Tour Code: GIW Departs: Sydney Ends: Cairns Dates: 06-19 June, 2011 ITINERARY DAY 1: Sydney - Gulgong (LD) Heading north from Sydney we follow the Wollombi Valley through to Broke (morning tea) and then into the sandstone gorge country of Goulburn River National Park through Baerami and Kerrabee. We then pick up the Bylong Valley road leading through Growee Gulf, Rylstone, Mudgee, and on to our overnight stay in historic Gulgong. Overnight: Ten Dollar Town Motel DAY 2: Gulgong - Narrabri (BLD) From Gulgong we travel north through Dunedoo to Mendooran for a cuppa before travelling on through Tooraweenah and into the Warrumbungle’s from the west. Lunch and short easy walks in this ancient volcanic caldera before heading off to the Dandry Gorge Aboriginal Area with its interesting sculptures and interpretive walk. Time to stop at the Salt Caves before reaching our overnight stay at Narrabri. Overnight: Nandewar Motel

DAY 3: Narrabri - St George (BLD)
Our day starts with a visit to Sawn Rocks in Mt Kaputar NP - a 15 minute walk rewards us with great views and interesting flora and fauna. We then travel across prime cropping country, lunching beside the Gwydir River at Moree. Continuing north we travel through Garah, Talwood and stopping for afternoon tea at Nindigully Pub on the Moonie River. From here it’s a short run into St George for our overnight stay. Overnight: Merino Motor Inn

DAY 4: St George - Injune (BLD)
A relaxed travel day with time for walking along the Balonne River at St George before following the old coaching route north to Surat. Enjoy a visit to the Cobb and Co. Store Museum before heading north to Yuleba following the coach route and reliving the history of this time. On to Roma with time to explore this booming inland town. Our overnight stay is in Injune. Overnight: The Injune Motel

DAY 5: Injune - Carnarvon Gorge (BLD)
Lonesome NP (gazetted 1972) is part of the Expedition Range and offers spectacular views and interesting rock formations. At the northern end of the park is a naturally drowned forest usually with an abundance of bird life. This is Lake Nuga Nuga and after spending the morning exploring this area we will head west to Carnarvon Gorge and the Oasis Lodge, our destination for the next two nights. Next two nights: Oasis Lodge

DAY 6: Carnarvon Gorge (BLD)
A variety of short and longer walks enables us to enjoy a fascinating environment containing hundreds of plant species, prolific bird and animal life, spectacular geological formations and a marvellous collection of Aboriginal Rock Art.

DAY 7: Carnarvon Gorge - Longreach (BLD)
Continuing north from Carnarvon we follow the Consuelo Creek to Rolleston then on to Minerva Hills NP for morning tea. Travel across the Snake and Drummond Ranges on our way to Alpha (the town of murals) for lunch. After lunch we head to Barcaldine and a visit to the Australian Workers Heritage Centre before arriving in Longreach. Overnight: Albert Park Motel

DAY 8: Longreach - Hughenden (BLD)
Time this morning to soak up the history and heritage of this iconic Queensland town. The Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Outback Museum are constantly being changed so there is always something new to see. Or if you prefer enjoy a relaxed morning in town. After lunch we head north again breaking our drive at Muttaburra - heart of dinosaur country. Depending on time, a visit to the Dr Arratta Memorial Museum or the restored Cassimatis General Store is on the agenda. Our route then continues north through a diversity of landscapes - from black soil downs and rolling Mitchell Grass Plains to desert uplands and on to Hughenden, our overnight stay for the next two nights. Next two nights: The Royal Hotel

DAY 9: Hughenden (BLD)
Hughenden is situated on the edge of a vast prehistoric inland sea making this area well known as dinosaur country. A visit to the Flinders Discovery Centre highlights this aspect of Hughenden as does a walk along the main street with its unique series of sculptures. For early risers there is a new river walk which winds along the banks of the Flinders River. However our main reason for a two night stay is to visit Porcupine Gorge - Australia’s “Little Grand Canyon” There is a gently descending walking track leading to the bottom of the gorge where a rocky platform provides a natural pathway up or down stream and there are several walks to lookouts along the 20km.

DAY 10: Hughenden - Charters Towers (BLD)
An easy day driving today with a stop in White Mountains National Park before heading east to Charters Towers, allowing time to explore this historic Gold Mining Town, once Queensland’s second largest city with immaculately restored buildings and attractive parks. Overnight: Cattlemans Rest Motor Inn

DAY 11: Charters Towers - Georgetown (BLD)
Following Leichhardt’s route north, we stop at Dalrymple NP and Blue Water Springs for morning tea. Then it’s on through Greenvale and Einasleigh for lunch. After lunch, time to visit the Copperfield Gorge before reaching our overnight stay at Georgetown, home to the Ted Elliot Mineral Collection. Overnight: Latara Motel

DAY 12: Georgetown - Atherton Tablelands (BLD)
Travelling east again on our route to the Atherton Tablelands we stop at Forty Mile Scrubs NP for a walk and morning tea before heading towards the mining town of Ravenshoe. We enjoy a stop at Millstream Falls, Australia’s widest falls for walks and lunch. Then it’s on to Mt Hypipamee Crater and Dinner Falls for an afternoon of walking. Our overnight stay is near the Atherton township in a rainforest setting. Overnight: Rainforest Motel

DAY 13: Atherton Tablelands - Cairns (BLD)
On our final day we spend time near Yungaburra, the Crater lakes of Barrine and Eacham, Curtain Fig Tree, Cathedral Fig Tree and then on through Malanda and Tarzali to the Milla Milla Township and Falls. We continue along the Palmerston Highway to the Ma-Mu Cultural Centre and enjoy a canopy walk before descending the escarpment to Innisfail and along the coast to Cairns, our overnight stop. We enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at the hotel. Overnight: Cairns Queenslander Resort

DAY 14: Cairns (B)
Today is departure day. After breakfast, make your way at leisure to the airport to connect with your own departing flights.