From
This is a deluxe, 5-day, small group 4WD eco tour encompassing Lake Eyre,
Birdsville, Marree, the Flinders Ranges and outback South Australia. Includes
a full-day Lake Eyre & Birdsville scenic flight. Accommodations are fully air-
conditioned with en-suite bathroom.
DAY 1
Commence your wilderness journey heading north via the old coastal towns of
Port Wakefield and Port Germein, which boasts the longest wooden jetty in the
Southern Hemisphere. During the safari your Tour Guide will introduce you to a
remarkable and resilient history of both Aboriginal and white settlement in
SA.
Be amazed by the beauty of the Southern Flinders Ranges, 600-million-year-old
mountain peaks and spectacular views over Spencer Gulf. Travel through
picturesque Pichi Richi Pass to the historic township of Quorn. With its
typical outback buildings and the original Ghan Railway station, Quorn has
been the setting for many iconic Australian films.
Follow in the path of our early explorers driving to Warrens Gorge
Conservation Park to search for rare Yellow-Footed Rock Wallabies. Dramatic
rock outcrops harbor these endangered wallabies with only an estimated 8,000
living in the wild. Sit back in our comfortable, fully equipped off road
vehicle as we head along remote tracks through the deserted Willochra Plains
where eagles soar, and emus run free. This is quintessential outback
Australia!
Overnight: Ikara / Wilpena Pound Resort.
Meals:
(L) Included: Café.
(D) Included: Captain Starlight Restaurant Wilpena Resort.
DAY 2
Our expert guide will drive you on a wonderful journey to the spectacular
Bunyeroo Gorge, visiting secluded areas of great natural beauty. Explore the
ever-changing creek beds of Brachina Gorge. This is an area alive with
wildlife and boasts a remarkable geological history including Ediacaran
fossils dating back millions of years. World-renowned South Australian
painter, Sir Hans Heysen was inspired by this country and painted many of his
landscapes here.
We head out to the edge of the great deserts to the famous Prairie Hotel for
lunch. As the sun becomes low in the sky we will follow the road through a
landscape of absolute beauty. Wildlife including Kangaroos, Emus and Wedge-
tailed Eagles are prolific in this rugged terrain and are usually spotted in
the late afternoon.
Overnight: Marree Cabins.
Meals:
(B) Included: A fully cooked or continental breakfast is included.
(L) Included: The Prairie Hotel (offers a feral platter of local delicacies &
normal food!).
(D) Included: Dinner is at the classic Oasis outback restaurant in Marree.
DAY 3
DELUXE BIRDSVILLE & LAKE EYRE - FULL DAY FLIGHT (includes lunch)
Lake Eyre, Birdsville Hotel, Simpson Desert, Cooper Creek, Goyder Lagoon,
Coongie Lakes
Great way to see Birdsville without travelling on the dirt road. This flight
covers Lake Eyre North & South, the Marree Man, the Channel country, Goyder
Lagoon stopping for lunch at the Birdsville Hotel.
Head back to Marree towards Innamincka, over the Diamantina, Strzelecki
Desert, Coongie Lakes & Cooper Creek. Great day trip to see the magnitude and
expanse of our water system.
Overnight: Marree Cabins.
Meals:
(B) Included: A fully cooked or continental breakfast.
(L) Included: Lunch will be at the Birdsville Hotel.
(D) Included: Dinner is at the historic Marree Hotel.
DAY 4
After a hearty breakfast, travel south, exploring historic townships scattered
along the old Ghan Railway.
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of this magnificent area from an array of scenic
lookouts. Soak up the clean air, savor the solitude and be enriched by the
beauty of these spectacular Outback of South Australia.
At Blinman, a local miner will take you deep underground into an abandoned
copper mine with its many shafts, to be enthralled by stories of the hardy
Cornish miners.
Venturing into the remote outback of Australia, we will cross ancient creek
beds that meander out west to Lake Torrens. See the Red Sandhill country that
holds thousands of years of sacred believes to the Adnyamathanha aboriginal
people.
Wildlife including Kangaroos, Emus and Wedge-tailed Eagles are prolific in
this rugged terrain and are usually spotted in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Wilpena Pound Resort or Rawnsley Park Station Cabin style
accommodation (depending on availability).
Meals:
(B) Included: A fully cooked or continental breakfast.
(L) Included: Lunch at The Copley Bush Bakery or Blinman.
(D) Own expense: Captain Starlight’s Restaurant (Wilpena Pound Resort) or The
Wool Shed Restaurant (Rawnsley Park Station).
DAY 5
Spend a relaxing morning travelling back to Adelaide along the eastern side of
the Flinders Ranges with its mighty Red Gum forests. Crossing Goyder’s Line,
the boundary of reliable rainfall, you will see lands that change into a lush
expanse rich rural landscape.
The mid-north towns offer a blend of beautiful scenery, historical charm and
thriving agriculture. Let’s find a lovely country café for lunch where you can
meet the locals and have a chat.
In the afternoon stop at the world-famous Clare Valley wine region, one of the
premium wine regions of South Australia! Seven Hills Cellers was built by the
Jesuits in 1851. It is the first winery ever built in the Clare Valley and one
of the oldest in Australia. Seven Hills celebrates old stone winery and cellar
door; stately St Aloysius Church and the surrounding vineyards provide us with
a memorable experience. Wine tastings are formatted into a flight of five
premium wines.
Meals:
(B) Included: A continental breakfast.
(L) Included: Lunch at a café or bakery.
Optional Extras:
Take to the air with the local airline company in light aircraft on their
30-minute flight over Wilpena Pound and Flinders Ranges. This is the only way
to really appreciate this world-famous 800-million-year-old SA icon that the
local Adnyamathanha people call Ikara. Window seats are guaranteed!
30-minute Wilpena Pound & Flinders Ranges scenic flight
45-minute Wilpena Pound & Flinders Ranges scenic flight
60-minute Wilpena Pound & Flinders Ranges scenic flight
No doubt you will leave this journey with life-long memories to share with
family and friends about your journey to the Flinders Ranges & Outback
Australia!
Please note:
The (B) (L) and (D) codes indicate which meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
are included in your tour price and which meals are at the passenger’s own
expense.
Alcohol is available at accommodation/dining locations in the evenings but is
not included during this tour.
Optional extras are on request and can only be booked with SA ECO TOURS.
Advertised itineraries & vehicles may change due to circumstances beyond our
control.
Printable itinerary: coming soon
Optional extras can be booked with us during your tour and payment made to the
provider directly.
Advertised itineraries and vehicles may change due to circumstances beyond our
control.
_ _We recommend all passengers take out appropriate travel insurance to cover
any unavoidable situations in which cancellations occur and alternative
arrangements cannot be made.__
If you are interested in this tour but cannot travel on any of the dates
listed, please contact us directly and we can arrange additional tour dates.
SA Eco Tours
NZD 8,676