~ Services ~


	Itinerary 2 National Parks - Southern
	National Parks in the Central West provide the visitor with the opportunity to explore the various ecosystems of the region. These include mulga, gidyea, spinifex, sand dunes, Mitchell grass and riparian (river) habitats. Take the time in the mornings and evenings to watch quietly for the numerous marsupials and birds in these areas. National Parks camping fees are $3.50/person/night. You will need to contact each park before you leave or the central office in Longreach. Contact information available from the National Parks page.





	Day 1
	9.00 am - 12 noon		Blackall Town Tour, including: Black Stump, Blackall Woolscour and Jack Howe statue. WoolscourCosts: $2.20/student, $5.50/adult


	12 noon - 1.00 pm		Lunch, packed or purchased
	1.00 pm - 3.00 pm		Travel to Idalia National Park 115 km, river crossing, sealed and unsealed roads, check with local police and Ranger on condition of road.

	3.00 pm - 5.00 pm		Make camp at headquarters or Monk Tank.
	6.30 pm - 8.00 pm		Tour activities on Blackall

	Day 2
	8.00 am -12 noon		Bushwalking to Rainbow Gorge, bird watching, study the creek ecology
	12 noon		Lunch (packed)
	1.00 pm -3.30 pm		Study tour of Park, by vehicle and foot, study enclosed areas, comparatives to open areas, visit bridled nail-tailed wallaby enclosure, Old Idalia and Wave Rock


	3.30 pm - Sunset		Emmet Lookout, drive/walk. Look for yellow-footed rock wallabies.

	Day 3

	8.00 am		Break camp and depart for Welford National Park. 150 km, sealed and unsealed roads, check with Ranger on road conditions.

	10.30 am		Make camp at Little Billabong Waterhole Camp. Shearers' quarters available, apply with the Ranger.

	12 noon		Lunch
	1.00 pm - 3.30 pm		Desert drive, explore the red dunes and spinifex country. (Ranger may be able to accompany tour, ask when you arrive or make your bookings).

	3.30 pm - 5.00 pm		Explore the Barcoo River along from the campsite. Fishing for yellowbelly is permitted, respect bag limits.

	6.30 pm - 8.00 pm		Tour activities on Welford

	Day 4
	Sunrise -7.00 am		Mulga Drive to Sawyer's Creek Lookout. Watch the sun rise over the mulga landscape or visit the dunes again to see them in the early morning.

	8.30 am		Decamp, drive to Isisford. 200 km sealed, unsealed roads. Check with Yaraka Store for road conditions.
	11.00 am -12 noon		Interpretation Room at Clancy's Overflow Hotel. Read about the history and ecology of the region.

	12 noon		Lunch, catering available at the hotel on application.
	1.00 pm - 3.00 pm		Tour Isis Downs Shearing Shed, 15 km from Isisford, sealed road. Ambassador required: $22.00/hour

	3.00 pm -4 .30 pm		Drive to Ilfracombe. 90 km, sealed road. Beware of sheep, emus and kangaroos.

	4.30 pm - 5.30 pm		Make Camp at Ilfracombe Caravan Park: Cost: $4.00/tent site (subject to change)

	6.00 pm - 8.00 pm		Back to the Bush Outback show at Wellshot Hotel. Dinner and show included. Cost: $12.50 - $26.00/person.


	Day 5		Depending on home destination, you may wish to spend a day at Longreach, Barcaldine or drive north to Muttaburra and explore the dinosaur heritage in Hughenden and Richmond. See other tours for details of these trips.


Itinerary 3a Leadership Program
		Conducted by visiting school staff
Day 1
	Travel to Barcaldine. Allow 75 minutes per 100 km. Accommodation at Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre. Cost: $8.80/person.



Day 2
9.00 am -12 noon	Leadership program on site at Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre

12 noon - 3.00 pm	BBQ lunch

3.00 pm -5.00 pm	Mad Mick's Historical Village and billy tea and damper. Cost: $5.50/student, $8.00/adult.


	Accommodation at Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre. Cost: $8.80/person.


