Queensland Gold
Outback Rail and Reef | 15 Days
Experience the very best of Queensland on this richly varied 15-day journey combining the drama of the Outback, the romance of iconic rail journeys, and the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and Tropical North Queensland.
Begin with an unforgettable stay in Longreach, immersing yourself in authentic Outback life with the renowned Outback Pioneers experience. Travel through Queensland’s vast landscapes aboard the legendary Spirit of the Outback and Spirit of Queensland trains, linking the red heart of the state with the tropical coast.
Relax in the Whitsundays with time at Airlie Beach and a cruise among the islands, before continuing north to Cairns and Port Douglas for the highlights of Tropical North Queensland. Cruise to the Great Barrier Reef with a full day at a reef pontoon, journey on the spectacular Kuranda Scenic Railway, and enjoy time to explore rainforest villages and coastal resorts.
With premium accommodation, exceptional dining, and a carefully paced itinerary throughout, this is a complete Queensland experience—bringing together Outback heritage, world-class rail journeys, and the natural beauty of Australia’s tropical north.
Tours include all listed accommodation, sights (unless explicitly described as an optional extra), dinners and cooked breakfasts. All prices are based on share twin accommodation. Single supplements are available.
NZD $14,100 (LAND ONLY)
per person, twin share
Solo travellers (same gender) are matched for twin share at no extra cost.
NZD $3,150 Single Supplement (to guarantee a single room)
Return Airfare Package:
Fully Escorted from Auckland | $850
Includes door-to-door service from: Auckland, Warkworth, Orewa, Papakura, Pukekohe, Hamilton
Additional Domestic Flights to and from Auckland | $450
Includes door-to-door service from: Whangarei, Kerikeri, Tauranga, Rotorua, Waihi, Whakatane, Wellington, Upper Hutt, Waikanae, Kapiti, New Plymouth, Stratford, Irito, Napier, Hastings, Gisborne, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Invercargill + more
If your area is not listed, please contact us so we can advise you on options and prices for flights and door-to-door service.
Gold Club Tours include our famous door-to-door service for guests who select our return flight packages from a wide range of areas. Return airfares are from a wide range of airports, and famous areas and are subject to availability of fares and times (these vary depending on your departure point and tour you select).
If airfares and/or times are unavailable, alternative flight times/dates and/or surcharges may apply, including additional accommodation in Auckland, prior to flight Australian return flights.
Hotel or home pickup and return, is available at no extra charge from Brisbane airport or your nominated Brisbane address on Day 1, and from Cairns hotel to Cairns Airport or your nominated address on final Day 15.
Includes famous door-to-door service from:
Includes famous door-to-door service from:
In the event your area is not included in the tour price, Gold Club Tours can take your address details and advise potential arrangements and any related charge – when possible it will be provided at no additional cost beyond those already listed.
Gold Club Tours always recommend that guests take out travel insurance. This is important whether it is for international or domestic travel. In the event you are unable to travel before or during a tour, cancellation terms apply – take out insurance to protect yourself.
Guests who have included our Return Airfare Package with Famous Door-to-Door service will be collected from home and transferred to Auckland International Airport for your flight to Brisbane. On arrival in Brisbane, you will be met and transferred to our centrally located hotel.* This evening, we gather for a welcome dinner – a relaxed opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and begin our Queensland adventure together.
*Guests making their own flight arrangements are welcome to join us at the hotel, with a scheduled group transfer available from Brisbane Airport at designated times.
Stay: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Brisbane (or similar)
This morning is at leisure before we transfer to Brisbane Airport for our included domestic flight to Longreach. On arrival, we are warmly welcomed by our hosts at Outback Pioneers and transferred to our charming heritage-inspired accommodation. Settle in before enjoying dinner at your first taste of true outback hospitality.
