Outback Geotour - Registration
RGSQ Traveller is planning to run a geotour to Western Queensland and northern New South Wales. This will cover about 1700 km travel over 7 nights in early September 2025 (8th to 15th September). The geotour will start and end in Brisbane and go as far as Roma, Dirranbandi and Lightning Ridge, passing through country explored by Major Mitchell on his fourth expedition (1846).
Overnight stops (1 or 2 nights each) will be at Roma, Dirranbandi, Lightning Ridge, Goondiwindi and Stanthorpe.
The return journey will follow back roads close to the state border (Dumaresq River) from Mungindi to Mingoola.
Accommodation will be in cabins (caravan parks) or in motels. No camping.
Fee-for-entry attractions include the Miles Historical Village (Great Artesian Basin Display), the Big Rig (Roma), Cubbie Cotton Station (Dirranbandi) and an opal mine tour (Lightning Ridge). These are included in the cost.
Other points of interest which may be included are the Dingo Fence (Jandowae), carved emu eggs display (St George), the Brewarrina Aboriginal Fish Traps, the One Ton Post (Mungindi) and Glenlyon Dam (near Texas.)
Transport will be by bus or by private vehicle (tagalong).
The travel package (which includes the cost of bus hire plus driver, accommodation (twin share), and entry fees). The total will be about $2500 per person (depending on number of passengers). Single room supplement will be $600. Except for two breakfasts, meals are not included.
For tagalong participants, the fee is $250 which covers group entry fees.
The Society’s insurance requires that all participants are members of RGSQ.
People who choose to travel by private vehicle (tagalong) will be advised of accommodation venues for the bus participants but will be free to make their own accommodation arrangements.
All major segments will be mainly on sealed roads.
If you wish to come on this geotour, please register by 7 March 2025. In the registration process, you will be able to indicate the following:
- Your choice of travel mode (bus or private vehicle (tagalong)); and
- If you are a single participant travelling by bus, if you would be willing to share accommodation (twin share) with another single participant of the same sex (saving the $600 single room supplement). If YES, you will be directly contacted after 7 March to explore possible arrangements.
The travel arrangements for the geotour are being organised by the Society’s preferred travel agent, Stuart Betlem. For bus participants, a non-refundable deposit of $400.00 will be required soon after registration with the balance due in early July. Tagalong participants will need to pay their fee in July. Invoices will be sent by Stuart Betlem (Integrity Travel Durack) and all payments should be sent to him.
If you have any questions, please contact Ralph Carlisle ralph.carlisle5@gmail.com or 0435460667.
