6th - 14th JUNE 2017

with Scott McGregor, Chris Harding & special guest Tim Fischer AC

MEET YOUR TOUR LEADERS

OVERVIEW

Escape to North Queensland and enjoy exclusive private charters on the railways, roads and rivers from Cairns to the Gulf across Queensland’s wild Outback Savannah country. Here’s a rare opportunity to indulge in a gently paced week long adventure to North Queensland’s most intriguing destinations and natural wonders in the company of your hosts and a small size group. Your journey from the wet tropics to the Gulf of Carpentaria covers a variety of landscapes from the wide open gulf country with its snaking rivers and teeming wildlife across the numerous craggy ranges and lush agricultural tablelands. The destinations offer a snapshot of life in this remote part of Australia and everywhere we go the culture and rich history is bought to life by your tour leaders and the many local guides that will join us.Welcome aboard this character-filled tour, a rare opportunity to explore the many aspects of Far North Queensland on your very own iconic trains, boats and planes.

CAIRNS * CHILLIGOE * MT SURPRISE * COBBOLD GORGE * CROYDON * NORMANTON

WHY TRAVEL WITH US :• Small group size — with a maximum of 20 passengers you are guaranteed an intimate experience with less queuing time, more time

with your guide and better access to sightseeing spots• Unique Itineraries — each itinerary has been worked on meticulously by a team who has a number of years experience in each

destination. You are guaranteed to experience the best the destination has to offer• Local Authentic Experiences — whether it be a little known yet impressive steam railway or a small boutique property which will be a

tour highlight, know that you will experience something special on our tours• Expert Local Guides — our partners on the ground have in-depth knowledge and are professional and entertaining• Customer Satisfaction — Thousands have travelled with us in the past and 98% of those say they would travel with us again

Since serving in parliament, Tim has pursued bushwalking in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, served as National Chair of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and of Tourism Australia, and has maintained an active program of tours and travel. More recently he served as the Australian Ambassador to the Vatican. He has also written several books including Transcontinental Train Odyssey, Trains Unlimited in the 21st Century, Holy See, Unholy Me: 1000 Days in Rome—a revealing book about his time in the Vatican—and most recently, Maestro John Monash. Tim and Scott recently hosted the Italian Railway Odyssey, a sell-out tour from Switzerland to Sicily, and have also led a highly successful railway adventure tour together on the Viceroy Special around Sri Lanka and most recently the wonderful tour, Vienna to the Vatican.

Chris recently retired as the manager of the Railway Bookshop at Sydney’s Central Station.

He also spent many years with the steam operating company, 3801 Limited, and conducted tours of Sydney’s disused tunnels for the Australian Railway Historical Society. He is often called upon to talk about railway history on local radio.His early career with the Bank of New South Wales/Westpac Bank gave him the desire and opportunity to travel. Chris’ interest in Swiss narrow gauge railways began with his first trip there in 1974 and has grown ever since.

This tour follows his previously highly successful adventures to Switzerland in May 2014 and April 2015.

Involved in the media for over 30 years as an actor, presenter, writer and producer Scott has recently extended his many interests into the world of travel. Graduating from NIDA in 1979, he appeared in a wide range of stage, film and TV roles including the lead in the ABC’s epic mini-series 1915. He has presented and hosted numerous prime-time ratings winners including many years as the handyman on Better Homes and Gardens and Room For Improvement. He presented two series of his own, Railway Adventures for Channels 10 and 7 and a number of programs for The History Channel. After more than a decade leading tours he decided to establish Railway Adventures in 2012. He also owns and operates RUWENZORI—an Orient Express style tourist retreat on the Great Dividing Range near Mudgee. Queensland is a favourite destination for Scott and he has hosted many successful and acclaimed adventures over the years.

WEST bound Scott McGregor.

