DAYS
10
Style
Camping/Accommodated Mix
EX
Alice Springs – Adelaide
From
$7,455.00
OVERVIEW
Next Tour: 14th - 23rd May 2024
Highlights
- The unique and memorable opal mining town of Coober Pedy, where homes, hotels and churches are built below-ground (‘dugouts’)
- Lake Eyre – a vast, dry, shimmering salt pan that crosses three state borders and contains the lowest natural point in Australia
- Muloorina Station lies on the banks of the Frome River; a great area for wildlife spotting
- Coward Springs – enjoy a 29°C natural spa under the stars
- Wilpena Pound – an iconic Australian landmark found in the heart of the Flinders Ranges,described as a natural amphitheater of mountains covering over 8000 hectares
- Flinders Ranges – the largest mountain range in South Australia; dusty red roads wind through towering cliffs and deep craters
This adventure is a must for all who long to experience the Australian outback. From the massive expanse of Lake Eyre, as it spreads out before you, to the striking landscape and impressive ruins of early European settlement in the southern and northern Flinders Range. This adventure showcases some of South Australia’s most spectacular outback scenery and unique wildlife.
We will travel on the Oodnadatta Track, steeped in history, natural wonders and rich cultural heritage, it is perhaps one of our most fascinating and historic outback trails.
A trip to the outback would not be complete without a visit to some of South Australia’s iconic outback towns, including Maree, William Creek and Coober Pedy.
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Alice Springs - Marla | An early start this morning as we depart Alice Springs and head south for the small community of Marla, with a population of just 70 people. Accommodation: Motel - Marla LD |
| Day 2 | Marla - Painted Desert - Coober Pedy | We depart Marla this morning and travel to Coober Pedy, via the Painted Desert (located northeast of Coober Pedy). The area is notable for its distinctive mesas, mountains, and geological formations. The best-known of these geological wonders are the colourful Arckaringa Hills, with many shades of orange, yellow, and white shale on the slopes. Dinner tonight is not included as we will visit a local hotel. Accommodation: Motel - Coober Pedy BL |
| Day 3 | Coober Pedy - William Creek | This morning we explore the wonders of Coober Pedy. We discover the underground way of life, including a visit to an underground mine, a church and a look at the above-ground town from the main lookout. Late morning, we will head out of town to William Creek. We will arrive in William Creek in time for any one who wishes to undertake an optional flight over Lake Eyre. Accommodation: Cabins - William Creek BLD |
| Day 4 | William Creek - Lake Eyre - Coward Springs | An early start this morning as we visit the banks of Lake Eyre. We travel via an amazing moonscape, arriving at the lake with plenty of time to look for birds and reptiles that inhabit the area around the lake. Wet or dry, the lake is an amazing sight. Returning back to William Creek, We will rejoin Oodnadatta Track in the afternoon and head south to Coward Springs. Accommodation: Campsite - Coward Springs BLD |
| Day 5 | Coward Springs | Today is a mixture of exploring the station’s wetland, discovering it’s historical past and enjoying the campground surrounds and wildlife. We will also visit the nearby Wabnma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park. Unique springs include Blanch Cup and The Bubbler, aptly called as it does bubble, but not how you would expect. These springs are significant water sources for the fragile ecosystem in the area and were used by Arabana (Aboriginal) people for several thousands of years. Accommodation: Campsite - Coward Springs BLD |
| Day 6 | Coward Springs - Muloorina Station | We depart Coward Springs and call into the old abandoned railway siding of Curdimurka, before driving East along the banks of Lake Eyre South. Our campsite tonight is at Muloorina Station Bore on the banks of the Frome River. There will be time this afternoon to explore the area and discover the wildlife around the edge of the billabong. Accommodation: Bush Camp - Muloorina Station BLD |
| Day 7 | Muloorina Station - Leigh Creek | Enjoy an early morning bird walk this morning before we leave and start our journey south to Leigh Creek. On the way we visit an ochre pit and the former settlement of Farina; now uninhabited, major restoration works on parts of the settlement have been restored it to their former glory. Leigh Creek was a major mining town until the closure of the local coal mine in 2015. Since the mines closure the population of the town has dwindled from over 2,000 to around 100 people. Accommodation: Leigh Creek Resort BLD |
| Day 8 | Leigh Creek - Wilpena Pound | Leaving Copley, we head South to Wilpena Pound via the Prairie Hotel in Parachilna. We will also spend time at the Heysen Trailhead (usually an excellent place for birds and other wildlife). The drive will also take us through the spectacular Bunyeroo Valley, with its magnificent lookouts, and Brachina Gorge, where there is a strong chance of spotting Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies. Accommodation: Campsite - Wilpena Pound BLD |
| Day 9 | Wilpena Pound Area | Today we explore the area around Wilpena Pound. After an early breakfast, those who wish can walk to the Old Homestead and Wangara Lookout. The lookout provides panoramic views across the pound. After an early lunch, we will drive through the ranges to one of Australian artist Hans Heysen’s favourite sites, and explore areas that will delight photographers. Accommodation: Campsite - Wilpena Pound BLD |
| Day 10 | Wilpena Pound - Port Augusta - Adelaide | An early start this morning as we depart Wilpena Pound. We will spend time in Port Augusta visiting. The Australian Arid Lands Botanical Gardens with its wonderful display of plants and birdlife. Our adventure ends in Adelaide late this afternoon, where you will be dropped off at your chosen accommodation in the city. BL |
| NB: The above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice. Reverse itinerary when travelling from Alice Springs to Adelaide. |
availability
Limited Places available - please contact us
Inclusions
- 2 crew members consisting of a naturalist guide and driver/cook;
- Well maintained vehicle with front-facing, seat- belted seats;
- Easy-to-erect tents and camping chairs with armrests;
- A self-inflating air mattress and stretcher bed;
- All eating utensils;
- Meals as per itinerary: breakfast (B), lunch (L),dinner (D);
- Fruit for snacking throughout the day;
- Campsite and accommodation fees;
- Morning tea each day;
- All national park entrance fees;
- Wadlata Centre fees.
Trip Reviews
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