Explore the Far West of NSW with Silo Art, Corner Country,  Mungo National Park, Broken Hill, Darling River Run from Wilcannia to Bourke with a visit to White Cliffs opals fields & miners stores, Bourke, Brewarrina Sydney Return 12 days

Highlights

• Sydney to Broken Hill and return to Sydney 
• Portland Silo Art
• Parkes Radio Telescope  – The Dish
• Canowindra – Age of Fishes Fossil Museum
• Grenfell Silo Art
• Weethalle Silo Art
• Hay – Shear Outback Centre
• Wentworth – Junction of the Darling & Murray Rivers + Megafauna Museum
• Mungo National Park & China Walls tour
• Menindee – Lakes & Burke & Wills Camp
• Broken Hill & Silverton - Pro Hart Gallery, mine tour option, history, Mining & railway museums
• Packsaddle & Milparinka historic sites
• Depot Glen & Pooles Grave
• Tibooburra granites, pastoral, art and mining history
• Dog Fence & NSW State border
• White Cliffs Opal fields (sleep underground)
• Darling River Run via Pooncarie, Menindee Lakes, Wilcannia Tilpa & Louth
• Gundabooka National Park & Aboriginal rock art
• Bourke - river cruise and Back O'Bourke centre / history
• Brewarrinna - ancient Aboriginal fish traps 40,000 years old
• Macquarie Marshes - great bird spotting
• Warrmbungles Ranges - with bushwalk
  
• Siding Springs Observatory
• Gulgong - $10 note, Gold and pioneer history
• Mudgee wine tasting
• Blue Mountains

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles

The Silo At Trail is transforming Australian regional towns. Join us on an adventure through rural Australia to witness these great masterpieces and the local hospitality.

Options include a day tour to Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Day 1 – This 12 day tour takes us via some of the NSW Silo Art Trail through lovely country towns and regional areas. From Sydney (or enroute pickup) to Broken Hill and return includes the best of NSW. Commence with stunning views from Echo Point and the Three Sisters at Katoomba, the Portland silos at the old Cement Factory – beautiful artwork there on the cement works and symbolic of the restoration of the community in Portland exemplified by their site work and the wonderful annual art exhibition. Meals: LD

Moving on via Bathurst and the fascinating history of the gold rush and Cobb & Co coaches, then The Dish Exhibition centre at the giant CSIRO operated radiotelescope that brought the 1st moon landing images to Earth. Back in Parkes, and less famous is the King's Castle, Australia's very own Elvis Presley museum created by the original yellow Wiggle Greg Page. Overnight Parkes

Day 2 – We visit  Canowindra, ballooning capital of Australia and the Museum of Fishes – viewing ancient fish fossils from this area that was once an inland sea. Then Cowra (and railway roundhouse for the keen). Onwards we travel via Weddin Mountains National Park, visiting the popular Grenfell Wheat silos completed in 2019 and then through West Wyalong to the well-known Weethalle Silos. Driving West via Rankin Springs the country spreads and the sky seems to get bigger we know the perfect place to see our first Big Sky sunset with the full spectrum of colours as the sun sets over the Hay Plains. Overnight Hay Meals: BLD

Day 3 – SHEAR OUTBACK, OUTBACK VILLAGES, WENTWORTH

Hay was one of Australia’s major wool growing areas, and a visit to the Shear Outback centre takes to you into the rich life in the wool industry in early NSW. We’ll take the backroad through seemingly endless saltbush plains, that are home to over 50 farming families. Tiny villages are the social hub for many of the large outback stations, where life can often be lonely. Follow the Murray River to Trentham Estate, a family-owned winery on the banks of the Murray River. Enjoy an afternoon wine tasting by the river before we head to Wentworth. In the late 1800’s Wentworth was the largest river port in Australia with over 400 boats plying the Murray and the Darling Rivers, which meet here. Overnight Wentworth Meals: BL

Day 4 – Wentworth visit the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers, Australia’s biggest river system and also visit Wentworth Pioneer Museum with life-size megafauna replicas from the local area including the cuddly 2-metre high Diprotodons. Into the desert and Mungo National Park to explore this ancient lakebed environment. Here the stories of the regions from a local guide, and learn of the oldest known ritual burial in the world. Discover the Walls of China and megafauna history of the area, explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park.  Meals: BLD

Days 5 – Travel the Darling River via Pooncarie, Menindee and Kinchega National Park. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lakeshore, and a haven for wetland birds. Into Broken Hill and dinner at famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill. Meals: BLD

Day 6 – Explore Broken Hill highlights (your choice) including Pro Hart Gallery, The Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures or exra cost for Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history. Overnight Broken Hill. Meals: BL

Day 7 - Depart Broken Hill through the Barrier Range on the Silver City Highway via Packsaddle for Milparinka and Depot Glen, where explorer Charles Sturt spent 6 months in 1845 with a team of men, waiting for rain and cooler conditions. This area has been extensively mined for tin, lead and gold and operated large sheep stations. Appreciate this once thriving gold mining town at the restored Milparinka Heritage Precinct. Time to explore Tibooburra, and the Outdoor Pastoral Museum.  Flat-topped mesas and fantastic views characterise the central Jump-Up country. Remnant gidgee woodland, the catchment system of the ephemeral Twelve-Mile Creek and gibber and grass-covered plains dominate the east, while 450 million-year-old granite tors surrounding Tibooburra form part of the southern boundary of the park. We check out the Tibooburra pubs and considerable town and mining history before overnight here at Family Hotel or Granites Motel  Meals BLD

Day 8 - Today we are heading into the Sturt Desert & Sturt National park, crossing the Grey Range with a stop at Fort Grey. The park protects an enormous arid landscape of space and solitude. The rolling red sand dunes of the Strzelecki desert ripple through the western section, graduating past surprising wetlands surrounded by white sands. After some great opportunities for photos, we pass through the Dog Fence and arrive at Cameron Corner on the 3 states corner (NSW, SA & QLD) for a thirst quencher and souvenirs, and check out the "Corner Store" (conditional on the border being open).

Travel to White Cliffs and explore the opal mines history, and maybe find some local opal bargains. Then to our overnight accommodation underground - Meals BLD

Day 9 - Now to the Darling River Run via Wilcannia, once a bustling port for the wool laden paddle steamers, now with its beautiful and historic sandstone public architecture. On up the Darling River Run to river towns of Louth & Tilpa - with a cuppa and tour at the famous Dunlop Station. Dunlop Station is an historic sheep station property located on the Darling River. Once a million acres it has a 45 stand shearing shed which was the first shed to have mechanical shears. with the check out the paddle boat and big wool and sheep station history of this region. Gundabooka National Park surrounds Mt Gundabooka and has unique Aboriginal Rock art to explore, including a pleasant and easy walk through this isolated National Park.  Overnight Bourke BLD

Day 10 - BOURKE - The impressive ‘Back O’Bourke’ centre showcases the early days of Bourke and beyond. Discover the ‘Outback’ life of Henry Lawson, the search for an inland sea. Marvel at the stories of the ‘women of the west’ including Nancy Bird Walton, who flew an air ambulance here in the 1930’s. Stop by the 110 year old Morrall’s bakery for a pie or pastry, follow the Heritage Trail through town, or visit the grave of Fred Hollows. Cruise along the Darling on the Jandra, an historic paddle boat to recall the river boat history. In recent years Bourke has undergone a remarkable revitalisation and is now a shining light in positive indigenous opportunities. Take a cultural walk to learn about the history of Aboriginal people in Bourke and the personal connection formed with the land and it’s richness. Tonight we’ll join a campfire dinner under a coolabah tree, (if available) under a starlit sky, with plenty of music, poetry, and storytelling all about outback of Australia. Overnight Bourke. Meals: BL

Day 11 - We head for Brewarrina on the Barwon River, and the 40,000-year-old Aboriginal Fish Traps - still working. The Brewarrina fish traps are one of the oldest man-made structures on earth. This elaborate network of rock weirs and pools stretches for around half a kilometre along the riverbed and was built by ancient tribes, to catch fish as they swam upstream. Heading south to Macquarie Marshes a UNESCO registered site of outstanding value as one of the most important wetland areas in the world. It is one of the most crucial breeding sites for waterbirds in Australia, with 77 species, along with over 150 other birds, as well as fish, turtles, frogs, snakes and mammals. We travel on to our final art silo in Coonamble then take the scenic road to the beautiful Warrumbungles for a delightful bush walk with wonderful views of The Breadknife. We have a tour of Siding Springs Observatory, home to Australia’s largest telescope. The Warrumbungles is Australia’s only Dark Sky Park, meaning it is our only Internationally recognised park with an exceptional quality of starry nights and an environment specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment. Overnight. Coonabarabran Meals: BLD

Day 12 - GULGONG, MUDGEE, SYDNEY

Drive through Dunedoo, known for its poetry, hospitality, and name, or alternatively via Coolah, one of several towns to claim bragging rights as the home of the legendary Black Stump. It was here that the colloquial saying ‘Beyond the Black Stump’, meaning ‘beyond the limits of civilisation,’ is said to have originated.

On the way to Gulgong - the town that was on the way to Gulgong - the town that was on the $10 note. This small village from the gold rush days is a delight to take in the regional history and historic buildings. We are now a short drive to Mudgee where we’ll taste some local wines and have lunch in a vineyard. Travel via the Zig Zag railway and back to Sydney via spectacular Grose Valley views and Mt Tomah on Bells Line fo Road to Sydney Meals: BL

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 11 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 4WD GXL Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 7 x 2 course dinners
• Paddle Wheeler boat cruise at Bourke
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
  
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

• BOOK HERE
  

NSW Outback Warrumbungles Silo Art Corner Country Mungo Broken Hill Darling River Bourke Sydney Return 14 day Tour

Explore the Far West of NSW with Silo Art, Corner Country,  Mungo National Park, Broken Hill, Darling River Run from Wilcannia to Bourke with a visit to White Cliffs opals fields & miners stores, Bourke, Brewarrina Warrumbungles Siding Springs Gulgong Mudgee Sydney Return 14 days

Highlights

• Sydney to Broken Hill and return to Sydney 
• Portland Silo Art
• Parkes Radio Telescope  – The Dish
• Canowindra – Age of Fishes Fossil Museum
• Grenfell Silo Art
• Weethalle Silo Art
• Hay – Shear Outback Centre
• Wentworth – Junction of the Darling & Murray Rivers + Megafauna Museum
• Mungo National Park & China Walls tour
• Menindee – Lakes & Burke & Wills Camp
• Broken Hill & Silverton - Pro Hart Gallery, mine tour, history, Mining & railway museums
  
• Return optional tours or meets rail to Sydney or Adelaide
• Packsaddle & Milparinka historic site
• Depot Glen & Pooles Grave
• Tibooburra granites, pastoral, art and mining history
• Dog Fence & NSW State border
• White Cliffs Opal fields (sleep underground)
• Darling River Run via Tilpa & Louth
• Gundabooka National Park & Aboriginal rock art
• Bourke - river cruise
• Brewarrinna - ancient fish traps 40,000 years old
• Macquarie Marshes overnight by the wetlands - great bird spotting
• Coonamble Silo Art
• Warrumbungles NP and Siding Springs observatory
  
• Meeriwa Silo Art
  
• Gulgong historic village
  
• Mudgee wine tasting
• Zig Zag Railway
  
• Blue Mountains

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles or we do have a comfortable minibus for up to 10 people

The Silo At Trail is transforming Australian regional towns. Join us on an adventure through rural Australia to witness these great masterpieces and the local hospitality.

Options include a day tour to Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Day 1 – NSW Silo Art Trail tours take us through some lovely country towns and regional areas, and our 6 day tour from Sydney to Broken Hill includes the Portland silos at the old Cement Factory – beautiful artwork there on the cement works and symbolic of the restoration of the community in Portland exemplified by their site work and the wonderful annual art exhibition.

Moving on beyond Bathurst and the fascinating history of the gold rush and Cobb & Co coaches, then The Dish Exhibition centre at  the giant CSIRO operated radiotelescope that brought the 1st moon landing images to Earth. Overnight Parkes

Day 2 – We visit  Canowindra and the Museum of Fishes – ancient fish fossils from this area that was once an inland sea. Then Cowra (and railway roundhouse for the keen). Onwards to the popular Grenfell Wheat silos completed in 2019 and then moving to the well-known Weetalle Silos and overnight here for some sunset and early morning light photo shoots

Day 3 – We travel via Weddin Mountains National Park, West Wyalong, Rankin Springs, Balranald to Wentworth for overnight

Day 4 – Wentworth view visit the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers, Australia’s biggest river system and also visit Wentworth Pioneer Museum with life-size megafauna replicas from the local area including the cuddly 2-metre high Diprotodons. Into the desert and Mungo National Park to explore this ancient lakebed environment. Here the stories of the regions from a local guide, and learn of the oldest known ritual burial in the world. Discover the Walls of China and megafauna history of the area, explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park.

Days 5 – Travel the Darling River via Pooncarie, Menindee and Kinchega National Park. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lakeshore, and a haven for wetland birds. Into Broken Hill and dinner at famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill.

Day 6 & 7 – Explore Broken Hill highlights (your choice) including Pro Hart Gallery, The Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures or Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Options – Explore Broken Hill in the morning then travel to Adelaide via Peterborough (railway history) Burra (old Copper mine tour) and tour completion

Day 8 - Depart Broken Hill through the Barrier Range on the Silver City Highway via Packsaddle for Milparinka and Depot Glen, where explorer Charles Sturt spent 6 months in 1845 with a team of men, waiting for rain and cooler conditions. This area has been extensively mined for tin, lead and gold and operated large sheep stations. Appreciate this once thriving gold mining town at the restored Milparinka Heritage Precinct. Time to explore Tibooburra, and the Outdoor Pastoral Museum.  Flat-topped mesas and fantastic views characterise the central Jump-Up country. Remnant gidgee woodland, the catchment system of the ephemeral Twelve-Mile Creek and gibber and grass-covered plains dominate the east, while 450 million-year-old granite tors surrounding Tibooburra form part of the southern boundary of the park. We check out the Tibooburra pubs and considerable town and mining history before overnight here at Family Hotel or Granites Motel BLD

Day 9 - Today we are heading into the Sturt Desert & Sturt National park, crossing the Grey Range with a stop at Fort Grey. The park protects an enormous arid landscape of space and solitude. The rolling red sand dunes of the Strzelecki desert ripple through the western section, graduating past surprising wetlands surrounded by white sands. After some great opportunities for photos, we pass through the Dog Fence and arrive at Cameron Corner on the 3 states corner (NSW, SA & QLD) for a thirst quencher and souvenirs, and check out the "Corner Store" (conditional on the border being open).

Travel to White Cliffs and explore the opal mines history, and maybe find some local opal bargains. Then to our overnight accommodation underground BLD

Day 10 - Now to the Darling River Run via Wilcannia, with once a bustling port for the paddle steamers, now with its beautiful and historic sandstone public architecture. On up the Darling River Run to river towns of Louth & Tilpa - with a cuppa and tour at the famous Dunlop Station. Dunlop Station is an historic sheep station property located on the Darling River. Once a million acres it has a 45 stand shearing shed which was the first shed to have mechanical shears. with the check out the paddle boat and big wool and sheep station history of this region. Gundabooka National Park surrounds Mt Gundabooka and has unique Aboriginal Rock art to explore, including a pleasant and easy walk through this isolated National Park.  Overnight Bourke BLD

Day 11 - Check out Bourke's history and a riverboat cruise before we head for Brewarrina on the Barwon River,  and the 40,000 or more year-old Aboriginal Fish Traps - still working. The Brewarrina fish traps are one of the oldest man-made structures on earth. This elaborate network of rock weirs and pools stretches for around half a kilometre along the riverbed and was built by ancient tribes, to catch fish as they swam upstream. Heading south to Macquarie Marshes we watch the birds near sunset before overnight at the nearby Willie Retreat.

Day 12 - An early start for the birdwatchers at Macquarie Marshes before travels to Coonamble (more silo art), Warrumbungles National Park, and a delightful bush walk to view The Breadknife, a stunning rock outcrop. Siding Springs Observatory is next with a tour inside the observatory to check out the latest astronomical discoveries, then travel through this stunning volcanic region to Coonabarabran for overnight.

Day 13 - We head for Merriwa via the Goulburn River National Park and view more silo art at this authentic township of Merriwa. Gulgong - the town that was on the $10 note - is next on the list. This quaint and historic village has lots of history from the gold rush days and is a delight to take in the regional history and historic buildings. We are now a short drive to the Mudgee vineyards for a wine tasting at some of the districts best vineyards on this rich red volcanic soil - at Poets Corner - and other select wineries for a delicious lunch. Overnight Mudgee

Day 14 -  Explore this thriving local community of Mudgee before travelling the scenic Victoria Pass via Lithgow, see the Zig Zag Railway, Govetts rare views of the Grosse Valley and the Wollomi Pines at the Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens at Mt Tomah before descending the mountains via Bells Line of Road and arrival back in Sydney around 5 pm.

Inclusions –

• 13 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 4WD Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals
• Paddleboat cruise at Bourke
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees. Mine tour in Broken Hill
  
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.
• All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you
  require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online

BOOK HERE Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

Corner Country Bourke Darling River Macquarie Marshes Broken Hill to Sydney Outback NSW 11 days

Explore the Far West of NSW with Silo Art, Corner Country,  Mungo National Park, Broken Hill, Darling River Run from Wilcannia to Bourke with a visit to White Cliffs opals fields & miners stores, Bourke, Brewarrina Sydney Return 12 days

Highlights

• Sydney to Broken Hill and return to Sydney 
• Canowindra – Age of Fishes Fossil Museum
• Grenfell Silo Art
• Weethalle Silo Art
• Hay – Shear Outback Centre
• Wentworth – Junction of the Darling & Murray Rivers + Megafauna Museum
• Mungo National Park & China Walls sunset tour
• Menindee – Lakes & Burke & Wills Camp
• Broken Hill & Silverton - Pro Hart Gallery, mine tour, history, Mining & railway museums
• Return optional tours or meets rail to Sydney or Adelaide
• Packsaddle & Milparinka historic site
• Depot Glen & Pooles Grave
• Tibooburra granites, pastoral, art and mining history
• Dog Fence & NSW State border
• White Cliffs Opal fields (sleep underground)
• Darling River Run via Pooncarie, Menindee Lakes, Wilcannia Tilpa & Louth
• Gundabooka National Park & Aboriginal rock art
• Bourke - river cruise and history
• Brewarrinna - ancient fish traps 40,000 years old
• Macquarie Marshes - great bird spotting
• Warrmbungles ranges
• Siding Springs Observatory
• Gulgong - $10 note, Gold and pioneer history
• Mudgee wine tasting
• Blue Mountains

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles or we do have a comfortable minibus for up to 10 people

The Silo At Trail is transforming Australian regional towns. Join us on an adventure through rural Australia to witness these great masterpieces and the local hospitality.

Options include a day tour to Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Day 1 – NSW Silo Art Trail tours take us through some lovely country towns and regional areas, and our tour from Sydney to Broken Hill and return includes Canowindra, ballooning capital of Australia and the Museum of Fishes – viewing ancient fish fossils from this area that was once an inland sea. Then Cowra (and railway roundhouse for the keen). Onwards we travel via Weddin Mountains National Park, visiting the popular Grenfell Wheat silos completed in 2019 and then through West Wyalong to the well-known Weethalle Silos. Driving West via Rankin Springs the country spreads and the sky seems to get bigger we know the perfect place to see our first Big Sky sunset with the full spectrum of colours as the sun sets over the Hay Plains. Overnight Hay

Day 2 – SHEAR OUTBACK, OUTBACK VILLAGES, WENTWORTH

Hay was one of Australia’s major wool growing areas, and a visit to the Shear Outback centre takes to you into the rich life in the wool industry in early NSW. We’ll take the backroad through seemingly endless saltbush plains, that are home to over 50 farming families. Tiny villages are the social hub for many of the large outback stations, where life can often be lonely. We’ll have lunch at The Homebush Hotel at Penarie, true backcountry pub, complete with kangaroos wandering by. The pub opened in 1878 and is still the mainstay of the local community. The famous bar, with its huge central open fireplace, character-filled “shearing board” mural, and local artefacts has been home to many a trapper, teamster, drover, shearer, truckie, mailman, traveller and ‘local’ over the past 142 years. Follow the Murray River to Trentham Estate, a family-owned winery on the banks of the Murray River. Enjoy an afternoon wine tasting by the river before we head to Wentworth. In the late 1800’s Wentworth was the largest river port in Australia with over 400 boats plying the Murray and the Darling Rivers, which meet here. Overnight Wentworth Meals: BL

Day 3 – Wentworth visit the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers, Australia’s biggest river system and also visit Wentworth Pioneer Museum with life-size megafauna replicas from the local area including the cuddly 2-metre high Diprotodons. Into the desert and Mungo National Park to explore this ancient lakebed environment. Here the stories of the regions from a local guide, and learn of the oldest known ritual burial in the world. Discover the Walls of China and megafauna history of the area, explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park.

Days 4 – Travel the Darling River via Pooncarie, Menindee and Kinchega National Park. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lakeshore, and a haven for wetland birds. Into Broken Hill and dinner at famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill.

Day 5 – Explore Broken Hill highlights (your choice) including Pro Hart Gallery, The Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures or Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Options – Explore Broken Hill in the morning then travel to Adelaide via Peterborough (railway history) Burra (old Copper mine tour) and tour completion

Day 6 - Depart Broken Hill through the Barrier Range on the Silver City Highway via Packsaddle for Milparinka and Depot Glen, where explorer Charles Sturt spent 6 months in 1845 with a team of men, waiting for rain and cooler conditions. This area has been extensively mined for tin, lead and gold and operated large sheep stations. Appreciate this once thriving gold mining town at the restored Milparinka Heritage Precinct. Time to explore Tibooburra, and the Outdoor Pastoral Museum.  Flat-topped mesas and fantastic views characterise the central Jump-Up country. Remnant gidgee woodland, the catchment system of the ephemeral Twelve-Mile Creek and gibber and grass-covered plains dominate the east, while 450 million-year-old granite tors surrounding Tibooburra form part of the southern boundary of the park. We check out the Tibooburra pubs and considerable town and mining history before overnight here at Family Hotel or Granites Motel BLD

Day 7 - Today we are heading into the Sturt Desert & Sturt National park, crossing the Grey Range with a stop at Fort Grey. The park protects an enormous arid landscape of space and solitude. The rolling red sand dunes of the Strzelecki desert ripple through the western section, graduating past surprising wetlands surrounded by white sands. After some great opportunities for photos, we pass through the Dog Fence and arrive at Cameron Corner on the 3 states corner (NSW, SA & QLD) for a thirst quencher and souvenirs, and check out the "Corner Store" (conditional on the border being open).

Travel to White Cliffs and explore the opal mines history, and maybe find some local opal bargains. Then to our overnight accommodation underground BLD

Day 8 - Now to the Darling River Run via Wilcannia, once a bustling port for the wool laden paddle steamers, now with its beautiful and historic sandstone public architecture. On up the Darling River Run to river towns of Louth & Tilpa - with a cuppa and tour at the famous Dunlop Station. Dunlop Station is an historic sheep station property located on the Darling River. Once a million acres it has a 45 stand shearing shed which was the first shed to have mechanical shears. with the check out the paddle boat and big wool and sheep station history of this region. Gundabooka National Park surrounds Mt Gundabooka and has unique Aboriginal Rock art to explore, including a pleasant and easy walk through this isolated National Park.  Overnight Bourke BLD

Day 9 - BOURKE - The impressive ‘Back O’Bourke’ centre showcases the early days of Bourke and beyond. Discover the ‘Outback’ life of Henry Lawson, the search for an inland sea. Marvel at the stories of the ‘women of the west’ including Nancy Bird Walton, who flew an air ambulance here in the 1930’s. Stop by the 110 year old Morrall’s bakery for a pie or pastry, follow the Heritage Trail through town, or visit the grave of Fred Hollows. Cruise along the Darling on the Jandra, an historic paddle boat to recall the river boat history. In recent years Bourke has undergone a remarkable revitalisation and is now a shining light in positive indigenous opportunities. Take a cultural walk to learn about the history of Aboriginal people in Bourke and the personal connection formed with the land and it’s richness. Tonight we’ll join a campfire dinner under a coolabah tree, (if available) under a starlit sky, with plenty of music, poetry, and storytelling all about outback of Australia. Overnight Bourke. Meals: BLD

Day 10 - We head for Brewarrina on the Barwon River, and the 40,000-year-old Aboriginal Fish Traps - still working. The Brewarrina fish traps are one of the oldest man-made structures on earth. This elaborate network of rock weirs and pools stretches for around half a kilometre along the riverbed and was built by ancient tribes, to catch fish as they swam upstream. Heading south to Macquarie Marshes a UNESCO registered site of outstanding value as one of the most important wetland areas in the world. It is one of the most crucial breeding sites for waterbirds in Australia, with 77 species, along with over 150 other birds, as well as fish, turtles, frogs, snakes and mammals. We travel on to our final art silo in Coonamble then take the scenic road to the beautiful Warrumbungles for a delightful bush walk with wonderful views of The Breadknife. We have a tour of Siding Springs Observatory, home to Australia’s largest telescope. We have a guided tour of the night sky this evening. The Warrumbungles is Australia’s only Dark Sky Park, meaning it is our only Internationally recognised park with an exceptional quality of starry nights and an environment specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment. Overnight. Coonabarabran Meals: BLD

Day 11 - GULGONG, MUDGEE, SYDNEY

Drive through Dunedoo, known for its poetry, hospitality, and name, or alternatively via Coolah, one of several towns to claim bragging rights as the home of the legendary Black Stump. It was here that the colloquial saying ‘Beyond the Black Stump’, meaning ‘beyond the limits of civilisation,’ is said to have originated.

On the way to Gulgong - the town that was on the way to Gulgong - the town that was on the $10 note. This small village from the gold rush days is a delight to take in the regional history and historic buildings. We are now a short drive to Mudgee where we’ll taste some local wines and have lunch in a vineyard. Travel via the Zig Zag railway and back to Sydney via spectacular Grose Valley views and Mt Tomah on Bells Line fo Road to Sydney Meals: BL

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 10 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 4WD GXL Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals
• Paddleboat cruise at Bourke
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
  
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

• BOOK HERE Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

Cameron Corner Country with Innaminka Cooper Creek Macquarie Marshes, Lake Cargellico, Darling River Broken Hill from / to Sydney Outback NSW Tibooburra, Silo Art Outback NSW 9 days. Small group (max. 4 per 4WD) to explore the Far West of NSW & South Australia

NOTE - Includes Burke & Wills Dig Tree if QLD open to NSW residents otherwise 2 nights Tibooburra

Highlights

• Sydney to Broken Hill and return to Sydney
  
• Follow the Indian Pacific Rail route
  
• Parkes Radio Telescope  – The Dish
• Lake Cargellico central NSW
  
• Menindee Lakes & Burke & Wills Campsite
• Return optional tours or meets rail to Sydney or Adelaide
• Packsaddle & Milparinka historic sites
• Tibooburra granites, pastoral, art and mining history
• Cameron Corner Country 
• Innamincka overnight
  
• Burke and Wills grave sites and Cooper Creek walks
• Dig Tree access if QLD border open to NSW visitors
  
• Dog Fence & SA/QLD/NSW State border
• Darling River via Menindee Lakes, Wilcannia
  
• Macquarie Marshes - great bird spotting and special extra time here
• Gulgong historic village
• Mudgee winetasting
  
• Blue Mountains

Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart Sydney for the Blue Mountains with morning tea at stunning views from Govetts Leap over the Grose Valley. Moving on via Lithgow to Bathurst and the fascinating history of the gold rush and Cobb & Co coaches. We travel via Orange to near Parkes to visit The Dish Exhibition Centre at the giant CSIRO operated radiotelescope that brought the 1st moon landing images to Earth. Back in Parkes, and less famous is the King's Castle, Australia's very own Elvis Presley museum created by the original yellow Wiggle Greg Page.

Heading west we travel beside the Indian Pacific railway route and visit Manildra, Bogan Gate and Condobolin, in extensive Murray Darling Basin wheat, grain, sheep and cattle producing areas with a taste of the far west of NSW. Arrive for overnight at Lake Cargellico.

Day 2 - We depart for Hillston, once an important stop for the stagecoaches of Cobb and Co. then on via Ivanhoe on the Cobb Highway, part of the Kidman Way. Arriving in Menindee we visit Kinchega National Park, to view the birdlife of Menindee Lakes then to nearby Burke and Wills camp on the banks of the Darling River. It's now a short hop to Broken Hill for dinner at the famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of the original murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill.

Day 3 – OPTIONAL EXTRA DAY (please ask) to Explore Broken Hill highlights (your choice) options include Pro Hart Gallery, The Line of Lode Lookout, a mine tour, and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures or Lake Mungo or Mutawintji National Parks (optional extra day tour) for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history. Please ask if wanting this option.

Day 4 - Depart Broken Hill through the Barrier Range on the Silver City Highway via Packsaddle for Milparinka and Depot Glen, where explorer Charles Sturt spent 6 months in 1845 with a team of men, waiting for rain and cooler conditions. This area has been extensively mined for tin, lead and gold and operated large sheep stations. Appreciate this once thriving gold mining town at the restored Milparinka Heritage Precinct. Time to explore Tibooburra, and the Outdoor Pastoral Museum.  Flat-topped mesas and fantastic views characterise the central Jump-Up country. Remnant gidgee woodland, the catchment system of the ephemeral Twelve-Mile Creek and gibber and grass-covered plains dominate the east, while 450 million-year-old granite tors surrounding Tibooburra form part of the southern boundary of the park. We check out the Tibooburra pubs and considerable town and mining history before overnight here at Family Hotel or Granites Motel BLD

Day 5 - Today we are heading into the Sturt Desert & Sturt National park, crossing the Grey Range with a stop at Fort Grey. The park protects an enormous arid landscape of space and solitude. The rolling red sand dunes of the Strzelecki desert ripple through the western section, graduating past surprising wetlands surrounded by white sands. After some great opportunities for photos, we pass through the Dog Fence and into South Australia to arrive at Cameron Corner on the 3 states corner (NSW, SA & QLD) for a thirst quencher and souvenirs and check out the "Corner Store" (conditional on the border being open).

Travel on via Bollards Lagoon, the Yellow Bus (now buried) and Merty Merty station, crossing the sand hills of the Strzelecki Desert, and Creek as we head for the Strzelecki Track and the uncanny Moomba oil & gas fields. We pass the geothermal power plant / hot rocks project of Geodynamics where Australia has the hottest rocks on Earth, outside of volcanic areas.

Geologists think that 10 million years ago, the granites in the Cooper Basin, South Australia, were exposed at the surface. Since that time they have been covered by a sedimentary layer, four kilometres thick, that acts as an overlying blanket; trapping the heat and preventing it from escaping to the atmosphere.

The heat is created by naturally occurring radiogenic decay that heats the granite to more than 250 degrees Celsius. The granite temperatures in Europe are only 180 degrees Celsius. The granite belt in the Cooper Basin is fractured in horizontal layers and these fractures naturally contain water at very high pressures – up to 5,000 pounds per square inch. Check out the birdlife at sunset on the flooding Cooper Creek before a delicious meal at the Innamincka Hotel, adjacent the famous old Aboriginal Mission Hospital restored as National Parks offices. Overnight Innaminka

Day 6 - A chance for an early walk and look at creek side birdlife - and quirky Innamincka - before we head for the SA/QLD border. This is providing the Queensland border is open to NSW travellers - if not we see Burkes and Wills grave sites (in SA) and enjoy a Cooper creek river walk, then return to Tibooburra via the scenic Old Strzelecki Track

If QLD border open we travel to Nappa Merrie Station (still owned by S Kidman & Co) to the Burke & Wills Dig Tree. Here Burke & Wills their support team waited 3 months and provisions were buried for the northern explorers. The support left 1 day before Burke & Wills return, and the supplies were not found leading to their demise. Lots of history, and birdlife here on the infamous Cooper Creek. Heading south we travel through picturesque desert then sand hill country via Orientos, Santos and Sullivans Tank before crossing the border into NSW at the Warri Gate on the Dingo fence, and once again into the Sturt Desert. 

Taking in vast stony plains, the towering red-sand hills of the great Strzelecki Desert and the unusual flat-topped mesas around the Olive Downs, this park covers 340,000 hectares of classic outback terrain. Thanks to the protection of the dingo-proof fence, there are large populations of western grey and red kangaroos. We arrive Tibooburra for dinner & overnight at the local hotel in this most remote NSW desert town.

Day 7 - Return to Broken Hill via Sturt's original route via Pincally Station and fascinating geology to Broken Hill.

Day 8 - Now to Wilcannia, with once a bustling port on the Darling River for the wool trade of paddle steamers, now with its beautiful and historic sandstone public architecture. Heading east we visit the Aboriginal rock art site of Mt Grenfell, before Cobar where we check out the mining museum, before overnight in the historic flood town of Nyngan, close to Macquarie Marshes.

Day 9 - A short drive for the wetlands for the birdwatchers at Macquarie Marshes a UNESCO & Ramsar registered site of outstanding value as one of the most important wetland areas in the world. It is one of the most crucial breeding sites for waterbirds in Australia, with 77 species, along with over 150 other birds, as well as fish, turtles, frogs, snakes and mammals. After a good look at different locations of the wetlands, and a tasty lunch we travel on to a spectacular silo art site in Coonamble then take the scenic road to the beautiful Warrumbungles for a delightful bush walk with wonderful views of The Breadknife. We have a tour of Siding Springs Observatory, home to Australia’s largest optical telescope.

The Warrumbungles is Australia’s only Dark Sky Park, meaning it is our only Internationally recognised park with an exceptional quality of starry nights and an environment specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment. Overnight. Coonabarabran Meals: BLD

Day 10 - Travel via historic Gulgong and the Mudgee vineyards for a wine tasting. Travel the scenic Victoria Pass via Lithgow, see the Zig Zag railway before arrival back in Sydney around 6 pm

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 9 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually max. 4 per 4WD Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.
• Cameron Corner overnight if QLD border is open in lieu of Tibooburra overnight.