EAST bound Chris Harding, TIM FISHER AC

Tim Will Be On The West Bound Tour As Far As Cobbold And Return On The East Bound

Tour To Cairns

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:• Exclusive travel on a 2-day private charter of the legendary Savannahlander train from Cairns to Forsyth (or Forsyth to Cairns)• Private charter of the iconic Gulflander train on part of the Croydon to Normanton line• Privately chartered plane flight over the Gulf and wide Savannah country • Guided excursions at Chilligoe caves, Undarra Lava Tubes, Cobbold Gorge and Karumba• Special sunset sand island soiree, boat trip and dinner in the Gulf• 2 nights at the wonderful Cobbold Gorge resort• All meals including welcome and farewell dinners with drinks and a special mid tour Railway Adventures feast with your hosts

and both groups of travellers on McDonald’s Deck at Cobbold Gorge.

WHERE YOU WILL STAY:The properties we have selected have been hand-picked based on their location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Here’s some of what you can expect on this tour:

HOW YOU WILL TRAVEL:Being rail enthusiasts we know that the journey itself is often more important than the destination. On this journey you will experience a variety of travel methods from air, water. Here is an example of what you will experience:

Cobbold Gorge Resort, Cobbold Gorge DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Cairns

End of The Road Motel Bedrock Village, Mt Surprise

The Gulflander The Savannahlander Rex Charter to the Gulf

East Bound TOUR 1 Lead by CHRIS HARDING with special guest the

Hon Tim Fischer AC for half the journey

DAY 1: Wed 7 June - ARRIVEUpon arrival at Cairns airport make your way to the hotel and settle in for the evening. Meet Scott and Tim and your fellow travellers for a celebratory welcome dinner in the heart of Cairns popular Esplanade.Overnight: Hotel Cairns (D)

DAY 2: Thurs 8 June - CAIRNS-CHILLAGOEAfter breakfast in the hotel we transfer to Cairns railway station for the start of our adventure by rail on the famous Savannahlander. Our private charter of this train will take you on a gentle 3 day journey out into the heartland of the Queensland Outback. Our train ascends the Barron Gorge and through the rainforest past Kuranda. Then we motor across the rich faming country of the Atherton Tableland leading up to our next range of mountains at Lappa. At lunchtime we arrive at the junction village of Almaden where the branch line meets the main line. The pub across the road manages a fine feed before we then continue by coach out through the sculptured landscapes to Chilligoe. You have time to freshen up at the lodge before being treated to a magnificent caves tour, exploring the rich labyrinths with our local guide. We then head up to the ruins of old Smelter and the lookout where we enjoy sunset drinks overlooking the region. A hearty dinner is hosted back at the lodge in the licenced open restaurant.Overnight: Chillagoe Eco lodge, Guesthouse or Chillagoe Cabins (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Fri 9 June - CHILLAGOE- MT SURPRISEAfter a bush breakfast we transfer back to our train to continue the journey another few hours into the heart of the Savannah country past crazy granite boulder country, wide seasonal creeks and rivers and onto the bush Oasis of Mt Surprise. Lunch is offered just across from the station at the Bedrock Village after which your excursion of the astounding Undarra Lava tubes begins.

The Lava Tubes are giant volcanic caverns and are the oldest in Australia and the longest on Earth. At sunset head back to Mt Surprise and after a hearty roast dinner you can wander over to the character-filled pub or settle in for some entertainment around the campfire at the village.Overnight: Bedrock Village, Mount Surprise (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Sat 10 June - MT SURPRISE-FORSAYTH-COBBOLDOur easy day of travel begins after our lavish bush breakfast at the village before wandering over to the railway station for our 9.30am departure on the final leg of our Savannahlander journey west travelling up and over the Gregory Range. We will enjoy a morning tea at Einasleigh pub where you can check out publican Alan’s great collection of miniatures and hot rods and take a walk across to the craggy Copperfield Gorge just across from the pub. The journey continues up and over the Newcastle Range, the highest point on the line, and then on through the deep gorge to the village of Forsayth, the end of the line for our railway journey on the Savannahlander. Across the road from the station is Finnigan’s Rest where lunch is provided before we are transferred an hour down the road to Robin Hood Station, home of the Terry family and the location of Cobbold, our great outback resort. Dinner this evening is a grand affair as the other Railway Adventures group who are travelling in the opposite direction are also in the resort this night. We get a chance to chat, share notes and bond with our other fellow travellers and hear some stories from our hosts and special guest Tim Fischer! Overnight: Cobbold (B, L, D)

