Menindee Lakes And Cameron Corner

Day 1

Brisbane - Melbourne - Bendigo
After flying into Melbourne, enjoy lunch before travelling to Bendigo. A magnificent gold rush put Bendigo on the map more than 150 years ago - tents came first and then with the wealth from the gold came elaborately designed homes, public buildings and monuments that are still used today. Enjoy a ride on Bendigo's lovingly restored vintage Talking Tram, hear the history of Bendigo and be charmed by the grand architecture as the tram takes you on a journey through the past.

Day 2

BBendigo - Mildura
With our picnic lunch packed, travel through the beautiful countryside north-west of Bendigo for a unique visit to the small country town of Boort where we hear about a man who had an amazing story. The Spanner Man was a gifted sculptor with amazing creations all made from old Spanners welded together. These life size rusty sculptures are truly amazing. Following our picnic lunch we continue along the Calder Highway to Red Cliffs, with its colourful history from its beginnings as a soldier settlement to the vibrantly diverse community it is today. Named for the spectacular red cliffs on the Murray River, the land was famously cleared by a massive one-of- a-kind tractor called Big Lizzie. Continue on to our overnight accommodation in Mildura.

Day 3

Mildura - Broken Hill
Following breakfast we head along the Pooncarie Road, following the course of the Darling River, before crossing to arrive in the township of Menindee. It's here that the Darling River flows into the Menindee Lakes, forming three huge bodies of water, two of which are part of Kinchega National Park and which also forms the main drinking water supply for Broken Hill. When the lakes are full, birdlife is prolific. Enjoy lunch in Menindee before heading to the 'Silver City'- Broken Hill, for the next two nights.

Day 4

Broken Hill - Silverton
After breakfast, we make our way to Silverton, once a thriving town where miners came to seek their fortune. The landscape now inspires a new generation of artists and film makers and many will recognise it from countless films, television shows and commercials. Silverton now boasts beautiful colonial buildings and space as far as the eye can see. Visit the Mad Max Museum - Australia's first and only museum dedicated to George Miller's globally popular film series. Enjoy a cuppa before a visit to the rustic gallery showcasing the photographic works of Silverton Photographer Helen Murray. Be sure to also admire the prize-winning outback garden oasis while there. Today you can purchase your own lunch in town before discovering the Silverton Gaol and Museum. Return back to Broken Hill late afternoon to freshen up before dinner.

Day 5

Broken Hill - Tibooburra
Today we traverse the Silver City Highway toward Tibooburra - known as the Gateway to the Corner Country. Travelling northwards through very dry country and crossing the occasional creek bed, we reach Packsaddle for morning tea. Continue on to Tibooburra, a fascinating town that conjures up its pioneering past. Following lunch, we visit The Keeping Place Museum which bears witness to Aboriginal history with a fascinating collection of artefacts and selected photographic material, and Pioneer Park, site of a remarkable sculpture, 'Myth and Mirage', an upside-down whaleboat suspended high in the air. Please note: due to accommodation restrictions, our group is booked across two locations in Tibooburra.

Day 6

Tibooburra - Cameron Corner - Tibooburra
Today we explore more of the Corner Country as we drive from Tibooburra to Cameron Corner, taking you through a diverse landscape including the Waka Claypan, past Fort Grey which was a provisions stockade built by explorer Charles Sturt for his inland expeditions, and on to Cameron Corner. Along the way is the Dog Fence which, at more than 5,000km, is the world's longest fence. Cameron Corner is situated at the extreme far north west of New South Wales, bound by the Queensland border to the north and South Australian border to the west; it is an area of diverse and beautiful landscapes. Stand in three states at once and take the photo of a lifetime. Following lunch at the Cameron Corner Store, sit back and relax as we make our way back to Tibooburra.

Day 7

Tibooburra - Thargomindah
Today's journey takes you from New South Wales into the Queensland Channel Country and the remote outback Bulloo Shire where natural resources abound and oil and gas fields are well established. Enjoy a picnic lunch enroute to Thargomindah. Gazetted as a town in 1874, Thargomindah was the first town in Australia and the third in the world to have street lighting powered by hydro-electricity generated from artesian bore water. This afternoon a guided town tour takes you to the Hydro Power Plant and Leahy House. Made from locally made mud brick, the house was built when the Deed of Grant was made to the Thargomindah Newspaper Company in 1885, which was owned by John and Patrick Leahy. The house was continuously lived in until 1995, when the Bulloo Shire Council purchased the building for restoration purposes. Please note: due to accommodation restrictions, our group is booked across two locations in Thargomindah.

Day 8

Thargomindah - St George
Following breakfast, pass Lake Bindegolly National Park before stopping in Cunnamulla for lunch. Found at the crossroads of the Matilda Highway and Adventure Way, its name means 'long stretch of water' and refers to the nearby Warrego River. Located pride of place in the town centre is a bronze statue of the 'Cunnamulla Fella', sitting on his swag enjoying the moment - brought to life by Stan Coster and immortalized by the late Slim Dusty. This afternoon, continue on to St George, situated on the banks of Balonne River, for our overnight stay.

Day 9

St George - Brisbane
Today we begin the journey home from our outback adventure, travelling through Moonie and stopping in Toowoomba for lunch. This afternoon, arrive into Brisbane where your crew will have your transfers arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner