8 Day Iconic Pubs of Southern Qld & their History

Departing: Monday 28th October 2024

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Fitness Level: M – Easy / Moderate

Meals: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

DAY 1 - HERVEY BAY to STANTHORPE     (LD)

Monday 28th October:  We have a fabulous eight days ahead of us, visiting some iconic country pubs. No doubt, along the way, we’ll meet some real characters as we head out west. We are off to Warwick for lunch at the Criterion Hotel. Dinner tonight is at O’Mara’s Hotel. The hotel was built in 1910 and still has the “olde world charm” that made it a big part of Stanthorpe’s history.

Stay: The Vines Motel & Cottages, Stanthorpe

DAY 2 - STANTHORPE to GOONDIWINDI    (BLD)

Tuesday 29th October:   This morning make our way to the little town of Texas. On arrival visit the Texas Rabbit Works, which was a thriving industry when rabbits were in plague proportions throughout the district. The Texas community survived the great depression by trapping and selling rabbits for export to America and England. Then the friendly folk at the Stockman Hotel are waiting to greet us for lunch. Next, visit the Texas Heritage Centre and Tobacco Museum offering a fascinating insight into the interesting history of the local area. It’s time to farewell Texas and head to Goondiwindi. Dinner tonight is at the historic Victoria Hotel. What started out as a modest, single story wooden building with a shingle roof is now one of the most outstanding examples of architecture in Southern Queensland.

Stay: Jolly Swagman Motel, Goondiwindi

DAY 3 - GOONDIWINDI to ST GEORGE     (BLD)

Wednesday 30th October:   Before departing Goondiwindi, be joined on the coach by our local guide to show us around, including a stop at the Customs House Museum, a border customs point before Federation. This authentically restored building and its magnificent cottage garden has a colourful collection of mementos of yesteryear. Next, head to Thallon to see the incredible art painted on the towns towering grain silos. Then it’s time for lunch at the Nindigully Pub, Queensland’s oldest hotel located in its original condition and position on the banks of the Moonie River. Carry on to St George to view the Cotton Mural and the Transport Mural painted by well-known artist Kevin Taylor. This afternoon join Sandytown River Cruises for an enjoyable cruise on the Balonne River, taking in the magnificent river gums, landscape and birdlife before enjoying dinner back at the hotel.

Stay: Riverland Motor Inn, St George

DAY 4 - ST GEORGE to CHARLEVILLE    (BLD)

Thursday 31st October:  This morning make our way to Cunnamulla - made famous by the Slim Dusty song “The Cunnamulla Fella”. The township of Cunnamulla was created by Cobb & Co in 1879 when the first coach drove through from Bourke. Enjoy lunch at the Club Boutique Hotel. This pub has the unusual distinction of being rebuilt twice – once after a tornado in 1892 and again after a devastating fire in 1933. On both occasions it was restored to its former glory and continues to hold a prominent place in the town. This afternoon we visit the Cunnamulla Fella Centre and the Artesian Time Tunnel. The tunnel incorporates a simulation of an old mine lift which takes us back in time below ground and deep in the middle of ancient sandstone rocks that form part of the basin. Late afternoon we arrive in Charleville. 

Stay: Mulga Country Motor Inn, Charleville

DAY 5 - EXPLORING CHARLEVILLE     (BLD)

Friday 1st November:  Following breakfast, we meet our local guide who takes us on a town tour while explaining the fires, floods and pioneer history of this iconic town. Visit the remains of the WW2 top secret base established by the Americans in 1942. Step back in time with lunch at the iconic Hotel Corones, well known as one of the truly memorable hotels in the heart of the Outback. On our guided tour learn tales of Harry Corones and the hotel and delve behind the scenes. After lunch we visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre to gain an incredible insight into this iconic remote service. Late this afternoon we visit Charleville’s best-known attraction, the Cosmos Centre. The centre is an audio-visual extravaganza featuring hi-tech interactive displays that take you on an astronomical journey. We then return to the hotel for dinner.

Stay: Mulga Country Motor Inn, Charleville

DAY 6 - CHARLEVILLE to ROMA     (BLD)

Saturday 2nd November:  Following breakfast head to Mitchell, where a local guide steps on board for a town tour followed by lunch and some free time at the Visitor Centre. The option is available for anyone to take a soak in the Artesian Spa located within the complex. This afternoon take a look at the heritage listed Mt Abundance Homestead. Be greeted warmly by the owners before being led on an interesting tour and a pleasant afternoon tea on the veranda. It’s not far from here into Roma where we check into our motel for our final two nights.

Stay: Roma Explorer's Inn, Roma

DAY 7 - ROMA AND SURROUNDS     (BLD)

Sunday 3rd November:  On arrival in Surat we have arranged a fascinating visit to the Cobb & Co Changing Station Museum where we will be welcomed by a local volunteer. The Museum is built on the original site of the Cobb & Co Store and was once the drop off point for coach passengers and goods. Back in town we head to Roma’s Big Rig for lunch followed by a journey through time on a self-guided tour. Late afternoon we take our seats for the Sunset Experience. As the sun sets, be taken on a sound and light journey through the trials and tribulations of early industry men and women in Roma. Dinner tonight will be a short distance away at the White Bull Tavern.

Stay: Roma Explorer's Inn, Roma

DAY 8 - HEADING HOME     (BL)

Monday 4th November:  Sadly, our Classic Pubs tour has come to an end. We have an early morning start as we head for home. Lunch is at the Farmers Arms Hotel, Cabarlah. This is the oldest continually licensed pub in all of Queensland and will be a fitting location for us to have our final lunch together before heading home. Brisbane passengers arriving late afternoon and Hervey Bay passengers later this evening.

* All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times / days of some attractions.  We cannot be held responsible for changes due to closures or inclement weather.