Our tropical rail and outback adventure begins as we fly from Sydney to Cairns, gateway to Tropical North Queensland. On arrival, we travel to the picturesque seaside village of Palm Cove, where we enjoy lunch and time to relax beneath the swaying palms or stroll along the beautiful beachfront promenade. This afternoon, we return to Cairns for a sightseeing tour, discovering the city’s attractive Esplanade, bustling marina and lush tropical surrounds before settling into our waterfront accommodation for dinner.

Overnight: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast we board the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway, one of Australia’s great rail journeys. Travelling through the spectacular Barron Gorge National Park, the historic railway winds its way across towering bridges, through hand-carved tunnels and past magnificent waterfalls before arriving in the rainforest village of Kuranda, where our coach will be waiting to meet us. There is time to stretch our legs and enjoy a brief stroll through the village before we continue to the Atherton Tablelands, stopping for lunch en route. This afternoon we travel through the historic communities of Mareeba, Ravenshoe, Mount Garnet and Mount Surprise, enjoying ever-changing scenery as we journey into Queensland’s Gulf Savannah before arriving in the welcoming outback township of Georgetown.

Overnight: Latara Motel, Georgetown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is devoted to one of Outback Queensland’s hidden gems—Cobbold Gorge. After transferring from Forsayth to the secluded gorge, we enjoy a guided exploration through this spectacular natural wonder, where towering sandstone cliffs rise dramatically above emerald-green waters. Our experience includes the famous glass bridge suspended high above the gorge, offering breathtaking views of this ancient landscape. Following lunch, we return through the rugged Gulf Savannah countryside to Georgetown for a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Latara Motel, Georgetown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we discover the fascinating Ted Elliott Mineral Collection at Georgetown’s Terrestrial Information Centre, home to one of Australia’s finest collections of gemstones, fossils and minerals. Travelling on to Mount Surprise, we continue to the extraordinary Undara Volcanic National Park, where we enjoy a guided exploration of the remarkable lava tubes. Formed by massive volcanic eruptions over 190,000 years ago, these immense underground tunnels are among the longest lava tube systems on Earth and provide a fascinating glimpse into Queensland’s volcanic past.

Overnight: Discovery Parks, Mount Surprise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Mount Surprise, with time to explore the township or simply unwind before we board the legendary Savannahlander for a memorable half-day rail experience. Affectionately known as the “Silver Bullet,” this charming heritage railmotor travels through the rugged Gulf Savannah to the historic settlement of Einasleigh. Along the way, we enjoy fascinating commentary on the region’s pioneering history, remote communities and unique landscapes. At Einasleigh, we visit the spectacular Copperfield Gorge, where the Einasleigh River has carved a dramatic chasm through ancient basalt lava flows over millions of years. Afternoon tea is included before we return to Mount Surprise by coach, bringing to a close a truly unique outback rail experience.

Overnight: Discovery Parks, Mount Surprise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we journey back through the beautiful Atherton Tablelands, stopping at the picturesque Millaa Millaa Falls, one of Queensland’s most photographed waterfalls. Travelling via the scenic Palmerston Highway, we arrive at the enchanting Paronella Park, where we enjoy lunch before joining a guided tour through José Paronella’s extraordinary Spanish-inspired castle and gardens. Surrounded by lush rainforest, waterfalls and tropical plantings, this remarkable attraction tells an inspiring story of vision, determination and dreams brought to life. We then return to Cairns for our final evening together.

Overnight: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we enjoy a leisurely start to our final day before visiting the beautiful Cairns Botanic Gardens, widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest tropical gardens. Home to an extraordinary collection of tropical plants from around the world, the gardens provide a peaceful setting to wander amongst vibrant foliage, colourful blooms and tranquil lakes while enjoying morning tea. We then make our way to the picturesque waterfront at Yorkeys Knob, where we enjoy a relaxed farewell lunch overlooking the marina before transferring to Cairns Airport for our flight home to Sydney, taking with us wonderful memories of heritage rail journeys, spectacular landscapes and the unique charm of Queensland’s Gulf Savannah.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch