The Canning Stock Route 16 day journey includes Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Billilluna Aboriginal Community, Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise), Paraku Indigenous Protected Area, Wardabunni Rockhole, Durba Springs, Onegunyah Rockhole, Lake Disappointment, Glen Ayle Station, then the rich mineral & Gold rush areas around Wiluna and Newman.

Tour includes travel by luxury Toyota Landcruiser GXL  vehicles (4 persons per vehicle), 3 nights motel accommodation (Broome, Halls Creek and Newman), all meals, fees, permits, professional 4WD driver guides, delicious healthy meals, deluxe & modern camping gear supplied including full height tents, stretchers if required, hot showers & real toilet.

Price of 16 day Canning Stock Route tour from Broome to Newman. Marble Bar option – Add return to Broome 2 days including extra 1 night accommodation (optional BHP Whaleback mine tour available) plus sightseeing at Marble Bar & 80 Mile Beach  - Add $ 680. (can be paid after online booking)

Our Canning Stock Route Tours travel the original Canning Stock Route created by Albert Canning in 1908 for Kimberley cattlemen to take their stock to the southern markets. The route includes 51 wells and stretches 2,013 kilometres from Halls Creek to Wiluna in Western Australia. The Canning Stock Route now forms one of the most remote and challenging four wheel drive tracks in the world…. Our route takes us via awesome desert landscapes as we travel via the Great Sandy Desert, Tanami and Gibson Deserts through gibbers, sandhills, ancient ranges and salt lakes
 
Our journey includes Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Billilluna Aboriginal Community, Lake Gregory region (bird watchers paradise), Paraku Indigenous Protected Area, Wardabunni Rockhole, Durba Springs, Diebel Springs, Onegunyah Rockhole, Lake Disappointment, Helen Hill, Slate Range, Ural Native Title Well, Glen Ayle Station, then the rich mineral & Gold rush areas around Wiluna and Newman.
Tour includes Toyota Landcruiser GXL 100 vehicles (max. 4 persons per vehicle in convoy) , 4 nights motel accommodation (Halls Creek, Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community, Wiluna, and Newman), all meals, fees, permits, professional 4WD driver guides, delicious healthy meals, comfortable most modern camping gear supplied including full height easy up tents, stretchers if required, comfortable mattresses or swags if preferred, linen and pillow cases, showers & real toilet.
Alice Springs or Broome departures are same departure dates, with return options – please ask.

Broome to Newman or Broome. 16 days from Broome to Newman WA (to fly to Perth) or return to Broome via Marble Bar – 17 days. Our journey includes Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Billilluna Aboriginal Community, Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise), Paraku Indigenous Protected Area, Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community, Wardabunni Rockhole, Durba Springs, Diebel Springs, Onegunyah Rockhole, Lake Disappointment, Helen Hill, Slate Range, Ural Native Title Well, Glen Ayle Station, then the rich mineral & Gold rush areas around Wiluna and Newman.  SEATS AVAILABLE – ASK FOR DETAILS 

Canning Stock Route Tours

Join us Departing on this 16 day tour from Broome to Newman WA to fly out or return to Broome via Marble Bar - 17 days.
OR – Depart from Alice Springs.

Note Alice Springs departures meet Broome departures near Balgo /  Lake Gregory after travelling from Alice Springs via Tanami Track, Tillmouth Well and Rabbit Flat.  Both tours travel together and overnight at Canning SR end at Wiluna and visit Well 2. Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway (created by Len Beddell) via Carnegie, Everard Junction, Warburton (great Aboriginal art work), Giles Weather Station, Schwerin Mural Crescent, Docker River, Uluru, Alice Springs
 
Canning Stock Route Tours – Itinerary from Broome – see note at end re from Alice Springs
 
