7 Day Adelaide to Alice Springs Unleashed

Itinerary: day by day

Day 1 – Adelaide to Flinders Ranges

DEFAULT PICK UP: Adelaide Central YHA (135 Waymouth St), 07:00am

Departing Adelaide nice and early, we travel to the Barossa Reservoir Whispering Wall, where you can have a go at communicating along the wall’s 140 metre length. We 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 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 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 Kings Canyon

We start the day by making our way to Kings Canyon Resort. Make sure you’ve got your hiking shoes on as we journey into the remarkable Kings Canyon and explore the Amphitheatre, breathtaking North and South Walls, the Lost City and Garden of Eden. After an outdoor dinner, enjoy sitting around the fire (seasonal) before star-gazing from the comfort of your swag (Aussie bedroll). (BLD)

Day 6 – Kings Canyon to Uluru

It’s an early start as we hit the road and travel to iconic Uluru. After lunch at our campground, get up close and personal with the Rock as you walk around a spectacular section of the base. You will then gain some insight into the local Aboriginal culture from your guide before watching the desert sunset over Uluru. It’s time to fire up the BBQ for dinner. Stay overnight in a swag (Aussie bedroll). (BLD)

Day 7 – Uluru to Alice Springs

Witness a magical Uluru sunrise then visit the Cultural Centre to expand your knowledge of the amazing Anangu way of life. The 36 domes of Kata Tjuta are an incredible sight and you will get to explore the majestic features of this ancient geological formation during a Valley of the Winds hike. (Passengers flying out from Ayers Rock finish the tour here and are taken to the airport). We then enjoy lunch before making our way to the Alice Springs and the end of your adventure, or if you are finishing at Ayers Rock your tour ends before lunch. (BL)

Note: Lunch is not included for passengers leaving the tour at Ayers Rock Airport.