Day 3	Students are divided into two groups of 20. One stays in Barcaldine, the other goes to Blacks' Palace (subject to permission from land owner and permit restrictions).


Home Group
9.00 am -10.30 am.	Australian Workers Heritage Centre. Cost: $5.50/student


10.30 am -12 noon	Barcaldine town tour Ambassador: $22.00/hour
	Barcaldine town tour Ambassador: $22.00/hour

12 noon - 1.00 pm	Lunch (Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre)

1.00 pm -3.30 pm	Leadership activities

3.30 pm -5.00 pm	Pool/sports

Away Group
8.00 am	Depart for Jericho and Blacks' Palace (rest stop at Jericho)

10.30 am	Blacks' Palace tour Ambassador: $22.00/hour Please note: Blacks' Palace is a fragile site, both in terms of the condition of the artwork and the significance of the site to indigenous peoples throughout Queensland. We want to keep this site as undisturbed as possible. Please ensure your students are fully briefed on the importance of this site and how to protect it.



12 noon	Lunch (packed)

1.30 pm	Depart for Jericho and Barcaldine (rest stop at Jericho)

4.00 p.m.-5.00 p.m.	Arrive Barcaldine Accommodation at Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre. Cost: $8.80/person.


Day 4	Reverse Groups from Day 3

	Accommodation at Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre. Cost: $8.80/person.


Day 5	Return home.


	Itinerary 1

	Arrival Sunday for THREE days' touring or Wednesday for FOUR days' touring 3.25 pm Arrive Barcaldine settle in / unpack etc




	Touring Day One Mad Mick’s Funny Farm Barcaldine Town Tour - taking in the Tree of Knowledge and historic buildings Australian Worker’s Heritage Centre ‘Connections to the Land’ program, with an Elder of the Bidjara people 1920s movie theatre
	Touring Day Two Sit-in on an on-air lesson at Longreach School of Distance Education Tour Longreach Pastoral College Cruise the Thomson River with Yellowbelly River Cruises Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame Take an afternoon break at the Ilfracombe Heritage Machinery Museum




	Touring Day Three Tour historic Blackall Woolscour See the landmark Black Stump Jack Howe memorial Relax for afternoon tea at Blackall Aquatic Centre End of camp campfire, with the option of toasting marshmallows






	Touring Day Four Visit to a working sheep station ‘Catching Crawchies’ (yabbies) from an artesian bore 'Back to the Bush' show at the Wellshot Hotel


Itinerary 3b Leadership Program
		Conducted by Wanpa-rda staff
Day 1
	Travel to Barcaldine. Allow 75 minutes per 100 km.
	Accommodation at Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre. Cost: $8.80/person.


Day 2
9.00 am -12 noon	Leadership program.
12 noon -1.30 pm	Lunch on site at Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre
1.30 pm -3.30 pm	Australian Workers Heritage Centre. Cost: $5.50/student

3.30 pm - 5.00 pm	Pool activities/sporting activities. Visit Lloyd Jones Weir. Pool cost: 50¢/student.

7.30 pm - 9.30 pm	Movie at local old style movie theatre. Cost: $6.00/student

	Accommodation at Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre. Cost: $8.80/person


Day 3
8.00 am -10.30 am	Mad Mick's Historical Village, billy tea and damper: Cost: $5.50/student, $8.00/adult

10.30 am -12 noon	Leadership program
12 noon	Lunch
1.30 pm - 3.00 pm	Leadership program
3.00 pm -5.00 pm	Barcaldine Town Tour. Self guided or with ambassador. Ambassador: $22.00/ hour

	Accommodation at Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre. Cost: $8.80/person


Day 4
8.00 am	Depart for Longreach 108 km.
9.30 am -12 noon	Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame. Cost: $9.00/student, $14.85/adult, 1 teacher/10 students free of cost.

12 noon	Lunch (Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame Cafe, catering available)

Afternoon Options: A
1.30 pm	Depart for Barcaldine.
3.00 p m - 4.30 pm	Leadership program
4.30 pm - 5.30 pm.	Clean up accommodation
7.30 pm - 9.30 pm	Campfire and sing-along Ambassador with guitar: $22.00/hour

Afternoon Options: B
1.30 pm -3.00 pm	Qantas Outback Founders' Museum. Cost: $6.40/student, $12.00/adult, 1 teacher/10 students free of cost.

3.00 pm - 5.00 pm	Leadership program, Council Park
5.00 pm -7.00 pm	River boat cruise and dinner (afternoon tea cruise by arrangement only) Minimum cost: $350

	Accommodation at Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre. Cost: $8.80/person

Day 5		Return home


	Itinerary 4 National Parks - Northern
	Please be sure you plan your trip to these parks very carefully. Supplies of water, food, fuel and vehicle spares (tyres, fan belts, oil, water, etc.) are vital. Allow for 7 litres of water per person per day and have reserves of all supplies in case of breakdowns or flooding. Be sure that you keep in contact with the Rangers of the parks you intend to visit and someone knows your estimated time of return to Winton. Having a satellite telephone in your vehicle would be an advantage. This is rugged country and you should not take it for granted. Be prepared, be informed and let others know what you are doing. If you have any questions about visiting these parks contact the Longreach Office on (07) 4658 1761. National Parks in the Central West provide the visitor with the opportunity to explore the various ecosystems of the region. These include mulga, gidyea, spinifex, sand dunes, Mitchell grass and riparian (river) habitats. Take the time in the mornings and evenings to watch quietly for the numerous marsupials and birds in these areas. National Parks camping fees are $3.50/person/night. You will need to contact each park before you leave or the Central Office in Longreach. Contact information available from National Parks.

	Day 1
	8.00 am		Depart Winton for Lark Quarry and Merton Gorge. 260 km round trip, unsealed roads, experienced driver required. Ambassador: $15.00/hour (6-8 hour trip).
	4.00 pm - 5.00 pm		Make Camp at Matilda Caravan Park: Cost: $2.50-$3.00/person

	6.30 pm -8.00 pm		Tour activities on Lark Quarry

	Day 2
	8.00 am		Depart for Diamantina National Park, 215km, via the river road. Consult maps, experienced drivers only. Check road conditions with Ranger.
	12 noon		Make camp at Hunters' Gorge
	1.00 pm		Lunch
	2.00 pm -5.00 pm		Bush Walk to Moses Cone and Hunters' Gorge. Look for brolgas and other wildlife. Study riparian landscape (require drop-off and pick up at cement causeway).


	6.30 pm -8.00 pm		Tour activities on Diamantina National Park.

	Day 3
	8.00 am - 12 noon		Desert drive. Visit bronco yards, waterholes and settlers' huts. Lunch at Gum Leaf Waterhole.

	1.30 pm		Depart for Bladensburg National Park 330 km. Unsealed roads. Check road conditions with Ranger. Stop at Maine Hotel site. Climb mesas for views of Diamantina National Park. Stop at Old Cork Station (120 km north of Diamantina).



	5.30 pm		Make camp at Bough Shed Hole
	6.30 pm -8.00 pm		Tour activities on Bladensburg National Park

	Day 4
	8.00 am - 12 noon		Route of the River Gums.
	12 noon		Lunch
	1.30 pm - 5.00 pm		Explore Park. Ranger can organise interpretation talks for groups by arrangement, as well as conducted drive/walk tours to the more rugged sections of the Park. For more information contact Ranger (07) 4657 1192.



	6.30 pm -8.00 pm		Tour activities on Winton.

	Day 5
	8.00 am		Depart for Winton 20 km.
	9.00 am -12 noon		Tour of Winton, and Waltzing Matilda Centre.
	12 noon		Lunch.
	1.30 pm		Depart for next destination.

	Depending on home destination, you may wish to spend a day at Longreach, Barcaldine or drive north to Muttaburra and explore the dinosaur heritage in Hughenden and Richmond. See other tours for details of these trips.


	Itinerary 5
	Day 1
			Travel to Barcaldine. Allow 75 minutes per 100 km.
			Accommodation at Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre. Cost: $7.00/person.

	Day 2
	9.00 am -10.30 am		Australian Workers Heritage Centre: Cost: $3.00/student

	10.30 am -11.00 am		Morning tea
	11.00 am - 12.30 pm		Barcaldine Town Tour: Shearers' Strike/Tree of Knowledge, historical buildings and museum. Ambassador: $15.00/hour.

