Lake Eyre and the Painted Hills

Be met at Adelaide airport, where you will meet your Driver-Guide and board your 4WD vehicle. Travel to Port Augusta, situated at the head of Spencer Gulf. This iconic town sits at the crossroads of Australia, where the Sydney-Perth and Adelaide-Alice Springs railway lines intersect. Today you’ll also visit the award-winning Wadlata Outback Centre, where a walk through its ‘Tunnel of Time’ provides the perfect introduction to this magnificent region by introducing you to the fascinating stories from the Dreamtime to the early explorers who embarked on camel-back voyages in search of an inland sea.  

This morning, explore the Historic railway town of Quorn, filled with charming heritage buildings that have been a backdrop for films including Gallipoli and Wolf Creek. Traverse the Pichi Richi Pass, a heritage steam railway line. Stop for lunch at Parachilna’s famous Prairie Hotel, a family-owned pub that was first licensed in 1876. Continue to the stunning Aroona Dam and admire its spectacular ochre-coloured pits, then call in at the ghost town of Farina, once a thriving community with around 600 residents, before arriving at Marree.    

Set off along the Oodnadatta Track towards Lake Eyre South, where you will admire the dazzling salt flats (subject to weather conditions). Keep an eye out for unique wildlife including the Lake Eyre dragon, as well as a variety of birdlife from corellas to wild emerald budgerigars. Afterwards, enjoy a pub lunch at William Creek before embarking on your Signature Experience.

Signature Experience - Scenic Flight and Guided Tour of the Painted Hills

Take a scenic flight to the Painted Hills, a hidden gem located within the Arckaringa Basin. This surreal landscape, characterised by its vibrant hues of red, pink, yellow, and ochre, is a testament to millions of years of geological history. The hills are composed of ancient siltstones, mudstones and sandstones, shaped by natural forces over a vast period of time. Embark on a guided walk to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Painted Hills while learning about the area's geology, flora, and wildlife, and how it is a significant paleontological site, with fossils of ancient plants and animals embedded in the layers, offering a glimpse into Earth’s distant past.

(Image courtesy of South Australia Tourist Commission)

Set off this morning on your signature experience.

Later, relax in the comfort of a 4WD coach whilst you travel to Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert National Park. Witness the sun setting while enjoying drinks and nibbles and watch as nature displays its very own light show. You will spend the night in Birdsville at the famous Birdsville Hotel.

Signature Experience – Scenic Flight Over Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre

Board an included scenic flight over Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, where you will be able to gain a bird’s-eye view and true appreciation of this magnificent sight. Absorb the beautiful range of vibrant blue and pink hues – even when dry, the lake bed dazzles with its patchwork of geometric patterns. From this vantage point, you will see how it cuts an amazing track though the Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert, all the way from Queensland, as you head for Poeppel Corner and the Big Red sand dune, prior to landing at Birdsville.

Departing Birdsville, set out for your Signature Experience. 

Signature Experience - Scenic Flight Over the Outback

Board a scenic flight for the journey south along the Diamantina River to the top edge of Goyder Lagoon. From there, cross the Sturt Stony Desert to reach Coongie Lakes, a vast wetland reserve home to thousands of migratory birds. Continue downstream along Cooper Creek past Lake Hope to the Cooper Creek and Birdsville Track Crossing. Here, the floodwaters rejuvenate the landscape into a picturesque scene of flowing rivers and green vegetation, providing a temporary haven for wildlife. This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers an unforgettable perspective on the natural wonders of South Australia's outback. 

This morning is yours to explore at leisure. Perhaps take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound to gain a true appreciation of this natural wonder (additional expense). Or alternatively embark on a self-guided walk to the spectacular Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre of mountains in the heart of the national park. After Lunch, venture into Flinders Ranges National Park and follow in the footsteps of Douglas Mawson as you spend the afternoon in the geological site of Brachina Gorge, an important refuge for the endangered yellow-footed rock wallaby.

Enrich Your Experience – Wilpena Pound Scenic Flight

Perhaps take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound to gain a true appreciation of this natural wonder. 

After breakfast, drive to the world-renowned wine growing district of the Clare Valley. This afternoon, savour a Signature Experience. Later, return to Adelaide, where you will enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel.

Signature Experience – Dine at the Watervale Hotel

Visit the highly acclaimed Watervale Hotel for a delightful meal featuring locally grown produce from the hotel organic, bio-dynamic farm in one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, the Clare Valley. It’s the ideal setting to enjoy a glass of wine and catch up with your fellow guests.

After breakfast, be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.