WEST BounD tour 2 Lead by SCOTT MCGREGOR with special guest the Hon

Tim Fischer AC for half the journey

DAY 1: Tues 6 June - ARRIVE Upon arrival at Cairns airport make your way to the hotel and

settle in for the evening. Meet Scott, Chris and Tim and your fellow travellers for a celebratory welcome dinner in the heart of Cairns popular Esplanade. Overnight: Hotels Cairns, Cairns (D)

DAY 2: Wed 7 June - CAIRNS-NORMANTONEnjoy an easy morning before we transfer to Cairns airport for our late morning chartered plane flight out over the Savannah country and the gulf to Normanton. On arrival we soak up the atmosphere of this remote town with an introductory town tour looking at the old

Jetty and numerous historic buildings before settling into a lunch on the deck of the old Albion Hotel. Afterwards we transfer to Karumba and settle into our accommodation and freshen up before regrouping in the evening to board our boat for the Sand Island Sunset Dinner. Watch the sky and Arafura Sea turn to fire while relaxing on Sand Island with a dinner of Gulf Mudcrab, Banana Prawns, a specialty fish dish, tropical fruit platters, ice cold beers, wine and soft drinks. A nightcap at the tropical waterside watering hole of the Sunset Tavern is a local pastime which may be just the ticket to settle the dust from your first days travel.

Overnight: Chillagoe Eco lodge, Guesthouse or Chillagoe Cabins (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Thurs 8 June - KARUMBA-CROYDONToday will begin with a late check out, followed by a tour of the Karumba Barramundi centre and town. Lunch will be hosted at the Tavern and in the early afternoon we head into Normanton to meet up with the Gulflander and explore the wonders at the old station,

depot and museum. All aboard the train for a run along part of the historic railway toward Croydon, getting a taste for the character of this classic train and the stories of its continued survival over the

last almost 130 years. We then continue the rest of the journey by coach to Croydon where you have time to explore the Heritage Centre and the wonderful old general store, recognised as one of Australia’s most authentic. Your day will be capped off with a hearty pub dinner in the classic old Club Hotel.

Overnight: Croydon Park Cabins, (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Fri 9 June - CROYDON-COBBOLDYour easy morning allows more time to relax and explore the town. Late morning we then travel by bus down the Savannah Way

through George town and onto Forsayth where lunch is provided at the aptly named Finnigans Rest Hotel. Later we continue an hour

down the road to Robin Hood Station, home of the Terry family and the location of Cobbold, our great outback resort for the next 2 nights. You may wish to take an optional Helicopter flight over the district, go for a bush walk or just lounge by the pool.Overnight: Cobbold (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Sat 10 June - COBBOLD GORGEToday is a day set aside to enjoy the many aspects of the Station,

resort and Gorge park.First up we gather for a morning tour and cruise of Cobbold Gorge. Custom-made electric-powered boats glide through the spectacularly sculptured gorge walls in almost eerie silence, ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife. There’s every chance of seeing one of the large population of resident freshwater crocodiles!By all-terrain vehicle we will then head to Robin hood station, supposedly named because it adjoined the Sherwood mining lease – a 1284 square kilometre cattle grazing property run by third generation cattlemen, Simon Terry & his wife Gaye. Visit the cattle yards, dams and outbuildings while your guide offers rare insights to the cattle grazing industry. Relax over a traditional outback smoko before testing your fishing skills against the elusive North Queensland Barramundi-the legendary fighting fish.Dinner this evening is a grand affair as the other Railway Adventures group who are travelling in the opposite direction

are also in the resort this night. We get a chance to chat, share notes and bond with our other fellow travellers and hear some stories from our hosts and special guest Tim Fischer! Overnight: Cobbold (B, L, D)

