11 Day Outback South Australia Accommodated Tour

Departing early, we continue along the Stuart Highway to the famous Opal Fields of Coober Pedy.  We enjoy a guided tour of Umoona Opal Mine, where we escape the heat above ground and experience the ‘real’ Coober Pedy underground, often referred to as “dug outs”.  Coober Pedy is often referred to as the opal capital of the world, with its abundance of this precious gem. This afternoon we take a scenic drive through the enormous ‘Breakaways’ (Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park) where arid ‘Gibber Plains’ meet colourful mesa hills (flat topped hills), providing spectacular views and photography opportunities. Our last leg of the day takes us to Arckaringa Station, our evening destination.

Overnight: Arckaringa Station Stay (Painted Desert)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We head out to watch the sunrise over the Painted Desert. Following our early morning venture, we return to camp for breakfast, pack up and head to Oodnadatta; famous for its pink roadhouse. The journey then continues north skirting the Pedirka Desert before entering the vast Witjira National Park, where we enjoy a swim at Dalhousie Springs, part of the Great Artesian Basin. After our swim in the thermal springs, we continue onto Mt Dare, our last night of civilisation before crossing the Simpson Desert.

Overnight: Mt Dare
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast, we retrace a short distance before embarking on our crossing of the Simpson Desert. The dunes begin small, gradually increasing in height as we head East.  We stop in at Purni Bore, a flowing bore that has created an artificial wetland oasis.  This afternoon we continue our journey along the French Line, making camp amongst the sand dunes.

Overnight: Simpson Desert Camp #1
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we continue deep into the Simpson Desert as the dunes continue to increase in height.  We detour off the French Line briefly to visit Approdinna Attora Knolls, two low, flat topped gypsum hills.  They are a stark contrast of the surrounding landscape with their white appearance and are of great Aboriginal significance.  Our campsite for the night, situated between two large sand dunes is desert camping at its best.  A stroll to the top of the nearest dune at sunset is a photographer’s dream as you watch the colours of the desert change every minute.

Overnight: Simpson Desert Camp #2
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our journey across the Simpson Desert comes to an end today as we make our way to Birdsville.  On our way to Birdsville we explore Poeppel Corner (corner of SA, NT and QLD), cross Eyre Creek (can be difficult with recent rains) and count down the last of the dune’s before crossing the iconic Nappanerica, also known as ‘Big Red’ sand dune, the largest crossing of the Simpson.  We arrive late afternoon into Birdsville Hotel for a well-deserved rest, before a celebratory drink or two over dinner.

Overnight: Birdsville Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departing Birdsville, we pass through the Sturt Stony Desert and onto ‘Cordillo Downs’ station – home to Australia’s largest sheep shearing shed.  The afternoon journey takes us back into Queensland to the Burke and Wills Dig Tree, on the banks of the Bullah Bullah Waterhole on Cooper Creek.  This is the area where  Robert O’Hara Burke and William John Wills passed away after they led an expedition of 19 men with the intention of crossing Australia from Melbourne in the south, to the Gulf of Carpentaria in the north in 1861.  We continue onto Innamincka, our evening destination.

Overnight: Innamincka Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Following breakfast, we make our way down the Strzelecki Track, passing through the southern half of the Strzelecki Desert before venturing into the northern Flinders Ranges to Arkaroola. Here, we will enjoy a bush walk surrounding the village and a tour at Arkaroola’s astronomical observatories, which is renowned for excellent viewing conditions year-round.

Overnight: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we start off with a guided ‘Ridgetop Tour’ around Arkaroola, a truly memorable journey with fantastic photography opportunities around every corner.  Upon returning to the village and enjoying lunch, we then continue through the Flinders Ranges stopping into the township of Blinman and visiting Parachilna Gorge, before arriving at our evening destination; Parachilna, home of the famous Prairie Hotel.

Overnight: Prairie Hotel, Parachilna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 we depart Parachilna and make our way through the Flinders Ranges, stopping in to Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges, both spectacular sights and well worth the visit.  We continue onto Wilpena Pound, where we take part in a fascinating Aboriginal Cultural tour.

Overnight: Wilpena Pound Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our last day of the journey takes us through some of South Australia’s historic mid-north towns before arriving in the Barossa Valley. The Barossa is well-renowned for its fine foods and wine, so we will indulge in some enjoyable treats for lunch and visit some nearby wineries for tastings. We depart the Barossa Valley late afternoon for Adelaide and we will say farewell after taking you to your accommodation.

Overnight: Pre-arranged accommodation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch