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New Zealand tour itinerary name and information

APT Touring: Essence of the Outback

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

Aboriginal cultureAdventureWildlife & nature

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: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

Tour summary and feature

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 3 times in the last 7 days

price pp from

Was AUD$10,595

Now AUD$9,695

twin share/double

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price pp from

Was AUD$10,595

Now AUD$9,695

twin share/double

See all Dates & Prices Get Instant Quote View Detailed Itinerary Book Now Enquire Now

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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

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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 Discovery Resorts - Undara

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Day 3 - Undara, Karumba

Today, set off on the legendary Gulflander Train, originally built to connect the once bustling river port of Normanton with the gold fields of Croydon. This nostalgic rail journey is the perfect way to discover an area rich in pioneering history and heritage. From grasslands and wetlands to barren Savannah territory, the Gulflander travels through countryside rarely seen by the average traveller.

Staying Karumba, Ash’s Holiday Units

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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

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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.

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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.

Homegrown discoveries: Queensland’s classic outback towns embody the great Australian frontier spirit | Read article

Staying Winton, Boulder Opal Motor Inn or similar

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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, Saltbush Retreat

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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.

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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 Carnarvon Gorge, set beneath a canopy of gum trees.

Staying Two Nights, Springsure, Springsure Overlander Motel

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Day 10 - Carnarvon National Park

Discover incredible Carnarvon National Park today.

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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

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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 Charters Towers, Heritage Lodge Motel

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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

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Day 14 - Depart Cairns

Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Be transferred to the airport for your onward flight home.

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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
May 3, 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	Enquire
May 19, 2025 (Monday)	Guaranteed departure date	Enquire	was AUD$10,695 now AUD$9,695	was AUD$14,195 now AUD$13,195	save AUD$1,000	Enquire
Jun 4, 2025 (Wednesday)	Guaranteed departure date	Enquire	was AUD$10,695 now AUD$9,695	was AUD$14,195 now AUD$13,195	save AUD$1,000	Enquire
Jun 7, 2025 (Saturday)		Enquire	was AUD$10,695 now AUD$9,695	was AUD$14,195 now AUD$13,195	save AUD$1,000	Enquire
Jun 20, 2025 (Friday)		Enquire	was AUD$10,695 now AUD$9,695	was AUD$14,195 now AUD$13,195	save AUD$1,000	Enquire
Jul 6, 2025 (Sunday)		Enquire	was AUD$10,695 now AUD$10,195	AUD$0	save AUD$500	Enquire
Jul 22, 2025 (Tuesday)		Enquire	was AUD$10,695 now AUD$10,195	was AUD$14,195 now AUD$13,695	save AUD$500	Enquire
Aug 7, 2025 (Thursday)		Enquire	was AUD$10,695 now AUD$10,195	was AUD$14,195 now AUD$13,695	save AUD$500	Enquire
Aug 23, 2025 (Saturday)		Enquire	was AUD$10,695 now AUD$9,895	was AUD$14,195 now AUD$13,395	save AUD$800	Enquire
Sep 8, 2025 (Monday)		Enquire	was AUD$10,595 now AUD$9,795	was AUD$14,095 now AUD$13,295	save AUD$800	Enquire
Sep 24, 2025 (Wednesday)		Enquire	was AUD$10,595 now AUD$9,795	was AUD$14,095 now AUD$13,295	save AUD$800	Enquire

All prices are in

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