ISLANDS & ICONS OF REMOTE QUEENSLAND BY PRIVATE JET

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Overview
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Accommodation
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Itinerary
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Fares
A journey overview
- Sydney
- Brisbane
- Longreach
- Winton
- Mount Isa
- Normanton
- Horn Island
- Thursday Island
- Hayman Island
8 Days By Private Jet
- Departing:
- 19 Apr 2021 Sold Out
- 31 May 2021 Selling Fast
- 10 Jul 2021 Selling Fast
Free to explore once more, we set our sights on the northern reaches of our great southern land; our privately chartered aircraft seamlessly transporting us across an otherwise vast and unforgiving terrain. Accompanied by our fellow guests and Captain’s Choice hosts, we go in search of these remote outposts, tamed by the hands of pioneers.


Business Class Forays into the Outback, Made With Utmost Convenience
On a journey set aside for just 35 guests, and on a schedule determined by us, we take advantage of our privately chartered business class BAE-146 jet, touching down in remote regions largely unreachable by commercial airlines.


The Charms of Uniquely Australian Institutions
Immerse yourself in some of Australia’s formative cultural moments. While in Longreach, sit alongside landmark aircraft during a Welcome Dinner at the Qantas Founders Museum. At the Waltzing Matilda Centre in Winton, learn about the origins of Banjo Paterson’s famous song.
Photo: Tourism & Events Qld

Icons of Iron & Steel
Board the Gulflander train as it leaves Normanton for Critters Camp. Along the way, hear tales of the pioneers responsible for laying the tracks in the nineteenth century and admire the diversity of the landscape.
Photo: Tourism & Events Qld


A Wealth of Choice at The Tip and Beyond
From Horn Island, choose to take the ferry across to the Australian mainland’s northernmost point at ‘The Tip’. Alternatively, head to Friday Island and meet one of Queensland’s last remaining pearl farmers.
Photos: Tourism & Events Qld

Uncover Australian Military Strategy on its Northern Islands
A focus of air attacks during World War II, Horn Island reveals its stories at the Torres Strait Heritage Museum. On our April departure, we have the opportunity to attend Thursday Island’s Anzac Day service.

Taking Time to Appreciate Paradise In The Whitsundays
Our journey concludes before a backdrop of impossibly, crystal-clear waters on Hayman Island. A Farewell Dinner is arranged on a private beach, where palm trees and soft sands present us with a delightful ending to our Queensland adventure.
Photo: Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort
Accommodation

Saltbush Retreat, Longreach
The rustic décor of Saltbush Retreat provides the ideal stage for the beginning of our outback adventure. With a choice of Slab Huts and Homestead Stables, a cosy and relaxed atmosphere is guaranteed.

Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort
A luxurious haven in a tropical paradise, our spectacular resort’s location lets us fully absorb the stunning beauty of the Whitsundays. Our Lagoon Ocean View Rooms present us with private balconies looking out to Hayman Beach and the Coral Sea.
Photo: Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort
Itinerary
Tour Manager - Gordon Higman
Tour Doctor - Dr Julie Verran
Tour Doctor - Dr Ralph Levin
Sydney, Brisbane, Longreach
19 April & 10 July 2021: As Your Tour Manager, Gordon Higman Welcomes You On This Journey
19 April 2021: Your Accompanying Tour Doctor For This Journey Is Dr Julie Verran
10 July 2021: Your Accompanying Tour Doctor For This Journey Is Dr Ralph Levin
Our privately chartered, business class jet leaves Sydney and promptly delivers us to Longreach, 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.
Longreach
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.
Winton, Mount Isa
Our private jet is at the ready and spirits us away to nearby Winton. After touching down, we make our way to the Waltzing Matilda Centre, where 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. Following lunch, we depart again on our private jet for Mount Isa, in Queensland’s Gulf Country region. Here, we spend our first of two nights at the Red Earth Hotel.
Mount Isa
This morning, our travels bring us to Mount Isa School of the Air, a critical service which caters to the needs of children in some of Australia’s most isolated areas. We then scan the vast landscape of this proud mining town from atop the Mount Isa City Lookout. 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. After getting a closer look at the inner workings of Mount Isa Mines, we’re granted an exclusive opportunity to dine underground at Outback at Isa.
Normanton (April & May Departures), Horn Island, Thursday Island
Flying further north, guests on the July departure will make a beeline for Horn Island. Guests on the April and May departures will stop just short of the Gulf of Carpentaria to arrive in Normanton. Aboard the Gulflander train, follow tracks to Critters Camp, hearing tales of the pioneers who built the railway line. Our jet then delivers us to Horn Island in the Torres Strait, where guests on the May and July departure will retreat at Wongai Beach Hotel for two nights. Guests on the April departure, meanwhile, will board a ferry and make for neighbouring Thursday Island's, The Grand Hotel.
Thursday Island
Spend your day in one of two ways, with a Your World experience:
- Board a ferry and cross turquoise waters to Cape York. After taking in its tropical splendour, a convoy of 4WD vehicles will deliver you to ‘The Tip’, northernmost part of mainland Australia.
- April & July departures: Alternatively, take the short journey to neighbouring Friday Island, home to little more than ten people, including one of Queensland’s last pearl farmers. While here, enjoy a sushi and sashimi lunch, which features rare and delicious pearl meat.
Horn Island, Hayman Island
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. This evening’s Farewell Dinner takes place on a private beach; the relaxed setting a perfect spot to relive memorable moments with new-found friends. We retire to Lagoon Ocean View Rooms at the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort.
Hamilton Island, Brisbane, Sydney
Following breakfast, we cross the waters on our return to Hamilton Island. Re-joining our private jet, we continue our journey south and homeward bound. After saying our farewells to our friends in Brisbane, our final leg concludes late this afternoon in Sydney.
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