New Zealand tour itinerary name and information
APT Touring: Essence of the Outback
Tour summary and feature with map
Join an epic 4WD adventure and journey deep into Queensland's Savannah country to discover fascinating geological wonders and historic mining towns. Wander through the Undara Lava Tubes and enjoy a Karumba sunset cruise.
- Experiences in 16 destinations
- Locally inspired dining - a total of 38 meals
- The services of an expert APT tour director and driver
- Embark on the Archway Explorer tour through the mysterious Undara Lava Tubes
- Watch the sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria and tuck into fresh local prawns in Karumba
- Experience working with recently unearthed dinosaur fossils in a specialised laboratory
- Take in the landscapes of Carnarvon National Park, including the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge
- Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Thomson River and savour a three-course drover dinner
See what's included
- Archway Explorer Tour through Undara Lava Tubes
- Carnarvon flight
- Dinosaur Fossil Workshop in a specialised laboraory
- Silver-Tails Sunset Rail Journey
- Smithy's Outback Dinner and Show
- Sunset Cruise in Karumba
- Tour of Hard Times Mine
- Visit to Paronella Park
- Visit to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre
- Visit to the Qantas Founders Outback Museum
- Visit to Waltzing Matilda Centre
- Meals included: 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners
Tour summary and feature
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Guided Coach Tour
This suggested tour costs from AUD$9,695 per person (twin share, low season)
Starts in Cairns, finishes in Cairns
14 days/13 nights
APT Selected Accommodation
Pre and post tour options? YES
Viewed 25 times in the last 7 days
price pp from
Was AUD$10,595
Now AUD$9,695
twin share/double
price pp from
Was AUD$10,595
Now AUD$9,695
twin share/double
Tour special blurb
Save up to an additional $1,000 off per couple* on this tour during the Black Friday Sale. Contact our friendly team for more information.
Offer applies to any APT tour of 8 days or more. Offer ends 3 December 2024, unless sold out prior.
Tour full itinerary
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrive Cairns
Be met on arrival in Cairns and transferred to your hotel. This evening, a relaxed welcome dinner provides the perfect opportunity for you to meet your fellow travellers.
Staying Cairns, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina
Day 2 - Woodleigh Station, Undara
Travel to the authentic cattle station of Woodleigh Station for lunch, which has been family-owned for five generations. Continue to Undara Volcanic National Park and set out on a guided discovery of the intriguing lava tubes. The mysterious lava tubes and caves are the result of a massive volcanic eruption that occurred 190,000 years ago. The Undara tubes are some of the longest in the world, and are home to a unique array of native Australian plants and animals.
Staying Undara Experience
Day 3 - Undara, Karumba
Journey to the historic goldrush town of Croydon and visit the True Blue Interactive Information Centre, home to an array of heritage items and sculptures. Continue to Karumba and end your day with a special Signature Experience.
Staying Karumba, Ash’s Holiday Units
Day 4 - Mt Isa
Set off for Mt Isa, commonly referred to as the ‘oasis of the outback’. En route, stop to see the Purple Pub, one of the most iconic hotels in the north of Australia.
Staying Two Nights, Mt Isa, Red Earth Hotel
Day 5 - Mt Isa
Located on the banks of the Leichhardt River, Mt Isa is a melting pot of culture and industry. A tour of Hard Times Mine reveals its history as you enter the Alimak Cage with your guide and descend into the mine. Feel the earth tremble and cover your ears as you have a go at using the air-leg drill.
Day 6 - Cloncurry, Winton
Embark on a drive to the outback town of Cloncurry. After some time here, visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre – the first museum in the world dedicated to a song, which also includes a nostalgic light and sound show in the Billabong Theatrette. Later, arrive in Winton in time for dinner.
Staying Winton, Boulder Opal Motor Inn
Day 7 - Lark Quarry, Longreach
Travel to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs exhibition and enjoy a Signature Experience. Continue to Lark Quarry to visit the Dinosaur Track-ways exhibit, known as one of the most concentrated set of dinosaur footprints in the world.