Day 1 – Broome - You will be collected from the airport in Broome or meet at our groups pre-arranged accommodation. Enjoy your leisure time in Broome during the day and join us for a debriefing and group dinner that evening and a good nights rest before the big adventure.
Day 2 - After breakfast we depart via the vast savannah grasslands, majestic Boab trees and powerful mountains of the Western Kimberley crossing the Fitzroy River near Willare. Travelling on we stop at a giant boab tree over a thousand years old, and appreciate more of the uniqueness of these trees. We travel via the Erskine Ranges to historic Fitzroy Crossing where we have time to visit the local Aboriginal Art centre and purchase art if desired. We travel adjacent the Napier Range, the ancient Devonian era limestone reef that was formed 350 million years ago by coral like creates, when this area was under seawater. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch by the Fitzroy River. Travel on viewing ancient mesas and stopping at scenic Ngumban Cliff lookout, and later Marys Pool, popular with many native birds, and crocodiles. We arrive Halls Creek Hotel for overnight.  B, L, D
Day 3 – Leaving Halls Creek we take the Tanami Track road south toward Alice Springs and Wolf Creek Crate. We travel via Ruby Plains, and vast cattle station still owned and operated by S. Kidman & Co the pioneering pastoralist who ruled the cattle country of the late 18 & 1900s.  We travel by and see Wolfe Creek Crater, the world 2nd largest meteorite crater, before arrival at the Aboriginal community and owned cattle station of Billilluna, the start of the Canning Stock route. From here we pass by waterholes of Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise) by the Paraku Indigenous Protected Area and check out the birds and wildlife.
   
Paruku is the Walmajarri name for Lake Gregory. Paruku/Lake Gregory is the only lake in the region with a reliable source of fresh water for large numbers of birds and other animals, supporting over 70 species of waterbirds and 175 aquatic species. Surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of arid desert lands, these wetland oases are fed from a catchment in the south-east Kimberley region. More than 100,000 birds visit the wetlands regularly, with up to 60,000 estimated at Mulan Lake at any one time.
Paruku IPA encompasses a variety of desert and semi-desert landscapes undulating red sand plains, salt pans and occasional dunes with stunted eucalyptus. It is dotted with acacias and spinifex, flood plains with swathes of short grasses and low shrubs, and alluvial plains and sand rises.
We visit Bloodwood Bore and Wells 51 and 50, before stopping for our overnight camp at the restored Well 49, the Crystal Well.

Day 4 – On the track again we explore Breaden Pool and Godfrey's tank – named in 1896 after members of David Carnegie’s expedition. We stop at Wells 48 and 47 then it’s into the sand dunes with their unique vegetation and wildlife to arrive at Well 46 for overnight.
Day 5 - We are now in the Great Sandy Desert and check out Wells 45 & 44, and take a break at Gravity Lakes. From Well 43 we head over the Guli Lake System and past Well 42 to stop for overnight amongst the trees near Helena Springs track.
Day 6  - Enjoy the remote early morning nature of this area before arrival at Well 41, known by the locals as 'Tiru'. This was a popular resting spot for the drovers due to good feed here for their cattle. We head south to cross Lake Tobin then to Well 39, where lots of water here attracts abundant bird life including budgerigars. Wardabunni Rockhole & Well 38 is reached today, where we enjoy another night under the stars.
Day 7 - After another great breakfast we arrive at Well 37, where lay the graves of 3 early drovers who died under mysterious circumstances. We learn more of the mystery and their fate at the site, and numerous other stories of early pioneers before Well 36. Travelling on we visit Well 33 then overnight in comfortable and modern style rooms at the Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community. Here we have abundant water and a chance to catch up on personal laundry.
Day 8 – At Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community and store we can do personal shopping and restock some essential supplies & fuel. These remote communities are always fascinating insights into remote desert life. Onwards we visit Wells 32, 31 and 30 (known as Duna Jinnda). After lunch we travel to Thring Rock, a sandstone outcrop with a lookout we climb for a great view of the landscape, before our overnight camp nearby.
Day 9 - More sand dunes today before Well 27, then the rebuilt Well 26 with good drinking water. We take a break here and stock up with water, then travel to shady Well 25 for lunch under the Desert Oaks before arrival at Well 24 for overnight camp. 
Day 10 – We are now also on part of the Talawana Track, which is a direct route to Newman. We see the Capricorn Roadhouse Fuel dump where many Canning trekkers still arrange fuel drops from Newman. Travel on to Georgia Bore, which was sunk in the 1970’s by CRA survey crews. Lake Disappointment is a large salt lake and our goal today. Named by explorer Frank Hann after he was expecting to find a freshwater lake. Overnight and sunset by the lake shore at Lake Disappointment.
Day 11 – We travel several kilometres by the shores of Lake Disappointment to Savory Creek crossing (or diversion crossing depending on water levels) and Well 19. After lunch we visit Onegunyah Rock Hole before majestic Durba Springs where we spend 2 nights in this restful shaded and well watered area.
Day 12 - Durba Springs is known as 'Jilikuru' by the local Martu people, who made this area their home. Elaborate Aboriginal rock art sites are here, and we walk through the Durba Hills area viewing these rock art galleries. Enjoy lunch back at camp and a relaxing easy afternoon as the drovers and cattle did in the good old days.
Day 13 – We leave this little haven and head for Well 16 with its challenging history then the lookout at Well 15 enables a wider view of this incredible landscape. Wells 14 and 13 are visited, then the restored Well 12 with good drinking water.   Then on to wells 11 & 10 and MacConkey Hill for our camp under a starry sky.
Day 14 – Today takes us to Weld Springs (Well 9) and the edge of Glen-Ayle Station, where WA’s first premier John Forrest built a fort in 1874 to defend against Aborigines. We travel off the CSR here to Glen-Ayle Station and then to Wiluna for refuelling, before overnight camp at Well 2 on the southern end of Canning Stock Route.
Day 15 - From our last camp here we travel to the BHP mining town of Newman and check into our welcome hotel after lunch. You can explore Newman or just catch up with all those photos at your leisure. Group dinner this evening in Newman.
Day 16 – Today you have time for an optional morning tour of the monster BHP Mt Whaleback mine. Our CSR Tour ends at 10 am after breakfast and for those flying we will transfer you to Newman airport for your flight to Perth.

