Adelaide to Darwin – the Explorers’ Way

We begin in Adelaide, the home of Festivals and food, arts and culture. We will visit the Mount Lofty Summit, the majestic peak of the Mount Lofty Ranges in the Adelaide Hills, which provides spectacular panoramic views across Adelaide’s city skyline to the coast.  The peak rises more than 710 meters above sea level.  Later you can enjoy a ride on “Popeye” on the Torrens River (own expense) for a different look at the city, or immerse yourself in the culture of Adelaide’s North Terrace, before being transferred to your accommodation.  (D)

We begin our day by travelling to Port Pirie.  Smelters have been in operation here since 1889, and it became the biggest lead smelter in the world by 1934. We have a town tour and then free time to explore this quaint little town. In the afternoon we advance to Port Augusta, situated on the Spencer’s Gulf.  Whilst here we visit the Wadlata Centre, a journey back in time about South Australia and the Flinders Ranges.  Later you can enjoy a boat cruise to the top of Spencer’s Gulf (own expense), then to our accommodation. (B,D)

We start the day by visiting Mathew Flinders Lookout in the Arid Botanical Gardens. We can see the grandeur of the Flinders Ranges from here. We continue on to Lake Gairdner, the largest salt lake in South Australia, then on to Port Augusta on the Spencer’s Gulf. 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). The Woomera Project lasted for 34 years and became one of the most secret allied establishments in operation during the Cold War, with a population at one stage of around 7,000 people. In the afternoon we reach Coober Pedy, our home for two nights. ((B,D)

We spend the day in Coober Pedy today, one of Australia’s most multi-cultural towns and a fascinating place to explore. Coober Pedy mines over 92% of Australian opals and you have a chance to buy your very own opal or two today during our town tour, when you will also find out more about the unique practice of opal mining. 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 Conner and Lake Amadeus 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 very information tour with a local guide, and have 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)

Today, we continue our journey to Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park, which sits at the western end of the George Gill Range. We take a walk into the Gorge, marvelling at its breathtaking 100m high walls. Later we return to our accommodation at Curtin Springs. (B,D)
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.  We settle into our accommodation then enjoy drinks and nibbles before dinner at the nearby Range View Restaurant. (B)

Today we visit the amazing Ormiston Gorge known for its sheer quartzite cliffs, red river gums and sandy creek bed. Several waterholes attract native wildlife and provide a beautiful setting for visitors. After we visit the beautiful Ellery Creek Big Hole, which contains some of the most dramatic and beautiful countryside in the West MacDonnell Ranges. We return to Alice in the afternoon. (B,D)

Today we travel north towards Aileron, Barrow Creek, stopping at the interesting Karlu-Karlu (Devils Marbles), where you’ll have time to walk around these precariously balanced boulders. We end the day at Tennant Creek, an old gold mining town along the Stuart Highway. (B,D)

Still travelling north, we visit the eccentric Daly Waters Historic Pub for a refreshing beer at lunch time. We continue to Mataranka, ‘Land of the Never Never’. At Mataranka you can visit the replica of the original Elsey Homestead, used in the filming of ‘We of the Never Never’, an autobiographical film about Jeannie Gunn’s life in the outback. Or, you may take the palm lined walkway for a swim in the famous thermal springs. Later it’s on to Katherine. (B)

We start the day with 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. 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, which sits on the bay of the Timor Sea, and our home for the last two nights. (B, D)

Today we explore Darwin. 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)

Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Darwin Airport to connect with your onward flight home, after a wonderful tour of South Australia and the Northern territory, after enjoying some of the sites of our amazing country! (B)