Joining a small group of likeminded travellers, make your four wheel drive foray through lush, ancient forests and into the harsh, forgotten worlds of Australian history.
Your experiential journey along restricted access roads transports you from the primordial remnants of the Eubenangee Swamp, through the romantic castle ruins of Paronella Park Heritage Gardens, to the unforgiving outback setting of the frantic Hodgkinson gold rushes and Tyrconnell mine.
Tantalise your senses on this journey of contrasts between the verdant vistas of the rainforest, the charming backdrop of yesteryear and the wide, sweeping landscapes of the outback.
Day 1: Cairns to Yungaburra
Our small, intimate party heads south through sugar cane country, engrossed in the area’s history, as the scene is set for three days of magnificent touring. We encounter wetlands of the Eubenangee Swamp, the remnants of a bygone era. You may espy a resident saltwater crocodile in this superior bird watching region. We make a magical detour to the Spanish ruins of Paronella Park Heritage Gardens and explore the restored castles and tropical rainforest surrounds. After lunch, we embark on a guided rainforest trail encompassing Douglas Creek and Nandroya Falls, the most spectacular, accessible waterfall in the Wooroonooran National Park. At today’s close, we retire to Allumbah Pocket Cottages, luxury overnight accommodation nestled in the village of Yungaburra. Unwind in the warm country charm and choose one of several quality restaurants to sample the freshest fare of the Atherton Tablelands. (LD) Beverages excluded. Accommodation at Allumbah Pocket Cottages.
Day 2: Yungaburra to Tyrconnell Gold Mine
Today’s journey encompasses an amazing diversity of landscape and environment. After a hearty, country-style breakfast, we begin our voyage along an old logging trail. The restricted access, four wheel drive road winds its way through spectacular rainforest and sclerophyll forests, to the edge of the Australian Outback with a unique opportunity to explore any facet of this landscape. Further west in the harsh terrain, we encounter the infamous Hodgkinson Gold Field, an area steeped in historical significance. 120 years ago these tree studded hills were home to 10,000 people, all scrambling for gold. Tyrconnell Gold Mine was the most famous of the mines and the painstaking restoration of Tyrconnell provides a wonderful insight into the life of the Outback Queensland goldfields. On our evening tour through Thornborough cemetery, we are thrilled by the tragic, poignant and often amusing tales of 8 early settlers. The day culminates in a relaxed evening meal and overnight accommodation in the charmingly restored, authentic outback cottages of Tyrconnell Gold Mine. (BLD) Beverages excluded. Accommodation – Tyrconnell Gold Mine
Day 3: Tyrconnell Gold Mine to Cairns
We are greeted by a glorious Outback vista this morning as we begin our mine tour. Enjoy a lively discussion about the fascinating history of the area and gold mine. We take a guided walk of the site before igniting the rare 120 year old quartz crushing machine for a demonstration of how gold was extracted. After a leisurely morning exploring the property and lunch, we are homeward bound. A brief visit to a Mt Molloy pub, showcases true outback hospitality. We will farewell you at your accommodation late this afternoon. (BL) Beverages excluded.
Inclusions
- Lunch on all 3 days
- Twin share accommodation and breakfast at Allumbah Cottages in Yungaburra. Dinner in Yungaburra.
- Twin share accommodation and breakfast at Tyrconnel Gold Mine. Dinner at Tyrconnel.
- All National Parks and Wildlife entry fees
- Entrance to Paronella Park
- Cemetery Tour of Tyrconnel Gold Mine
- Tyrconnel Gold Mine guided tour
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