Stay: Outback Pioneers, Longreach
Today we step back in time to the early days of outback travel with the Cobb & Co Stagecoach Experience. Ride along part of the original Longreach to Windorah Mail route – a thrilling glimpse into pioneer life. Afterwards, enjoy home-baked scones and tea, followed by a classic Australian film in the charming tearoom theatre. Later, sit back and be entertained by the fun-filled Old Time Tent Show, accompanied by a hearty billy-can lunch. There’s time to browse the fascinating Station Store emporium, filled with gifts, books and rural treasures. As the sun sets we head to the banks of the Thomson River for the spectacular Starlight’s Cruise Experience. Cruise gently along the water before enjoying a stockman’s campfire dinner, bush poetry under the stars and the Starlight’s Sound & Light Picture show – a magical evening in true outback style.
Stay: Outback Pioneers, Longreach
This morning we head out to the Nogo Station Experience. Hosted by Outback Pioneers, this tour offers a wonderful insight into life on a working station. See this historic wool sheds, visit the stockyards of the legendary Captain Starlight, and journey across open country in a double-decker open-top bus, spotting wildlife, and learning about the challenges of outback life. Enjoy a Saddlebag lunch and billy tea around the gidgee campfire. In the afternoon, we visit the iconic Qantas Founders Museum – birthplace of Australia’s national airline. Take a guided Airpark Tour; where you can explore the historic aircraft and hear stories of innovation and adventure in early aviation. This evening, we dine at The Welcome Home restaurant, enjoying the Stonegrill Experience – a memorable meal and a unique dining style.
Stay: Outback Pioneers, Longreach
We set off on a day trip to Winton, travelling through the rugged and striking landscapes that define outback Queensland. Our first stop is the award-winning Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, perched on a scenic mesa overlooking a vast plain. Explore the fascinating exhibits and stroll through Dinosaur Canyon, home to life-size reconstructions and real fossil finds. Later, we visit the famous Waltzing Matilda Centre, dedicated to Australia’s most iconic ballad and the cultural spirit of the bush. We break for a delicious lunch at the historic North Gregory Hotel, before a relaxed afternoon exploring more of Winston’s unique character. On our return to Longreach, we gather for another generous Country Classics dinner at The Welcome Home.
Stay: Outback Pioneers, Longreach
Start your morning with a gourmet continental breakfast in your room, then enjoy a relaxed visit to the acclaimed Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. This world-class museum celebrates the pioneers of the outback through give captivating galleries filled with stories, artefacts, and interactive exhibits. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure – perhaps take a stroll down Longreach’s Eagle Street, relax with a cuppa, or take in the town’s country charm.
Stay: Outback Pioneers, Longreach
After breakfast, we farewell Longreach and transfer to the railway station to board the legendary Spirit of the Outback. Sit back and relax as we journey eastward through Queensland’s vast inland landscapes. Watch cattle country gradually give way to farming plains and mining communities – a wonderful way to experience the landscape of this remarkable state.
On arrival in Emerald, we transfer to our hotel and enjoy dinner together.
Stay: Western Gateway Motel, Emerald (or similar)
Today we travel by comfortable touring coach through the Central Highlands and coastal hinterland en route to Airlie Beach – gateway to the Whitsundays. As we approach the Coral Sea, the scenery shifts dramatically from red earth to tropical coastline.
Arriving in Airlie Beach, the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the laid-back seaside atmosphere before dinner.
Stay: Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach (or similar)
Today we experience the breathtaking beauty of the Whitsundays – a spectacular collection of tropical islands scattered across the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea. We board a comfortable cruise vessel and spend the day exploring this remarkable island paradise. As we glide through sheltered passages and past lush green islands, enjoy sweeping views of pristine beaches, coral fringed bays, and the dazzling colours that make this region world famous.
Along the way there may be opportunities to step ashore, relax on island shores, or simply enjoy the scenery from the comfort of the vessel as we cruise through one of Australia’s most beautiful coastal regions.
Returning to Airlie Beach in the afternoon, we can relax and refresh before dinner.
Stay: Coral Sea Resort, Airlie Beach (or similar)
This morning we transfer to Proserpine to board the modern Spirit of Queensland for our scenic coastal rail journey north to Cairns. Travel in comfort as the train hugs the coastline, passing sugar cane fields, rainforest-clad mountains and glimpses of the Coral Sea.