The Savannahlander

Chillagoe Cairns

Karumba

Mt Surprise

Kuranda

Normanton

ForsaythCroydon

Cobbold Gorge

CoachPlaneTrainBoat

Normanton

Karumba

DAY 5: Sun 11 June- COBBOLDToday is a day set aside to enjoy the many aspects of the Station, resort and Gorge Park.First up we gather for a morning tour and cruise of Cobbold Gorge. Custom-made electric-powered boats glide through the spectacularly sculptured gorge walls in almost eerie silence, ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife. There’s every chance of seeing one of the large population of resident freshwater crocodiles!By all-terrain vehicle we will then head to Robin hood station, supposedly named because it adjoined the Sherwood mining lease – a 1284 square kilometre cattle grazing property run by third generation cattlemen, Simon Terry & his wife Gaye. Visit the cattle yards, dams and outbuildings while your guide offers rare insights to the cattle grazing industry. Relax over a traditional outback smoko before testing your fishing skills against the elusive North Queensland Barramundi-the legendary fighting fish.Optional Helicopter rides are also offered affording stunning views over the district(own expense)Back at the ‘McDonald Deck’ restaurant we settle in for another evening and dinner and soak up the atmosphere of this wild and remote location.Overnight: Cobbold (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Mon 12 June - COBBOLD-CROYDONAn easy morning greets the day and we begin our journey onto Croydon, through Georgetown and down the Savannah Way.Upon arrival we head to the General Store for a lazy lunch on the back deck of what is one of Australia’s most authentic old country stores, almost unchanged from it’s heyday in the 1890’s. The town also has a wonderful heritage precint and of course, a grand old country pub, The Club, where our dinner this evening is laid on. Overnight: Croydon Park Cabins, (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Tues 13 June - CROYDON-KARUMBAAfter breakfast we will transfer along the historic Croydon to Normanton Railways to meet with the famous Gulflander - a legend in these parts. Also known as the Tin Hare, the old railmotor has traversed the never-connected line between Normanton and Croydon for decades.We get to ride the rails on this old workhorse and then explore the wonderful station museum and depot. We also explore Normanton and enjoy Lunch on the deck of the old Albion Hotel. Afterwards we head out to Karumba, on the shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria, to check into our accommodation and freshen up. This evening we embark on a Sand Island Sunset Dinner. Watch the sky and Arafura Sea turn to fire while relaxing on Sand Island with a dinner of Gulf Mudcrab, Banana Prawns, a specialty fish dish, tropical fruit platters, ice cold beers, wine and soft drinks. A fitting finali to our adventure which is likely to continue back at the tropical Sunset Tavern right on the water’s edge.Overnight: End of the Road Motel, Karumba (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Wed 14 June - NORMANTON-CAIRNS-SYDNEYAfter breakfast we head back to Normanton to connect with our charter flight taking you back to Cairns, in time for afternoon flights home or perhaps more adventures on the tropical coast.

DAY 6: Sun 11 June - COBBOLD-MT SURPRISEAfter a hearty breakfast we depart for Forsayth where we meet the legendary Savannahlander for our gentle 3 day journey to Cairns. Once aboard your private charter of this classic ‘1950’s Silver Bullet’ settle in and enjoy the journey as we traverse the Gorge and climb up and over the Newcastle Range, the higest point on the line. Morning tea is hosted at the Einasleigh pub where you can check out publican Alan’s great collection of miniatures and hot rods and take a walk across to the craggy Copperfield Gorge just across the road. The train continues across the Savannah and onto the bush Oasis of Mt Surprise. Lunch is offered just across from the station at the Bedrock Village after which your excursion of the astounding Undarra Lava tubes begins. The Lava Tubes are giant volcanic caverns and are the oldest in Australia and the longest on Earth. At sunset head back to Mt Surprise and after a hearty roast dinner you can wander over to the character-filled pub or settle in for some entertainment around the campfire at the village.Overnight: Bedrock Village, Mount Surprise (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Mon 12 June - MT SURPRISE-CHILLAGOEAfter a hearty bush breakfast we wander over to our train to continue the journey over the Lappa Range past crazy granite boulder country, wide seasonal creeks and rivers and onto the junction village of Almaden where the branch line meets the main line. The pub across the road manages a fine feed before we then continue by coach out through the sculptured landscapes to Chilligoe. You have time to freshen up at the lodge before being