	12.30 pm - 1.30 pm		Lunch
	1.30 pm - 3.30 pm		Wondae Wildlife Park. Cost: $4.00/student and $4.80/adult
	6.30 pm - 8.30pm		Mad Mick's Historical Village, billy tea and damper. Cost: $4.00/student and $7.00/adult
			Student tour activities on Barcaldine Accommodation at Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre. Cost: $7.00/person.

	Day 3
	8.00 a.m.		Depart for Blackall 107 km
	9.15 am - 11.00 am		Blackall town tour: Black Stump, Woolscour and Jack Howe. Woolscour: $1.00/student and $3.00/adult. Ambassador: $15.00/hour.

	11.00 am -11.15 a.m.		Morning tea
	11.15 a.m.		Depart for Isisford 115 km
	12.30 pm - 1.30 pm		Lunch at Clancy's Overflow Hotel. Spend time studying artefacts and historical material. Lunch by application or take a packed lunch.
	1.30 pm -3.00 pm		Tour Isis Downs Shearing Shed. Ambassador: $15.00/hour.
	3.00 pm		Depart for Barcaldine 130 km
	4.30 pm - 5.30 pm		Sporting activities
	6.30 pm - 8.30 pm		Astronomy evening conducted by Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre Coordinator
			Accommodation at Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre. Cost: $7.00/person.

	Day 4
	8.30 am		Depart for Longreach 107 km
	10.00 am - 11.00 am		Longreach School of Distance Education tour. Cost: $1.00/person
	11.00 am - 11.30 am		Morning tea at Stockman's Hall of Fame Cafe. Catering by arrangement.
	11.30 am - 1.00 pm		Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame: Cost: $5.60/student and $12/adult, 1teacher/10 students free of charge
	2.00 pm - 3.00 pm		Qantas Founders' Outback Museum Cost: $2.40/student and $4.80/ adult, 1adult/10 tudents free of charge.
	3.00 pm - 3.30 pm		Afternoon tea at Council Park
	3.30 pm		Depart for Barcaldine 107 km.
	6.30 pm - 8.30 pm		Student tour activities.
			Accommodation at Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre. Cost: $7.00/person.


	Day 5		Travel day, returning home.


Itinerary 6 Farm Stays
The Central West has several sheep and cattle properties that cater to tour groups. Activities on these stations vary from mustering, shearing, station tours to observing the handling of sheep and cattle with motorbike, horses and dogs. Most also provide basic accommodation in shearers' quarters and have catering facilities or will cater for you. Some also have camping facilities and arrange tours to surrounding areas. Below you will find a list of these properties with contact information. The Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre is able to book on your behalf if you wish, but feel free to contact the properties direct for specific information.
Barcaldine		Blackall
	North Delta Rob and Deb Chandler Tel: (07) 4651 2522 Fax: (07) 4651 2091		Avington Outback Retreat Norma and Des Fallon Tel: (07) 4657 5952


Jundah		Longreach
	Sedan Station Marg Ballinger Tel: (07) 4657 5555		Dundee Station Ron and Helen Button Tel: (07) 4658 3555 Oakley Lava Brahman Stud Contact Longreach Outback Travel Tel: (07) 4658 1776 Toobrack Tel: (07) 4658 9158 Fax (07) 4658 9362
	Sedan Station Marg Ballinger Tel: (07) 4657 5555
Winton
	Carisbooke Charles and Anne Phillot Tel: (07) 4657 3984 Fax: (07) 4657 3984



	The Wanpa-rda Matilda Centre offers the services of a full-time education officer, who can assist with planning your itinerary and making any bookings required. Just call our Education Officer who will be happy to discuss all the details and options with you. `Ph: 07 4651 2530 or Fax: 07 4651 2531`







	New itineraries are being developed and will be posted soon!


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School Name
Proposed Date
Officer in Charge
Designation
No of Adults
Number of Students
Method of Travel

	Meals	Accommodation
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

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Day 5	Time	Activity