Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges

See the salt flats of Australia’s largest inland lake, Kati-Thanda Lake Eyre. Visit the legendary outback towns of Port Augusta and Birdsville and stay in the only accommodation within Flinders Ranges National Park, getting up close to the colossal Wilpena Pound.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Adelaide, Wadlata Outback Centre, Port Augusta

Be met at Adelaide airport, where you will meet your driver and board your 4WD vehicle. Travel to Port Augusta, situated at the head of Spencer Gulf. This iconic town sits at the crossroads of Australia, where the Sydney-Perth and Adelaide-Alice Springs railway lines intersect. Today you’ll also visit the award-winning Wadlata Outback Centre, where a walk through its ‘Tunnel of Time’ provides the perfect introduction to this magnificent region.

Day 2: Port Augusta, Marree

Traverse the Pichi Richi Pass, a heritage steam railway line. Stop for lunch at Parachilna’s famous Prairie Hotel, a family-owned pub that was first licensed in 1876. Continue to the stunning Aroona Dam and admire the spectacular ochre-coloured pits, then call in at the ghost town of Farina before arriving at Marree.

Day 3: Marree, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Birdsville

Set off along the Oodnadatta Track towards Lake Eyre South, where you’ll enjoy the dazzling salt flats. Keep an eye out for unusual creatures including the Lake Eyre dragon, as well as a variety of birdlife including corellas and wild emerald budgerigars. Afterwards, enjoy a pub lunch at William Creek and then embark on your Signature Experience.

Later, relax in the comfort of a 4WD coach whilst you travel to Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert National Park. Witness the sun setting while enjoying drinks and nibbles and watch as nature displays it’s very own light show. You will spend the night in Birdsville at the famous Birdsville Hotel.

Day 4: Birdsville, Wilpena Pound

Depart Birdsville and follow the vast intermittent Diamantina River via the eastern side of Lake Eyre North, the Cooper Creek and Lake Eyre South. Fly over the Marree Man, the largest geoglyph and work of art in the world, to this date little is known about its origin. Upon arrival, drive through the Flinders Ranges to Wilpena Pound and enjoy dinner at your hotel later this evening.

Day 5: Wilpena Pound

This morning is yours to explore at leisure. Perhaps take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound to gain a true appreciation of this natural wonder (additional expense). Or alternatively embark on a self-guided walk to the spectacular Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre of mountains in the heart of the national park. After Lunch, venture into Flinders Ranges National Park and follow in the footsteps of Douglas Mawson as you spend the afternoon in the geological site of Brachina Gorge, an important refuge for the endangered yellow-footed rock wallaby.

Day 6: Wilpena Pound, Clare Valley, Adelaide

After breakfast, drive to the world-renowned wine growing district of the Clare Valley. Enjoy lunch at the Watervale Hotel. Later, return to Adelaide, where you will enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel.

Day 7: Depart Adelaide

After breakfast, be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.