South Australia &
The Mighty Murray

Port Augusta - Port Lincoln

Port Augusta is the most northerly port in South Australia and is an important link for the Ghan and Indian Pacific Railways. The city has played an intrinsic role in the state's development since the State Electricity Trust built a series of major power stations here. Fuelled by coal from the huge open cut mines at Leigh Creek, the stations generate 40% of the state's electricity.

This morning we visit the award winning Wadlata Outback Centre before making our way south to Whyalla. Enjoy a visit to the Whyalla Maritime Museum before continuing down the Eyre Peninsula. We arrive into the seaside town of Port Lincoln at around 4pm and check-in to the Marina Hotel located on Port Lincoln's marina (2 nights).

Port Lincoln

Port Lincoln is a town of approximately 12,000 people and was originally considered a site for the state's capital. The township is located on the banks of beautiful Boston Bay which is three and a half times the size of Sydney Harbour. The town is the base for Australia's largest tuna fleet and tuna farming industry. Tuna fishing has been extremely lucrative in recent years and has created some of the wealthiest people in Australia. There are more millionaires per capita in Port Lincoln than anywhere else in Australia.

This morning we journey to the foot of the Eyre Peninsula and travel along the Whalers Way, a 14km long series of unsealed tracks which traverse through private property. This fully guided interpretive tour takes in the spectacular rugged coastal scenery of the area, with many points of interest and stunning views over the Southern Ocean. This is certainly one of the highlights of the tour!

After lunch we enjoy a sightseeing cruise across the beautiful waters of Boston Bay. Learn about the Tuna and Aquaculture Industries with expert local commentary. Also visit a purpose built Bluefin tuna farm and taste some fresh Tuna Sashimi.

We return to Port Lincoln later this afternoon for our second and final night in Australia's tuna fishing capital.

Streaky Bay - Ceduna

This morning we enjoy an interpretive walking tour around the Port Lincoln Marina with a local guide. See working fishing boats and watch the seafood harvest being unloaded.

Later this morning we depart Port Lincoln and make our way up the west coast of the Eyre Peninsula. Visit Streaky Bay, a small village named by Matthew Flinders, before arriving in to Ceduna. Home to around 4000 people, Ceduna is the last major town before you cross the Nullarbor from east to west. We spend the next three nights at the Ceduna Foreshore Hotel while we explore the area.

Ceduna

Ceduna is the major township on the eastern side of the Great Australian Bight. The township of Norseman is located some 1,200km to the west.

Between these two towns are only a couple of tiny settlements, Penong and Eucla, and a number of substantial roadhouses which provide all necessary facilities like food, accommodation and fuel for travellers heading across the Nullarbor Plain. Ceduna was officially proclaimed a town in 1901 but was originally known as Murat Bay. The name 'Ceduna' is a derivative of an Aboriginal word 'Chedoona' meaning resting place. This name originates from a reliable waterhole near the town.

This morning we take an informative tour of this attractive and historic town. We also visit a local oyster farm. We return to our motel at around 4pm in preparation for a busy day tomorrow.

Whale Watching at Head of Bight!

This morning we have an early breakfast and depart our motel at around 7am to trek west to the Head of Bight. Every year thousands of people visit the Head of Bight area for the breathtaking view of many migrating Southern Right Whales.

This area is one of the best viewing areas in the world with up to 100 whales congregating in the seas adjacent to the Bunda Cliffs at any one time. A large viewing platform offers people safety from the cliffs but also fantastic views.

This afternoon we visit an interpretive centre operated by the Conservation and Land Management Department before returning to Ceduna.

Ceduna - Port Augusta

Today we bid farewell to Ceduna and begin our trek back east to Port Augusta. We arrive at the Standpipe Golf Motor Inn mid afternoon and those who wish can take in a little shopping in the town centre.

Barossa Valley - Tanunda - Chateau Yaldara

We depart Port Augusta at around 8.30am this morning making our way south to the historic township of Peterborough. Enjoy a visit to the Steamtown Railway Museum before continuing on to Burra.

Burra is a former copper mining centre and is one of the country's best preserved mining towns. Copper was discovered in 1845 and extracted to the value of almost $10 million before the mine closed in 1877. Here we take a drive around town to view some of the many old and historic buildings.

After some morning tea we continue on to the mighty Barossa Valley. No other wine-producing region in the country can boast the beauty and heritage that the Barossa has to offer. This afternoon we visit Chateau Yaldara before arriving into Adelaide at around 5.30pm.

We check-in to the Stamford Plaza for our final night. Tonight we reflect on the past 8 days and enjoy our farewell dinner together.

Adelaide City Tour - Home Ports

This morning we take a guided city sights tour before being transferred to the airport for return flights home. Bon Voyage!