ISLANDS & ICONS OF REMOTE QUEENSLAND BY PRIVATE JET

Our privately chartered, business class jet leaves Sydney, before momentarily pausing in Brisbane. We are then promptly delivered to Longreach, occupying its place in the heart of Queensland’s outback country. On arrival, we take in the sights of this iconic town, before checking in to our boutique outback lodge, Saltbush Retreat. Afterwards, delve into the history of our flag carrier at the Qantas Founders Outback Museum, where aviation enthusiasts will appreciate its historic collection of aircraft. It is here that we celebrate the commencement of our journey with a Welcome Dinner.

Our first stop today is the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, which pays tribute to the hardy men and women who settled the Outback. This afternoon, we take our preferred positions aboard a twin-decked watercraft and head out on the Thomson River for a sunset cruise. As the sun’s rays disappear over the horizon, our vessel docks and we settle in at Smithy’s Outback Dinner & Show. While enjoying dinner under the stars, we are entertained by an evening of song, dance and the occasional bush yarn. 

Our private jet is at the ready and spirits us away to nearby Winton. After touching down, we visit the fascinating Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum for a tour and lunch, before making our way to the Waltzing Matilda Centre. Here, we go on an in-depth exploration of the song which embodies the Australian spirit. The centre incorporates the Qantilda Pioneer Place Museum, which celebrates the town’s founders. We then depart again on our private jet for Mount Isa, in Queensland’s Gulf Country region. Here, we spend our first of two nights at either the Red Earth Hotel or Isa Hotel. 

Our travels bring us to Mount Isa’s Underground Hospital and Tent House. We then scan the landscape from atop the Mount Isa City Lookout, spying the region’s famous copper mines. Nearby Lake Moondarra provides a peaceful setting in which to observe various breeds of waterbird, including the Black-fronted Dotterel and the Black-necked Stork. We then discover how tunnels are formed deep beneath the earth’s surface, as we get up close to machinery in a former section of a working mine at Outback at Isa. 

Reaching beyond the mainland, our jet delivers us to Horn Island in the Torres Strait. Boarding a ferry, our travels take us to neighbouring Thursday Island. We explore its historic main street, which drew workers from all over Asia, seeking their fortune in the pearling industry. Returning to Horn Island, we check in to Wongai Beach Hotel, for the first of our two nights here.

Choose to spend your day in one of two ways. From our base on Horn Island, climb aboard a chartered light plane and cross turquoise waters to Cape York. After taking in its tropical splendour, a convoy of 4WD vehicles will deliver you to ‘The Tip’, the northernmost part of mainland Australia. Alternatively, take the short journey to neighbouring Friday Island, home to one of Queensland’s last pearl farmers. From Friday Island, board a water taxi to Thursday Island and enjoy lunch at Torres Hotel, Australia’s most northerly pub. A ferry then returns you to Horn Island, where our group reconvenes this evening for dinner at our hotel. 

Horn Island was an operational airbase during World War II and we visit its aircraft wrecks, trenches and command posts. Commencing our gradual journey southward, we fly to Hamilton Island. On arrival, we transfer to our luxury vessel and cruise the Whitsundays to Hayman Island. The afternoon is yours to soak up this remote, tropical paradise. Following dinner at one of our resort’s restaurants, retire to Lagoon Ocean View Rooms at the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort.

With a full day to enjoy Hayman Island, choose your preferred way to spend the morning. Indulge yourself with a massage in our resort’s spa. Join a fishing charter and cruise the Whitsunday Islands. Or enjoy the sounds of cockatoos and kookaburras, as you meander along a path through the island’s native flora. After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to explore on your own schedule. This evening’s Farewell Dinner takes place at Amici Trattoria; its relaxed setting a perfect spot to relive memorable moments with new-found friends.