8 Day Outback Summer Stay
Uncover Outback Queensland
Step aboard the iconic Spirit of the Outback and experience the romance of rail as you journey deep into Queensland’s heartland. This unforgettable escape combines the comfort of First-Class train travel with the chance to connect with friendly outback communities, rich pioneer history, and rugged outback landscapes. From river cruises and legendary pubs to world-class museums and optional outback adventures, it’s the perfect getaway for those who love slow travel, big skies, and authentic Australian stories.
This package includes:
- Return overnight travel on the Spirit of the Outback from Brisbane to Longreach – Sleeper with all meals onboard
- 5 Nights at Saltbush Retreat ★★★✩ in an ensuite room
- BONUS $100 dinner voucher
- Outback breakfast hamper
- Arrival transfer from Longreach Railway Station to accommodation
- Arrival drink and grazing platter with complimentary Prosecco
- Qantas Founders Museum admission and Airpark Tour
- Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame admission
- Smithy's Sunset Cruise on the Thomson River
- Half day Longreach and Ilfracombe Secrets Tour
Valid for travel: 4 Nov 25, 18 Nov 25, 2 Dec 25, 10 Mar 26, 17 Mar 26, 24 Mar 26
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SUGGESTED ITINERARY:
Day 1: Brisbane - Longreach onboard Spirit of the OutbackStep aboard the iconic Spirit of the Outback in Brisbane and begin your journey to Queensland’s heartland in style. Settle into your comfortable sleeper and enjoy exclusive access to the Shearers Rest Lounge, where you can unwind with a drink and watch the landscapes unfold. Savour chef-prepared, outback-inspired meals in the Tuckerbox Restaurant, showcasing the best of Queensland’s regional produce as the train winds its way through cattle country, dusty plains and starry skies.
ACCOMMODATION: Spirit of the OutbackMEALS: All meals while on board Day 2: LongreachAs early evening approaches, the Spirit of the Outback rolls into Longreach Railway Station, where your driver will be waiting to welcome you. Settle into the rustic-chic charm of Saltbush Retreat, where a warm outback greeting awaits, complete with drinks and a gourmet grazing platter.
Prefer to mix with the locals for the night? Use your bonus dinner voucher at the popular Birdcage Hotel, just a short courtesy bus ride away.
ACCOMMODATION: Saltbush Retreat, LongreachMEALS: Breakfast Day 3: LongreachDive into the stories of Australia’s legendary pioneers at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. This iconic museum brings the bush to life through cinematic experiences and immersive exhibits, tracing the evolution of the stockman’s role in shaping the outback.
This afternoon, take it slow—unwind at your accommodation, enjoy a soothing soak at the Outdoor Bath Terrace, or follow the Botanic Walkway into downtown Longreach to browse local shops and friendly cafés.
ACCOMMODATION: Saltbush Retreat, LongreachMEALS: Breakfast Day 4: LongreachThis morning, join your local guide for the Half Day Longreach and Ilfracombe Secrets Tour. Discover the ingenuity of early outback life at the Longreach Powerhouse Museum, where interactive displays and historical artefacts bring the region’s pioneering past to life. Enjoy a relaxed morning tea before travelling to nearby Ilfracombe—the “Hub of the West.” Here, you’ll savour lunch at the much-loved Wellshot Hotel, known for its quirky coin-toss traditions, Akubra-lined bar, and colourful outback stories.
As the sun begins to dip, board the M.V. Explorer for a scenic sunset cruise on the Thomson River. Settle into the top deck with complimentary nibbles and purchase an icy cold drink from the licensed bar as the colours of the outback come alive.
ACCOMMODATION: Saltbush Retreat, LongreachMEALS: Breakfast, Lunch Day 5: LongreachEnjoy a free day to explore Longreach and surrounds at your own pace. For those keen to venture further on a self-drive discovery, take a two-hour drive to Winton—Australia’s Dinosaur Country. Discover the fascinating Australian Age of Dinosaurs, perched on a spectacular mesa, where you’ll tour the Fossil Preparation Laboratory, Collection Room, Dinosaur Canyon, and the March of the Titanosaurs Exhibition. Afterwards, head into town to visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre before sitting down to a relaxing lunch at a local pub.
Alternatively, take a scenic drive south to Isisford, a tiny outback town that inspired many bush poets, including Banjo Paterson. Visit the Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre and soak up the character, stories, and quiet charm of this lesser-known gem.
ACCOMMODATION: Saltbush Retreat, LongreachMEALS: Breakfast
Day 6: LongreachToday’s theme is all things aviation, beginning with a visit to the Qantas Founders Museum. Discover the remarkable story of Australia’s most iconic airline through immersive exhibits and a behind-the-scenes guided Airpark Tour of heritage aircraft, including a Boeing 747, 707, and Super Constellation. Entry also includes access to the main exhibition hall, where interactive displays and artefacts trace the pioneering spirit that helped shape modern air travel.
