1 April – 8 April 2018
Join Bluedog Photography into the Outback: an ancient land filled with nostalgia, fantastic characters and never-ending skies.
Danielle Lancaster will take you on a journey to places and faces in her beloved Outback Queensland on this tour designed specifically for photographers and partners.
All you need to pack is your camera gear for this tour is a fully catered: each night our beds are made and all our meals prepared. Every person receives two allocated seats for comfort on our tour vehicle. We stay at the iconic Birdsville Hotel, do star trails, meet genuine characters and you’ll receive expertise photographic advice along with knowledge of the outback, in a small intimate group and much more…
Please see below for price, itinerary, inclusions, what to bring, travel and more.
‘I had the time of my life on my first Blue Dog Outback Tour. From start to finish the professionalism, pride and dedication of the Bluedog shone through thus making the tour such a memorable one. The memories will live on forever.’ Kath M
Highlights include
Exploring the outback desert landscapes of the Channel Country and Simpson Desert. Visiting the award winning Australian Age of Dinosaurs, dinner on a jumpup, river cruise and the opportunity to experience Outback hospitality in Birdsville, Windorah, Boulia, Winton and Longreach and meet unforgettable characters along the way. We plan for you to experience sunset across the Simpson Desert, capture star trails and meet the characters of the outback.
You receive personal photography advice so you capture images you will be proud of. This small group tour is aimed for you to take more away than just visiting a fantastic location. This is a unique opportunity to travel and photograph a magic landscape and meet real outback people.
Prices
Twin Share: $5189.00 AUD Single: $5394.00 AUD
Triple is available on request.
Prices include: all meals unless stated, accommodation, entries fees to attractions as planned, transfers for those travelling by rail or air to and from accommodation in Longreach, E-pack with notes and information, a 4GB USB, one-on-one tuition; constructive feedback and an opportunity to capture images in a truly stunning environment. Just bring your camera gear and clothes.
Non-photography partners are welcome.
All prices are based from Longreach, Queensland and are dependent on numbers of min 10 to travel with your tutor Danielle.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary below: B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = Dinner
Travel Arrangements:
All bookings are made by Outback Aussie Tours
Licence Number: 1683
For more information on the photography and tour details
Call +0428 713 310 or email info@blue-dog.com.au
‘This was an amazing experience, I can’t thank you all enough.’ Mary K.
‘I loved the Outback Adventure and look forward to doing more trips with Bluedog.’ Sue N.
“I was interested to learn more about the outback and that I did, I still can’t believe the opportunities we had. Danielle and Mim gave us lots of information. And of course the photography advice and assistance. I got my bucket list shot! Thank you!!‘ Tim R.
Outback Desert Photographic Odyssey Example Itinerary
Day 1: Monday 1 April (D)
Arrive Longreach via Qantas Link or the Spirit of the Outback rail journey – we’ll be there to welcome you and transport you to our accommodation. Rest or explore Longreach (see ‘Our Things to do in Longreach’ Facts supplied to those joining us). Enjoy a welcome dinner and tour briefing at your motel.
Overnight Longreach
Day 2: Tuesday 2 April (B, L, D)
We travel to Winton this morning with a visit to the tranquil Lilly Lagoon along the way. Arrive Winton and explore this historic town: Arno’s Wall, the famous pubs including the North Gregory where Banjo Patterson is said to have first recited Waltzing Matilda, opal dealers and quaint country shops filled with characters such as Searles. You’ll have time to explore the Waltzing Matilda Centre, the only museum in the world dedicated to a song (optional cost) before lunch and check-in.
Early afternoon we travel the majestic mesas of Winton to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs for a tour (included) to discover unique Australian dinosaurs and the splendour of the jump-up country. Our tour includes a visit to the of the collection room and laboratory. We’ll take in the sunset before a sumptuous deluxe barbecue from the spectacular ‘jump-up’ overlooking the amazing outback landscape in this exclusive location.
Overnight Winton
Day 3: Wednesday 3 April (B, L, D)
Enjoy a sunrise shoot at Rangelands where the amazing rock formations are well worth the early rise. After breakfast we depart for Boulia, the vast timeless landscape of the majestic mesas set amongst the open pebbly plains at the Cawnpore Lookout, a landscape only found in 2 places on earth. Moving onto the Middleton Hotel, we catch up with the locals for lunch. Enjoy a yarn about life amongst the famous Min Min country. In the afternoon we explore Boulia including its historic stone house with time to discover the Min Min Encounter (optional), learning the story surrounding the myth of the mysterious Min Min Lights before meeting for sunset at Boulia’s famous huge windmill. Overnight Boulia.
