Plan now for a winter break and answer the call of the regions to spend seven days exploring the Carnarvon Ranges or Lightning Ridge – or both.
CT Travel has planned luxury coach tours departing in August and September that are packed with interest, adventure, and opportunity to see the attractions found in regional centres while enroute to the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge or fascinating Lightning Ridge.
A seven-day tour to the Carnarvon region departs 7 August and 4 September, and includes four nights “glamping” at the Wallaroo Outback Retreat.
The station on 29,000ha of some of Australia’s best beef cattle country captures the magnificent scenery of the western escarpment of the Carnarvon Ranges from the Arcadia Valley.
It’s the perfect base for day trips with experienced nature guides on hand to lead the way to the highlights of Carnarvon Gorge National Park.
See ancient forests with cycads thousands of years old, Aboriginal cultural sites, canyons, majestic cliffs where water has eroded a dramatic gorge system through layers of sandstone, and rugged wilderness.
It’s made easy in the air-conditioned comfort of a modified 4WD bus listening to commentary about the region, its legends and landmarks.
Australian Nature Guides lead the way to the Moss Garden in the Carnarvon Gorge, where lush ferns and moss line crystal clear waters against a dramatic waterfall backdrop.
Put places to intriguing names like Axe Factory, Date Rock, Cycad Gorge, Arch Rock, the Sphinx and Rainbow Cave.
Along the way see Chinchilla and stop at the Roma Saleyard, the largest cattle sales facility in the Southern Hemisphere, to be greeted by retired farmers and graziers who will explain how it all works before a local guide leads a tour of the town.
On the way home, visit the historic Mt Abundance Homestead and spend a night in Miles.
For seven days from 17 August, there’s plenty to see on the way to Lightning Ridge, the only place in Australia where the prized black opal can be found.
Visit various local attractions as you travel through Dalby, Miles, Roma, Surat, St George and Dirranbandi. Learn about cotton production as a grower leads a tour of his farm, and visit the Riversands Vineyards for lunch and tasting, Spend three days on the opal fields including Grawin, Glengarry and Sheepyard. Tour the Walk-In Mine, the historic miners’ camp Gemseekers Paradise, and the Chambers of the Blackhand mine, see gem cutting demonstrations, and try your luck as a miner.
The return journey is via Walgett, Narrabri and Glen Innes
It’s about the journey as much as the destination and these tours represent a chance to see some of the amazing treasures hidden in our regional towns. Full itineraries can be found on the website.
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