7 Day Adelaide to Alice Springs Explorer

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Adelaide to Flinders Ranges

DEFAULT PICK UP: Adelaide Central YHA (135 Waymouth St), 06:30am

Departing Adelaide nice and early, our first stop is Barossa Reservoir’s famous Whispering Wall, where you will be fascinated by its unique acoustic qualities. We then journey through the picturesque Clare Valley and stop for some morning tea at Sevenhill Cellars, the oldest winery in the valley – there’s even time to sample some of their award winning wines. We stop for lunch in the historic town of Melrose before visiting Mount Remarkable National Park for an afternoon bush walk. Finish the day by watching a spectacular sunset across South Australia’s western plains and the breathtaking Central Flinders Ranges. (LD)

Day 2 – Flinders Ranges

Today we experience some of the magic that the Flinders Ranges has to offer. Keep an eye out for emus and kangaroos as we take a scenic drive through beautiful Parachilna Gorge. You’ll get an amazing view of the Flinders Ranges National Park from the top of Stokes Hill Lookout, before hiking into the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound. Take a break for lunch before learning about the fascinating history of the area with a visit to the Aboriginal artwork at Arkaroo Rock and the ruins of Kanyaka Station. Tonight we enjoy dinner at an outback pub. (BLD)

Day 3 – Flinders Ranges to Coober Pedy

We travel through Pichi Richi Pass and head towards Port Augusta, known as ‘the Crossroads of Australia’. Marvel at the enormous salt flats of the Woomera Prohibited Area and learn about the area’s incredible history as a military test site. We stop along the way to explore the surface of a salt lake and take advantage of an excellent photo opportunity. From here we make one more brief stop at the sheep-farming town of Glendambo before arriving at Coober Pedy, ‘Opal Capital of the World’. We take some time to explore this remarkable underground town before grabbing a bite to eat and settling in for the night in a purpose built underground bunkhouse. (BLD)

Day 4 – Coober Pedy to Erldunda

Explore an underground home to see how the locals survive in the harsh desert environment of Coober Pedy, followed by a tour of the Umoona Opal Mine to learn more about the discovery and mining of precious opal, Australia’s national gemstone. Next we visit an outdoor opal noodling spot where you can try your hand at fossicking for some gemstones of your own. Get up close to some local wildlife and learn about rescued Joey’s at Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage, before leaving Coober Pedy and heading out across the Moon Plain. We pass the Dingo Fence, the longest fence in the world, and take in the view of the awe-inspiring Breakaways Scenic Reserve before arriving at our overnight campsite at Erldunda. (BLD)

Day 5 – Erldunda to Kata Tjuta and Uluru

We start the day by heading to Uluru (Ayers Rock) for lunch, before making the journey to one of the Red Centre’s greatest treasures: Kata Tjuta. Get up close to the majestic features of this ancient geological formation during a hike through the beautiful Valley of the Winds. You will be mesmerised as the desert sun sets over Uluru. Tonight you can sleep in a permanent tent or curl up in a swag (Aussie bedroll) and enjoy a night under the outback stars. (BLD) 

Day 6 – Uluru to Kings Canyon

Rise early and be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the morning’s fresh (and your legs are too!) enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the Mala people as you embark on a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter). It is a unique opportunity to share experiences, connect with and learn about the oldest culture on earth. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD) 

Day 7 – Kings Canyon to Alice Springs

Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the impressive formations and towering rock faces of Kings Canyon. You will be left breathless by the sheer size and beauty of the canyon as we trek through the Amphitheatre, discover the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. Enjoy a well deserved lunch before we make our way back to Alice Springs. (BL)