Arriving in Cairns, we transfer to our premium waterfront accommodation for a three-night stay.
Stay: Crystal Brook Riley, Cairns (or similar)
Today is free to enjoy Cairns at your own pace. You may choose to relax by the hotel pool, wander along the Esplanade, explore the marina precinct, or join an optional excursion such as a scenic helicopter flight, wildlife park visit, or rainforest experience.
Stay: Crystal Brook Riley, Cairns (or similar)
Today we visit one of the world’s greatest natural wonders – the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. Board our comfortable cruise vessel and journey out across the Coral Sea to permanently moored reef pontoon located in the outer reef. These specially designed platforms provide a safe and convenient base from which to experience the vibrant marine environment of the reef. From the pontoon, you can enjoy a wide range of included reef experiences. Snorkelling equipment and flotation devices are provided, allowing you to explore the colourful gardens and tropical fish that inhabit these waters. For those who prefer to stay dry, a semi-submersible vessel and glass-bottom boat offer excellent opportunities to observe the reef below while remaining comfortable above the water.
You may also relax on the spacious sun decks, swim directly from the pontoon, or take advantage of the underwater viewing chamber which offers a unique perspective of the marine life passing by. A generous tropical buffet lunch is served on the pontoon, along with morning and afternoon refreshments.
For those seeking an even closer encounter with the reef, optional experiences such as introductory certified scuba diving, guided snorkelling tours, or scenic helicopter flights may be available (additional cost).
After a wonderful day immersed in the beauty of the reef, we cruise back to Cairns in the afternoon.
Stay: Crystal Brook Riley, Cairns (or similar)
This morning we travel abroad the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, one of Australia’s most celebrated rail journeys. The train winds its way through the spectacular rainforest of Barron Gorge National Park, passing towering bridges, deep ravines and cascading waterfalls along the way. On arrival at Kuranda Village, nestled within the rainforest of the Atherton Tablelands, we have time to explore this colourful and relaxed mountain community.
During our visit, guests may choose from a selection of short included experiences showcasing the unique wildlife and natural environment of the region. Options may include a peaceful riverboat cruise along the Barron River, a visit to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary – home to thousands of vibrant tropical butterflies – or the opportunity to encounter native Australian wildlife in a conservation park setting.
There is also time to browse Kurandd’s lively markets, artisan galleries and cafes before we continue north by coach along the scenic coastal highway.
By afternoon we arrive in the beautiful seaside village or Port Douglas, where we check in to our resort for a two-night stay in this elegant tropical destination.
Stay: Pullman Sea Temple Resort, Port Douglas (or similar)
Today we venture north into one of Australia’s most extraordinary natural environments – the ancient Daintree Rainforest, widely regarded as the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest on Earth.
Travelling through lush coastal landscapes and rainforest-clad mountains, we arrive in the Mossman Gorge region where crystal-clear waters flow over smooth granite boulders beneath towering rainforest canopy.
Here we enjoy a guided rainforest experience led by knowledgeable local hosts, offering insight into the unique ecology of the forest and the cultural heritage of the Indigenous custodians who have lived in harmony with this landscape for thousands of years. Later, we explore the waterways of the region on a relaxing river cruise through the mangrove-lined channels of the Daintree River. Keep watch for saltwater crocodiles, birdlife and other wildlife that inhabit this remarkable ecosystem.
Throughout the day there will be opportunities to enjoy short guided walks, take in spectacular scenery and learn more about the incredible biodiversity of this World Heritage-listed region.
We return to Port Douglas in the afternoon, where this evening we gather for a special farewell dinner – a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the many highlights of our journey through Outback, Rail & Reef.
Stay: Pullman Sea Temple Resort, Port Douglas (or similar)
Guests who have included our Return Airfare Package with Famous Door-to-Door service will be transferred to Cairns Airport for your flight home, with home transfers on arrival in New Zealand. Guests making their own arrangements will be transferred to Cairns Airport at the scheduled group time.
We farewell new friends and take home unforgettable memories of Outback, Rail and Reef.
Have questions or need help with your booking? Reach out and we’ll take care of the rest.