All aboard the Spirit of the Outback

If you’ve ever had a hankering to head west, then you might be surprised to learn that summer is a great time to explore Queensland’s Outback.

That’s because Queensland Rail Travel is offering some very cool summer deals on their western rail services – including the iconic Spirit of the Outback.

And while there’s no denying that an Outback summer can get pretty warm, there are plenty of reasons why the warmer months are a crackerjack option for savvy travellers.

For a start, longer summer days mean more daylight hours to explore amazing attractions like Longreach’s Qantas Founders Museum; the School of the Air; and the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame. Add to that Winton’s Waltzing Matilda Museum and Ilfracombe’s classic Wellshot Hotel – and you’ll agree there are a heap of tourist drawcards that come with the added bonus of frosty air conditioning or cold beers!

In the afternoon, the Outback sun loses a bit of its bite – so it’s the perfect time to hop on board Outback Aussie Tours’ Drovers Sunset Cruise on the mighty Thompson River. Settle back with a drink and watch the day melt away into a mild summer night.  The cruise finishes on the banks of the Thompson with a barbecue dinner and live show under about a billion stars.

If you’re staying in Longreach, Saltbush Retreat is a great combination of traditional colonial character with all the mod cons – like air conditioning, swimming pool and even an outdoor bath terrace.

Head to Queensland Rail Travel’s website to check out three great summer fare deals.