Staying Two Nights, Longreach, Mitchell Grass Retreat
Day 8 - Longreach, Thomson River Cruise
Visit the Qantas Founders Outback Museum, an award-winning museum that tells the story of Qantas through interactive exhibits and original and replica aircraft. Then head to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre, dedicated to the custodians of the bush and Australia's pioneering history.
Day 9 - Carnarvon National Park
Set off for Carnarvon National Park. Along the way, stop at the famed Tree of Knowledge, known as the founding site of the political movement that helped to create the Australian Labor Party. Arrive in Springsure, set in a beautiful valley which hosts remarkable Mount Zamia and Virgin Rock overlooking the town.
Staying Two Nights, The Overlander Springsure
Day 10 - Carnarvon National Park
Day 11 - Minerva Hills National Park, Emerald
View Minerva Hills National Park, keeping an eye out for eastern grey kangaroos, wallaroos and wallabies. Afterwards, continue on to Emerald. Established in 1879 as a base for building the western railway, the town is a gateway to the Sapphire Gemfields.
Staying Emerald Maraboon Motor Inn
Day 12 - Charters Towers
Travel to Charters Towers today. Established as a gold rush town in 1871, it quickly grew to become the second-largest town in Queensland. Admire its heritage buildings on your way to the Heritage Lodge Motel.
Staying Cattleman's Rest Motor Inn
Day 13 - Paronella Park, Cairns
On the way back to Cairns, stop at Paronella Park, nestled amid heritage gardens and 13 acres of lush Australian rainforest. Situated on the banks of the crystal-clear waters of Mena Creek, this unique attraction also features a Spanish-inspired castle. After time exploring the castle ruins and grounds, continue to the Shangri-La Hotel in Cairns. This evening, celebrate the end of your journey during a final farewell dinner.
Staying Cairns, Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina
Day 14 - Depart Cairns
Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Be transferred to the airport for your onward flight home.
Tour departure list
Departure dates and prices
APT Touring: Essence of the Outback
This tour has 11 departure dates.
All prices are in
| Starts | Status | Double (2 people sharing) | Single occupancy | You save | ||
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May 3, 2025
(Saturday) |
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departure date
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was
AUD$10,695
now
AUD$9,695
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was
AUD$14,195
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AUD$13,195
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save
AUD$1,000 |
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May 19, 2025
(Monday) |
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departure date
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was
AUD$10,695
now
AUD$9,695
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was
AUD$14,195
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AUD$13,195
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save
AUD$1,000 |
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Jun 4, 2025
(Wednesday) |
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departure date
|
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was
AUD$10,695
now
AUD$9,695
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was
AUD$14,195
now
AUD$13,195
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save
AUD$1,000 |
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Jun 7, 2025
(Saturday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire |
was
AUD$10,695
now
AUD$9,695
|
was
AUD$14,195
now
AUD$13,195
|
save
AUD$1,000 |
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Jun 20, 2025
(Friday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire |
was
AUD$10,695
now
AUD$9,695
|
was
AUD$14,195
now
AUD$13,195
|
save
AUD$1,000 |
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Jul 6, 2025
(Sunday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire |
was
AUD$10,695
now
AUD$10,195
|
AUD$0 |
save
AUD$500 |
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Jul 22, 2025
(Tuesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire |
was
AUD$10,695
now
AUD$10,195
|
was
AUD$14,195
now
AUD$13,695
|
save
AUD$500 |
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Aug 7, 2025
(Thursday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire |
was
AUD$10,695
now
AUD$10,195
|
was
AUD$14,195
now
AUD$13,695
|
save
AUD$500 |
|
|
Aug 23, 2025
(Saturday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire |
was
AUD$10,695
now
AUD$10,195
|
was
AUD$14,195
now
AUD$13,695
|
save
AUD$500 |
|
|
Sep 8, 2025
(Monday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire |
was
AUD$10,595
now
AUD$10,095
|
was
AUD$14,095
now
AUD$13,595
|
save
AUD$500 |
|
|
Sep 24, 2025
(Wednesday) |
Guaranteed
departure date
|
Enquire |
was
AUD$10,595
now
AUD$9,795
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was
AUD$14,095
now
AUD$13,295
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save
AUD$800 |
All prices are in
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