Roma and Carnarvons Escape – in detail

Day 1

Welcome to Roma and outback orientation  [D] 

2pm Arrival. Join us to get the low-down on the area. We’ll visit The Big Rig to discover the history of the local oil and gas industry and you’ll meet your expert local eco guides who know the region from its big economic drivers to its smallest, protected creatures.

Enjoy dinner with your fellow small-group travellers, getting to know each other over the tastes of our local produce.

Day 2

Outback landscapes and cultural legacy [B,MT,L,D]

8.45am: We’ll pick you up from accommodation in Roma. We start the day with local history as we visit Walkabout Park and the Mandandanji display, followed by a visit to Lake Neverfill.

9.30am: Tuesday is sale day at the famous Roma Saleyards. The sights and sounds of thousands of cattle are something to behold and the bidding frenzy is fierce. Your grazier guide will help you understand the context of it all. Enjoy morning tea where the cattlemen eat to get a full sense of this iconic experience.

10.45am: Back on the bus we’ll see some of the highlights of Roma’s heritage and history before we leave the town for our visit to ‘Massey Downs’, a private cattle and cropping property that gives us privileged access to the historic landmark of Mt Abundance.

12.30pm: As we climb through Massey Downs, you’ll learn about the local history and the stories of the people who care for the land. Look out for the wildlife that inhabits the area.

1pm: At the top of Mt Abundance we’ll stop for lunch with a magnificent view of the surrounding plains. There are bottle trees here in their native habitat and one described and sketched by early explorer, Sir Thomas Mitchell.  We’ll take short walks in each direction to appreciate the views and to keep an eye out for native birds and marsupials. You might spot Wedge-Tailed Eagles, Mallee Ringnecks, Black Striped Wallabies and Wallaroos. A Lace Monitor or Burn’s Dragon might also appear.

2.30pm: On our way back down Mt Abundance we’ll take a a short easy walk to get to appreciate the native trees including Narrow-leaved Bottle Trees, the gorgeous Mountain Yapunah, Emu Apples, Butter Bush and Desert Limes. We’ll also listen for Silvereye, Variegated Fairy-wrens, Leaden Flycatchers and other bush birds.

3.30pm: We visit the welcoming homestead garden covering 6 hectares where owners Bruce and Darlene Johnson have created a fantastic example of a traditional outback country garden that also features vegetable gardens producing massive crops of bananas, watermelons, rockmelons and many other fruits and vegetables.

4.30pm: Just outside Roma, there’s another highlight with the Western Queensland Spirit distillery – an innovative attraction where Queensland botanicals and the imagination of local entrepreneurs have created a wonderful range of local gins for you to taste.

6pm: Dinner at the distillery featuring local produce followed by drop off at your accommodation.

Day 3

Lost World Carnarvons (Wallaroo) exclusive wilderness experience [B, L]

7am: After breakfast at your motel, we will pick you up for the 1.75 hour trip to Wallaroo Station in the Carnarvon Ranges. You’ll see outback scenery and pass through the town of Injune on the way.

8.45am Arrive at Wallaroo Station for an unforgettable guided exploration of Carnarvon Ranges. This is the Carnarvons few tourists see, as it’s protected in the 300-square-kilometre Wallaroo private property. Wallaroo is a working cattle station as well as a unique wonderland of sandstone rock formations and caves, hidden gorges and rich biodiversity where few people ever tread.

9.15am Our first stop is the fascinating ‘Axe Factory’ Aboriginal cultural site on the picturesque Dawson River where axes were ground on the flat rocks. It’s a picturesque place to enjoy our morning tea by the river, deep in the Australian bush.

From here we visit hidden Aboriginal rock art sites and caves and learn more about the First Nations people who left their mark on this land.

12.30pm As the winter sun warms up, the prehistoric Cycad Grove is a very pleasant place to enjoy our picnic lunch, have a wander and take photos of Arch Rock. (Please let us know your dietary requirements when you book).

After lunch there is still more to see with towering sandstone formations and the Rainbow Cave. Along the way, your guide will point out whatever wildlife crosses our path.

4pm The afternoon ends with refreshments and views of the Arcadia Valley hundreds of metres below.

6pm Arrive back in Roma for dinner at your motel.

Day 4

Welcome to Roma and outback orientation  [D] 

7am Have a light breakfast in your motel as there’s a country brunch waiting for you at Rosedale Orchards later.

8am Be ready for the mini-bus and our first stop this morning is The Farmer’s Forge, where you will see a demonstration of the traditional blacksmithing skills. We’ve arranged a 1-hour workshop where you will learn to craft your own keepsake.

9.30am The next highlight is Rosedale Orchards specialising in citrus fruits. Meet the friendly local producers and learn about their innovative practices, coaxing bountiful fruit from the outback landscape. They’ve arranged a brunch amongst the fruit trees for you where you can take your time over a generous spread.

12pm Return to Roma and make the most of the last afternoon to explore the boutique shops and sights like St Paul’s Anglican Church. Your guide will suggest some of the best local spots to visit. We can transfer you to your transport hub for your onward journey.

What you need to know

• Tours are subject to change.
• All tours are weather dependent and a contingency may be required. For tours that are held during storm and fire season, actual location may vary on the day according to prevailing conditions.
• Mobile phone coverage is limited in areas of the tour. Guides will carry first aid and remote communication equipment.
• Mornings may be cool, but the days can warm up to mid 20s during winter and high 30s during summer.
• Tour involves short walks (with various gradients) on uneven and rocky ground.
• Bush toileting may be required at some point of the Wallarroo day.

• Sense of adventure, good humour and questions
• Small day pack
  
• Full reusable water bottle
• Comfortable walking clothes and covered-in shoes

• Hat
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen
• Camera