Everything is bigger in the Outback: Skies, landscapes and history
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Find the thought of the Outback enticing but a little overwhelming? If you are keen to go but need someone else to work out the logistics why not try this fully escorted tour?
Traversing four states, from Longreach to Alice Springs, all you need to do is sit back and take in the multi-faceted historical marvel that is our wide-brown land.
Situated in Queensland's heartland, Longreach is home to the Qantas Founders Museum where you will see the National Heritage Listed Qantas Hangar, the Boeing 707, Boeing 747, Super Constellation and DC-3. Later that day immerse yourself in a different history at The Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame.
If dinosaurs are more your historical passion, a short trip to Winton will scratch that itch. It was here Elliot, Australia's largest dinosaur fossils were discovered in 2002. Be captivated by fossilised footprints from a dinosaur stampede 95 million years ago, possibly Elliot's.
The Winton area was where Waltzing Matilda was written by Banjo Paterson in 1895. Find out the behind the scenes of this tale at the Waltzing Matilda Centre.
Sitting next to the eastern edge of the Simpson Desert is the iconic town of Birdsville. Wet your whistle at the Birdsville Hotel, our most quintessential outback pub.
More history in the form of the ill-feted Burke and Wills expedition is found at Innamincka. Visit Burke's grave, the Cullyamurra Waterhole and the famous Dig Tree where on April 22, 1861 the explorers probably realised they were doomed.
The tour reaches Broken Hill via Tibooburra. Check out the White's Mineral and mining Museum, Broken Hill Sculptures & Living Desert Sanctuary, Pro Hart Gallery and feel the force of a couple of virtual ghost towns: Milparinka and Silverton, where thankfully, the pub is still operational.
Heading west to South Australia and Port Augusta, the tour takes a sharp turn north from here. On this trajectory, Coober Pedy is found. Check into your underground desert hotel. Staying low, the following day is spent at other underground dwellings including houses and a church.
The Umoona Mine & Museum provides an opportunity to search for opals and then the chance to purchase some of the pretty gems at the retailing shop and showroom, if luck doesn't prevail.
The Stuart Highway runs due north straight to Alice Springs. Nestled in the valley of the MacDonnell Ranges, The Alice, has emerged as a vibrant town with modern facilities and a burgeoning foodie scene.
A rich seam of history runs through this town as sites such as Anzac Hill, Old Telegraph Station Reserve, the Flying Doctor's Memorial, and Hermannsburg Historic Precinct, where Albert Namatjira was born and lived, will attest.
For nature enthusiasts highlights include MacDonnell National Park and Simpsons Gap, one of the most prominent waterholes in the region.
The Senior Newspaper and Travelrite invite you to join them from July 8 to 23, 2024.
