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Outback Railway Discovery

Duration: 8 Days

Price: from AU$4,355

Departure From: Brisbane

Departure Date: Tuesdays (May-October)

Tour Type: Escorted Tour

Meal Plan: B&B and selected meals

Physical Grading: 2/5

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Take a journey of discovery and head west on Australia’s outback railway aboard the Spirit of the Outback.

Outback Queensland’s central west is the birthplace of Qantas, Waltzing Matilda and Australia’s Labour Party. This is a region of vast landscapes, endless blue skies, country pubs and outback characters just waiting to have a yarn. At the core of the central west is its pioneering history.

In the legendary town of Longreach, wander through the innovative museums, attractions and exhibitions at The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Qantas Founders Museum. Witness a stunning outback sunset as you cruise along the Thomson River and take a ride on a restored stagecoach. Winton is best known as the place where Banjo Patterson penned Waltzing Matilda in 1895 and where Qantas was founded in 1920. Visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre or enjoy a meal at the iconic Tattersall’s Hotel.
A short distance from Winton, stand where dinosaurs once roamed the earth at Lark Quarry Conservation Park. Take in the rugged landscape of mesas, gullies and broken escarpments formed over millions of year.

Drovers Sunset Cruise
Drovers Sunset Cruise
Spirit of the Outback Railway Map

Spirit of the Outback Railway Discovery Highlights

  • Go behind the scenes at the Qantas Founders Museum and join the guided Airpark tour
  • Cruise the majestic Thomson River
  • Enjoy an exclusive dinner in the 100-year-old woolshed at Camden Park Station
  • Explore the fascinating themed galleries at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
  • Experience a sunset dinner at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs
  • Overnight sleeper travel on the Spirit of the Outback from Brisbane to Longreach

Spirit of the Outback Railway – Your Onboard Experience

The journey between Brisbane and Longreach offers a unique insight into the history and culture of Australia. Wonder at the ever-changing landscape, as the train makes its way into the very heart of the
Queensland Outback. Indulge in a private Single or Twin Sleeper, providing a comfortable seat during the day converting to a bed at night. Immerse yourself in the experience with exclusive access to the restaurant, where delicious meals are prepared by the onboard chef. Or choose to travel in an
Economy Seat, with your choice of meals, light refreshments and drinks available to purchase throughout the journey.

Watch the Outback come to life as the Spirit of the Outback travels through spectacular scenery and the remote towns along the way.

Spirit of the Outback Railway Features

  • Private cabin with spacious seat by day converts to a lie-flat bed at night with linen, pillow, towel and amenities pack
  • All-inclusive meals served in the Tuckerbox Restaurant
  • Lounge car
  • Cabins include a wash basin with mirror and small wardrobe
  • Two items of checked-in luggage and one carry-on item
  • Servery to purchase souvenirs, meals and refreshments
  • Drinking fountains
  • Large panoramic windows
  • Shower and toilet facilities
spirit of outback railway dining car
Spirit of the Outback railway dining carriage
Spirit of the Outback Railway cabins
Spirit of the Outback railway sleeping cabin

For a detailed itinerary, departure details, and booking conditions for your Brisbane to Brisbane, Outback Railway Discovery, please see below. Tours depart on Tuesdays

Outback Railway Discovery 2025 Departure Dates:

  • Please contact LOCO Journeys

Click here for Queensland rail tours to other destinations


Alternate Spirit of the Outback Railway Tours

There are a host of different touring options that you can enjoy utilising the Spirit of the Outback railway overnight sleeper train that willdeliver you seamlessly into Longreach, providing youaccess to the heart of the outback. Contact LOCO Journeys to discuss these options and for more information.

Winton Adventure

7 Days from Brisbane – Departs Saturdays – from $2,215 per person

Highlights Include

  • See the fossilised dinosaur stampede at Lark Quarry Conservation Park
  • Take in the natural beauty of Carisbrooke Station
  • Tour the fossil preparation laboratory at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs
  • Visit the old Homestead at Bladensburg National Park
  • Enjoy dinner at the Tattersall’s Hotel

Explore Outback Longreach & Winton

8 Days from Brisbane – Departs Tuesdays – from $3,855 per person

Highlights Include

  • Take a stagecoach ride on the old Longreach to Windorah mail route
  • Board a paddlewheeler for a sunset cruise on the Thomson River
  • See a shearer at work on historic Nogo Station
  • Follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs as you walk through Dinosaur Canyon
  • Be charmed by local bush theatre at the Old Time Tent Show
  • Visit the iconic Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame
Longreach Stage coach experience
Longreach Stagecaoch Experience

Should you wish to add pre or post night accommodation, activities or international flights to your Outback Railway Discovery, please be sure to let us know at the time of booking.

Tour Inclusions

  • Return overnight sleeper train travel on the Spirit of the Outback railway, Brisbane to Longreach
  • 7 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Travel by air-conditioned 4WD coach
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Sightseeing and inclusions as per itinerary
  • Services of a tour guide

Tour Pricing

  • From prices are a guide only, subject to change and availability in Australian Dollars.
  • Price for rail packages are per person per package twin share
  • Prices are based on travel in low season
  • Full payment is required at the time of booking
  • Price is subject to change unless paid in full
  • Full terms and conditions will be advised at the time of booking.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Brisbane - Spirit of the Outback Railway - Longreach (D)
Board the Spirit of the Outback for your overnight journey to Longreach. Wonder at the ever-changing landscape as the train makes its way into the heart of the Queensland Outback. Follow in the footsteps of the early pioneers and get ready for the holiday of a lifetime.
On arrival at Longreach railway station, you’ll be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Stay the next three nights at Longreach Motor Inn.
Visit the Longreach School of Distance Education before spending time at the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Explore the fascinating themed galleries, a tribute to the pioneers and indigenous people of the Australian Outback. Watch the Stockman’s Live Show and witness amazing horsemanship. Late afternoon, travel to Camden Park Station for a dose of outback hospitality by fifth-generation graziers, the Walker family. Enjoy sunset drinks and an exclusive dinner in the 100-year-old woolshed.
After breakfast, visit historic Rosebank Station and enjoy a relaxed homestead morning tea. Transfer to the Qantas Founders Museum and spend time exploring the interpretive and interactive exhibits before joining a guided Airpark Tour featuring the Boeing 707, DC-3, Super Constellation and the Boeing 747. Late afternoon, transfer to the Thomson River and board the Longreach Explorer for the award-winning Drover’s Sunset Cruise. Relax on the top deck with 360-degree views of this majestic outback waterhole and enjoy onboard nibbles followed by a two-course table service dinner under the stars at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show.
This morning, board the Outback Rail Adventure, a Heritage Rail Motor journey along the Great Darr River Rail Run before travelling by coach to Winton. Take in the changing landscape as you travel west to Winton. On arrival, enjoy a town tour and see the quirky Arno’s Wall. Tour the Australian Age of Dinosaurs before a very special sunset barbecue. Stay the next two nights at Boulder Opal Motor Inn, Winton.
Today, take a ride around town on a 100-year-old horse drawn carriage and visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre to learn the story behind Australia’s unofficial anthem. After dinner at the North Gregory Hotel, take in a classic movie at the Royal Open-Air Theatre.
Transfer to Longreach railway station to board the Spirit of the Outback for your overnight journey. There’ll be plenty of time to reminisce about your outback experience as the train makes its way along the scenic route back to Brisbane.
This morning breakfast is served on board before arriving in Brisbane, where your tour concludes.

For more information about this tour, price queries and updates on specials, please Enquire Now.