Our new Queensland Gold – Outback, Rail & Reef journey is designed to unfold in chapters — from the vast iron red interior to the brilliance of the azure Coral Sea.
Guests depart Auckland for Brisbane, with an overnight stay before continuing on to Longreach the following morning. It’s a simple and comfortable start before the real adventure begins.
In Longreach we immerse ourselves in the outstanding Outback Pioneers for a five-night experience. This is authentic Australia — Cobb & Co stagecoaches, sunset cruises on the Thomson River, the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, and stories of resilience and ingenuity. It’s warm, genuine hospitality in a landscape which commands respect.
From here we board the Spirit of the Outback to Emerald. Rail travel through the interior provides perspective — wide horizons, changing light, and the sense of distance that defines Queensland.
The scene shifts dramatically as we arrive in Airlie Beach for two nights, including a cruise through the magnificent Whitsundays. Turquoise water, white silica sand and island-dotted seas provide a striking contrast to the outback’s red earth.
We then travel north aboard the Spirit of Queensland to Cairns. Three nights at the superb Crystalbrook Riley offer a refined base to explore Tropical North Queensland.
A highlight is our Sunlover cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, where a stable pontoon makes reef viewing accessible and relaxed for all. We also experience the spectacular Kuranda Scenic Railway through rainforest and gorge.
Finally, two nights in Port Douglas at the Pullman Resort allow time to unwind in tropical comfort.
This is Queensland in full — outback character, grand rail journeys, reef and rainforest — delivered with the care, inclusions and thoughtful touches our guests expect from Gold Club Tours.