1
Adelaide
Stamford Grand Hotel
Please check your required arrival time with the office before booking your flights.
If you are being collected from the Stamford Grand today, you will be met by a representative from Allied Cars, who will then transfer you to Penfolds Magill Estate where you will meet your Tour Directors at approximately 3.00pm.
If you are being picked from an alternative hotel, you will be collected by Allied Cars who will transfer you to the Stamford Grand hotel where you can check in. At 2.00pm meet at reception for your Allied Cars transfer to Penfolds Magill Estate where you will meet your Tour Directors at approximately 3.00pm.
Enjoy a tour of Penfolds Magill Estate before returning to the Stamford Grand Hotel overlooking the ocean in Glenelg. Meals (D)
2
Adelaide - Wilpena Pound
Wilpena Pound Resort
This morning we head north to Port Augusta, known as the Gateway to the Flinders Ranges and home to the awardwinning Wadlata Outback Centre. Visitors can step back in time and learn about the early explorers and their brave expeditions into the unknown.
From Port Augusta we'll journey through to Quorn and Hawker before arriving at the Wilpena Pound Resort for our two night stay. Nestled at the entrance to Wilpena Pound, the resort stands amid stately Red Gums and Native Pines on the banks of the Wilpena Creek. Meals (B, L, D)
3
Exploring Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges
Wilpena Pound Resort
Wilpena Pound is characterised by spectacular scenery and is home to nearly half of South Australia’s species of plants.
Today we enjoy a guided walk into Wilpena Pound to Hills Homestead, one of South Australia's oldest and best preserved pastoral settlements. Wander along Wilpena Creek past magnificent stands of river red gums with stunning views of the Pound wall in the distance. Longer walks are available for those who wish to explore further on foot.
This afternoon we head to Stokes Hill Lookout to enjoy 360-degree views of the Flinders Ranges. We then return to the Wilpena Pound Resort for dinner. Meals (B, L, D)
Note: This morning there is an opportunity for scenic flights to be taken over Wilpena Pound at a cost of approximately $265.00 per person for a 30 minute flight (own expense).
4
Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges - Parachilna - Arkaroola
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Travel through the picturesque Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges to arrive at Parachilna late morning. Here we enjoy lunch at the delightful Prairie Hotel before travelling through the northern Flinders Ranges to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Spend the night here and enjoy an intergalactic tour from Arkaroola’s accredited astronomical observatories. Meals (B.L.D)
5
Arkaroola Ridge Top Tour - Marree
The Marree Hotel
Today, explore some of the most spectacular and rugged country on earth! Travelling in open back 4WD vehicles with expert guides, the Ridge Top Tour is a true highlight of the Arkaroola experience and not to be missed! Later this afternoon we depart for Marree where we'll spend the next two nights at The Marree Hotel. Meals (B.L.D)
6
Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) - Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary
The Marree Hotel
This morning it's time for our scenic flight over Lake Eyre. Our flight path takes us over Lake Eyre South before crossing over Lake Eyre North, the larger of the two lakes. Fly over Belt Bay and follow the Warburton Groove up the middle of the lake and into the Warburton Creek system. From here we follow the creek to Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary, landing late morning.
Kalamurina is a 1.7 million-acre property owned and managed by Australian Wildlife Conservancy. This vast desert wilderness stretches from the northern shores of Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre to the southern boundary of the Simpson Desert and provides a haven for several endangered species like the Dusky Hopping Mouse, Mulgara and Ampurta.
After landing at Kalamurina we head to the banks of the Warburton Creek for a guided tour. Learn about the transformation of this country from cattle country to wildlife haven and gain an insight into AWC conservation programs. We then travel by coach down the Birdsville Track, crossing Cooper's Creek before arriving back into Marree late this afternoon. Meals (B, L, D)
Note: Today the tour splits into two groups. Group 1 will take the morning flight as per the itinerary above, while Group 2 travels north to Kalamurina by coach along the Birdsville Track. Group 2 passengers then return to Marree via the scenic flight over Lake Eyre.
7
Oodnadatta Track - William Creek & Painted Hills - Coober Pedy
Desert Cave Hotel
After breakfast this morning we depart Marree and follow the legendary Oodnadatta Track to the tiny outback settlement of William Creek. The track itself is steeped in history, natural wonders and rich cultural heritage and is regarded as one of the best outback drives in Australia. It follows a traditional Aboriginal trading route and, because of the availability of water, was chosen for the Central Australian Railway, the original route of the Old Ghan.
This morning we stop off at Coward Springs siding, a fully restored and heritage-listed railway site displaying history and remnants of the ‘Old Ghan’. Arrive into William Creek for lunch at the iconic William Creek Hotel before enjoying a special one hour scenic flight over the ‘Painted Hills’.
This rocky outcrop of large and small hills, which emerge suddenly out of a flat desert landscape, can only be accessed by air due to its fragility and natural beauty. This afternoon we trek on to Coober Pedy and spend the next two nights at the award-winning Desert Cave Hotel. Meals (B.L.D)
Note: Underground rooms at the Desert cave Hotel cannot be guaranteed.
8
Coober Pedy sightseeing
Desert Cave Hotel
Due to the heat in summer, much of Coober Pedy's population live underground. The town is known as the opal capital of the world, supplying 70% of the world’s precious opals. This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Umoona Opal Mine, where you're also free to do some fossicking of our own. In the afternoon, head out to the Breakaways Reserve and admire the colourful low hills separated from the Stuart Range. We then return to the Desert Cave Hotel to explore its many galleries. Meals (B.L.D)
9
Woomera - Port Augusta
Standpipe Golf Motor Inn
Travelling south today we head to Woomera, home to the Woomera Range Complex operated by the Royal Australian Air Force. The complex is a major Australian defence and civil aerospace facility that is both a working military airbase and a testing ground for ADF materials. Enjoy a visit to the Woomera Interactive Rocket Range Museum and view historical displays relating to the Woomera Range and closed Joint Defence Facility at Nurrungar.
This afternoon we continue on to Port Augusta where we visit the Aridlands Botanic Gardens, before checking in to the Standpipe Golf Motor Inn. Meals (B.L.D)
10
Port August - Adelaide
Stamford Grand Hotel
After breakfast we head south to the Clare Valley. Well known for its Riesling, the area also produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz varieties which together account for nearly half of all wine from the area. After a tour through the region, we’ll visit a local winery for a relaxed lunch and wine tastings, a great way to wind down as we approach the end of the adventure.
This afternoon, we arrive back into Adelaide and check in to the Stamford Grand Hotel in Glenelg. We enjoy our final dinner together at the hotel restaurant. Meals (B.L.D)
11
Adelaide - Farewell
After a leisurely morning you will be transferred. Meals (B)