treated to a magnificent caves tour, exploring the rich labyrinths with our local guide. We then head up to the ruins of the old Smelter and the lookout where we enjoy sunset drinks overlooking the region. A hearty dinner is hosted back at the lodge in the licenced open restaurant.Overnight: Chillagoe Eco lodge, Guesthouse or Chillagoe Cabins (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Tues 13 June - CHILLAGOE-CAIRNSThis morning we head back to Almaden, and board our train for the last leg of the journey. Down the range and across the Atherton Tableland through towns like Mareeba, Dimbulah and Kurranda. The journey down the Barron Gorge to the coast is one of the most spectacular lines in the country. Upon arrival in Cairns we say goodbye to the train and our crew and transfer to our hotel for the evening.To cap off our wonderful adventure together we enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner. Overnight: Cairns (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Wed 14 June - DEPART CAIRNSThe tour concludes after breakfast and we farewell our fellow travelers and hosts, take a flight home or embark on more adventures in Queensland’s wonderful tropics.

INCLUSIONS:• Accommodation in comfortable cabins, hotels and motels• All meals as specified in the program • Drinks included with welcome and farewell dinners, • Exclusive charter of the Savannahlander, Gulflander

and Pel-Air Saab Aircraft to Normanton• All other transport as mentioned in the itinerary• Comprehensive sightseeing with expert local guides• All excursions and entrance fees to attractions listed

in the itinerary

EXCLUSIONS:• Flights to and from Cairns • Airport transfers on arrival and departure• Meals and services not mentioned in itinerary • All other personal expenses such as drinks, phone

calls, laundry services, camera fees where applicable• Excursions listed as optional and extra in the

brochure

TOUR PRICESPer person twin shareEAST BOUND ............................................................ $4985WEST BOUND ........................................................... $5295

Sole room useEAST BOUND .............................................................. $485WEST BOUND ............................................................. $525

Deposit ........................................................................ $500

SUGGESTED FLIGHTSWe have recommended flights for this itinerary depending on your departure point from Australia and your pre and post tour activities and / or stopovers en route. We can investigate your preferred airline and offer you a solution based on connection times and price. Contact 1300 733 323 to discuss your options.

TOUR PACE / LEVEL OF FITNESS:Our itineraries are designed to make the most of what’s available along the way so a reasonable amount of activity is built into most days, which is why we call them adventures. Our philosophy is to offer the most of a destination leaving you, the guest, to pace yourselves and choose how much or how little you may like to do. We do incorporate some free time for exploration and relaxation on your own and time at leisure peppered throughout the tour.

A reasonable level of fitness is required for most of our tours. Being able to manage your own luggage, get on and off all manner of trains, various amounts of walking, standing and climbing steps and stairs are all part of our adventures. Please talk to the team if you are unsure of your ability to participate or need more detail about what’s involved. Our tour to Queensland is rated as a gentle adventure tour.

Chartered Plane to the Gulf

Undara Lava tubes

HOW TO BOOKContact Guidepost Tours on 1300 733 323 or enquiries@guidepost-travel.com for a booking form. Submit the booking form along with your $500pp deposit to secure your place on tour.

DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGEWe endeavour to have all details of our tours correct at the time of printing however sometimes factors beyond our control such as the availability of requested hotels, the operation of trains and other services affect the final inclusions and price. Therefore items mentioned in the brochure such as quoted prices, hotels and inclusions are subject to change.

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTSWe can assist you with your flights, pre- and post-travel including extended stays and travel insurance. Call our office on 1300 733 323 if you would like to discuss options.

YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTATIONFinal travel documentation will be posted to you approximately 2 weeks prior to tour commencement.

TERMS AND CONDITIONSFor more information on factors that affect your ability to participate in the tour such as fitness levels, fees and charges, payment schedules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions that accompany the booking form. Terms and Conditions can also be requested at any time.

KEEP UP TO DATEWant to be kept up to date with the latest tour news and testimonials? Just send your email address to enquiries@guidepost-travel.com.au and we will add you to our list of fellow rail enthusiasts who receive our regular e-newsletter.

This tour is operated by Guidepost Tours, a division of SCT Travel Group in conjunction with Scott McGregor’s Railway Adventures T/A Lic. No. 2TA5895