Queensland Outback Garden Trail

We depart Brisbane on our Rex Airlines flight to St George and arrive mid-morning, where we’re welcomed by our local guide. Our first taste of Outback hospitality awaits at Riversands Wines - Queensland’s westernmost winery where we enjoy a delicious alfresco brunch and vineyard tour. In the afternoon, we explore private gardens and chat with locals about their unique gardening challenges and triumphs. After checking into our hotel, we unwind before gathering for our first dinner on tour.

Daily: Brunch, Afternoon Tea & Dinner

After breakfast, we depart St George via the Balonne Highway, arriving in Bollon mid-morning. We’re welcomed to Guwamu/Kooma country by Elder Bill Speedy, then enjoy a country-style morning tea by Wallam Creek, hosted by the local QCWA. A guided tour of a local garden follows, where we meet members of the garden club and learn about gardening in the Outback. Lunch at the Bollon Tennis Club features seasonal bush foods. Bill presents a cultural talk, demonstrating the traditional uses of native plants and showcasing Indigenous tools and artefacts. In the afternoon, we tour the town to see bush foods in the wild before travelling on to Cunnamulla. We arrive late afternoon, check in, and relax before dinner and drinks.

Daily: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we enjoy a guided tour of the Cunnamulla Bushlands Gardens a recreation of the native flora of the area, we follow an easy walking trail through six regional ecosystems including Mulga Lands, Sandhills, Gidgee Stands, Mitchell Grass Plains, Brigalow Country, and Wetlands. Learning about native plant species, their uses and adaptations, and enjoy the seasonal colours of wildflowers including native Bluebells and Emu Bush. The gardens are fully accessible and offer a peaceful space to enjoy birdlife and bushland. This afternoon we visit some private gardens in Cunnamulla and see how creative planting shade and watering techniques can offer a beautiful respite. We return to our hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we travel south to Francvillers Station, a 50,000-acre sheep and cattle property. Here we meet Sarah Dunsdon, the passionate gardener behind Outback Flora. Her garden, featured in Australian Country Magazine, blends hardy natives with colourful cottage plants like roses and bougainvillea, all sustained by bore water. We explore her vibrant beds and hear her plans for outback cut flower production over morning tea. Returning to Cunnamulla, we spend the afternoon at Warrego Riverside Tourist Park. Over two decades, Judy Roberts has transformed this once-bare block into a lush 13-hectare oasis. Featuring herb gardens, pomegranate trees, and shaded lawns, it’s a living showcase of outback gardening ingenuity and resilience. We return to our hotel for a relaxed afternoon, followed by dinner.

Daily: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch & Dinner

After an early breakfast, we depart Cunnamulla and travel to Charleville to explore several private gardens in the heart of the Mulga Lands. Here we discover how gardeners skillfully combine native and ornamental plants using water-wise techniques such as bore irrigation and mulching. Others showcase innovative ways to harvest and conserve precious rainwater. These gardens reveal how resilience and creativity can produce beauty in the Outback. In the afternoon, we return via a scenic route, pausing to enjoy seasonal wildflower displays. Back in Cunnamulla, we relax before gathering at the hotel to enjoy a well-earned dinner.

Daily: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, we set off on a day of surprise garden visits in and around Cunnamulla. Led by our guide, we explore a hand-picked selection of local gardens - both public spaces and private retreats - that showcase the creativity, resilience and warmth of the outback gardening community. Each garden offers its own unique story, design, and character, reflecting the passion of those who nurture them. With a relaxed pace and friendly company, we enjoy a day full of inspiration and practical tips. In the evening, we return to our hotel for a delicious dinner and time to reflect on the beauty and ingenuity we’ve seen throughout the day.

Daily: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch & Dinner