Warrumbungles And Dubbo Zoo

Day 1

Brisbane - Goondiwindi
Sit back and relax as our journey takes us via Cunninghams Gap into the Southern Downs region through rolling fertile hills, high altitude granite rock country and wide open plains. Stop for lunch in Texas before continuing to Goondiwindi where we'll hear the history of the area and experience the region through the eyes of our local tour guide. This afternoon check-in to our overnight accommodation before dinner.

Day 2

Goondiwindi - Warialda - Coonabarabran
Today we travel through the area known as Fossickers Way; encompassing an ever-changing landscape that is both picturesque and productive. Journey via North Star, an agricultural centre with an emphasis on grain growing before arriving in Warialda for morning tea. Next visit Sawn Rocks for a picnic lunch. This amazing rock formation known as 'organ piping', look like a wall of giant organ pipes. Continue on to Coonabarabran, where we'll stay for the next two nights.

Day 3

Coonabarrabran and Warrumbungles
Just north of Coonabarabran is Pilliga Pottery. This family-owned business uses a unique and stunning "lead-light" effect in their traditional and Australian pottery designs; all handmade on site from locally sourced clay by their artistic team. You can watch the potters at work before enjoying morning tea. We then continue our journey to Siding Spring Observatory (SSO), set on the edge of the Warrumbungle National Park. Take a site tour after lunch, and this evening, we have arranged for an astronomer to come to our motel for a talk and special viewing under the stars; there is nothing quite like the night sky in regional Australia.

Day 4

Coonabarrabran - Dubbo
This morning we depart Coonabarabran and journey through the pretty riverside township of Gilgandra, situated on the Castlereagh River. Continue on to Dubbo, where there is so much to see and do. Begin with a guided town tour and learn about its history. Enjoy lunch at Dundullimal Homestead before a visit to the Old Dubbo Gaol. At 105 years old, the gaol has been completely restored and is home to large displays of animatronics and holographic displays which provide an insight into a bygone era of barbaric prison life. Settle in for the next two nights in Dubbo.

Day 5

Dubbo
Enjoy a leisurely start today with a morning visit to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Be captivated by giraffes and bison as they roam the plains, be entertained by the monkeys and perhaps see a hippo rise from the waterhole. Whether you get up close to a big cat, or are enchanted by the antics of the Meerkats, you are sure to have a truly special experience during our guided tour. After lunch, visit the Royal Flying Doctor Base Education Centre where we'll learn about the development and operation of the Dubbo base and see RFDS history and memorabilia.

Day 6

Dubbo - Armidale
After breakfast, travel the Newell and Oxley Highways through Gunnedah, where the views across the black soil plains of the upper Namoi River Valley and surrounding mountains, it's said to have inspired the writings of Dorothea Mackellar. Continue on to Tamworth where time is allowed to purchase your lunch before our touring takes us to the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Stay overnight in the picturesque town of Armidale.

Day 7

Armidale - Brisbane
Today our journey takes us along the New England Highway via Guyra, the highest town in the region, over Ben Lomond and through Glen Innes to the 'Town of the Willows' - Tenterfield. Enjoy lunch before continuing on back to Brisbane, where on arrival, your crew will have your transfers arranged.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner