First Choice
Small Group departure available

Queensland Spirit: Heart of the Outback
7 Day Guided Vacation | Brisbane Return
Travel Period
Things are bigger in the Queensland outback, from the colours to the working stations (some are the size of small countries) to the country characters. There are a few you’ll meet along rugged and ravishing roads that lead to swagger-filled country towns, revealing the cultural heritage and pioneering history of this part of the state.
Prices From Code: OQLD
$4230
$5065
Child prices are available on request
Secure your trip with a deposit
Queensland Spirit: Heart of the Outback
First Choice
7 Day Guided Vacation
Brisbane Return
Things are bigger in the Queensland outback, from the colours to the working stations (some are the size of small countries) to the country characters. There are a few you’ll meet along rugged and ravishing roads that lead to swagger-filled country towns, revealing the cultural heritage and pioneering history of this part of the state.
Highlights

Insider Knowledge
You’ll feel positively sprightly going behind the scenes at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, discovering the region’s prehistoric giants.

Local Connection
Roma’s Explorer's Inn comes with plenty of country swagger. And standout cuisine hero-ing local produce. Dig in!

Cultural Immersion
Working stations in this part of the world are as big as they are remote. In short, the ideal places to learn about life in the Queensland outback. Oh the stories farmers will tell

Sustainable Footprints
Sleep soundly under the canvas of your glamping tent at Mitchell Grass Retreat, knowing you’re treading lightly on the land at this eco-resort.

Wildlife and Nature
The Queensland outback is mesmerising, its vast, empty stretches of road creating a hypnotic backdrop to your adventure through the state.
Itinerary

It doesn’t take long for the towers of Brisbane to give way to bucolic countryside, fading from rainforest to the vivid hues of the outback. Small in population but big in personality, Chinchilla is the first chance to stretch your legs. The ‘Big Watermelon’ hints to the fact this is the melon capital of Australia. Grab a slice, or a heartier bite to eat, at the historic Club Hotel (fun fact: it’s the only hotel in town that hasn’t burnt down) before you journey on to ravishing Roma. The horizons here extend for days, only matched in expanse by the smiles of locals – expect plenty of country hospitality. Toast the end of the day over a glass of wine and regional fare at your Welcome Reception.
Hotel: Roma Explorers Inn
Included Meals: Dinner with Wine
The further west you travel in Queensland, the slower the outback lifestyle. As evidenced in Charleville, which is a slice of natural paradise for the endangered bilbies and wetland birds. The locals will happily reveal the best places to spot wildlife, ideally over a cold beer and a pub meal at heritage listed Hotel Corones. The stories that get told here… The countryside onward to Quilpie is mesmerising – long stretches of road and vast expanses of nothing can be humbling. And welcoming, as you’ll discover when Mark and Sandra throw open the doors of Ray Station. The family has owned this estate since 1874 and designed the rooms you’ll bed down in – set in restored shearers’ quarters. But before then, there’s a campfire dinner and tunes on the tin piano to be enjoyed.
Hotel: Ray Station, 2 Nights
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
There’s something about being in the country that whets your appetite. Wake, and look forward to a delicious breakfast prepared by your hosts. You won’t go hungry here – they’re also thinking about what to cook you for lunch and dinner. It’s this kind of generosity that flows naturally into eye-opening, and entertaining, stories about the property, including previous caretakers, and how they tended the land. You can even discover more about their fascinating history: at the family cemetery. Head out on a tour, fossick for boulder opal, and revel in the vastness of Quilpie
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
If you’re looking for the centre of Queensland, Longreach is pretty much it. After waving goodbye to station life, you’re bound for this patch of outback perfection, all red dirt and spinifex and blazing sunsets. There are detours aplenty in this country town, like visiting the Qantas Founders Museum, which pays homage to the fact this is the spiritual heart of Australia’s national airline. If the idea of glimpsing 100+ years of aviation history gets your pulse racing, then the vast swathes of nature that surround your glamping tent for the night will slow it down. Switch off, relax and enjoy your eco-friendly cocoon, replete with creature comforts including air-conditioning, ensuites and dreamy beds. There’s also a kitchenette, so you can enjoy a BBQ on your private deck. Or venture out for more country flavour at an optional experience outback dinner and show.
Hotel: Mitchell Grass Retreat, 2 Nights
Included Meals: Breakfast
For a petite town, there’s an impressive number of things to do in Winton. The biggest attraction of all are the dinosaurs that once roamed here, leaving behind the country’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils. Follow in their (large) footsteps at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, part museum, part working laboratory, where you’ll go behind the scenes. Winton’s other claim to fame is the fact Banjo Patterson wrote ‘Waltzing Matilda’ here in 1903. He’s not the only creative drawn to town. Graeme Leak created a fence that can be played as an instrument (aka the Musical Fence), and Arno Grotjahn erected a quirky art wall studded with every household object imaginable. The unexpected stories continue at Camden Park Station, a 7,300-hectare sheep and cattle station where fifth-generation farmer ‘Outback Dan’ will tell you about life on the land… including the visit of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. They didn’t have a three-course dinner awaiting them in historic shearing shed; you do.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Australia has its fair share of epic outback train tours that let you witness the wild beauty of a region while travelling the historic routes taken by past generations. Among them is Spirit of the Outback, your chariot back to Brisbane on the last leg of your adventure. Exclusive access to the train’s Shearers Rest Lounge means you can enjoy a glass of bubbles while remote towns and vast stretches of bush zip by outside, the click-clack or the rails a meditative soundtrack. Dinnertime in Tuckerbox Restaurant celebrates Queensland’s culinary bounty. And then your plush cabin awaits. Sweet dreams.
Hotel: Spirit of the Outback, Private Cabin
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up to vistas of the Queensland outback and savour the scene over coffee and your final breakfast in the train’s dining carriage. As the Brisbane River and the city’s gleaming towers come into view, you know your adventure is about to end. But what joy it has sparked for future outback tours.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Please note: This itinerary may be subject to change.
Accommodation
Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort.
The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:


The Roma Explorers Inn is your home away from home. Beautifully manicured gardens, pool and entertainment areas and boasts well-appointed rooms to meet your every need.


Ray Station remains one of a select few properties in Australia that's never changed hands since white settlement. The rooms are original, restored buildings.


Mitchell Grass Retreat is located in the heart of Outback Queensland, Longreach. Take in stunning views from the luxury ensuite tents.


Onboard the Spirit of the Outback, travelling through the historic authentic outback towns, ever-changing scenery and rugged terrain between Brisbane and Longreach.
Need accommodation before or after your tour?
Our special discounted rates make booking accommodation with us during your holiday both easy and affordable at selected AAT Kings hotels and resorts. Ask our friendly reservations at the time of booking.
Optional Experiences
To ensure your holiday is filled with memorable experiences, we have included a range of quality Optional Excursions for you to choose from and partake in, if you wish, during your holiday. The excursions can be booked on tour through your Travel Director.
Adult: $42.00
Unwind with a night on the private deck of your eco friendly glamping tent. Fire up the BBQ as you watch the sunset and cook dinner for two. Your self cook BBQ pack includes 2 scotch fillet steaks, 2 local snags and rissoles, salad and bread rolls.
Adult: $89.00 (AUD)
Child: $59.00 (AUD)
Sit back and enjoy a true outback experience at Smithy's Outback Dinner & Show. You'll be treated to a 2 course camp oven themed dinner with full table service under the stars, followed by freshly baked damper and billy tea. Live on stage, you'll be entertained by an outback performer who will entertain you with stories and songs.
Optional Experiences indicated are Australian or New Zealand dollars. Please note that occasionally weather or seasonal conditions may not permit their operation. Some also depend on a minimum number of participants and suitable time being available. Please see your Travel Director for a full list of experiences.
Trip Details
What's included
- • Specialist highly experienced Travel Director and Driver
- • Local Specialists (Guides) at Australian Age of Dinosaurs and Camden Park Station
- • Accommodation includes eco-friendly glamping tents
What to Bring
- • Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
- • Comfortable walking shoes
- • Camera
Fitness Requirements
- • Low level of fitness required
Dining
- • 6 Full Breakfasts
- • 2 Lunches
- • 1 Dinner
- • 4 Dinners with Wine
Flight Information
- • Day Prior: Flights to arrive anytime into Brisbane Airport
- • Day 7: Flights to depart after 3:00pm from Brisbane Airport
- • Airline schedules may change at short notice. Please consider possible flight disruption when booking your flights.