BOOK HERE Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

Lightning Ridge Blue Mountains Hunter Valley Outback NSW Tour

This 4 day Lightning Ridge Blue Mountains Hunter Valley Outback NSW Tour from Sydney gives you the real outback and country NSW experience plus the Blue Mountains with Katoomba, Echo Point and Govetts Leap, wine tasting in Hunter Valley, and Mudgee wine and gold country.

The 4 day tour is more relaxed than the 3-day tour and has an extra night allowed on return from Lightning Ridge giving an extra 1/2 day for opal shopping and a mine tour, plus overnight in rural NSW New England region or Port Stephens by the sea (and dolphins) at Nelson Bay

There is also the option to add an extra 1 or 2 days and travel more slowly for more walks or swims or just relaxing  - You can add these as extras in the booking process.

Lightning Ridge Opals Tours

Sydney to Outback New South Wales ( NSW )  tour via the Blue Mountains, Mudgee wines, Wollomi National Park, Warrumbungle Mountains, Lightning Ridge opals, hot springs, Mt Kaputar, Hunter Valley 

• Wildlife in the wild. See emus, kangaroos, reptiles, wallabies, stunning native birds and much more
• Buy opal at traders prices from the source at Lightning Ridge
• Meet real Australian’s and local Aboriginal people in communities
• Other tour options include Broken Hill, Lake Mungo NP, Gundabooka National Park, Bourke

 4 day Lightning Ridge Blue Mountains Hunter Valley Outback NSW Tour

– itinerary

Day 1 – Depart your Sydney hotel or accommodation at 730 am and enjoy the fresh early light and air of the spectacular Blue Mountains. Visit Katoomba, Leura, Echo Point, Three Sisters, Jamieson Valley (Grand Canyon) and Cliff Drive over Megalong Valley before a morning tea at Govett’s Leap near Blackheath, overlooking the Grose Valley and spectacular Blue Gum Forest in the Blue Mountains. OPTIONAL EXTRA NIGHT IN BLUE MOUNTAINS

Descent the 1500 metres of the Great Dividing Range and from Pearson’s Lookout view the Blue Mountains region and Wollomi National Park in this World Heritage area. Enjoy a tasty lunch at a Winery in Mudgee and enjoy wine tasting. Travel on through old gold mining towns, and historic Gulgong – the town that was on the $10 note. Dine at own expense in town (numerous options) and consider a visit to the Sky Watch Observatory to view the night sky through their giant telescope. This area experiences some of the clearest skies in the world, hence the nearby Siding Springs Observatory. Enjoy motel accommodation this evening in Coonabarabran

Day 2: After a healthy breakfast see wild kangaroos and emus as we travel through Warrumbungle National Park. On the 4 day tour we have time to take a short bushwalk to see the spectacular view of the Breadknife and surrounding mountains in this unique volcanic region. Also available is a close-up visit to the large 3.9-metre diameter optical telescope at the Anglo-Australian Telescope facility at Siding Springs in the Warrumbungles. Siding Spring Observatory houses over 60 telescopes from institutions across the world including, Korea, America, the UK, Poland, Hungary, Germany and Russia. Travel through rural grain producing towns, and see the innovative and large water tower and silo artworks Arrive Lightning Ridge, home to Australia’s beautiful black opal. Visit an underground opal mine and see how the mining community lives. Buy your opals direct from the Opal Cutters and Wholesalers at huge discounts to City prices. Enjoy a swim in the healing waters of the hot Artesian spring baths. Overnight Lightning Ridge motel.

Day 3: Depart Lightning Ridge for the 650 km return journey to the Hunter Valley, via huge sheep stations and some of the largest fields of wheat and cotton in the world. Witness the majestic 1520 m high Mt Kaputar dominating this ancient volcanic landscape.  Lunch in a “Country Pub”. Travel on through the Liverpool Ranges, and Scone, the heart of horse breeding country in Australia. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon wine tasting before overnight in Hunter Valley OR PORT STEPHENS

Day 4: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in the Hunter Valley - or consider a dawn hot air Balloon Flight over the Hunter Valley (see details in booking process) Then options include more wine tasting, or visit the Hunter Valley Wildlife Park to see Koalas, Kangaroos, Wombats and many more Aussie wildlife favourites. Then  travel the 2 hours via freeway and scenic Hawkesbury River crossing to Sydney arriving at a time that suits you before 6pm

Inclusions –

• Sydney CBD or CBD hotel or airport pickup and return
• 3 nights Motel style accommodation
• Optional extra 1 or 2 nights for more reaxed hikes or sightseeing
• All meals except 3 dinners own cost in restaurants
• Wine tastings
• Wild wildlife!!
• Discount opal buying
• Aboriginal art and real Aussie county folk
• National Parks entry fees.
• Tour price supports Outback Kids Fund & Nature Care projects.

BOOK HERE Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

9 Day NSW Outback Lightning Ridge Bourke Broken Hill Mungo Silo Art

Explore the Far West of NSW with Silo Art, Mungo National Park, Broken Hill, Darling River Run from Wilcannia to Bourke with a visit to White Cliffs opals fields, Bourke river cruise, Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina Sydney Return 9 DAYS

Highlights

• Sydney to Mungo & Gundabooka National Parks & Aboriginal rock art,  Broken Hill, Bourke, Lightning Ridge and return to Sydney 
• Blue Mountains & Three Sisters
  
• Portland Silo Art
• Grenfell Silo Art
• Weethalle Silo Art
• Mungo National Park & China Walls sunset tour
• Menindee – Lakes & Burke & Wills Camp
• Broken Hill & Silverton - Pro Hart Gallery, mine tour, history, Mining & railway museums
• Return optional tours or meets rail to Sydney or Adelaide
• White Cliffs Opal fields
• Darling River Run via Pooncarie, Menindee Lakes, Wilcannia Tilpa & Louth
• Burke and Wills campsite Menindee Lakes
  
• Gundabooka National Park & Aboriginal rock art
• Bourke - river cruise and history
• Brewarrinna - ancient fish traps 40,000 years old
• Siding Springs Telescope
  
• Warrumbungle Ranges
• Coolah and the Black Stump
  
• Goulburn River National park
• Hunter Valley 

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles or we do have a comfortable minibus for groups up to 10 people

We explore some of The Silo At Trail which is transforming Australian regional towns. Join us on an adventure through rural Australia to witness these great masterpieces and the local hospitality.

Options include a day tour to Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Day 1 –  Our tour takes us through some lovely country towns and regional areas, from Sydney to Broken Hill and return includes stunning views from Echo Point and the Three Sisters at Katoomba (always a marvellous delight) then to decent Victoria Pass to Lithgow. Moving on to Bathurst and home of the fascinating history of the gold rush and Cobb & Co coaches.

We visit  Canowindra, ballooning capital of Australia and the Museum of Fishes – viewing ancient fish fossils from this area that was once an inland sea. Then Cowra (and railway roundhouse for the keen). Onwards we travel via Weddin Mountains National Park, visiting the popular Grenfell Wheat silos completed in 2019.  Driving West toward Rankin Springs the country spreads and the sky seems to get bigger we know the perfect place to see our first Big Sky sunset. Overnight West Wyalong

Day 2 – Weethalle Silos Rankine Springs Hay Balranald Mungo National Park

Beyond West Wyalong to the well-known Weethalle Silos. then Rankine Springs, Hay and Balranald. Hay was one of Australia’s major wool growing areas, and a visit to the Shear Outback centre takes to you into the rich life in the wool industry in early NSW. From historic Balranald into the desert region and Mungo National Park to explore this ancient lakebed environment. Here the stories of the oldest known ritual burial in the world. Discover the Walls of China and megafauna history of the area, explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park.

Days 3 – Travel the Darling River via Pooncarie, Menindee and Kinchega National Park. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills at their campsite on the lakeshore and a haven for wetland birds. Into Broken Hill and dinner at the famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of the original murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill.

Day 4 – Explore Broken Hill highlights (your choice) options include Pro Hart Gallery, The Line of Lode Lookout, a mine tour, and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures or Mutawintji National Park (optional extra day tour) for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Day 5 - Depart Broken Hill through to White Cliffs and explore the opal mines history, and maybe find some local opal bargains. Now to the Darling River Run via Wilcannia, once a bustling port for the wool laden paddle steamers, now with its beautiful and historic sandstone public architecture. On up the Darling River Run to river towns of Louth & Tilpa - with a cuppa and tour at the famous Dunlop Station (locals willing). Dunlop Station is an historic sheep station property located on the Darling River. Once a million acres it has a 45 stand shearing shed which was the first shed to have mechanical shears. Check out the paddle boat and big wool and sheep station history of this region. following the Darling, we visit the historic towns of Tipla and Louth before Gundabooka National Park. The park surrounds Mt Gundabooka and has unique Aboriginal Rock art to explore, including a pleasant and easy walk through this isolated National Park. Back on the main track, we head for Overnight in Bourke BLD

Day 6 - Bourke

The impressive ‘Back O’Bourke’ centre showcases the early days of Bourke and beyond. Discover the Outback life of Henry Lawson, and the search for an inland sea. Marvel at the stories of the ‘women of the west’ including Nancy Bird Walton, who flew an air ambulance here in the 1930’s. Stop by the 110 year old Morrall’s bakery for a pie or pastry, follow the Heritage Trail through town, or visit the grave of Fred Hollows. Cruise along the Darling on the Jandra, a historic paddleboat to recall the river boat history. In recent years Bourke has undergone a remarkable revitalisation and is now a shining light in the remote west of NSW. Take a cultural walk to learn about the history of Aboriginal people in Bourke and the personal connection formed with the land and it’s richness. Tonight we’ll join a campfire dinner under a coolabah tree, (if available) under a starlit sky, with plenty of music, poetry, and storytelling all about outback of Australia. Overnight Bourke. Meals: BLD

Day 7 - We head for Brewarrina on the Barwon River, and the 40,000-year-old Aboriginal Fish Traps - still working. The Brewarrina fish traps are one of the oldest man-made structures on earth. This elaborate network of rock weirs and pools stretches for around half a kilometre along the riverbed and was built by ancient tribes, to catch fish as they swam upstream. Travel on via Walgett, and visit the local museum with its wool industry heritage, then to Lightning Ridge for an afternoon experience of the Chambers of the Black Hand Opal Mine Art Carving Tour and a tour of the region and opal traders in this fascinating outback town. Overnight Lightning Ridge  Meals: BLD

Day 8 - Heading south to Macquarie Marshes a UNESCO registered site of outstanding value as one of the most important wetland areas in the world. It is one of the most crucial breeding sites for waterbirds in Australia, with 77 species, along with over 150 other birds, as well as fish, turtles, frogs, snakes and mammals. We travel on to another  Silo Art in Coonamble then take the scenic road to the beautiful Warrumbungles for a delightful bush walk with wonderful views of The Breadknife. We have a tour of Siding Springs Observatory, home to Australia’s largest telescope. We have an optional extra cost guided tour of the night sky this evening. The Warrumbungles is Australia’s only Dark Sky Park, meaning it is our only Internationally recognised park with an exceptional quality of starry nights and an environment specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment. Overnight Coonabarabran Meals: BLD

Day 9 - Coonabarabran Black Stump Coolah Goulburn River NP, Hunter Valley Sydney

Drive through Coolah, one of several towns to claim bragging rights as the home of the legendary Black Stump. It was here that the colloquial saying ‘Beyond the Black Stump’, meaning ‘beyond the limits of civilisation,’ is said to have originated.

On the way to Denman, we pass through Cassilis and Merriwa, passing Collaroy, a once-grand sheep station of this productive area,. Merriwa has more silo art, then on via spectacular rock formations, Sandy Hollow and the winding Goulburn River to Denman, the Hunter Valley and return to Sydney by approx 7 pm (delivered to your door if pre-arranged)

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us directly to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 8 nights superior Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link details
  
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 2-4 people in 4WD GXL Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals
• Jandra Paddleboat cruise at Bourke
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
  
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

• BOOK HERE Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

Note video on this page may show some locations from 12 day tour not incuded in this 9-day tour

Tour may run in the opposite direction

8 Day NSW Outback Lightning Ridge Bourke Broken Hill Mungo Silo Art

Explore the Far West of NSW with Silo Art, Mungo National Park, Gundabooka Rock Art, Mootwingee NP option, Broken Hill, Darling River Run from Wilcannia to Bourke with a visit to White Cliffs opals fields, Bourke river cruise, Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina Sydney to Broken Hill timed with rail return option. 8 days

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles

Highlights

• Sydney to Mungo & Gundabooka National Parks & Aboriginal rock art,  Broken Hill, Bourke, Lightning Ridge
• Return by Rail from Broken Hill or on to Innaminka and the Burke & Wills Dig Tree, Cameron Corner or Wilpena Pound & Lake Eyre
  
• Blue Mountains & Three Sisters
  
• Portland Silo Art
• Mungo National Park & China Walls sunset tour
• Menindee – Lakes & Burke & Wills Campsite
  
• Broken Hill & Silverton - Pro Hart Gallery, mine tour, history, Mining & railway museums
• Return optional tours - Meets rail to Sydney or Adelaide
• White Cliffs Opal fields
• Darling River Run via Pooncarie, Menindee Lakes, Wilcannia Tilpa & Louth
• Gundabooka National Park & Aboriginal rock art
• Bourke - river cruise and history
• Brewarrinna - ancient fish traps 40,000 years old
• Siding Springs Telescope
  
• Warrumbungle Ranges NP
• Optional day tour to Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Day 1 —- SYDNEY, MUDGEE GULGONG, COONABARABRAN

Depart Sydney via Bells Line of Road, via Mt Tomah with spectacular views of the Grose Valley, and look at the Zig Zag Railway at Clarence. From Lithgow we are now a short drive to Mudgee where we'll taste some local wines and have lunch in a vineyard. BL

Check out Poets Corner, on the way to Gulgong - the town that was on the $10 note. This small village from the gold rush days is a delight to take in the regional history and historic buildings. We travel via Dunedoo, known for its poetry, hospitality, and name, then check out the murals of Mendooran before overnight Coonabarabran LD

Day 2 — Warrumbungle Bushwalk, Macquarie Marshes,

The Warrumbungles are calling and we take an approximate 1 hour walk with views of the spectacular breadknife from Camp Blackman. Burbie Canyon walking track is a gentle 2km stroll through a sandstone gorge and is particularly popular for birdwatching. On return we have a tour of Siding Springs Observatory, home to Australia’s largest optical telescope.

Heading west now via silo art in Coonamble then to Macquarie Marshes a UNESCO registered site of outstanding value as one of the most important wetland areas in the world. It is one of the most crucial breeding sites for waterbirds in Australia, with 77 species, along with over 150 other birds, as well as fish, turtles, frogs, snakes and mammals. Travel on via Walgett, and visit the local museum with its wool industry heritage, then to Lightning Ridge for an afternoon experience of the Chambers of the Black Hand Opal Mine Art Carving Tour and a tour of the region and opal traders in this fascinating outback town. Overnight Lightning Ridge  Meals: BLD

Day 3 - Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina fish traps, Bourke

Discover more of Lightning Ridge, check out the opal dealers and famous bore baths. We head for Brewarrina on the Barwon River, and the 40,000-year-old Aboriginal Fish Traps - still working. The Brewarrina fish traps are one of the oldest man-made structures on earth. This elaborate network of rock weirs and pools stretches for around half a kilometre along the riverbed and was built by ancient tribes, to catch fish as they swam upstream. Overnight Bourke. Meals: BLD

Day 4— BOURKE, Cruise on The Darling On The Jandra paddleboat, Gundabooka National Park

The impressive ‘Back O’Bourke’ centre showcases the early days of Bourke and beyond. Discover the ‘Outback’ life of Henry Lawson, the search for an inland sea. Marvel at the stories of the ‘women of the west’ including Nancy Bird Walton, who flew an air ambulance here in the 1930’s. Stop by the 110 year old Morrall’s bakery for a pie or pastry, follow the Heritage Trail through town, or visit the grave of Fred Hollows. Cruise along the Darling on the Jandra, an historic paddle boat to recall the river boat history. In recent years Bourke has undergone a remarkable revitalisation and is now a shining light in positive indigenous opportunities. Take a cultural walk to learn about the history of Aboriginal people in Bourke and the personal connection formed with the land and it’s richness. Now to Gundabooka National Park which surrounds Mt Gundabooka and has unique Aboriginal Rock art to explore, including a pleasant and easy walk through this isolated National Park.Overnight Bourke. Meals: BLD

Day 5 — Darling River Run to White Cliffs

From here to the Darling River Run to Wilcannia, once a bustling port for the wool-laden paddle steamers, now with its beautiful and historic sandstone public architecture. Follow the Darling River Run down stream via river towns of Louth & Tilpa - with a cuppa and tour at the famous Dunlop Station if operating. Dunlop Station is an historic sheep station property located on the Darling River. Once a million acres it has a 45 stand shearing shed which was the first shed to have mechanical shears. with the check out the paddle boat and big wool and sheep station history of this region. Travel to White Cliffs and explore the opal mines history, and maybe find some local opal bargains. overnight White Cliffs. BLD

Day 6 -  White Cliffs, Burke & Wills camp, Kinchega National Park, Mungo National Park, Wilcannia, Menindee Lakes

Explore White Cliffs opal fields and maybe pick up a few bargains from the numerous opal dealers in town. We then head for Wilcannia and Menindee Lakes via the 2nd leg of the Darling River Run to Menindee. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lakeshore and a haven for wetland birds. We visit the picturesque lakes and the grand and restored Kinchega  Woolshed in Kinchega National Park with beautiful sweeping river bends. We follow the river further south to Pooncarie and Mungo National Park. Optional Sunset tour overlooking the Mungo lunar landscape Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park. Meals: BLD

Day 7 - Mungo National Park, Broken Hill 

Explore Mungo National Park including the Walls of China and this ancient lakebed that was home to megafauna of the area. Learn of Mungo man and Mungo Woman, known as the oldest known ritual burial in the world. We travel the Mungo circuit to explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. After lunch, we travel to Broken Hill for a view from The Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial above Broken Hill, before dinner at the famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill. Meals: BLD

Day 8 – Broken Hill highlights

Explore Broken Hill highlights (your choice) including Pro Hart Gallery, plus Desert Sculptures or extra cost for an optional tour to Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history. Meals: BL

Tour completes this evening so accommodation own arrangements, or we can book you in. Ask for us for a farewell meal. Ask about add on tours

Train to Sydney departs weekly on Tuesday (usually the next day after 2 nights in Broken Hill)

This tour often Links with our Cameron Corner Country tour on to Innaminka and the Burke & Wills Dig Tree, Cameron Corner or Wilpena Pound & Lake Eyre.