This morning depart for Boulia, traversing the vast timeless landscape of the Woodstock and Lilyvale Hills set amongst the open pebbly plains, enjoy Cawnpore Lookout, a landscape only found in 2 places on earth. Enjoy the character and old Cobb & Co charm of the Middleton Hotel where we catch up with the locals. Mid afternoon soak up the yarns about the myth of the mysterious and famous Min Min Lights, also time to explore Boulia’s historic stone house and set up the famous windmill sunset shot.
Overnight Boulia
Day 4: Thursday 5 April (B, L, D)
Departing Boulia for Birdsville amongst some of the toughest country in the heart of the Lake Eyre Basin, one fifth of Australia’s land mass. Travel across the vast Cuttaburra flood plain and onto Bedourie for lunch. We’ll see ancient Waddi Trees found in only 3 places on the planet. The species is so old it has survived since the ice age. Plus we’ll and stop for other photo opportunities along the road and from lookouts.
Arrive Birdsville by mid-afternoon to check into the Birdsville Hotel. We head out for happy hour on the amazing red dunes on the edge of the Simpson Desert National Park. Be a part of the experience and feel the very soul of Australia as the sun goes down over the heart of the Outback. Back to the Birdsville Hotel for dinner.
Overnight Birdsville
Day 5: Friday 6 April (B, L, D)
Enjoy an easy morning discovering the icons of Birdsville with us. Check out the Burke and Wills Tree on the Diamantina River, visit the famous Birdsville Racetrack, we head to the border of South Australia and Queensland where you are officially on the Birdsville Track before heading to the Wirrari Centre. Lunch at the Birdsville Hotel. Mid-afternoon we head to Carcoory Ruins for a night shoot of the amazing outback sky.
Overnight Birdsville
Day 6: Saturday 7 April (B, L, D)
Morning at leisure. Explore the town of Birdsville at sunrise: there’s the ruins of the old hotel once also the Inland Hospital, the billabong with birdlife, the hydro bore and other attractions all in walking distance to the hotel.
We are planning a portrait shoot of a local if it can be arranged.
After lunch enjoy some leisure time to focus on tracking down that iconic Birdsville image or take a break. Enjoy happy hour at the Birdsville Hotel where the locals come together with a chance to meet a whole lot of characters. After dinner we wrap up the essence of Birdsville with a Royal Flying Doctor Auction at the Birdsville Hotel.
Overnight Birdsville
Day 7: Sunday 8 April (B, L, D)
This morning depart for Windorah. Follow the incredible sand dunes and gibber country to the old abandoned Betoota Hotel and Deon’s Lookout for spectacular views of the Diamantina Shire. Take in sunset on the dunes outside Windorah.
Overnight Windorah
Day 8: Monday 9 April (B, L, D)
Today we travel northeast alongside the mighty Thomson River towards Longreach, via Stonehenge and Jundah. This evening soak up a spectacular outback sunset with the Drover’s Sunset Cruise. Sit back and be charmed by our outback entertainers and savour the traditional flavours of our camp oven inspired modern cuisine.
Overnight Longreach
Day 9: Tuesday 10 April (B)
Depart Longreach for your transfer home after a journey of a lifetime in Outback Queensland.
Bluedog and Outback Ausie Tours reserves the right to change the proposed itinerary if necessary.
Getting to Longreach
Fly
Qantas Link fly direct from Brisbane to Longreach
Most other domestic and international carriers fly into Brisbane.
For more visit: www.qantas.com.au
Rail
“The Spirit of the Outback”
An overnight (24 hour) journey over 1325 kilometers.
Runs twice weekly.
For more visit: www.railaustralia.com.au
Drive
Longreach is on the junction of the Capricorn and Matilda Highways approximately a 13 hour drive from Brisbane, Queensland.
For more visit: Queensland Tourism
What to bring – camera gear
Camera, manual and tripod;
Lockable cable release or remote;
Polariser filter;
2 batteries and charger;
Computer or back up medium;
Water bottle
What to bring – personal items
Daypack, long trousers, shorts, shirts, hat, closed in walking shoes, sunglasses, raincoat, umbrella, toiletries, swim wear, towel, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, money for personal spending and meals not included.
More Info:
About Danielle Lancaster
Outback Aussie Tours
Queensland Holidays
