Adelaide to Darwin – the Explorers’ Way

We begin in Adelaide, home of festivals, food, arts, and culture, with our first stop at the Mount Lofty Summit which provides spectacular panoramic views across Adelaide’s city skyline to the coast. Later you can enjoy a ride on “Popeye” on the Torrens River (own expense) or immerse yourself in the culture of Adelaide’s North Terrace, before being transferred to your accommodation.  (D)

We begin our day travelling to Port Pirie where smelters have been in operation since 1889. Enjoy a town tour before enjoying free time to explore. In the afternoon we head to Port Augusta. Here we’ll visit the Wadlata Centre for a journey back in time about South Australia and the Flinders Ranges. Optional boat cruise to the top of Spencers Gulf (own expense), before heading to our accommodation. (B,D)

We start the day visiting Mathew Flinders Lookout in the Arid Botanical Gardens before continuing to Lake Gairdner, the largest salt lake in South Australia, then we follow the highway to Woomera, famous for its RAAF Woomera Range Complex (a large systems testing range covering an area of approximately 122,000 sq kms). In the afternoon we reach Coober Pedy, which mines 92% of Australia’s opal. Coober Pedy is our home for two nights. (B,D)

We spend the day in Coober Pedy today. You have a chance to buy your own opal today during our town tour, and in the late afternoon we travel to the breakaways for pre-dinner drinks and nibbles whilst watching a magical sunset. (B)

We travel to Marla, Mt Connor, and Lake Amadeus today along the way to the 1-million-acre cattle property at Curtin Springs, our accommodation for the next three nights. (B,D)

Today is all about the “Rock” and the “Olgas”. We enjoy a highly informative tour with a local guide, and the opportunity to explore the area and visit the Cultural Centre . You may also fly over both attractions (own expense), before heading back to the “Rock” for a BBQ dinner and a spectacular sunset in the evening. (B,D)

We’ll be treated to a private guided station tour experience around Curtin Springs today, enjoying a home-made morning tea and bush picnic lunch, whilst getting up close and personal with Mt Conner and visiting the nearby salt lake, all hosted by Curtin Springs. This is an outback experience most people don’t usually get to have. (B,L)

This morning before we head off, we’ll take part in a tour of the production process in the Old Abattoir at Curtin Springs, to learn how they harvest the grass to produce their diverse range of papers. See how this remote location can provide what is needed to produce the paper – the grasses, water, equipment and imagination. Later we continue our journey to Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park we we’ll take a walk into the Gorge, marvelling at its breath-taking 100 m high walls. (B) Note: Helicopter flight opportunity over Watarrka National Park – own expense.

On to Alice Springs where we visit the historic Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill Lookout before a visit to the stunning Simpson’s Gap, returning via Honeymoon Gap, and ending with a well-earned rest at our accommodation. (B,D)

Today we visit the amazing Ormiston Gorge known for its sheer quartzite cliffs, red river gums, and sandy creek bed. Later we visit Ellery Creek Big Hole, which contains some of the most dramatic and beautiful countryside in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Return to Alice in the afternoon. (B)

We head north towards Aileron and Barrow Creek, stopping at the spectacular Devils Marbles where you’ll have time to walk around these precariously balanced boulders. Our stop tonight is at the old gold mining town of Tennant Creek. (B,D)

Still heading north, we visit the eccentric Daly Waters Historic Pub for a refreshing beer at lunchtime. We continue to Mataranka, ‘Land of the Never Never,’ to visit the replica of the original Elsey Homestead, used in the film ‘We of the Never Never.’ You may also take the palm lined walkway for a swim in the famous thermal springs. Overnight in Katherine. (B)

A serene early morning cruise through Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National Park. Discover the cultural significance of the first two gorges to the traditional landowners, the Jawoyn people and keep an eye out for the resident crocodiles. (B)

Travelling south on the Stuart Hwy today, we stop at Adelaide River’s poignant War Cemetery and the famous Adelaide  River pub for lunch. Later in the afternoon we arrive in Darwin. (B,D)

Today we visit the Darwin Military Museum, stroll through the Darwin Botanic Gardens, and enjoy free time in the city before an afternoon sunset dinner cruise on Darwin Harbour. (B,D)

After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight home. (B)