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us directly to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 7 nights Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link details
  
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 2-4 people in 4WD GXL Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals
• Jandra Paddleboat cruise at Bourke
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
  
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

• BOOK HERE Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

Note video on this page may show some locations from 12 day tour not included in this tour

10 Day NSW Outback Lightning Ridge Bourke Broken Hill Mungo Silo Art

Explore the Far West of NSW with Silo Art, Mungo National Park, Gundabooka Rock Art, Mootwingee NP option, Broken Hill, Darling River Run from Wilcannia to Bourke with a visit to White Cliffs opals fields, Bourke river cruise, Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina Sydney to Broken Hill timed with rail return option. 8 days or return by Cobar, Nyngan, Dubbo to Sydney 10 days

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles

Highlights

• Sydney to Mungo & Gundabooka National Parks & Aboriginal rock art,  Broken Hill, Bourke, Lightning Ridge
• Return by 4WD or Rail option from Broken Hill or on to our 4 day tour to Innaminka and the Burke & Wills Dig Tree, Cameron Corner or Wilpena Pound & Lake Eyre
  
• Blue Mountains & Three Sisters
  
• Portland Silo Art
• Mungo National Park & China Walls sunset tour
• Menindee – Lakes & Burke & Wills Campsite
  
• Broken Hill & Silverton - Pro Hart Gallery, mine tour, history, Mining & railway museums
• Return optional tours - Meets rail to Sydney or Adelaide
• White Cliffs Opal fields
• Darling River Run via Pooncarie, Menindee Lakes, Wilcannia Tilpa & Louth
• Gundabooka National Park & Aboriginal rock art
• Bourke - river cruise and history
• Brewarrinna - ancient fish traps 40,000 years old
• Siding Springs Telescope
  
• Warrumbungle Ranges NP
• Optional day tour to Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Day 1 —- SYDNEY, MUDGEE GULGONG, COONABARABRAN

Depart Sydney via Bells Line of Road, via Mt Tomah with spectacular views of the Grose Valley, and look at the Zig Zag Railway at Clarence. From Lithgow, we are now a short drive to Mudgee where we'll taste some local wines and have lunch in a vineyard. BL

Check out Poets Corner, on the way to Gulgong - the town that was on the $10 note. This small village from the gold rush days is a delight to take in the regional history and historic buildings. We travel via Dunedoo, known for its poetry, hospitality, and name, then check out the murals of Mendooran before overnight Coonabarabran LD

Day 2 — Warrumbungle Bushwalk, Macquarie Marshes,

The Warrumbungles are calling and we take an approximate 1 hour walk with views of the spectacular breadknife from Camp Blackman. Burbie Canyon walking track is a gentle 2km stroll through a sandstone gorge and is particularly popular for birdwatching. On return we have a tour of Siding Springs Observatory, home to Australia’s largest optical telescope.

Heading west now via silo art in Coonamble then to Macquarie Marshes a UNESCO registered site of outstanding value as one of the most important wetland areas in the world. It is one of the most crucial breeding sites for waterbirds in Australia, with 77 species, along with over 150 other birds, as well as fish, turtles, frogs, snakes and mammals. Travel on via Walgett, and visit the local museum with its wool industry heritage, then to Lightning Ridge for an afternoon experience of the Chambers of the Black Hand Opal Mine Art Carving Tour and a tour of the region and opal traders in this fascinating outback town. Overnight Lightning Ridge  Meals: BLD

Day 3 - Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina fish traps, Bourke

Discover more of Lightning Ridge, check out the opal dealers and famous bore baths. We head for Brewarrina on the Barwon River, and the 40,000-year-old Aboriginal Fish Traps - still working. The Brewarrina fish traps are one of the oldest man-made structures on earth. This elaborate network of rock weirs and pools stretches for around half a kilometre along the riverbed and was built by ancient tribes, to catch fish as they swam upstream. Overnight Bourke. Meals: BLD

Day 4— BOURKE, Cruise on The Darling On The Jandra paddleboat, Gundabooka National Park

The impressive ‘Back O’Bourke’ centre showcases the early days of Bourke and beyond. Discover the ‘Outback’ life of Henry Lawson, the search for an inland sea. Marvel at the stories of the ‘women of the west’ including Nancy Bird Walton, who flew an air ambulance here in the 1930’s. Stop by the 110 year old Morrall’s bakery for a pie or pastry, follow the Heritage Trail through town, or visit the grave of Fred Hollows. Cruise along the Darling on the Jandra, an historic paddle boat to recall the river boat history. In recent years Bourke has undergone a remarkable revitalisation and is now a shining light in positive indigenous opportunities. Take a cultural walk to learn about the history of Aboriginal people in Bourke and the personal connection formed with the land and it’s richness. Now to Gundabooka National Park which surrounds Mt Gundabooka and has unique Aboriginal Rock art to explore, including a pleasant and easy walk through this isolated National Park.Overnight Bourke. Meals: BLD

Day 5 — Darling River Run to White Cliffs

From here to the Darling River Run to Wilcannia, once a bustling port for the wool-laden paddle steamers, now with its beautiful and historic sandstone public architecture. Follow the Darling River Run down stream via river towns of Louth & Tilpa - with a cuppa and tour at the famous Dunlop Station if operating. Dunlop Station is an historic sheep station property located on the Darling River. Once a million acres it has a 45 stand shearing shed which was the first shed to have mechanical shears. with the check out the paddle boat and big wool and sheep station history of this region. Travel to White Cliffs and explore the opal mines history, and maybe find some local opal bargains. overnight White Cliffs. BLD

Day 6 -  White Cliffs, Burke & Wills camp, Kinchega National Park, Mungo National Park, Wilcannia, Menindee Lakes

Explore White Cliffs opal fields and maybe pick up a few bargains from the numerous opal dealers in town. We then head for Wilcannia and Menindee Lakes via the 2nd leg of the Darling River Run to Menindee. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lakeshore and a haven for wetland birds. We visit the picturesque lakes and the grand and restored Kinchega  Woolshed in Kinchega National Park with beautiful sweeping river bends. We follow the river further south to Pooncarie and Mungo National Park. Optional Sunset tour overlooking the Mungo lunar landscape Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park. Meals: BLD

Day 7 - Mungo National Park, Broken Hill 

Explore Mungo National Park including the Walls of China and this ancient lakebed that was home to megafauna of the area. Learn of Mungo man and Mungo Woman, known as the oldest known ritual burial in the world. We travel the Mungo circuit to explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. After lunch, we travel to Broken Hill for a view from The Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial above Broken Hill, before dinner at the famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill. Meals: BLD

Day 8 – Broken Hill highlights

Explore Broken Hill highlights (your choice) including Pro Hart Gallery, plus Desert Sculptures or extra cost for an optional tour to Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history. Meals: BLD

Day 9 - Now to Wilcannia, with once a bustling port on the Darling River for
the wool trade of paddle steamers, now with its beautiful and historic
sandstone public architecture. Heading east we visit the Aboriginal rock art site of Mt Grenfell, before Cobar where we check out the mining museum, before overnight in the historic flood town of Nyngan, close to Macquarie Marshes.

Day 10 - Travel through NSW heartlands on the Great Western Highway via Dubbo "the Hub of the West ", scenic Orange, and historic Bathurst. We take the scenic route via via Lithgow, and Victoria Pass before arrival back in Sydney around 6 pm

This tour can be 8 days to Broken Hill and often links with our 4 day Cameron Corner Country tour from Broken Hill to Innaminka and the Burke & Wills Dig Tree, Cameron Corner or Wilpena Pound & Lake Eyre.

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us directly to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 9 nights Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link details
  
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 2-4 people in 4WD GXL Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals
• Jandra Paddleboat cruise at Bourke
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
  
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

• BOOK HERE Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

Note video on this page may show some locations from 12 day tour not included in this tour

Explore Outback NSW on the far side of the Great Dividing Range with spectacular mountains, Silo Art, Sydney Return

Highlights

• Sydney to Sydney (or Central Coast)
• Hunter Valley - Aboriginal art & ceremony site
• Goulburn River National Park - stone monuments
• Warrmbungles Ranges - with bushwalks
• Macquarie Marshes - Ramsar and wetland birds
  
• Siding Springs Observatory and Anglo-Australian Telescope
• Dubbo - Hub of the West- outback city
  
• Peak Hill  - old Gold Mine tour
• Parkes Radio Telescope  – The Dish & Father of Federation museum
• Canowindra – Age of Fishes Fossil Museum
• Macquarie Marshes - optional - Ramsar site & great wetland bird spotting - requires 1 day
• Cowra - Japanese Gardens and Peace pole
• Blue Mountains

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles or minibus available for groups.

The Silo At Trail is transforming Australian regional towns. Join us on an adventure through rural Australia to witness these great masterpieces and the local hospitality.

Day 1 – Depart 8 am and travel via Hunter Valley to view the magnificent Aboriginal cave and artwork showing Biamme (the creator spirit of much of eastern Australia). This area was a major ceremonial ground for the Wonnarua Aboriginal people.

We travel on through the Goulburn River Valley and National Park, viewing unusual stone outcrops. Travel via Silo art at Dunedoo and street art at Mendoran to Coonabarabran. Here we view the mother with baby Diprotodon fossils extracted from Tambar Springs. Also the Crystal Kingdom Minerals and Fossils Museum from the Warrumbungle Range. We are close to the Warrumbungles which is Australia’s only Dark Sky Park, meaning it
is our only Internationally recognised area with an exceptional quality
of starry nights and low surrounding lights and an environment specifically protected for its
scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public
enjoyment. An optional guided tour of the night sky this evening.is available at a local observatory at extra cost. Dinner own expense at restaurant Overnight Coonabarabran

Day 2  - We take the scenic road to the beautiful Warrumbungle Range for a delightful bush walk with wonderful views of The Breadknife. We have a tour of Siding Springs Observatory, home to Australia’s largest optical telescope.Heading west we visit more silo art at Conamble before the Macquarie Marshes - a Ramsar site and meeting place for migratory and local wetland birds including egrets, spoonbills, Magpie Geese, A total of 77 waterbird species can be found in the Macquarie Marshes, including the threatened brolga, Australasian bittern and painted snipe.  Overnight Warren

Day 3 - Travel through scenic cattle and grain growing country to Gulargambone. Here view quirky street art depicting Galahs and bullock drays and local history, plus silo art with a message on the local water tank. Travelling down the Newell Highway to Gilgandra. Here we learn of the Coo-ee march and the men who answered the call of “Coo-ee! Come and join us!”, and fell into line in the towns and villages along the route of the  320 miles (515 km) march, that left Gilgandra with 25 men in 10 October 1915, and arrived in Sydney on 12th November 1915 with 263 recruits.

Next to Dubbo, the Hub of the West and tour of near 40000 people then on to Peak Hill Open Cut Gold Mine Experience (on the songline)  Gold was discovered at Peak Hill in 1889. Peak Hill was described as a high hill of felspathic rock containing large masses of iron, ferruginous quartz and quartzite. The mine ceased production and was closed 2002. A tour of the mine reveals eye-opening original gold working dating back to 1890s, several walking trails, easy and difficult with well-constructed viewing areas to the open-cut mining areas.

We travel further south to The Dish Exhibition centre at the giant CSIRO operated radio telescope that brought the 1st moon landing images to Earth. Learns of current astronomical research and a deeper appreciation of your place in the Universe. Overnight Parkes Dinner own expense at restaurant

Day 4  - In Parkes, visit The Henry Parkes Centre and museum..Henry Parkes was the father of the Australian Federation due to his efforts advocating for the federation of the six individual colonies of Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia) culminating in Federation of Australia in 1901. Less famous here is the King's Castle, Australia's very own Elvis Presley museum created by the original yellow Wiggle Greg Page. Annually in January Parkes hosts the Elvis Festival attracting near 10,000 people

Next, we visit Canowindra, the hot air ballooning capital of Australia and the Museum of Fishes – viewing ancient fish fossils from this area that was once an inland sea.

Then through scenic rural countryside to Cowra and the Japanese Gardens optional). In World War II there was a Japanese prisoner of war camp in Cowra, and a breakout. The gardens and Peace Pole commemorate this time. Also in Cowra is nearby Wyangala Dam (recently flooding)  and the Lachlan Valley Railway Roundhouse for the keen. Now heading for Sydney, and options for a stopover at a winery, the Three Sisters or Mt Tomah Botanical Gardens. Arrive approx 6 pm.

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 3 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 4WD GXL Landcruisersor minibus for groups
• Professional Driver Guide
• Entry to Siding Springs observatory and exhibition centre
• 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, morning teas 
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.

Exclusions

• Alcohol
• Entry fees to night sky viewing experience (c.$40) Japanese Garden (c.$15) or Henry Parkes Centre (c.$15)
  

Corner Country Bourke Darling River Macquarie Marshes Broken Hill to Broken Hill Outback NSW 12 days

Explore the Far West of NSW with Silo Art, Corner Country,  Mungo National Park, Broken Hill, Darling River Run from Wilcannia to Bourke with a visit to White Cliffs opals fields & miners stores, Bourke, Brewarrina Start and Return Broken Hill  12 days or join from Sydney option

Highlights

• Broken Hill to Broken hill and return
• Mootwingee National Park - rock art and Aboriginal guided history
• Broken Hill & Silverton - Pro Hart Gallery, mine tour option, history, Mining & railway museums
• Packsaddle & Milparinka historic sites
• Depot Glen & Pooles Grave
• Tibooburra granites, pastoral, art and mining history
• Dog Fence & NSW State border
• White Cliffs Opal fields (sleep underground)
• Darling River Run via Pooncarie, Menindee Lakes, Wilcannia Tilpa & Louth
• Gundabooka National Park & Aboriginal rock art
• Bourke - river cruise and Back O'Bourke centre / history
• Brewarrinna - ancient Aboriginal fish traps 40,000 years old
• Macquarie Marshes - great bird spotting
• Warrmbungles Ranges - with bushwalk
• Siding Springs Observatory
• Gulgong - $10 note, Gold and pioneer history, Holtermann Photographic Museum 
• Mudgee wine tasting
• Portland Silo Art
• Parkes Radio Telescope  – The Dish
• Canowindra – Age of Fishes Fossil Museum
• Grenfell Silo Art
• Weethalle Silo Art
• Hay – Shear Outback Centre
• Wentworth – Junction of the Darling & Murray Rivers + Megafauna Museum
• Mungo National Park & China Walls tour
• Menindee – Lakes & Burke & Wills Camp

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles

This tour takes us via some of the NSW Silo Art Trail through lovely country towns and regional areas. The Silo At Trail is transforming Australian regional towns. Join us on an adventure through rural Australia to witness these great masterpieces and the local hospitality.

Itinerary

Day 1  - An early start (730 departure) today for a day tour to explore Mutawintji National Park for an exceptional rock art and cave art experience rich in Aboriginal history, with local Aboriginal guide when available. Meals:LD 

Day 2  - Explore Broken Hill highlights (your choice) including Pro Hart Gallery, The Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures or extra cost for Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history with local Aboriginal guide.. Dinner at the famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Meals:BLD

Day 3 - Depart Broken Hill through the Barrier Range on the Silver City Highway via Packsaddle for Milparinka and Depot Glen, where explorer Charles Sturt spent 6 months in 1845 with a team of men, waiting for rain and cooler conditions. This area has been extensively mined for tin, lead and gold and operated large sheep stations. Appreciate this once thriving gold mining town at the restored Milparinka Heritage Precinct.

After refuelling at Tibooburra, we are heading into the Sturt Desert & Sturt National Park, towards Cameron Corner,  crossing the Grey Range with a stop at Fort Grey. The park protects an enormous arid landscape of space and solitude. The rolling red sand dunes of the Strzelecki desert ripple through the western section, graduating past surprising wetlands surrounded by white sands. After some great opportunities for photos, we pass through the Dog Fence and arrive at Cameron Corner on the 3 states corner (NSW, SA & QLD) for a thirst quencher and souvenirs, and check out the "Corner Store".  We return this evening to check out the Tibooburra pubs and considerable town and mining history before overnight here at Family Hotel or Granites Motel  Meals BLD

Day 4 - Time to explore Tibooburra, and the Outdoor Pastoral Museum.  Flat-topped mesas and fantastic views characterise the central Jump-Up country. Remnant gidgee woodland, the catchment system of the ephemeral Twelve-Mile Creek and gibber and grass-covered plains dominate the east, while 450 million-year-old granite tors surrounding Tibooburra form part of the southern boundary of the park.

