Outback pubs are iconic landmarks and have been the heart of country communities for generations, and if only their walls could talk, we would hear some incredible stories!
Starting in Brisbane, we’ll head west to Moree and Lightning Ridge, before making our way to St George and the small town of Thargomindah, finishing this epic journey to Charleville and Roma. Along the way, you’ll experience the warmth and hospitality of the outback meet the locals, including those who keep these pubs alive.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey, book your spot now and be a part of history in the making!
Welcome to our Gems of the West Adventure. This tour is not about the destination, but the journey as we travel to some iconic Australian pubs including Eulo Queen Hotel, Noccundra Hotel and Hotel Corones.
Departing early, we travel from Brisbane towards the black soil plains of Moree. A place of relaxation and rejuvenation, we take time to soak in the hot Artesian Springs before our included Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: Artesian Spa Motel, Moree
Included Meals: Dinner
Today we continue west to the outback town of Lightning Ridge. Home to the unique black opal, a rare and luminous gem mined from the surrounding plains. It is the only place in Australia and one of the few places in the world, where the highly prized opal is found!
We enjoy lunch before meeting our local guide for a town tour. Experience a walk-in Underground Tour, hear colourful stories of opal explorers and see heritage miner camps.
We finish our day at Down to Earth Opals, who have been mining, designing and specialising in selling to the world one-of-a-kind jewellery prices and top-quality loose opals.
Accommodation: Wallangulla Motel, Lightning Ridge
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning travel north along Castlereagh Highway to the little town of Hebel. Once known as Kelly’s Point because it is believed that Ned Kelly’s brother Dan and fellow Kelly gang member Steve Hart lived here under an alias.
We continue through Dirranbandi, in the heart of cotton country before arriving in Thallon to view the incredible Silo titled ‘The Watering Hole’. The mural portrays the Thallon district to perfection – featuring the Moonie River, an amazing sunset and the area’s agriculture base. It also recognises members of Thallon’s indigenous community by the inclusion of a scarred tree. We take a moment to view this striking mural before continuing to the Nindigully Pub for lunch.
“The Gully” is Queensland’s oldest hotel located in its original condition and position. From the late 1800s, the pub was a Cobb and Co Coach change over station before becoming what it is today.
Our afternoons journey takes us to St George. Here we join Sandytown River Cruises for an enjoyable tour along the Balonne River, taking in the beautiful river gums, birdlife and landscape.
Accommodation: Merino Motor Inn, St George
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we visit another famous pub named after colourful character, Isobel Gray, notoriously known as the ‘Eulo-Queen’ after her interesting lifestyle and fine taste in jewellery. We enjoy lunch in this classic pub before we continue to Thargomindah, situated on the Bulloo River in Channel Country. Thargomindah’s traditional source of industry is sheep and wool but in recent times, petroleum/oil and gas have made up a large part of the region’s economy.
Accommodation: Thargomindah Oasis Motel, Thargomindah
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today we tour around Thargomindah. As we drive around town with a local guide, look out for the old mud brick hospital and the artesian hydro power plant, thought to be the oldest working unit in Australia. We also take a tour of the old jail and historical Leahy House.
From here we call in at the historic Noccundra Hotel, the only surviving building in the historic township of Noccundra. The hotel was built from locally quarried sandstone and transported to Noccundra by camel train. The Hotel was an important link in Outback communications and became a service point for travellers and as a focus for community events.
Accommodation: Thargomindah Oasis Motel, Thargomindah
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
We re-trace our steps through Eulo to Cunnamulla, a town created by Cobb & Co in 1879 when the first coach drove through from Bourke. Today it is the only surviving south west town along the original route. Here we take a look at the Cunnamulla Fella, an iconic Australian Bush character from a song written by Stan Coster and sung by Slim Dusty. The town erected the statue as a tribute to Stan and Slim and to the ‘ringers’ of the bush. Here we’ll also visit the Cunnamulla Fella Museum and Art Gallery. The gallery changes the exhibits often and showcases the works of local artists and talent across Australia.
Here we are standing on the Eromanga Basin, the worlds largest underground river that flows beneath one fifth of Australia. We experience this amazing phenomenon in the Artesian Time Tunnel. The tunnel incorporates and old mine lift which takes us back to 100 million years ago and down deep into the middle of ancient sandstone rocks that form part of the basin. We’ll learn about the ancient animals that once roamed this region, the “Yowah Nut” and the early days in the opal fields.
After lunch, our afternoon is spent on the coach travelling to Charleville. Tonight, we are in for a real treat at Charleville’s best known attraction, the Cosmos Centre. The centre is an audio visual extravaganza featuring hi-tech interactive displays that will take us on an astronomical journey through the ages, unveiling the many mysteries of our night sky.
Accommodation: Mulga Country Motor Inn, Charleville
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today one of the highlight of our tour is visiting the Bilby Experience. Or guide will reveal Australia’s native animal extinction crisis and inform us about the breeding program.
Next, we visit Hotel Corones for the Stories Tour. The man who built the hotel, Harry ‘Poppa’ Corones, was an amazing early Charleville entrepreneur who went on to make Australian history more than once and to this day still holds an Australian record. He was also quite the character, so much of his comical antics make for brilliant and entertaining stories, all forming part of the tour.
This afternoon we make our way through Mitchell to arrive in Roma for our final night on tour together. Here we visit the Big Rig for a Sunset Experience. Ignite your interest in sabotage, drama and intrigue through the eyes of a “Roma Rigger” guide, with a glass of Outback port and an original short story history film under the stars in the outdoor theatre.
Accommodation: Best Western Bungil Creek Motel, Roma
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
With our bags packed full of wonderful memories we begin our journey back to Brisbane, stopping for convenience breaks and time to purchase lunch. We arrive home after a fantastic tour, way out west!
Included meals: Breakfast
Tour cost is per person in a Double or Twin Room. Add $600 for single room
This is an Easy paced tour – Low Level if Fitness required
Travelers must be able to meet the below fitness level requirements or have a carer who is available to assist. GVH Staff are not able to assist with those who have reduced mobility or other health problems. It is Your responsibility to arrange for such a carer if so required:
GVH reserves the right at its discretion to exclude from a tour or to terminate the travel arrangements during the course of the tour without refund, of anyone who is unable to cope with the requirements of the tour, including using coach steps for embarking and disembarking or needing services or facilities that are not available. We will not be held liable for any termination of your travel arrangements or additional expenses incurred. Please be aware that some outback locations may experience high temperatures.
