DAYS
14
Style
Camping
EX
Adelaide – Alice Springs
From
$7,985.00
OVERVIEW
Next Tour: 30th May - 12th June 2024
EXPLORE THE SPECTACULAR OUTBACK OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA AND SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND
From the striking landscape and impressive ruins of early European settlement in the southern Flinders Range to the massive expanse of the Channel Country around Birdsville and Boulia, this adventure showcases some of South Australia’s and Southern Queensland’s most spectacular outback scenery and unique wildlife.
A trip to the outback would not be complete without a visit to two of Australia’s most iconic outback towns, Innamincka and Birdsville. Innamincka is steeped in the explorer’s Burke and Will’s history, and we visit some of their historical sites, including gravesites and the Dig Tree.
Coongie Lakes and Diamantina National Parks are excellent for birding and wildlife spotting, especially waterbirds.
Itinerary
| Day 1 | Adelaide - Wilpena Pound | We depart Adelaide this morning and head north to Wilpena Pound. On the way, we will spend time in Port Augusta and visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanical Garden for lunch and a look at the plants and birds found here. Accommodation: Campsite - Wilpena Pound LD |
| Day 2 | Wilpena Pound | Today we explore the area around Wilpena Pound. After an early breakfast, there will be a 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 3 | Wilpena Pound - Copley | We leave Wilpena behind and drive through the southern Flinders Ranges; expect stunning scenery and excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting. We visit Brachina Gorge to view its brilliant shale, limestone and quartzite array. There are also ruins of old shepherd huts that reflect the hard times endured by early settlers. Accommodation: Campsite - Copley BLD |
| Day 4 | Copley - Montecollina Bore | This morning we go to the Strzelecki Track, then onto Montecollina Bore to experience the wildlife around the bore's wetland. Our campsite has a hot bore that overflows into a dam and then into a wetland, attracting an abundance of birdlife. Accommodation: Bush Camp - Montecollina Bore BLD |
| Day 5 | Montecollina Bore - Innamincka | Early morning birding around the bore is a great way to start the day. After breakfast, we pack up and continue on the Strzelecki Track to Innamincka, located beside the mighty Cooper Creek, which will be home for the next three nights. Accommodation: Campsite - Innamincka BLD |
| Day 6 | Innamincka - Lake Coongie - Innamincka | Today we will explore the area around Lake Coongie, a freshwater wetland system comprising channels, lakes, deltas, floodplains and corridors. We will look for wildlife drawn to the area with the arrival of the water. Accommodation: Campsite - Innamincka BLD |
| Day 7 | Innamincka | Today we will explore the many sites related to the historic Burke & Wills expedition. We will visit the Dig Tree, the gravesites of both Burke and Wills and a memorial to the King. As we learn about this tragic expedition, this interesting part of Australian history unfolds. Accommodation: Campsite - Innamincka BLD |
| Day 8 | Innamincka - Birdsville | Leaving Innamincka behind, we travel via Cordillo Downs Station to Birdsville (technically in Queensland), where we explore the many creeks. Tonight we experience genuine outback hospitality with dinner at the Birdsville Hotel (at the passengers’ expense). Accommodation: Campsite - Birdsville BL |
| Day 9 | Birdsville | We spend the morning birding around the campground billabong and the old crossing before heading out to look at the Waddi Trees found just out of town. This afternoon is free for you to wander around town, do some washing or relax. Accommodation: Campsite - Birdsville BLD |
| Day 10 | Birdsville - Monkira Area | After Breakfast, we will travel east to Betoota. This small town became a ghost town in 2014 when the last permanent resident passed away. From Betoota, we continue north to our final destination for today, Monkira, on the banks of the Diamantina River. Accommodation: Bush Camp near Monkira BLD |
| Day 11 | Monkira - Diamantina National Park - Boulia | Today we continue to push north, following the Diamantina River towards Diamantina National Park. We will have the afternoon to drive through the park before moving on to our accommodation at Boulia. Dinner is not included tonight; we will join the locals at the Boulia Hotel (at the passengers’ expense). Accommodation: Cabins - Boulia Caravan Park BL |
| Day 12 | Boulia - Tobermory - Jervois | Today the journey back to Alice Springs beings. We will travel west along the Donohue Hwy towards Jervois. Along the way, we will cross the Georgina River at Glenormiston Station. Accommodation: Campsite Jervois BLD |
| Day 13 | Jervois - Ross River | Today we detour off the Plenty Highway and head down the Pinnacle Road via the Arltunga Tourist Drive to Ross River. Accommodation: Campsite Ross River BLD |
| Day 14 | Ross River - Alice Springs | Our outback adventure ends today as we travel into Alice Springs along the Ross Highway. There will be time to enjoy a walk or two during the drive. We expect to arrive in Alice Springs by midafternoon. We will then drop you off at your chosen accommodation in town. BL |
| NOTE: The above itinerary may be varied according to conditions and advice. |
availability
Limited Places available - Please contact us
Inclusions
- 2 crew members consisting of a naturalist guide and driver/cook;
- Well maintained vehicles 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 fees;
- Morning tea each day;
- All national park entrance fees;
- Australian Arid Lands Botanical Garden.
Trip Reviews
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