Travel to White Cliffs and explore the opal mines history, and maybe find some local opal bargains. Then to our overnight accommodation in the Underground Motel- Meals BLD

Day 5 - Now to the Darling River Run via Wilcannia, once a bustling port for the wool laden paddle steamers, now with its beautiful and historic sandstone public architecture. On up the Darling River Run to river towns of Louth & Tilpa - with a cuppa and tour at the famous Dunlop Station. Dunlop Station is an historic sheep station property located on the Darling River. Once a million acres it has a 45 stand shearing shed which was the first shed to have mechanical shears. with the check out the paddle boat and big wool and sheep station history of this region. Gundabooka National Park surrounds Mt Gundabooka and has unique Aboriginal Rock art to explore, including a pleasant and easy walk through this isolated National Park.  Overnight Bourke BLD

Day 6 - BOURKE - The impressive ‘Back O’Bourke’ centre showcases the early days of Bourke and beyond. Discover the ‘Outback’ life of Henry Lawson, the search for an inland sea. Marvel at the stories of the ‘women of the west’ including Nancy Bird Walton, who flew an air ambulance here in the 1930’s. Stop by the 110 year old Morrall’s bakery for a pie or pastry, follow the Heritage Trail through town, or visit the grave of Fred Hollows. Cruise along the Darling on the Jandra, an historic paddle boat to recall the river boat history. In recent years Bourke has undergone a remarkable revitalisation and is now a shining light in positive indigenous opportunities. Take a cultural walk to learn about the history of Aboriginal people in Bourke and the personal connection formed with the land and it’s richness. Tonight we’ll join a campfire dinner under a coolabah tree, (if available) under a starlit sky, with plenty of music, poetry, and storytelling all about outback of Australia. Overnight Bourke. Meals: BL

Day 7 - We head for Brewarrina on the Barwon River, and the 40,000-year-old Aboriginal Fish Traps - still working. The Brewarrina fish traps are one of the oldest man-made structures on earth. This elaborate network of rock weirs and pools stretches for around half a kilometre along the riverbed and was built by ancient tribes, to catch fish as they swam upstream. Heading south to Macquarie Marshes a UNESCO registered site of outstanding value as one of the most important wetland areas in the world. It is one of the most crucial breeding sites for waterbirds in Australia, with 77 species, along with over 150 other birds, as well as fish, turtles, frogs, snakes and mammals. We travel on to our final art silo in Coonamble then take the scenic road to the beautiful Warrumbungles for a delightful bush walk with wonderful views of The Breadknife. We have a tour of Siding Springs Observatory, home to Australia’s largest telescope. The Warrumbungles is Australia’s only Dark Sky Park, meaning it is our only Internationally recognised park with an exceptional quality of starry nights and an environment specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment. Overnight. Coonabarabran Meals: BLD

Day 8 - GULGONG, MUDGEE, PARKES 

Drive through Dunedoo, known for its poetry, hospitality, and name (meaning black swan), on the way to Gulgong - the town that was on the way to Gulgong - the town that was on the $10 note. This small village from the gold rush days is a delight to take in the regional history and historic buildings. We are now a short drive to Mudgee where we’ll taste some local wines and have lunch in a vineyard.Now we visit the Portland silos at the old Cement Factory – beautiful artwork there on the cement works and symbolic of the restoration of the community in Portland exemplified by their site work and the wonderful annual art exhibition.

Moving on via Bathurst and the fascinating history of the gold rush and Cobb & Co coaches, then The Dish Exhibition centre at the giant CSIRO operated radiotelescope that brought the 1st moon landing images to Earth. Back in Parkes, and less famous is the King's Castle, Australia's very own Elvis Presley museum created by the original yellow Wiggle Greg Page. Overnight Parkes Meals: BLD

Day 9 – We visit  Canowindra, ballooning capital of Australia and the Museum of Fishes – viewing ancient fish fossils from this area that was once an inland sea. Then Cowra (and railway roundhouse for the keen). Onwards we travel via Weddin Mountains National Park, visiting the popular Grenfell Wheat silos completed in 2019 and then through West Wyalong to the well-known Weethalle Silos. Driving West via Rankin Springs the country spreads and the sky seems to get bigger we know the perfect place to see our first Big Sky sunset with the full spectrum of colours as the sun sets over the Hay Plains. Overnight Hay Meals: BLD

Day 10 – SHEAR OUTBACK, WENTWORTH

Hay was one of Australia’s major wool growing areas, and a visit to the Shear Outback centre takes to you into the rich life in the wool industry in early NSW. We’ll take the backroad through seemingly endless saltbush plains, that are home to over 50 farming families. Tiny villages are the social hub for many of the large outback stations, where life can often be lonely. Follow the Murray River to Trentham Estate, a family-owned winery on the banks of the Murray River. Enjoy an afternoon wine tasting by the river before we head to Wentworth. In the late 1800’s Wentworth was the largest river port in Australia with over 400 boats plying the Murray and the Darling Rivers, which meet here. Overnight Wentworth Meals: BL

Day 11 – Wentworth visit the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers, Australia’s biggest river system and also visit Wentworth Pioneer Museum with life-size megafauna replicas from the local area including the cuddly 2-metre high Diprotodons. Into the desert and Mungo National Park to explore this ancient lake bed environment. Hear the stories of the region from a local guide, and learn of the oldest known ritual burial in the world. Discover the Walls of China and megafauna history of the area, explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park.  Meals: BLD

Day 12 – Travel the Darling River via Pooncarie, Menindee and Kinchega National Park. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lakeshore, and a haven for wetland birds. Into Broken Hill and dinner at local restaurant. Tour completes in Broken Hill Accommodation own arrangements or add extra night from extras when booking. Meals: BL Dinner own purchase at local restaurant to celebrate tour end.

We recommend to stay another day to explore much more of Broken Hill

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 11 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 4WD GXL Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• 11 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 7 x 2 course dinners
• Paddleboat cruise at Bourke
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

Departs Sydney to Warrumbungles, Macquarie Marshes, Brewarrina Bourke, Louth, Dunlop Station, Tilpa, White Cliffs, Broken Hill. Then meet optional tours to Lake Eyre, Innaminka, Dig Tree, Cameron Corner Country

Explore the Far West of Outback NSW with Silo Art, Gundabooka Rock Art, Mootwingee NP option, Broken Hill, Darling River Run from Bourke to Bourke with a visit to White Cliffs opals fields, Bourke river cruise, Sydney to Broken Hill timed with rail return options.

Travel down the mighty Darling River Run from Bourke to Wilcannia then Broken Hill, with a visit to White Cliffs opals fields & miners stores. 

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles

Itinerary

Day 1 —- SYDNEY, MUDGEE GULGONG, COONABARABRAN -

Depart Sydney via Bells Line of Road, via Mt Tomah with spectacular views of the Grose Valley, and look at the Zig Zag Railway at Clarence. From Lithgow we are now a short drive to Mudgee where we'll taste some local wines and have lunch in a vineyard. BLCheck out Poets Corner, on the way to Gulgong - the town that was on the $10 note. This small village from the gold rush days is a delight to take in the regional history and historic buildings. We travel via Dunedoo, known for its poetry, hospitality, and name, then check out the murals of Mendooran before overnight Coonabarabran LD

Day 2 — Warrumbungle Bushwalk, Coonamble silo art, Macquarie Marshes, Brewarrina fish traps, Bourke

The Warrumbungles are calling and we take an approximate 1 hour walk with views of the spectacular breadknife from Camp Blackman. Burbie Canyon walking track is a gentle 2km stroll through a sandstone gorge and is particularly popular for birdwatching. On return we have a tour of Siding Springs Observatory, home to Australia’s largest optical telescope.Heading west now via silo art in Coonamble then to Macquarie Marshes a UNESCO registered site of outstanding value as one of the most important wetland areas in the world. It is one of the most crucial breeding sites for waterbirds in Australia, with 77 species, along with over 150 other birds, as well as fish, turtles, frogs, snakes and mammals. Travel on via Brewarrina on the Barwon River, and the 40,000-year-old Aboriginal Fish Traps - still working. The Brewarrina fish traps are one of the oldest man-made structures on earth. This elaborate network of rock weirs and pools stretches for around half a kilometre along the riverbed and was built by ancient tribes, to catch fish as they swam upstream. Overnight Bourke. Meals: BLD

Day 3 - BOURKE, Cruise on The Darling On The Jandra paddleboat, Gundabooka National Park

The impressive ‘Back O’Bourke’ centre showcases the early days of Bourke and beyond. Discover the ‘Outback’ life of Henry Lawson, the search for an inland sea. Marvel at the stories of the ‘women of the west’ including Nancy Bird Walton, who flew an air ambulance here in the 1930’s. Stop by the 110 year old Morrall’s bakery for a pie or pastry, follow the Heritage Trail through town, or visit the grave of Fred Hollows. Cruise along the Darling on the Jandra, an historic paddle boat to recall the river boat history. In recent years Bourke has undergone a remarkable revitalisation and is now a shining light in positive indigenous opportunities. Take a cultural walk to learn about the history of Aboriginal people in Bourke and the personal connection formed with the land and it’s richness. Now to Gundabooka National Park which surrounds Mt Gundabooka and has unique Aboriginal Rock art to explore, including a pleasant and easy walk through this isolated National Park.Overnight Bourke. Meals: BLD

Day 4 - Paddle Boat cruise, explore Bourke then enjoy Gundabooka National Park (scenic walks & Aboriginal rock art), and travel the banks of Australia’s longest, the Darling River via historic Louth, and Tilpa \plus Dunlop Station, a 45 stand and first mechanical woolshed owned by Sir Samuel McCaughey (Riverina irrigation pioneer) to Wilcannia and White Cliffs opal fields, then on to Overnight White Cliffs and sleep underground.

Day 5 - Explore White Cliffs settlement and opal fields, with at source opal buying opportunites, then back to the Darling River Run to Menindee & Menindee Lakes with Bourke & Wills camp, and Kinchega National Park before arriving Broken Hill for the evening and dinner at the famous Mario's Palace Hotel. Ibis or Desert Sands Hotel or similar for Overnight Broken Hill. B, L, Dinner own purchase at restaurant

Day 6 - Free time or depart for next tour to Corner Country or Lake Eyre - or explore Broken Hill. Tour completes after breakfast and hotel checkout at 10am

Return by train or plane, or continue to Lake Eyre or Cameron Corner Country & Tibooburra or Adelaide - or return to Sydney via Lake Mungo with connecting tours.eg Mungo National Park Tour to Sydney

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure.  Should you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 5 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 4WD Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals except 1 in broken Hill
• Paddleboat cruise at Bourke
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

BOOK HERE Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

8 Day NSW Outback Lightning Ridge Bourke Broken Hill Mungo Silo Art

Explore the Far West of NSW with Silo Art, Mungo National Park, Gundabooka Rock Art, Mootwingee NP option, Broken Hill, Darling River Run from Wilcannia to Bourke with a visit to White Cliffs opals fields, Bourke river cruise, Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina Sydney to Broken Hill timed with rail return option. 8 days

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles

Highlights

• Sydney to Mungo & Gundabooka National Parks & Aboriginal rock art,  Broken Hill, Bourke, Lightning Ridge
• Return by Rail from Broken Hill or on to Innaminka and the Burke & Wills Dig Tree, Cameron Corner or Wilpena Pound & Lake Eyre
  
• Blue Mountains & Three Sisters
  
• Portland Silo Art
• Mungo National Park & China Walls sunset tour
• Menindee – Lakes & Burke & Wills Campsite
  
• Broken Hill & Silverton - Pro Hart Gallery, mine tour, history, Mining & railway museums
• Return optional tours - Meets rail to Sydney or Adelaide
• White Cliffs Opal fields
• Darling River Run via Pooncarie, Menindee Lakes, Wilcannia Tilpa & Louth
• Gundabooka National Park & Aboriginal rock art
• Bourke - river cruise and history
• Brewarrinna - ancient fish traps 40,000 years old
• Siding Springs Telescope
  
• Warrumbungle Ranges NP
• Optional day tour to Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Day 1 —- SYDNEY, MUDGEE GULGONG, COONABARABRAN

Depart Sydney via Bells Line of Road, via Mt Tomah with spectacular views of the Grose Valley, and look at the Zig Zag Railway at Clarence. From Lithgow we are now a short drive to Mudgee where we'll taste some local wines and have lunch in a vineyard. BL

Check out Poets Corner, on the way to Gulgong - the town that was on the $10 note. This small village from the gold rush days is a delight to take in the regional history and historic buildings. We travel via Dunedoo, known for its poetry, hospitality, and name, then check out the murals of Mendooran before overnight Coonabarabran LD

Day 2 — Warrumbungle Bushwalk, Macquarie Marshes,

The Warrumbungles are calling and we take an approximate 1 hour walk with views of the spectacular breadknife from Camp Blackman. Burbie Canyon walking track is a gentle 2km stroll through a sandstone gorge and is particularly popular for birdwatching. On return we have a tour of Siding Springs Observatory, home to Australia’s largest optical telescope.

Heading west now via silo art in Coonamble then to Macquarie Marshes a UNESCO registered site of outstanding value as one of the most important wetland areas in the world. It is one of the most crucial breeding sites for waterbirds in Australia, with 77 species, along with over 150 other birds, as well as fish, turtles, frogs, snakes and mammals. Travel on via Walgett, and visit the local museum with its wool industry heritage, then to Lightning Ridge for an afternoon experience of the Chambers of the Black Hand Opal Mine Art Carving Tour and a tour of the region and opal traders in this fascinating outback town. Overnight Lightning Ridge  Meals: BLD

Day 3 - Lightning Ridge, Brewarrina fish traps, Bourke

Discover more of Lightning Ridge, check out the opal dealers and famous bore baths. We head for Brewarrina on the Barwon River, and the 40,000-year-old Aboriginal Fish Traps - still working. The Brewarrina fish traps are one of the oldest man-made structures on earth. This elaborate network of rock weirs and pools stretches for around half a kilometre along the riverbed and was built by ancient tribes, to catch fish as they swam upstream. Overnight Bourke. Meals: BLD

Day 4— BOURKE, Cruise on The Darling On The Jandra paddleboat, Gundabooka National Park

The impressive ‘Back O’Bourke’ centre showcases the early days of Bourke and beyond. Discover the ‘Outback’ life of Henry Lawson, the search for an inland sea. Marvel at the stories of the ‘women of the west’ including Nancy Bird Walton, who flew an air ambulance here in the 1930’s. Stop by the 110 year old Morrall’s bakery for a pie or pastry, follow the Heritage Trail through town, or visit the grave of Fred Hollows. Cruise along the Darling on the Jandra, an historic paddle boat to recall the river boat history. In recent years Bourke has undergone a remarkable revitalisation and is now a shining light in positive indigenous opportunities. Take a cultural walk to learn about the history of Aboriginal people in Bourke and the personal connection formed with the land and it’s richness. Now to Gundabooka National Park which surrounds Mt Gundabooka and has unique Aboriginal Rock art to explore, including a pleasant and easy walk through this isolated National Park.Overnight Bourke. Meals: BLD

Day 5 — Darling River Run to White Cliffs

From here to the Darling River Run to Wilcannia, once a bustling port for the wool-laden paddle steamers, now with its beautiful and historic sandstone public architecture. Follow the Darling River Run down stream via river towns of Louth & Tilpa - with a cuppa and tour at the famous Dunlop Station if operating. Dunlop Station is an historic sheep station property located on the Darling River. Once a million acres it has a 45 stand shearing shed which was the first shed to have mechanical shears. with the check out the paddle boat and big wool and sheep station history of this region. Travel to White Cliffs and explore the opal mines history, and maybe find some local opal bargains. overnight White Cliffs. BLD

Day 6 -  White Cliffs, Burke & Wills camp, Kinchega National Park, Mungo National Park, Wilcannia, Menindee Lakes

Explore White Cliffs opal fields and maybe pick up a few bargains from the numerous opal dealers in town. We then head for Wilcannia and Menindee Lakes via the 2nd leg of the Darling River Run to Menindee. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lakeshore and a haven for wetland birds. We visit the picturesque lakes and the grand and restored Kinchega  Woolshed in Kinchega National Park with beautiful sweeping river bends. We follow the river further south to Pooncarie and Mungo National Park. Optional Sunset tour overlooking the Mungo lunar landscape Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park. Meals: BLD

Day 7 - Mungo National Park, Broken Hill 

Explore Mungo National Park including the Walls of China and this ancient lakebed that was home to megafauna of the area. Learn of Mungo man and Mungo Woman, known as the oldest known ritual burial in the world. We travel the Mungo circuit to explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. After lunch, we travel to Broken Hill for a view from The Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial above Broken Hill, before dinner at the famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill. Meals: BL Dinner own purchase at Mario's Palace Hotel restaurant.

Day 8 – Broken Hill highlights

Tour completes after breakfast with hotel checkout at 10am. Join a Lake Eyre Tour with flights or free time to explore Broken Hill highlights (your choice) including Pro Hart Gallery, plus Desert Sculptures or extra cost for an optional tour to Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history. Meals: B

Train to Sydney departs weekly on Tuesday or daily flights or coach services to capital cities

This tour often Links with our Cameron Corner Country tour on to Innaminka and the Burke & Wills Dig Tree, Cameron Corner or Wilpena Pound & Lake Eyre.

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us directly to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 7 nights Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link details
  
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 2-4 people in 4WD GXL Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals
• Jandra Paddleboat cruise at Bourke
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
  
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

• BOOK HERE Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

Note video on this page may show some locations from 12 day tour not included in this tour

Wine Wildlife Wilderness and Railways – What a Weekend Away !

Relax with the native birds and wildlife surrounded by dense forests at the Hunter Valley Kangaroo Retreat and connect with the fascinating history of the Watagan Mountains and Hunter Valley railway and mining history

• Includes 2 nights at Hunter Valley Kangaroo Retreat – with open fires & extensive balcony
• Day 1 - Meet at Richmond Vale Railway Museum with train ride and museum entry Opens at 9.30am.
• Day 2 – Suggested Options (included) –
• Adventure 4WD tour to Watagan Mountains Moss Wall, Boarding House Dam & spectacular lookouts and / or
• Local railway track, yards and history
  
• Rathmines RAAF Catalina Association tour option may also be available
  
• Wine-tasting options
  

Pelaw-Main Colliery was commenced in 1901 by the partnership of John & William Brown, and later by the firm J & A Brown while being operated from 1931 by successor companies. It was a drift mine, being driven into the outcropping coal seam on the rise to the south of Kurri Kurri township.

Steam loco train ride runs Sundays weather dependent. First / Last Train 10 am / 3pm - See http://www.rvrm.org/

See retreat details here - https://airbnb.com/h/huntervalleykangarooretreat

·       4 bedrooms available – 2 QUEEN ,`1 double bed rooms, 1 bedroom with 2 king single beds

Inclusions

•  2 nights Accommodation with Campfire & indoor log fire. Pool table. Big TV
  
•  2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, 2 morning teas, 1 lunch
  
•  4WD to Watagan Mountains / Moss Wall tour, local railway region or wineries (your choice)
  
•  Professional Host and Hostess  
•  Wild wildlife!!  - 30 - 40 kangaroos live on the property
•  Birdlife abundant and visit daily - black & White cockatoos, Rosellas, lorikeets, White Headed & Wonga Pigeon, Blue Wren ++
  
•  National Parks entry fees.
•  Entry to Richmond Vale Railway Museum
•  Train ride on historic train at Richmond Vale Railway Museum

Exclusions

•  Alcohol - BYO or local wineries
• 1 lunch at local pub
  
• Transport to the Hunter Valley Kangaroo Retreat - this is available from Sydney or Newcastle as an extra on booking 

Book direct and save - Call 0417 2446 00

Patonga Pearl Beach Elephant Rock Warrah Lookout Walk includes scenic bush, beaches river views, Lion Island waterways, Wildlife in Brisbane Waters National Park including part of the Great North Walk

Enjoy the adventure of discovery with your qualified guide in Brisbane Water National Park with the backdrop of the Hawkesbury River and stunning broken Bay online island

This walk is in easy reach of the Central Coast or Sydney by car or ferry or even seaplane over taxi bring your own picnic lunch for walking for lunch on the trail and enjoy a complimentary coffee or tea or beverage with afternoon tea or snacks at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga on our return.

Your experienced guard will share the wonders of Australian nature and tales of years of travel in the Aussie Bush

Book a date now for this easy access adventure exploring your homeland.

Walk includes aspects of the Great North Walk - see spectacular views of Lion Island and Broken Bay from Warrah Lookout. There is an opportunity to swim at Pearl Pool (freshwater) and also at Pearl Beach or at Patonga Beach.

START AND FINISH

The Boathouse Hotel Patonga or Pearl Beach option available

TIME

10 am - 350 pm approx (meets ferry from / to Palm Beach

GETTING THERE -

• Depart Palm Beach wharf on 9:35am ferry to arrive Patonga (guide meets ferry). Ferry return is possible at 3:50 or later ferry to Palm Beach oralternative options if completing in Pearl Beach. 
• Drive from Sydney or Central Coast or
• Public transport - by Rail to Woy Woy then Bus 54 to Patonga
• Water taxi from Pittwater (Newport or Palm Beach) or Brooklyn
• Ferry from Palm Beachor other locations in Pittwater - check timing

Please ask if any questions  - we look forward to showing you thiswonderful area so close to Sydney

All walks require a minimum of 2 people for departure. Should you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Wear casual clothes and walking shoes, bring hat, camera, water and spirit of adventure

Corner Country Bourke Darling River Macquarie Marshes Broken Hill to Broken Hill Outback NSW 12 days

Explore the Far West of NSW with Silo Art, Corner Country,  Mungo National Park, Broken Hill, Darling River Run from Wilcannia to Bourke with a visit to White Cliffs opals fields & miners stores, Bourke, Brewarrina Start and Return Broken Hill  12 days or join from Sydney option

This itinerary is for Sydney return but Broken Hill return tour includes same elements 

Highlights

• Broken Hill to Broken hill and return
  
• Portland Silo Art
• Parkes Radio Telescope  – The Dish
• Canowindra – Age of Fishes Fossil Museum
• Grenfell Silo Art
• Weethalle Silo Art
• Hay – Shear Outback Centre
• Wentworth – Junction of the Darling & Murray Rivers + Megafauna Museum
• Mungo National Park & China Walls tour
• Menindee – Lakes & Burke & Wills Camp
• Broken Hill & Silverton - Pro Hart Gallery, mine tour option, history, Mining & railway museums
• Packsaddle & Milparinka historic sites
• Depot Glen & Pooles Grave
• Tibooburra granites, pastoral, art and mining history
• Dog Fence & NSW State border
• White Cliffs Opal fields (sleep underground)
• Darling River Run via Pooncarie, Menindee Lakes, Wilcannia Tilpa & Louth
• Gundabooka National Park & Aboriginal rock art
• Bourke - river cruise and Back O'Bourke centre / history
• Brewarrinna - ancient Aboriginal fish traps 40,000 years old
• Macquarie Marshes - great bird spotting
• Warrmbungles Ranges - with bushwalk
  
• Siding Springs Observatory
• Gulgong - $10 note, Gold and pioneer history, Holtermann Photographic Museum 
• Mudgee wine tasting

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles

This tour takes us via some of the NSW Silo Art Trail through
lovely country towns and regional areas. The Silo At Trail is transforming Australian regional towns. Join us on
an adventure through rural Australia to witness these great masterpieces
and the local hospitality.

Itinerary

Day 1  - Explore Broken Hill highlights (your choice) including Pro Hart Gallery, The Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures or exra cost for Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history. Dinner at the famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Meals:BLD

Day 2  - Today we take a day tour to explore Mutawintji National Park for an exceptional rock art and cave art experience rich in Aboriginal history, with local Aboriginal guide. Meals:BLD

Day 3 - Depart Broken Hill through the Barrier Range on the Silver City Highway via Packsaddle for Milparinka
and Depot Glen, where explorer Charles Sturt spent 6 months in 1845
with a team of men, waiting for rain and cooler conditions. This area
has been extensively mined for tin, lead and gold and operated large
sheep stations. Appreciate this once thriving gold mining town at the
restored Milparinka Heritage Precinct. Time to explore Tibooburra, and the Outdoor Pastoral Museum. 
Flat-topped mesas and fantastic views characterise the central Jump-Up
country. Remnant gidgee woodland, the catchment system of the ephemeral
Twelve-Mile Creek and gibber and grass-covered plains dominate the east,
while 450 million-year-old granite tors surrounding Tibooburra form
part of the southern boundary of the park. We check out the Tibooburra
pubs and considerable town and mining history before overnight here at Family Hotel or Granites Motel  Meals BLD

Day 4 - Today we are heading into the Sturt Desert & Sturt National park, crossing the Grey Range with a stop at Fort Grey.
The park protects an enormous arid landscape of space and solitude. The
rolling red sand dunes of the Strzelecki desert ripple through the
western section, graduating past surprising wetlands surrounded by white
sands. After some great opportunities for photos, we pass through the Dog Fence and arrive at Cameron Corner on
the 3 states corner (NSW, SA & QLD) for a thirst quencher and
souvenirs, and check out the "Corner Store" (conditional on the border
being open).

Travel to White Cliffs and explore the opal mines history, and maybe find some local opal bargains. Then to our overnight accommodation underground - Meals BLD

Day 5 - Now to the Darling River Run via Wilcannia,
once a bustling port for the wool laden paddle steamers, now with its
beautiful and historic sandstone public architecture. On up the Darling River Run to river towns of Louth & Tilpa - with a cuppa and tour at the famous Dunlop Station. Dunlop Station is an historic sheep station property located on the Darling River. Once a million acres it has a 45 stand shearing shed which was the first shed to have mechanical shears. with the check out the paddle boat and big wool and sheep station history of this region. Gundabooka National Park surrounds Mt Gundabooka and has unique Aboriginal Rock art to explore, including a pleasant and easy walk through this isolated National Park.  Overnight Bourke BLD

Day 6 - BOURKE - The impressive ‘Back O’Bourke’ centre showcases the early days of Bourke and beyond. Discover the ‘Outback’ life of Henry Lawson, the search for an inland sea. Marvel at the stories of the ‘women of the west’ including Nancy Bird Walton,
who flew an air ambulance here in the 1930’s. Stop by the 110 year old
Morrall’s bakery for a pie or pastry, follow the Heritage Trail through
town, or visit the grave of Fred Hollows. Cruise along the
Darling on the Jandra, an historic paddle boat to recall the river boat
history. In recent years Bourke has undergone a remarkable
revitalisation and is now a shining light in positive indigenous
opportunities. Take a cultural walk to learn about the history of
Aboriginal people in Bourke and the personal connection formed with the
land and it’s richness. Tonight we’ll join a campfire dinner under a
coolabah tree, (if available) under a starlit sky, with plenty of music,
poetry, and storytelling all about outback of Australia. Overnight
Bourke. Meals: BL

Day 7 - We head for Brewarrina on the Barwon River, and the 40,000-year-old Aboriginal Fish Traps - still working. The Brewarrina fish traps are
one of the oldest man-made structures on earth. This elaborate network
of rock weirs and pools stretches for around half a kilometre along the
riverbed and was built by ancient tribes, to catch fish as they swam
upstream. Heading south to Macquarie Marshes a UNESCO registered
site of outstanding value as one of the most important wetland areas in
the world. It is one of the most crucial breeding sites for waterbirds
in Australia, with 77 species, along with over 150 other birds, as well
as fish, turtles, frogs, snakes and mammals. We travel on to our final
art silo in Coonamble then take the scenic road to the beautiful
Warrumbungles for a delightful bush walk with wonderful views of The Breadknife. We have a tour of Siding Springs Observatory,
home to Australia’s largest telescope. The Warrumbungles is Australia’s
only Dark Sky Park, meaning it is our only Internationally recognised
park with an exceptional quality of starry nights and an environment
specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational,
cultural heritage, and public enjoyment. Overnight. Coonabarabran Meals: BLD

Day 8 - GULGONG, MUDGEE, PARKES 

Drive
through Dunedoo, known for its poetry, hospitality, and name (meaning black swan), on the way to
Gulgong - the town that was on the way to Gulgong - the town that was on
the $10 note. This small village from the gold rush days is a delight
to take in the regional history and historic buildings. We are now a
short drive to Mudgee where we’ll taste some local wines and have lunch
in a vineyard.

Day 9 – Commence with stunning views from Echo Point and the Three Sisters at Katoomba, the Portland silos at the old Cement Factory – beautiful artwork there on the cement works and symbolic of the restoration of the community in Portland exemplified by their site work and the wonderful annual art exhibition.

Moving on via Bathurst and the fascinating history of the gold rush and Cobb & Co coaches, then The Dish Exhibition centre at the giant CSIRO operated radiotelescope that brought the 1st moon landing images to Earth. Back in Parkes, and less famous is the King's Castle, Australia's very own Elvis Presley museum created by the original yellow Wiggle Greg Page. Overnight Parkes Meals: BLD

Day 10 – We visit  Canowindra, ballooning capital of Australia and the Museum of Fishes – viewing ancient fish fossils from this area that was once an inland sea. Then Cowra (and railway roundhouse for the keen). Onwards we travel via Weddin Mountains National Park, visiting the popular Grenfell Wheat silos completed in 2019 and then through West Wyalong to the well-known Weethalle Silos. Driving West via Rankin Springs the country spreads and the sky seems to get bigger we know the perfect place to see our first Big Sky sunset with the full spectrum of colours as the sun sets over the Hay Plains. Overnight Hay Meals: BLD

Day 11 – SHEAR OUTBACK, WENTWORTH

Hay was one of Australia’s major wool growing areas, and a visit to the Shear Outback centre takes to you into the rich life in the wool industry in early NSW. We’ll take the backroad through seemingly endless saltbush plains, that are home to over 50 farming families. Tiny villages are the social hub for many of the large outback stations, where life can often be lonely. Follow the Murray River to Trentham Estate, a family-owned winery on the banks of the Murray River. Enjoy an afternoon wine tasting by the river before we head to Wentworth. In the late 1800’s Wentworth was the largest river port in Australia with over 400 boats plying the Murray and the Darling Rivers, which meet here. Overnight Wentworth Meals: BL

Day 12 – Wentworth visit the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers, Australia’s biggest river system and also visit Wentworth Pioneer Museum with life-size megafauna replicas from the local area including the cuddly 2-metre high Diprotodons. Into the desert and Mungo National Park to explore this ancient lake bed environment. Hear the stories of the region from a local guide, and learn of the oldest known ritual burial in the world. Discover the Walls of China and megafauna history of the area, explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park.  Meals: BLD

Day 13 – Travel the Darling River via Pooncarie, Menindee and Kinchega National Park. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lakeshore, and a haven for wetland birds. Into Broken Hill and dinner at famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill. Meals: BL Dinner own purchase at local restaurant

Day 14 - Tour completes after breakfast at 10 am. Transport to airport or rail connections available or explore much more of Broken Hill

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 13 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 4WD GXL Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• 11 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 9 x 2 course dinners
• Paddleboat cruise at Bourke
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
  
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

5 Day NSW Outback Mungo Silo Art Wentworth Menindee Darling River Run Sydney to Broken Hill

Explore the Far West of NSW with Silo Art, Corner Country,  Mungo National Park, Broken Hill, Darling River Run from Pooncarie to Menindee

Highlights

• Sydney to Broken Hill - return by train, plane or coach (ASK) or extend to Lake Eyre or Corner Country & Dig Tree Innamincka
  
• Canowindra – Age of Fishes Fossil Museum
• Grenfell Silo Art
• Weethalle Silo Art
• Hay – Shear Outback Centre
• Wentworth – Junction of the Darling & Murray Rivers + Megafauna Museum
• Mungo National Park & China Walls sunset tour
• Menindee – Lakes & Burke & Wills Camp
• Broken Hill & Silverton - Pro Hart Gallery, mine tour, history, Mining & railway museums
• Return optional tours or meets rail to Sydney or Adelaide

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles with 4 adult seats

The Silo Art Trail is transforming Australian regional towns. Join us on an adventure through rural Australia to witness these great masterpieces and the local hospitality.

Options include a day tour to Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Day 1 – NSW Silo Art Trail tours take us through some lovely country towns and regional areas, and our tour from Sydney to Broken Hill includes Canowindra, ballooning capital of Australia and the Museum of Fishes – viewing ancient fish fossils from this area that was once an inland sea. Then Cowra (and railway roundhouse for the keen). Onwards we travel via Weddin Mountains National Park, visiting the popular Grenfell Wheat silos completed in 2019 and then through West Wyalong to the well-known Weethalle Silos. Driving West via Rankin Springs the country spreads and the sky seems to get bigger we know the perfect place to see our first Big Sky sunset with the full spectrum of colours as the sun sets over the Hay Plains. Overnight Goolgowi LD

Day 2 – SHEAR OUTBACK, OUTBACK VILLAGES, WENTWORTH

Today we travel to Hay, one of Australia’s major wool growing areas, and a visit to the Shear Outback centre takes to you into the rich life in the wool industry in early NSW. We’ll take the backroad through saltbush plains, that are home to over 50 farming families. Tiny villages are the social hub for many of the large outback stations, where life can often be lonely. . Follow the Murray River to Trentham Estate, a family-owned winery on the banks of the Murray River. Enjoy an afternoon wine tasting by the river before we head to Wentworth. In the late 1800’s Wentworth was the largest river port in Australia with over 400 boats plying the Murray and the Darling Rivers, which meet here. Overnight Wentworth Meals: BLD

Day 3 – At Wentworth visit the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers, Australia’s biggest river system and also visit Wentworth Pioneer Museum with life-size megafauna replicas from the local area including the cuddly 2-metre high Diprotodons. Into the desert and Mungo National Park to explore this ancient lakebed environment. Hear the stories of the regions from a local guide, and learn of the oldest known ritual burial of Mungo Man and Mungo woman.  Discover the Walls of China and megafauna history of the area, explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park. BLD

Days 4 – Travel the Darling River Run via Pooncarie, Menindee and Kinchega National Park. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lakeshore, and a haven for wetland birds. Into Broken Hill and dinner at the famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill.BL dinner own cost

Day 5 – After breakfast, tour completes at 10am with hotel checkout. You can optionally Explore Broken Hill highlights including Pro Hart Gallery, The Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures or Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Options – LAKE EYRE TOURS AND FLIGHTS  or our Cameron Corner Country to Innamincka and the Bourke and Wills Dig Tree -  Explore Broken Hill for a few days or Corner Country tour and more . Option to travel to Adelaide via Peterborough (railway history) Burra (old Copper mine tour) and tour completion

Inclusions –

• 4 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 4WD GXL Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals except 1 as noted
  
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
  
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

• BOOK HERE Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

NSW Outback Bourke Macquarie Marshes Silo Art Mungo Gundabooka National Parks Brewarrina Fish Traps 8 days

Explore the Far West of NSW with Silo Art,  Mungo National Park, Bourke, Brewarrina Start Sysdney finish Broken Hill for train, coach or plane return. 

Highlights

• Gundabooka National Park & Aboriginal rock art
• Bourke - river cruise and Back O'Bourke centre / history
• Brewarrinna - ancient Aboriginal fish traps 40,000 years old
• Macquarie Marshes - great bird spotting
• Warrmbungles Ranges - with bushwalk
• Siding Springs Observatory
• Gulgong - $10 note, Gold and pioneer history, Holtermann Photographic Museum 
• Parkes Radio Telescope  – The Dish
• Canowindra – Age of Fishes Fossil Museum
• Grenfell Silo Art
• Weethalle Silo Art
• Hay – Shear Outback Centre
• Wentworth – Junction of the Darling & Murray Rivers + Megafauna Museum
• Mungo National Park & China Walls tour
• Menindee – Lakes & Burke & Wills Camp

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles

This tour takes us via some of the NSW Silo Art Trail through lovely country towns and regional areas. The Silo At Trail is transforming Australian regional towns. Join us on an adventure through rural Australia to witness these great masterpieces and the local hospitality.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Sydney to Bourke - travel via Blue Mountains, Govetts Leap, Bathurst with its gold and Cobb & Co historry, then on via Dubbo (hub of the agricultural west) and an optional look in at Duboo zoo. On to Narromine, NSW Gliding capital, and the Aviation Museum that was home to an elite Mosquito Squadron during WWII, and now too a Wright Brothers replica. Next is Nyngan the town that was rescued from the big 1990 floods before arrival in Bourke, and the wide open spaces of the western plains. Overnight Bourke LD

Day 2 - BOURKE - The impressive ‘Back O’Bourke’ centre showcases the early days of Bourke and beyond. Discover the ‘Outback’ life of Henry Lawson, the search for an inland sea. Marvel at the stories of the ‘women of the west’ including Nancy Bird Walton, who flew an air ambulance here in the 1930’s. Stop by the 110 year old Morrall’s bakery for a pie or pastry, follow the Heritage Trail through town, or visit the grave of Fred Hollows. Cruise along the Darling River on the Jandra, an historic paddle boat to recall the river boat history. In recent years Bourke has undergone a remarkable revitalisation and is now a shining light in positive indigenous opportunities. Take a cultural walk to learn about the history of Aboriginal people in Bourke and the personal connection formed with the land and it’s richness. Tonight we’ll join a campfire dinner under a coolabah tree, (if available) under a starlit sky, with plenty of music, poetry, and storytelling all about outback of Australia. Overnight Bourke. Meals: BL

Day 3 - We head for Brewarrina on the Barwon River, and the 40,000-year-old Aboriginal Fish Traps - still working. The Brewarrina fish traps are one of the oldest man-made structures on earth. This elaborate network of rock weirs and pools stretches for around half a kilometre along the riverbed and was built by ancient tribes, to catch fish as they swam upstream. Heading south to Macquarie Marshes a UNESCO registered site of outstanding value as one of the most important wetland areas in the world. It is one of the most crucial breeding sites for waterbirds in Australia, with 77 species, along with over 150 other birds, as well as fish, turtles, frogs, snakes and mammals. We travel on to our final art silo in Coonamble then take the scenic road to the beautiful Warrumbungles for a delightful bush walk with wonderful views of The Breadknife. We have a tour of Siding Springs Observatory, home to Australia’s largest telescope. The Warrumbungles is Australia’s only Dark Sky Park, meaning it is our only Internationally recognised park with an exceptional quality of starry nights and an environment specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment. Overnight. Coonabarabran Meals: BLD

Day 4 - GULGONG, MUDGEE, PARKES 

Drive through Dunedoo, known for its poetry, hospitality, and name (meaning black swan), on the way to Gulgong - the town that was on the way to Gulgong - the town that was on the $10 note. This small village from the gold rush days is a delight to take in the regional history and historic buildings. We are now a short drive to Mudgee where we’ll taste some local wines and have lunch in a vineyard.Now we visit the Portland silos at the old Cement Factory – beautiful artwork there on the cement works and symbolic of the restoration of the community in Portland exemplified by their site work and the wonderful annual art exhibition.

Moving on via Bathurst and the fascinating history of the gold rush and Cobb & Co coaches, then The Dish Exhibition centre at the giant CSIRO operated radiotelescope that brought the 1st moon landing images to Earth. Back in Parkes, and less famous is the King's Castle, Australia's very own Elvis Presley museum created by the original yellow Wiggle Greg Page. Overnight Parkes Meals: BLD

Day 5 – We visit  Canowindra, ballooning capital of Australia and the Museum of Fishes – viewing ancient fish fossils from this area that was once an inland sea. Then Cowra (and railway roundhouse for the keen). Onwards we travel via Weddin Mountains National Park, visiting the popular Grenfell Wheat silos completed in 2019 and then through West Wyalong to the well-known Weethalle Silos. Driving West via Rankin Springs the country spreads and the sky seems to get bigger we know the perfect place to see our first Big Sky sunset with the full spectrum of colours as the sun sets over the Hay Plains. Overnight Hay Meals: BLD

Day 6 – SHEAR OUTBACK, WENTWORTH

Hay was one of Australia’s major wool growing areas, and a visit to the Shear Outback centre takes to you into the rich life in the wool industry in early NSW. We’ll take the backroad through seemingly endless saltbush plains, that are home to over 50 farming families. Tiny villages are the social hub for many of the large outback stations, where life can often be lonely. Follow the Murray River to Trentham Estate, a family-owned winery on the banks of the Murray River. Enjoy an afternoon wine tasting by the river before we head to Wentworth. In the late 1800’s Wentworth was the largest river port in Australia with over 400 boats plying the Murray and the Darling Rivers, which meet here. Overnight Wentworth Meals: BL

Day 7 – Wentworth visit the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers, Australia’s biggest river system and also visit Wentworth Pioneer Museum with life-size megafauna replicas from the local area including the cuddly 2-metre high Diprotodons. Into the desert and Mungo National Park to explore this ancient lake bed environment. Hear the stories of the region from a local guide, and learn of the oldest known ritual burial in the world. Discover the Walls of China and megafauna history of the area, explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park.  Meals: BLD

Day 8 – Travel the Darling River via Pooncarie, Menindee and Kinchega National Park. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lakeshore, and a haven for wetland birds. Into Broken Hill and dinner at local restaurant. Tour completes in Broken Hill Accommodation own arrangements or add extra night from extras when booking. Meals: BL Dinner own purchase at local restaurant to celebrate tour end.

We recommend to stay another day to explore much more of Broken Hill

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 7 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 4WD GXL Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 x 2 course dinners
• Paddleboat cruise at Bourke
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.
  

Mungo National Park Tours from Sydney to Broken Hill & Adelaide

REVERSE OF BELOW ITINERARY

Possible to Meet Lake Eyre to Alice Springs tour from Adelaide or Broken Hill OR Meet Cameron Corner Country tours

Options to depart tour at Broken Hill on day 4 and or take a day tour Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Mungo National Park Tours Discover Outback NSW and this ancient landscape, travel the Darling River Run and explore Bourke & Wills camp and wetlands at Menindee Lakes on this Mungo National Park Tours from Sydney to Broken Hill (or reverse option)

Day 1 – Depart from Sydney – travelling via the famous “Dog on the Tucker Box” (Canberra pickup available) over the Great Dividing Range to Wagga Wagga, and on to Narranderra in the Heart of Australia food bowl, the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, then Hay. Overnight Hay for a hearty local meal and overnight stop.

Day 2 – Visit the Shearers Hall of Fame at Shear Outback and learn of the rich life in the wool industry in early NSW. Then to Balranald and Into the desert and Mungo National Park to explore this ancient lake bed environment. Here the stories of the regions from local Aboriginal guide, and learn of the oldest known ritual burial in the world. Discover the Walls of China and megafauna history of the area, explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park.

Days 3 – Travel the Darling River via Pooncarie, Menindee and Kinchega National Park. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lake shore, and haven for wetland birds. Dinner at famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill.

Day 4 – Explore Broken Hill highlights (your choice) including Pro Hart Gallery, The Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures or stay longer for Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history. Then travel to Adelaide via Peterborough (railway history) Burra (old Copper mine tour) and tour completion

Alternatively depart tour in Broken Hill and return by rail or stay a while and enjoy the fascinating history and culture of Broken Hill

Day 5 – Option - Explore Broken Hill in morning then travel to Adelaide or Sydney with us or by rail or fly. OR a few more days in fascinating Broken Hill.OR Lake Eyre from Adelaide or Broken Hill

4 day tour – Cost includes 3 nights motel accommodation, all meals, 4WD travel, twin share or double. Single supplement $380. Excludes Mutawintji National Park tour cost if chosen

Call Now: 1300 763 188

SILO ART TRAIL TOUR

Have you seen the fabulous Silo Art Trail tours – The Silo At Trail is transforming Australian regional towns

Our Silo Art Trail tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales, country Victoria and South Australia. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles.

Following is a 5 day tour in outback regional New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia supporting regional communities.

Join us on an adventure through rural Australia to witness these great masterpieces and the local hospitality.

Silo Art Trail Tours - 5 Day Tour Details

Day 1: Adelaide to Horsham - Discovering Art in the Rural Landscape

• Morning: Set off from Adelaide's vibrant cityscape, embarking on a journey to the heart of South Australia's rural art scene. Your first stop, Coonalpyn, introduces you to silos that canvas the sky, each mural telling stories of the land and its people. Wander beneath these colossal canvases, absorbing the artistry that captures the spirit of the region.
• Travel on via the Limestone Coast wine producing region, including Padthaway to the Naracoorte Caves National Park for lunch and optional cave tour.
• Travel through rural Victoria with views of the Grampian Ranges to our Overnight stop in Horsham Victoria.

Day 2: Horsham to Echuca - A Journey Through Victoria's Open-Air Gallery

• Morning:  the Silo Art Trail awaits. The silos emerge as beacons of culture across the vast landscape, each stop a chapter in the region's visual anthology. Today sights include Rupanyup, Sheep Hills, Brim, Rosebery, Nullawil, Lascelles, Sea Lake and Nullawil
  We visit Lake Bogan and Explore the Historic site of the Catalina Seaplanes and WWII aircraft memorabilia.
• We then follow the Murray River to Echuca for overnight
  
•  This historic town, nestled by the Murray River, invites you to step back in time aboard its iconic paddle steamers.
• Overnight: Echuca's charming accommodations provide a picturesque setting to unwind, surrounded by echoes of Australia's riverboat past.

Day 3: Echuca to Wagga Wagga - Exploring Heritage and Artistic Endeavors

• Morning: Begin with a leisurely cruise on the Murray, immersing yourself in Echuca's storied past. As the paddle steamers glide on the river, history unfolds in the gentle currents.
• Afternoon: The journey continues into NSW, with stops at Rochester, St. James, and Tungamah's vibrant silos, each a masterpiece of rural artistry. These communities share their stories through bold strokes and vivid colors.
• Overnight: Wagga Wagga, a hub of culture and agriculture, offers a warm welcome with its blend of modern amenities and country hospitality.

Day 4: Wagga Wagga to Bathurst - From Riverina's Plains to Gold Rush Towns

• Morning: Depart Wagga Wagga for the Riverina region, where Narrandera, Grenfell, and Weethalle Silos stand as monuments to the area's agricultural heritage and artistic flair.
• Afternoon: The route meanders through Canowindra, home to the fascinating Museum of Fishes, before reaching Bathurst. Here, delve into Australia's gold rush era, exploring the legacy of pioneers and the allure of historic Cobb & Co coaches.
• Overnight: Bathurst's blend of history and hospitality offers a perfect backdrop for reflection and relaxation, nestled within the scenic beauty of the Central Tablelands.

Day 5: Bathurst to Sydney - Concluding with Cultural Landmarks

• Morning: Your final leg begins with a visit to the Portland silos, where art and industry merge at the old Cement Factory, showcasing community revitalization through creativity.
• We take a break at Wallarawang and iew the memorial to Charles Darwin who was here in 1836.
  
• Afternoon: As you approach Sydney, the journey transitions from rural tranquility back to urban dynamism, concluding your exploration of Australia's artistic and historical tapestry.
• Tour ends this evening approx 5 - 6 pm with drop offs available at CBD hotels or airport.
  

This itinerary not only guides you through some of the most picturesque and culturally rich parts of Australia but also offers an immersive experience into the heart and soul of its communities, landscapes, and artistic expressions.

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure.  Should you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.Inclusions –

• 4 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link 
• Paddle boat cruise on Murray River at Echuca
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 4WD Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

BOOK HERE Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

Explore Tasmania’s Eastern Wilderness Tracks when you  join this small private group tour seeing the best of Eastern Tasmanian wilderness including Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, Styx River Valley walk

5 Day Eastern Tasmania Escape – Launceston to Hobart (or REVERSE) via Tamar Valley, St Columba Falls, Pyengana, East Coast, St Helens, Binalong Bay, Bay of Fires, Bicheno, Honeymoon Bay & Freycinet National Park Wineglass Bay, Styx River Valley walkor extend for extra days for Mona Art Gallery or more – 5 days 4 nights

Tours from Launceston or Hobart (reverse as below itinerary) Sydney / Melbourne other cities departure options

DAY 1: Tamar Valley – Liffey Falls – Arrive in Launceston (airport links from major cities) by 12:30 pm for an afternoon exploring Launceston, and the scenic Cataract Gorge Reserve plus Liffey Falls in the shadow of the Western Tiers mountain range.  All meet at 6:00 pm in our Launceston hotel for Welcome Dinner this evening

DAY 2: Launceston – St Helens – Bicheno - Depart Launceston and head towards the north east coast via Scottsdale, call into Pyengana and visit St Columba Falls and the Pyengana Cheese FactoryVisit the coastal town of St Helens, then Binalong Bay and World Heritage Listed Bay of Fires for beach walk and stunning red rock photography

•     Explore the fishing village of Bicheno and the sea bird life at the fishing port of The Gulch
•     Meet the Little Penguins on a penguin parade from the local penguin colony
•     Overnight at Bicheno (B,L,D)

DAY 3: Bicheno- Swansea – Freycinet National Park – Hobart• Explore the Freycinet National Park and the spectacular scenery and natural wonders of the World Heritage Listed area including Friendly Beaches, the Hazards and Wineglass Bay. Visit Cape Tourville Lighthouse and spot the Sea Lions on the nearby Nuggets Islands. Meet the cute little local Bennetts Wallaby, usually happy to greet visitors. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the beach at Honeymoon Bay with a wide view over Coles Bay and the Hazards• On the scenic drive to Hobart call in for some tasty homemade ice-cream and fruit at Kate’s Berry Farm• Visit Constitution Dock (Hobart waterfront) then check in to your 2 nights accommodation near the waterfront in Hobart (B,L,D)

DAY 4: Hobart – Styx Valley – Mt Field National Park - Hobart  -  If your tour has you in Hobart on a Saturday, enjoy a morning enjoy a stroll through Salamanca Markets area and experience some of Tasmania’s local produce, arts and crafts.• Travel to New Norfolk and up the Derwent River Valley to head west to the Styx Valley Forest walk• Marvel at these ancient and giant trees – some over 80 metres tall – the tallest in the world with the highest carbon density – recently threatened by logging• Visit Mt Field National Park and the spectacular waterfall walks to famous and nearby Russell Falls then only 300 metres beyond the top of Russell Falls the beautiful Horseshoe Falls. Return to Hobart for delicious dinner on the seafront and overnight.

