Overview
Immerse yourself in Australia’s world heritage wilderness, to witness the last retreat and evolution of ancient rainforests, dating back 200 million years. Visit:
- dramatic gorges and waterfalls of the NSW National Parks high country
- grand landscapes of the Granite Belt with its scattered monoliths, tors and precariously balanced boulders
- the precipitous rims of ancient extinct volcanoes and escarpments of deep lava flows
- overlook an untracked wilderness panorama stretching 75 kms from a high point and snow country on the Great Divide to the shores of the Pacific Ocean
- listen to the captivating calls and mimicry of Superb Lyrebirds
The character of early Australia will unfold with insights into bushranger legends and pastoral dynasties.
You'll journey through big river country and the intensely beautiful "rainbow country" preferred by today's alternative lifestylers
Enjoy the mystic moss gardens and "old man" Antarctic Beech trees of a cool temperate rainforest
Stand aloft the largest granite monolith in the southern hemisphere for a magic moment, seemingly in command of all you see.
Interested in this tour, you can:
- book direct and secure your place with a deposit
- email us with any further questions you may have
- telephone us on (+61) 7 5514 0873 or mobile 0407 126603
Part Tour Departures:
Flexible tour design and departure dates by application for exclusive bookings March to November period - 1 to 4 guests, (Price variations may apply)
Itinerary
Pre departure administration in Brisbane as guest arrivals determine.
Day 1
Departing from Brisbane, you’ll travel through a rich tapestry of farming lots across the Darling Downs, to the world heritage Main Range National Park and Condamine Gorge at the head of the Darling River basin, Australia’s longest and most historic inland waterway. A bush picnic lunch and then time to enjoy a short circuit walk in mixed habitats to view the Queen Mary Falls and experience a close encounter with some of our colourful fringe forest birds – parrots, rosellas, bower birds and wrens. You'll then settle into your private cottage for the night, delightfully isolated high on the scenic rim with spectacular views and some delightful evening cuisine to match.
Accommodation: Spring Creek Cottages, The Head
Day 2
After a wholesome country breakfast, you’ll travel along remote back roads to the largest granite monolith in the southern hemisphere for a two hour return walk to its summit and amazing 360 degree views of the granite belt stretching across two States. Then it’s a short drive to your regional motor-inn accommodation in the historic township of Tenterfield, made famous by the impassioned speech of an English immigrant turned politician, giving rise to the birth of our nation.
Chance to explore the village and/or to enjoy added walks in the Girraween National Park with its granite features, abundant bird and wildlife and seasonal wildflowers.
Accommodation: Tenterfield Motor-inn
Day 3
Today you travel south onto the New England Tableland where fine Merino sheep and wool production created a number of pastoral dynasties and led to the growth of historic Armidale with its cold climate gardens and parks and places of higher regional education. The afternoon journey will take in some wetland birding, a dramatic gorge and falls of the Oxley Wild Rivers and a search for the endangered and shy Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby.
Accommodation: Armidale based motor-inn
Day 4
An early start for more startling scenery awaits you, of tortuous gorges carving their way into the Great Divide escarpment and plummeting waterfalls. Search for our largest bird of prey, the Wedge-tailed Eagle, soaring up to 2000 metres on the thermals or trace the haunting cries of Peregrine Falcons nesting on their precarious ledges, or detect the shuffle in the bush of an Echidna, one of our unique living fossils.
This exceptional day continues with a visit to the wilderness edge of the world heritage New England National Park, a reserve of high geological significance, diversity of habitats, plants and animal species. Impenetrable ridges of volcanic origin dating back 18 to 500 million years protect dense sub-tropical rainforest through to high country snow gums and a windswept plateau of stunted heath, 1000 plant species in all. Be ready for a chance meeting with a Scarlet Robin, the Superb Lyrebird or a Spotted-tailed Quoll. Enjoy the panorama stretching over 75 kms of trackless wilderness to the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean. Deep in the cool temperate rainforest you will discover remnant examples of the ancient Antarctic Beech Trees, thousands of years old having direct link to the super-continent of Gondwanaland, 125 million years ago.
Late afternoon you'll visit the twin drops of Ebor Falls before a winding descent from the Great Divide into the scenic valleys of big river country, to overnight at a traditional stage coach inn lovingly restored by actor Russell Crowe and friends. Visit Russell’s personal collection of film and sporting memorabilia in the restored barn.
Accommodation: Motel suites at the historic Coaching Station
Day 5
You travel north today on quiet back roads toward the world heritage Border Ranges National Park and later a privately built back road returning you to Brisbane. You will traverse big river and fertile farming country to a private hideaway retreat for lunch and visit the caldera of an extinct volcano and the remnant plug of Mt Warning the first point on the Australian mainland to capture the first rays of sunrise. A relaxed drive back over the ranges to Brisbane with the sun setting over the peaks and ridges of The Scenic Rim will complete a memorable journey.
You’ll arrive in Brisbane late afternoon in time for any evening connecting flights
Experiences
- Delightful guided walks throughout
- Immersion in the tranquility of wilderness therapy
Features
Bald Rock, Girraween, New England, Border Ranges, The Head, Mt Warning