Departing Brisbane (Archerfield) we fly directly to Lord Howe Island (in the Tasman Sea). On arrival you will see why this World Heritage Listed Island only allows 400 visitors at any one time. It is paradise as far as the eye can see with its crystal-clear waters to majestic mountains.

Our local guide will share the rich history of this unique island group and learn why 300 locals call this island paradise home. The history dates back to March 1788 when Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball claimed the Island as a British possession. June 1834 saw the first permanent settlement of the island.

If you’re a plant lover then you will be amazed to learn that the island has recorded 241 species of indigenous plants, of which 47% are found nowhere else in the world! Lord Howe hosts four species of palms, the most famous of which is the Kentia Palm. More than 1,600 terrestrial insect species have been recorded, of which approximately 60% are found nowhere else in the world. One of the most spectacular insects is the Lord Howe Island Phasmid, a large stick insect – thought to be extinct, but rediscovered in recent years on Balls Pyramid.

Once you are checked in to your accommodation it will be time to head to the ‘Bar Lounge’ which is the perfect place to take a moment to unwind before dinner. Your very own chef and his team bake their own bread, source artisan cheeses, and use only pasture-fed meats and free-range eggs. Most of the vegetables and herbs used in the kitchen are derived from their own garden, located on the island.

The waters of Lord Howe Island are a protected marine park, and inhabiting those waters is an abundant supply of many species of fish including Yellowfin Tuna, Kingfish and Wahoo. Why not indulge, you are on holidays after all!

Overnight The Anchorage – Bungalow

After a sumptuous breakfast at the onsite restaurant our local guide will take you on a morning walk through the Banyan forest, to Clear Place which is a great vantage point for a south-easterly view. If you cut to the left on the way to the Clear Place, you’ll delve into the Valley of Shadows which opens out of the forest down near a beautiful spot at the water. This walk is classed as ‘easy’ and takes 2 hours with ample stops on the way.

After a well-earned lunch your next adventure heads out on the high seas. Leaving from the Jetty, you will be taken on a 43 nautical mile journey to without doubt, an unforgettable scenic tour of Ball’s Pyramid, the tallest sea stack in the world at 551m. This tour also combines a circumnavigation of Lord Howe Island, so you get to see the best of both amazing these landmarks.

Your guide Captain Dave has spent more than 40 years skippering in and around the waters off Lord Howe Island & Ball’s Pyramid, and they guarantee the ultimate touring expedition. You will also have the opportunity to snorkel on the outer reef if you choose to, as part of this tour. (Please note that both tours are weather dependant and may need to be either cancelled or swapped around due to the conditions on the day. You are able to opt in for both or just one of the tours offered and have the afternoon or morning to explore the island on your own if you only choose one tour).

Overnight The Anchorage – Bungalow

Our morning flight departs Lord Howe Island bound for the mainland town of Scone in the Upper Hunter Valley of NSW. Our visit takes us to the Hunter Warbirds Museum based at Scone airport where, after morning tea, you will have the opportunity to go on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the museum with our dedicated guide.

After the tour and lunch, you have some time to yourself to wander the centre. With a theatrette screening historic wartime footage, exhibition centre, regularly updated displays and aircraft display hangar. This tour as well as the museum really has something for everyone, from the immaculately restored aircraft used in WWI and WWII, to the tales of outstanding men and women who served in our armed forces for the freedom of every Australian.

Our early afternoon departure from Scone takes us to our next destination of Mildura in Victoria. On arrival our local guide will take you on a short town tour pointing out many of the highlights of this City with a long history of Orange and Grape farming in the region.

Overnight Mildura Grand Hotel – Executive Room

After breakfast, we depart on a full day tour that takes us to World Heritage Mungo National Park and explores a place rich in Aboriginal history. Our very own Barkindji Elder guide will join us as part of this tour and share stories about a time long ago, steeped in history and culture.

Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, found resting just meters apart, were buried on Lake Mungo’s shores. The planet’s oldest ritual burials, Mungo Lady was cremated, Mungo Man adorned with ochre. They represent the early emergence of human spiritual beliefs and provide a glimpse into the care provided to kin through Australia’s deep history. Along with fossil human footprints, they tell an incredible story of First Australians’ long history and led to the establishment of Mungo National Park.

