Flinders Ranges / Lake Eyre / Coober Pedy

Fly to Adelaide, home of festivals, food, arts, and culture. We 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 metres above sea level. Later it’s on to our 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. After a town tour there’s free time to explore this quaint little town. In the afternoon we continue to Port Augusta on the Spencer’s Gulf.  Whilst here we visit the Wadlata Centre, a journey back in time about South Australia and the Flinders Ranges. (B,D)

Today it’s a delightful drive to Quorn and then on to the little town of Hawker where we have the opportunity to visit the Jeff Morgan Gallery. We continue to Hawker in the Flinders Ranges for a two-night stopover. (B,D)

This morning we visit historic Blinman, the highest town in South Australia, set in the Flinders Ranges. We continue to the wonderful Wilpena Pound National Park. There is an optional flight over the ranges (own expense) before an afternoon visit to the Old Wilpena Station. Overnight in Hawker. (B)

Departing Hawker, we travel through the majestic ranges to Parachilna and then on to Leigh Creek, visiting the ruins of Farina on the way to Marree, our home for the night. Now we’re in the Outback!  Time to see the beginning of the Birdsville Track and explore this iconic outback town. We can also learn about that famous outback mailman, Tom Kruse (B,D)

We head to Lake Eyre south via Alberrie Creek. In the afternoon there is an opportunity for flights over Lake Eyre (own expense) and then on to Coober Pedy, stopping on the way at William Creek, an historic old pub on the Oodnadatta Track. (B,D)

A morning tour around Coober Pedy and a visit to an underground church, before an opal mine tour. In the afternoon there’s free time to explore this iconic old town. Coober Pedy is one of the most multicultural towns in Australia. Approximately 60% of the people are European, migrating from southern and eastern Europe after the Second World War. In all, there are more than 45 nationalities represented. In the afternoon we enjoy nibbles and drinks at the breakaways (where many films have been made).  (B)

This morning we continue on the Stuart Highway with stops on the way at Lake Hart and Woomera. Woomera came into existence as a consequence of Britain’s defence requirements following World War II. Still on the Stuart highway we have an afternoon visit to the Matthew Flinders Lookout before arriving at our accommodation. (B,D)

We head back to Adelaide today, with stops on the way before we catch our flights back to Perth. (B)