16 Day Central Australia, Lake Eyre & Flinders Ranges

Itinerary Details

Day 1

(MD, Motel) Up the Darling Scarp on Great Eastern Highway through the wheatbelt to Merredin and Southern Cross for Lunch. A visit to Coolgardie with its wide main street before the historic gold mining town of Kalgoorlie.

Day 2

(CB, PL, RD, Motel) A tour of Kalgoorlie, including the Super Pit, Boulder and the rustic Two Up Ring. To Menzies, Leonora and the Sons of Gwalia Mine then Laverton.

Day 3

(CAB, PL, CAD, Basic Motel) We leave the bitumen and into the Great Victoria Desert to Warburton, a wonderful place to experience in the desert.

Day 4

(CAB, PL, PD, Motel) Through the impressive range country in the Gibson Desert, named after explorer Alfred Gibson. To the Giles Weather Station, the most remote in Australia, set up to take readings for the Blue Streak Rocket Project. Then on past Docker River and the Hull River, past Kata Tjuta to Uluru to enjoy a BBQ dinner while we watch the sunset on the Rock.

Day 5

(FB, Motel) A very interesting day at Uluru. We visit the Cultural Centre before some of the features of Uluru. Later there is an opportunity to visit the Yulara village or take a scenic helicopter flight over the park. In the afternoon off to Kata Tjuta with its majestic domes. Note: Entry to National Park included. Flight over Uluru not included, approx $300.

Day 6

(CAB, PL, RD, Motel) Heading up to Kings Canyon; a stunning canyon formed by the King Creek over thousands of years. We arrive for lunch and spend some time exploring the formation before making our way through to Alice Springs for three nights.

Day 7

(CAB, RD, Motel) A restful morning before a day exploring some of the features of the MacDonnell Ranges, from scenic to culturally significant areas.

Day 8

(CAB, RD, Motel) Weather permitting you may take an optional Hot Air Balloon flight along the MacDonnell Ranges. We tour town, Anzac Hill and Todd River, then drop you in town for you to wander. Note: Hot Air Balloon not included, approx. $400.

Day 9

(CAB, MD, Motel) We drive south over the South Australian border to Marla Bore and Coober Pedy for two nights.

Day 10

(CB, Motel) Coober Pedy is a fascinating place. One of the biggest towns in S.A, it is home to 92% of Australia’s opals. People live underground to escape the summer heat. A morning tour and Opal display and a afternoon “noodle” for opals around town. Note: Tour and Opal Display included.

Day 11

(CB, PL, MD, Motel) Head east to William Creek situated just to the south west of Lake Eyre. Onto the Oodnadatta Track with numerous former small settlements that serviced the Ghan. The Lake Eyre Basin is a very special part of Australia. It covers one sixth of the continent and holds some of the rarest, least exploited ecosystems on the planet. We pass Lake Eyre and stop at Marree for an optional flight over the Lake. Note: Flight over Lake Eyre not included, approx $400.

Day 12

(CB, MD, Motel) A great drive through the spectacular Flinders Ranges, where some of the best outback scenery in Australia abounds. In the morning we visit Blinman then head through the ranges to Hawker to view the Wilpena Panorama; Jeff Morgans 360 degree painting. In the afternoon we head out of the ranges via the Pichi-Richi Pass to Port Augusta, at the head of the Spencers Gulf. Note: Gallery entry included.

Day 13

(CB, PD, Motel) We visit The Wadlata Outback Centre, a theatrical experience depicting a journey through time in the Flinders Ranges and the Outback of South Australia. Later we visit the Arid Inland Botanical Gardens and the Matthew Flinders lookout over the upper reaches of the Gulf. Onto the Eyre Highway to Ceduna. Note: Wadlata Centre and Botanical Gardens included.

Day 14

(CB, RD, Motel) Onto the Nullarbor and toward Western  Australia, we view the Great Australian Bight from the spectacular cliffs.

Day 15

(CB, MD, Motel) We are well and truly on the way home. Now we leave the coast for lunch at Norseman before heading past Lake Johnston and arriving at Hyden for our last night of the tour.

Day 16

(FB) A morning visit to Wave Rock and Hippos Yawn on the edge of the wheatbelt before returning to Perth after a most enjoyable tour. Note: Wave Rock entry included.