Outback Explorer
This journey takes you into the very heart of Australia. The ancient and awe-inspiring Flinders Ranges and Kings Canyon provide a dramatic introduction to the rugged landscapes of the continent’s interior – and the jewels in its crown, magnificent Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Close encounters with local people add an enriching layer to your outback experience.
9 nights from £2730pp
Call us on 01756 706505 (+44 1756 706505) to discuss this holiday
Outback Explorer Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Adelaide
On arrival in Adelaide today, explore the major sights of the city before joining a local food expert for a guided tour of the vibrant Adelaide Central Market. Meet the traders and share the history and secrets of this 140 year-old icon. This evening, relax with your Travel Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception and dinner at La Boca Bar and Grill.
Day 2 Adelaide – Flinders Ranges
Travel to the Clare Valley for a wine tasting at Jesuit-owned Sevenhill Cellars, the region’s oldest existing winery. Later, travel through the spectacular Flinders Ranges to Wilpena Pound, a remarkable natural amphitheatre covering nearly 8,000 hectares. As you head to the Flinders Ranges, passing the ruins of deserted pastoral leases, don’t forget to keep an eye out for mobs of emus on the plains as dusk draws near.
Day 3 Flinders Ranges – Port Augusta
Take a walk with your Travel Director to the faithfully-restored Hills Homestead, then enjoy panoramic views over Wilpena Pound from Wangarra Lookout. Later, journey through Pichi Richi Pass and the historic town of Quorn, known for its beautiful historic railway station, on your way to Port Augusta, a natural harbour on the Spencer Gulf. Visit Wadlata Outback Centre before dining at a local restaurant.
Day 4 Port Augusta – Coober Pedy
Visit Woomera, a remote site used for testing space rockets during the 1950s and 60s. Then travel through salt-lake country and observe the transformation to a stark, barren landscape as you near the settlement of Coober Pedy, regarded by many as the opal capital of the world. Coober Pedy is also renowned for its underground shops and dwellings, called ‘dugouts’, which provide shelter from the extreme daytime heat. View an opal demonstration with a local expert, who’ll then lead you through some of the town’s iconic underground buildings, including a church and a private residence.
Day 5 Coober Pedy – Uluru
Cross the border into the Northern Territory and continue to dual World Heritage listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is sacred to the local Aboriginal inhabitants and is thought to have begun forming around 550 million years ago. Sparkling wine is served this evening as you watch the sun set behind Australia’s most recognised natural landmark and witness the spectacular phenomenon of the changing colours on the massive sandstone monolith.
Day 6 Uluru Sunrise – Kata Tjuta
Rise early this morning to experience a majestic Uluru sunrise. After a tour of the base of Uluru, you may like to take either a self-guided stroll around its full eleven-kilometre perimeter, or a guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole, a pool so calm and still that it looks like glass. Your Travel Director will explain the significance of Uluru’s ancient Aboriginal rock paintings, and you’ll also learn about the area’s flora and fauna and the culture of its traditional owners, the Anangu people. This afternoon’s journey takes you to Kata Tjuta, a stunning series of thirty-six magnificent domes of red-hued sedimentary rock, where you can toast a magnificent sunset with a glass of sparkling wine.
Day 7 Uluru – Kings Canyon
Awe-inspiring Kings Canyon is your destination today. Stop for a lunch break at Kings Creek Station, a cattle station which is also the largest exporter of wild camels in Australia, and hear the intriguing story of owners Ian and Lynn Conway and their dedication to Aboriginal children in the region’s remote communities. Continue to Kings Canyon, a spectacular natural formation whose sheer sandstone walls soar to a height of over 100 metres. A 6km ‘rim walk’ around the canyon will reward you with marvellous views of Watarrka National Park. An easier walk along the canyon’s boulder-strewn creek bed is another option.
Day 8 Kings Canyon – Alice Springs
Travelling past vast cattle properties today, you’ll develop a true appreciation of the enormous magnitude of the Australian outback. On arrival in Alice Springs, visit the historic Telegraph Station established in 1872, which revolutionised communications on the island continent.
Day 9 Alice Springs
Join a local Aboriginal guide at the Alice Springs Desert Park to learn about the culture and traditions of the local Arrernte People. Then visit the headquarters of the Royal Flying Doctor Service to see how this iconic facility provides lifesaving medical assistance in the outback. This evening, join the Falzon family at Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre for a home-cooked Be My Guest barbecue dinner. You'll hear from the Falzon brothers, Tom and Danny, about the sustainable lifestyle they have established.
Day 10 Farewell from Alice Springs
Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end after breakfast.
Tour Highlights
Highlights
- Adelaide Central Markets Guided Tour
- Sevenhills Cellars Winery
- Wadlata Outback Centre
- Coober Pedy Opal Centre
- Uluru Sunset Experience with Sparkling wine
- Uluru Sunrise and guided Uluru walk
- Kata Tjuta guided walk
- King Canyon Guided Rim walk
- Alice Springs Town Tour
- Alice Springs Telegraph Station
- Alice Springs Desert Park
- Royal Flying Doctor Service
- School of the Air
- Earth Sanctuary Dinner under the stars (BMG)
Price Includes
What's Included
- Quality accommodation
- Travel by luxury coach
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Airport transfers (see flight information below)
Dates and Prices
2021 Departures £ prices per person based on 2 people sharing
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