ACCOMMODATION: Saltbush Retreat, LongreachMEALS: Breakfast
Day 7: Longreach to Brisbane onboard Spirit of the OutbackIt’s time to say farewell to the outback. Transfer to Longreach Railway Station and settle into your Sleeper cabin for the return journey aboard the Spirit of the Outback. Watch the changing landscapes roll by one last time as you enjoy onboard meals and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your outback adventure.
ACCOMMODATION: Spirit of the OutbackMEALS: All meals while on board
Day 8: BrisbaneDisembark in Brisbane, bringing with you a week of lasting memories, new friendships, and stories that capture the true spirit of Outback Queensland.
Day 1: Brisbane - Longreach onboard Spirit of the OutbackStep aboard the iconic Spirit of the Outback in Brisbane and begin your journey to Queensland’s heartland in style. Settle into your comfortable sleeper and enjoy exclusive access to the Shearers Rest Lounge, where you can unwind with a drink and watch the landscapes unfold. Savour chef-prepared, outback-inspired meals in the Tuckerbox Restaurant, showcasing the best of Queensland’s regional produce as the train winds its way through cattle country, dusty plains and starry skies.
ACCOMMODATION: Spirit of the OutbackMEALS: All meals while on board Day 2: LongreachAs early evening approaches, the Spirit of the Outback rolls into Longreach Railway Station, where your driver will be waiting to welcome you. Settle into the rustic-chic charm of Saltbush Retreat, where a warm outback greeting awaits, complete with drinks and a gourmet grazing platter.
Prefer to mix with the locals for the night? Use your bonus dinner voucher at the popular Birdcage Hotel, just a short courtesy bus ride away.
ACCOMMODATION: Saltbush Retreat, LongreachMEALS: Breakfast Day 3: LongreachDive into the stories of Australia’s legendary pioneers at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. This iconic museum brings the bush to life through cinematic experiences and immersive exhibits, tracing the evolution of the stockman’s role in shaping the outback.
This afternoon, take it slow—unwind at your accommodation, enjoy a soothing soak at the Outdoor Bath Terrace, or follow the Botanic Walkway into downtown Longreach to browse local shops and friendly cafés.
ACCOMMODATION: Saltbush Retreat, LongreachMEALS: Breakfast Day 4: LongreachThis morning, join your local guide for the Half Day Longreach and Ilfracombe Secrets Tour. Discover the ingenuity of early outback life at the Longreach Powerhouse Museum, where interactive displays and historical artefacts bring the region’s pioneering past to life. Enjoy a relaxed morning tea before travelling to nearby Ilfracombe—the “Hub of the West.” Here, you’ll savour lunch at the much-loved Wellshot Hotel, known for its quirky coin-toss traditions, Akubra-lined bar, and colourful outback stories.
As the sun begins to dip, board the M.V. Explorer for a scenic sunset cruise on the Thomson River. Settle into the top deck with complimentary nibbles and purchase an icy cold drink from the licensed bar as the colours of the outback come alive.
ACCOMMODATION: Saltbush Retreat, LongreachMEALS: Breakfast, Lunch Day 5: LongreachEnjoy a free day to explore Longreach and surrounds at your own pace. For those keen to venture further on a self-drive discovery, take a two-hour drive to Winton—Australia’s Dinosaur Country. Discover the fascinating Australian Age of Dinosaurs, perched on a spectacular mesa, where you’ll tour the Fossil Preparation Laboratory, Collection Room, Dinosaur Canyon, and the March of the Titanosaurs Exhibition. Afterwards, head into town to visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre before sitting down to a relaxing lunch at a local pub.
Alternatively, take a scenic drive south to Isisford, a tiny outback town that inspired many bush poets, including Banjo Paterson. Visit the Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre and soak up the character, stories, and quiet charm of this lesser-known gem.
ACCOMMODATION: Saltbush Retreat, LongreachMEALS: Breakfast
Day 6: LongreachToday’s theme is all things aviation, beginning with a visit to the Qantas Founders Museum. Discover the remarkable story of Australia’s most iconic airline through immersive exhibits and a behind-the-scenes guided Airpark Tour of heritage aircraft, including a Boeing 747, 707, and Super Constellation. Entry also includes access to the main exhibition hall, where interactive displays and artefacts trace the pioneering spirit that helped shape modern air travel.
ACCOMMODATION: Saltbush Retreat, LongreachMEALS: Breakfast
Day 7: Longreach to Brisbane onboard Spirit of the OutbackIt’s time to say farewell to the outback. Transfer to Longreach Railway Station and settle into your Sleeper cabin for the return journey aboard the Spirit of the Outback. Watch the changing landscapes roll by one last time as you enjoy onboard meals and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your outback adventure.
ACCOMMODATION: Spirit of the OutbackMEALS: All meals while on board
Day 8: BrisbaneDisembark in Brisbane, bringing with you a week of lasting memories, new friendships, and stories that capture the true spirit of Outback Queensland.