A continuous straight, red dirt road stretches out before you as you travel into the heart of the outback, retracing the steps of drovers, shearers, swaggies and first settlers. Plains of Mitchell grass sprawl endlessly over the far off horizon and a male emu extends its long lanky legs between a ball of fluffy chicks.

This is a landscape of wandering stock, blue tongue lizards, tumbleweed and native gidgee trees. Tom Lockie, guide and owner of Artesian Country Tours is passionate about this land, its history, and its ancestors, and will journey you into the soul of people such as Nat Buchanan and through the heart of Starlight country.

On tour you will pore over early Cobb & Co campsites, scenes of the social set in the 1800’s, and the remains of wagon tracks last travelled in 1886. Gaze at ancient lava flows and stand below towering rock walls where Aboriginal carvings date back some 10,000 years.

Be captivated by Tom’s stories when you move with him off the bitumen and onto the dirt, to truly understand what the outback is all about.

Getting there:

Barcaldine is 1070km northwest of Brisbane easily accessed by rail, road and air.

By train:

Catch The Westlander to Charleville. Explore Artesian country from Charleville Station with a Nardoo Station or Stephanie Mills Gallery tour. To book your rail adventure call Traveltrain Holidays on 1800 627 655.

Further information:

Owner operator of Artesian Country Tours, Tom Lockie, offers several tours out of Barcaldine.

Ph 07 4651 2211