DAY 5: Hobart – Port Arthur (or Mona, Bruny Island options) – Hobart - Begin the morning visiting Mount Wellington, towering 1271 metres over Hobart and time at Hobarts famous and historic Constitution Dock, the famous rallying point and party venue for the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Tour completes with delivery to airport or other options

Optional Day 5 - please ask 

Options available today include Mona Art Gallery (by boat up the Derwent River. Huon Valley & Southern tip drive, South West Cape with forests flight, Bruny Island cruise – please ask For Bruny Island cruise we depart Hobart 745am for 45 mins to Kettering ferry at 9 am ferry then 35 min on Bruny for 11am cruiseOR we drive down the Tasman Peninsular, and see the Peninsula’s natural wonders – the Tessellated Pavement, Blow Hole, Devil’s Kitchen and Tasman Arch (all at Eaglehawk Neck) before arriving into Port Arthur. Here experience a guided tour, harbour cruise and access to the historic site and buildings Return to Hobart for 2nd night in Hobart hotel (B –  Lunch and dinner own costs)

 Inclusions for Tasmanian Wilderness Explorer 4WD Tours – 5 Days Tour :

•     4 nights accommodation including breakfast daily, 
•     All Dinners and lunches
  
•     Airport, ferry or hotel pickup & return in Launceston or Hobart
•     Small group travel in luxury 4WD
•     All National Park entry fees
•     Professional guide/driver

Other options - need extra time –

•     Tour through Central Plateau & Great Lake Conservation Areas, via Western Tiers
•     Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise exploring the rugged coastline of Bruny Island in southern Tasmania.
•     Strathgordon tour via Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon & Admansfield Conservation Area
•     Fly to the Southwest World Heritage Area via South East Cape, to Melaleuca for a boat trip to Bathurst Harbour, Port Davey.   
•     Optional time for Mona Art Gallery and more

Exculsions – alcohol, fares to & from Launceston or Hobart

Explore Tasmania’s Western Wilderness Tracks when you  join this small private tour seeing the best of Tasmanian western wilderness including Cradle Mountain (walks), Port Arthur (or other options), Hobart, Macquarie Harbour, Gordon, Franklin & King Rivers, West Coast Wilderness Railway option, west coast beaches, Arthur River and Edge of the World Burnie, Stanley & “The Nut”

5 Day Escape – Tours depart from Hobart or Launceston   (or Sydney / Melbourne other cities options) 

DAY 1: Hobart – Port Arthur (or Mona, Bruny Island options) – Hobart Begin the morning visiting Mount Wellington, towering 1271 metres over Hobart. Options available today include Mona Art Gallery (by boat up the Derwent River), Huon Valley & Southern tip drive, South West Cape with forests flight, Bruny Island cruise – please ask     

For Bruny Island cruise we depart Hobart 745am for 45 mins to Kettering ferry at 9 am ferry then 35 min on Bruny for 11am cruiseOR we drive down the Tasman Peninsular, and see the Peninsula’s natural wonders – the Tessellated Pavement, Blow Hole, Devil’s Kitchen and Tasman Arch (all at Eaglehawk Neck) before arriving into Port Arthur. Here experience a guided tour, harbour cruise and access to the historic site and buildings.     Return to Hobart for 2nd night in Hobart hotel (B –  Lunch and dinner own costs)

DAY 2: Hobart – Styx Valley – Lake St Clair – Mt Field NP – Strahan• If your tour has you in Hobart on a Saturday, enjoy a morning enjoy a stroll through Salamanca Markets area and experience some of Tasmania’s local produce, arts and crafts

• Travel to New Norfolk and up the Derwent River Valley to head west to the Styx Valley Forest walk

• Marvel at these ancient and giant trees – some over 80 metres tall – the tallest in the world with the highest carbon density – recently threatened by logging• Visit Mt Field National Park and the spectacular waterfall walks to famous and nearby Russell Falls then only 300 metres beyond the top of Russell Falls the beautiful Horseshoe Falls.• Heading towards the west coast wilderness, we take a break and walk at scenic Lake St Clair. 

We visit the outstanding artistic creation and depiction of Tasmanian history in the wooden carved The Wall- in the Wilderness at Derwent Bridge The Wall in the Wilderness - Artist Greg Duncan is creating a stunning sculpture at Derwent Bridge in the heart of Tasmania. The Wall in the Wilderness is a commemoration of those who helped shape the past and present of Tasmania’s central highlands. A work in progress, The Wall is being carved from three-metre high wooden panels. The carved panels will tell the history of the harsh Central Highlands region – beginning with the indigenous people, then to the pioneering timber harvesters, pastoralists, miners and Hydro workers.We cross the Franklin River and check the wilderness lookout before driving through the bare hills of Queenstown and arriving into Strahan late afternoon on the scenic shores of Macquarie Harbour

• Buffet Dinner with delicious local seafood Overnight Strahan Village, Strahan (B,L,D)

DAY 3: Strahan – Gordon River – Tarkine – Cradle Mountain• Today you have the choice between a Gordon River Cruise or the West Coast Wilderness Railway. Both take you deep into Tasmania’s most stunning wilderness telling stories of the areas colourful history

.• OR from Strahan, take an optional extra cost helicopter flight and fly over the King and Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers, World Heritage Area, landing on the Gordon for a short walk amongst the Huon Pines near the river junctions where the Gordon River dam was going to be, but was stopped by environmental protests. On return explore and relax on the waterfront in Strahan

.• OR from Strahan there’s time to ride the steam train of the West Coast Wilderness Railway, (SEE VIDEO BELOW) a beautifully scenic and history filled journey through the forests, as we cross high bridges and climb steep grades through a narrow gorge and follow the route built by pioneers more than a century ago.• We explore Strahan and surrounds including Henty Dunes and Ocean Beach to experience the Great Southern Ocean with no land mass west of here until Argentina. We depart the area via the historic mining town of a Zeehan. We take the ferry over the Pieman River then the dirt road from Corinna through the unique Tarkine Forest region to Savage River. We stop at the Heritage Mining town of Waratah to admire the waterfall in the middle of town and the old miner’s Stamper Mill, before arriving into Cradle Mountain.• Tonight will include an optional tour ‘Devils@Cradle’, where you can watch Tasmanian Devils feed at night• Dinner at Cradle Mountain Overnight Cradle Mountain (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Cradle MountainThis ancient glacial area is one of Tasmania’s highlights. Enjoy the unique climate and spectacular scenery with numerous walks, or just relax with our 2 nights in the Cradle Mountain Lodge.

Optional walks include ...

• Dove Lake Circuit Walk – A fairly easy grade makes this walk suitable for all ages and fitness levels, focusing on Cradle Mountain, temperate rainforests and sub alpine plant communities. See Cradle Mountain in all its glory and learn about the action of past glaciers on the landscape. Duration – 3 Hours Grade – Easy

• Crater Lake Walk – An excellent walk which takes you to the Crater Falls and a magical forest with pandini and sassafras trees. Discover the hidden glacial lake surrounded by 200 meter cliffs covered with fagus. Great views of Marion’s Lookout and Crater Lakes. Duration – 3 Hours Grade – Medium

• Marions Lookout Walk – This is a moderate grade walk with some steep sections, so a reasonable degree of fitness is desirable. On a clear day, this walk offers spectacular views of Cradle Mountain and Dove Lake. Duration – 3 Hours Grade – Medium to Hard  Overnight Cradle Mountain Chateau, Cradle Mountain (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Cradle Mountain – Arthur River – Stanley – The Nut – Burnie – Launceston• After a tasty breakfast, we drive back into the Tarkine Forest region for quiet walks time in this amazing forest. Then travel via the west coast road to Arthur River with time at Couta Rocks and The Edge of the World at Gardiners Point. The ocean west of Tasmania is the longest uninterrupted expanse of ocean on the globe. From Argentina the currents sweep unimpeded more than halfway around the planet until they hit this point. Enjoy the quaint Tasmanian village of Arthur River Ocean then north to Stanley and the famous Nut, visiting Rocky Cape National Park & lighthouse. Returning along the northern coast road via Burnie and Penguin to Launceston.• Return to Launceston for flights to mainland / home approx 1900 hrs• Optionally extend your stay in Tasmania for flights or ferry next day. (B, L) 

 Inclusions for Tasmanian Western Wilderness Explorer 4WD Tour :

•     4 nights accommodation including breakfast daily
•     All Dinners
•     Entry to Port Arthur Historic site
•     Gordon River Cruise included or West Coast Wilderness Railway (add $249)
•     Airport, ferry or hotel pickup & return in Launceston or Devonport return to Hobart airport
•     Small group travel in luxury 4WD
•     National Park entry fees
•     Professional guide/driver

Consider extra time and cost for ...

•     Tour through Central Plateau & Great Lake Conservation Areas, via Western Tiers
•     Bruny Island Wilderness Cruise exploring the rugged coastline of Bruny Island in southern Tasmania.
•     Strathgordon tour via Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon & Admansfield Conservation Area
•     Fly to the Southwest World Heritage Area via South East Cape, to Melaleuca for a boat trip to Bathurst Harbour, Port Davey.    See map
•     Optional time for Mona Art Gallery and more

Exclusions –

• Alcohol
• Fares to & from Hobart / Launceston, Tasmania.

Explore Outback NSW on the far side of the Great Dividing Range with spectacular mountains, Silo Art, Sydney Return

Highlights

• Sydney to Sydney (or Central Coast)
• Hunter Valley - Aboriginal art & ceremony site
• Goulburn River National Park - stone monuments
• Warrumbungles Ranges - with bushwalks
• Siding Springs Observatory and Anglo-Australian Telescope
• Macquarie Marshes - Ramsar and wetland birds
  
• Narromine Aviation Museum
  
• Dubbo - Hub of the West- outback city
  
• Peak Hill  - old Gold Mine tour
• Parkes Radio Telescope  – The Dish & Father of Federation museum
• Canowindra – Age of Fishes Fossil Museum
• Macquarie Marshes - optional - Ramsar site & great wetland bird spotting - requires 1 day
• Cowra - Japanese Gardens and Peace pole
• Blue Mountains

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles or minibus available for groups.

The Silo At Trail is transforming Australian regional towns. Join us on an adventure through rural Australia to witness these great masterpieces and the local hospitality.

Day 1 – Depart 8 am and travel via Hunter Valley to view the magnificent Aboriginal cave and artwork showing Biamme (the creator spirit of much of eastern Australia). This area was a major ceremonial ground for the Wonnarua Aboriginal people.

We travel on through the Goulburn River Valley and National Park, viewing unusual stone outcrops. Travel via Silo art at Dunedoo and street art at Mendoran to Coonabarabran. Here we view the mother with baby Diprotodon fossils extracted from Tambar Springs. Also the Crystal Kingdom Minerals and Fossils Museum from the Warrumbungle Range. We are close to the Warrumbungles which is Australia’s only Dark Sky Park, meaning it
is our only Internationally recognised area with an exceptional quality
of starry nights and low surrounding lights and an environment specifically protected for its
scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public
enjoyment. An optional guided tour of the night sky this evening.is available at a local observatory at extra cost. Dinner own expense at restaurant Overnight Coonabarabran

Day 2  - We take the scenic road to the beautiful Warrumbungle Range for a delightful bush walk with wonderful views of The Breadknife. We have a tour of Siding Springs Observatory, home to Australia’s largest optical telescope.Heading west we visit more silo art at Conamble before the Macquarie Marshes - a Ramsar site and meeting place for migratory and local wetland birds including egrets, spoonbills, Magpie Geese, A total of 77 waterbird species can be found in the Macquarie Marshes, including the threatened brolga, Australasian bittern and painted snipe.  Overnight Warren

Day 3 - Travel through scenic cattle and grain growing country to Narromine Aviation Museum, where a real twin engined DH Mosquito bomber from WWII is displayed. A Mosquito squadron was based and trained here in WWII. Also see a replica of the Wright Brothers biplane, plus much more.

Next to Dubbo, the Hub of the West and tour of near 40000 people then on to Peak Hill Open Cut Gold Mine Experience (on the songline)  Gold was discovered at Peak Hill in 1889. Peak Hill was described as a high hill of felspathic rock containing large masses of iron, ferruginous quartz and quartzite. The mine ceased production and was closed 2002. A tour of the mine reveals eye-opening original gold working dating back to 1890s, several walking trails, easy and difficult with well-constructed viewing areas to the open-cut mining areas.

We travel further south to The Dish Exhibition centre at the giant CSIRO operated radio telescope that brought the 1st moon landing images to Earth. Learns of current astronomical research and a deeper appreciation of your place in the Universe. Overnight Parkes Dinner own expense at restaurant

Day 4  - In Parkes, visit The Henry Parkes Centre and museum..Henry Parkes was the father of the Australian Federation due to his efforts advocating for the federation of the six individual colonies of Australia (New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and Western Australia) culminating in Federation of Australia in 1901. Less famous here is the King's Castle, Australia's very own Elvis Presley museum created by the original yellow Wiggle Greg Page. Annually in January Parkes hosts the Elvis Festival attracting near 10,000 people

Next, we visit Canowindra, the hot air ballooning capital of Australia and the Museum of Fishes – viewing ancient fish fossils from this area that was once an inland sea.

Then through scenic rural countryside to Cowra and the Japanese Gardens optional). In World War II there was a Japanese prisoner of war camp in Cowra, and a breakout. The gardens and Peace Pole commemorate this time. Also in Cowra is nearby Wyangala Dam (recently flooding)  and the Lachlan Valley Railway Roundhouse for the keen. Now heading for Sydney, and options for a stopover at a winery, the Three Sisters or Mt Tomah Botanical Gardens. Arrive approx 6 pm.

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 3 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 4WD GXL Landcruisersor minibus for groups
• Professional Driver Guide
• Entry to Siding Springs observatory and exhibition centre
• 3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, morning teas 
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.

Exclusions

• Alcohol
• Entry fees to night sky viewing experience (c.$40) Japanese Garden (c.$15) or Henry Parkes Centre (c.$15)
  

5 Day NSW Outback Mungo Silo Art Wentworth Menindee Darling River Run Broken Hill Sydney to Adelaide

Explore the Far West of NSW with Silo Art, Corner Country,  Mungo National Park, Broken Hill, Darling River Run from Pooncarie to Menindee

Highlights

• Sydney to Broken Hill - return by train, plane or coach (ASK) or to Adelaide 
• extend to Lake Eyre or Corner Country & Dig Tree Innamincka
  
• Canowindra – Age of Fishes Fossil Museum
• Grenfell Silo Art
• Weethalle Silo Art
• Hay – Shear Outback Centre
• Wentworth – Junction of the Darling & Murray Rivers + Megafauna Museum
• Mungo National Park & China Walls sunset tour
• Menindee – Lakes & Burke & Wills Camp
• Broken Hill - Pro Hart Gallery, mine tour, history, Mining & railway museums
• Return optional tours or
• Travel via Peterborough to Adelaide

Our tours are small group adventures for people who love to connect with regional Australia and particularly regional and outback New South Wales. Our small group tours travel in Land Cruiser vehicles with 4 adult seats

The Silo Art Trail is transforming Australian regional towns. Join us on an adventure through rural Australia to witness these great masterpieces and the local hospitality.

Options include a day tour to Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.

Day 1 – NSW Silo Art Trail tours take us through some lovely country towns and regional areas, and our tour from Sydney to Broken Hill includes Canowindra, ballooning capital of Australia and the Museum of Fishes – viewing ancient fish fossils from this area that was once an inland sea. Then Cowra (and railway roundhouse for the keen). Onwards we travel via Weddin Mountains National Park, visiting the popular Grenfell Wheat silos completed in 2019 and then through West Wyalong to the well-known Weethalle Silos. Driving West via Rankin Springs the country spreads and the sky seems to get bigger we know the perfect place to see our first Big Sky sunset with the full spectrum of colours as the sun sets over the Hay Plains. Overnight Goolgowi LD

Day 2 – SHEAR OUTBACK, OUTBACK VILLAGES, WENTWORTH

Today we travel to Hay, one of Australia’s major wool growing areas, and a visit to the Shear Outback centre takes to you into the rich life in the wool industry in early NSW. We’ll take the backroad through saltbush plains, that are home to over 50 farming families. Tiny villages are the social hub for many of the large outback stations, where life can often be lonely. . Follow the Murray River to Trentham Estate, a family-owned winery on the banks of the Murray River. Enjoy an afternoon wine tasting by the river before we head to Wentworth. In the late 1800’s Wentworth was the largest river port in Australia with over 400 boats plying the Murray and the Darling Rivers, which meet here. Overnight Wentworth Meals: BLD

Day 3 – At Wentworth visit the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers, Australia’s biggest river system and also visit Wentworth Pioneer Museum with life-size megafauna replicas from the local area including the cuddly 2-metre high Diprotodons. Into the desert and Mungo National Park to explore this ancient lakebed environment. Hear the stories of the regions from a local guide, and learn of the oldest known ritual burial of Mungo Man and Mungo woman.  Discover the Walls of China and megafauna history of the area, explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. Overnight Mungo Lodge, Mungo National Park. BLD

Days 4 – Travel the Darling River Run via Pooncarie, Menindee and Kinchega National Park. Explore the memorial to Burke & Wills camp on the lakeshore, and a haven for wetland birds. Into Broken Hill and dinner at the famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill.BL dinner own cost

Day 5 – After breakfast, visit locals sites before departure to Peterborough and Adelaide. You can optionally Explore Broken Hill highlights including Pro Hart Gallery, The Line of Lode Lookout and Miners Memorial - Completes 6pm - Overnight Adelaide own expense

Options – LAKE EYRE TOURS AND FLIGHTS  or our Cameron Corner Country to Innamincka and the Bourke and Wills Dig Tree -  Explore Broken Hill for a few days or Corner Country tour and more . Option to travel to Adelaide via Peterborough (railway history) Burra (old Copper mine tour) and tour completion

Inclusions –

• 4 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually 4WD GXL Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals except 1 as noted
  
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
  
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

• BOOK HERE Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188