You’ve seen it on a postcard, now come and see it for real. One of the most iconic views in Outback NSW, the Walls of China, where erosion has sculpted sand and clay into fragile yet imposing formations. Your guide will take you to view this natural wonder where you will be able to take some memorable photos.

Mungo National Park also hosts a variety of wildlife, whether it’s catching a view of some red kangaroos in their natural habitat or spotting a Wedge-tailed Eagle. Be sure to keep a good lookout on our drive back to Mildura in the late afternoon.

Overnight Mildura Grand Hotel – Executive Room

Departing Victoria, we fly north to Tibooburra in Western NSW. This tiny outback town was famous back in 1880 for the gold discovered nearby when the town had a population of 250. Today that has dropped to around 95, well, now 105 as we arrive for morning tea at the Hotel.

The Tibooburra Hotel was originally built in 1882 during the Australian Gold Rush & was constructed from locally quarried sandstone. Despite some recent challenges, the beloved Hotel still stands proudly today and offers a much-loved oasis in the harsh Australian Outback. Affectionately referred to as “The Two Storey”.  Featuring an assortment of recycled timbers & a sparkling display of Gold (and other treasures) embedded in the bar.

From one iconic town to another, our next flight leg is to the Queensland outback town of Birdsville where we will stop for lunch at the Birdsville Hotel. Ever since William Blair first built the Birdsville Hotel in 1884, it’s weathered sandstone walls have been a welcome refuge to travellers from across the globe. A destination in its own right, the pub has endured floods, fires, and even cyclones and stands as a symbol of the spirit and character of the outback.

Departing early afternoon we head to our next destination of Winton, Queensland. Flying over the Diamantina and Channel Country which feeds into Lake Eyre, you get a sense of the vastness of our Country. A short drive from the airport has you arriving at your accommodation perched high on a Mesa in the outback. Drinks on the deck overlooking the sunset are a great way to round of this day.

Overnight Rangelands Outback Camp – Luxury Ensuite Tent

As our tours operate at different dates each year and depending on your specific tour date you will be on one of the following tours as appropriate:

Tour 1. Today’s guided tour takes us to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, which has the largest collection of Australian dinosaur bones in the world. You will see real bones and professional animation to recreate the dinosaurs before your eyes. Your tour at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum includes the Laboratory, Collection Room, Dinosaur Canyon and March of the Titanosaurs.

Tour 2. Travel through rugged mesa country to see a snapshot of an ancient environment and dinosaur footprints from 95 million years ago. Your guided tour also includes a stop at the spectacular Merton Gorge located on a private cattle station. Join a tour of the Dinosaur Stampede at Lark Quarry with time to explore the spinifex walking track.

Both tours will have you back at your accommodation or in Winton in the early afternoon to enjoy the local area. If you choose to spend your afternoon in Winton, transfers are available back to Rangelands Outback Camp as required for drinks on the deck and your Chef-prepared evening meal.

Overnight Rangelands Outback Camp – Luxury Ensuite Tent

After a leisurely breakfast you will have the opportunity to visit the Waltzing Matilda Centre. If there is one song that lives in the heart of all Australians, it is “Waltzing Matilda” and you will be able to retrace the footsteps of Banjo Patterson as you hear the stories of this famous song, Winton and the Outback.

The Qantilda Museum is also a part of the centre, and these interactive displays tell the story and history of the Winton Shire, including the Great Shearers Strike of 1891, and the birth of QANTAS.

Departing Winton late morning we fly from the Outback to the Coast arriving at Shute Harbour, located just 10 km east from Airlie Beach, an area surrounded by the beautiful Conway National Park. Lunch is at the Hangar Café & Bar overlooking the airport runway nestled in a lush tropical valley just off the Whitsunday Islands.

The final flight of the tour takes us over the world-famous Heart Reef as well as Hamilton Island, Linderman, Brampton and Keswick Islands. It incredible to see this area from the air and the beaty in the surroundings.

As you may have come to understand, from the Islands off the coast of Australia to the remote outback locations to the coastal paradises, of 3 states we truly have had an All Encompassing Tour.