Murray & Darling River Rendezvous

We board our opulent ‘Diamond Class’ coach from the Brisbane Coach Terminal, travelling responsibly knowing all coach emissions are 100% offset. Travelling through the Lockyer Valley, we enjoy morning tea at Bestbrook Mountain Farmstay before arriving in Goondiwindi for a guided tour of the cotton industry, including a visit to a local farm (seasonal) to learn about cotton farming practices.

Departing Goondiwindi, we travel through some picturesque landscapes and interesting towns breaking for cuppa at Moree. We continue on our journey via Walgett to Lightning Ridge, to meet our local guide from the Australian Opal Centre for an introduction to the fascinating world of opal mining in this rugged outback town.

This morning, a local guide will lead us through the opal fields, visiting key sites like Fred Bodel’s Hut and Lunatic Hill Mine. After lunch, explore the Chambers of the Black Hand, then unwind in the thermal baths before enjoying the SPARK cinematic experience under the stars.

This morning, we stop briefly in Brewarrina before heading to Bourke to visit the Back O’ Bourke Centre, which highlights the region’s historical significance. Next, we take a leisurely cruise on the PV Jandra paddleboat along the Darling River. In the afternoon, a local guide will share insights into Bourke’s history, isolation, and community before we continue to Cobar.

We depart Cobar, heading west on the Barrier Highway to Wilcannia, where we reconnect with the Darling River. After lunch, we reach the remote mining town of Broken Hill. Following check-in, enjoy some relaxation before sunset drinks at the Living Desert Sculptures, taking in stunning outback views.

This morning, we take a tour of Broken Hill, exploring heritage-listed architecture, renowned art galleries, the Big Picture, and the Line of Lode. Then, we head to Silverton, a near ghost town featured in many famous films. Returning via the expansive Mundi Mundi Plains, we visit the Pro Hart Gallery before enjoying free time downtown.

Leaving Broken Hill, we head south on the Silver City Highway to Wentworth, where the Darling and Murray rivers meet. After a self-guided tour of Old Wentworth Gaol, we cross the Murray River and continue to Mildura.

We journey upstream along the MurrayRiver, pausing at Robinvale and Tooleybuc. Then, we head to Swan Hill for a self-guided tour and lunch at the Pioneer Settlement. Continuing through Lake Boga and Kerang, we arrive in the twin cities of Echuca and Moama, Australia’s paddlesteamer capital.

After breakfast, a local guide takes us on a tour of Echuca, highlighting the history of the Murray River and its paddle steamers. We then board the iconic PS Pevensey for a scenic cruise along the Murray’s red gum-lined banks. After disembarking, we enjoy lunch, with the afternoon free to explore the town at your own pace.

We begin with a fascinating tour of the Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum before continuing along the Murray River to Yarrawonga on Lake Mulwala for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit Kellyland Glenrowan to experience the ‘Ned Kelly’s Last Stand’. We end the day in the twin cities of Albury and Wodonga.

This morning, we head to Gundagai, stopping at the iconic ‘Dog on the Tuckerbox’. Next, we visit Cowra’s Japanese Garden & Cultural Centre, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere, where we explore its 12.5 acres of serene beauty. After lunch, enjoy the gardens before we continue to Lithgowfor the night.

We hit the road today travelling through Gulgong to Gunnedah for lunch. We then continue on to Tamworth for a break at the Big Golden Guitar before ascending the Moonbi Range to pass through Uralla and arrive in Armidale.

Bound for home today, we break at the Standing Stones in ‘Celtic’ Glen Innes,then stop for lunch at the Ballandean Estate Winery. We arrive back to the Brisbane Coach Terminal late afternoon.