Alternatively if travelling back to Broome with us we depart after the mine tour and lunch. We travel through spectacular mineral rich Pilbara country, via Roy Hill, the new Gina Reinhart Iron Ore mine, visit the famous and impressive rock formation that is the Marble Bar then overnight in accommodation in Marble Bar township.
Optional Day 17 – Visit the old Comet Mine before we travel mineral rich mining and Mesa areas of Shay Gap, before we cross the mighty De Grey River. Enjoy lunch at spectacular 80 Mile Beach, then a stop at Sandfire to arrive Broome late afternoon. BL
Includes -

•    Genuine small group travel – Maximum 12 in convoy Toyota Landcruiser vehicles
•    All delicious meals on tour, including breakfasts, lunches and dinners
•    Special diets catered
•    4 nights hotel / motel accommodation
•    12 nights Deluxe camping with comfortable, modern, user friendly equipment including full height Easy Up tents (no centre pole), stretchers if required, self-inflating mattresses, linen and pillow case.
•    Hot showers and real toilet
•    Professional Driver / Guides
•    Satellite phone connection to the world, Emergency services / Flying Doctor if required
•    2 way radio allows communication and sharing between vehicles
•    Personal refrigeration for limited supplies of alcohol and medications
•    Aboriginal Art purchase opportunities direct from source
•    240 Volt and 6 Volt USB charging for cameras and phones

Excludes -

•    Flights to and from departure points
•    Alcohol

Call Now to book or for latest tour dates and availability – Call 1300 763 188

 

The Canning Stock Route from Alice Springs 18 day journey includes Billilluna Aboriginal Community, Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise), Paraku Indigenous Protected Area, Durba Springs, Onegunyah Rockhole, Wiluna, Uluru,Gunbarrel Hwy, Paraku Indigenous Protected Area, Wardabunni Rockhole, Durba Springs, Onegunyah Rockhole, Lake Disappointment, Glen Ayle Station, then the rich mineral & Gold rush areas around Wiluna and Newman.

Tour includes travel by luxury Toyota Landcruiser GXL  vehicles (4 persons per vehicle), 3 nights motel accommodation (Broome, Halls Creek and Newman), all meals, fees, permits, professional 4WD driver guides, delicious healthy meals, deluxe & modern camping gear supplied including full height tents, stretchers if required, hot showers & real toilet.

Note Alice Springs departures meet Broome departures near Balgo / Lake Gregory after travelling from Alice

Springs via Tanami Track, Tillmouth Well and Rabbit Flat.  Both tours overnight at Canning SR end at Wiluna and visit Well 2. Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway (built by Len Beddell) via Carnegie, Everard Junction, Warburton (great Aboriginal art work), Giles Weather Station, Schwerin Mural Crescent, Docker River, Uluru, Alice Springs

Our Canning Stock Route Tours travel the original Canning Stock Route created by Albert Canning in 1908 for Kimberley cattlemen to take their stock to the southern markets. The route includes 51 wells and stretches 2,013 kilometres from Halls Creek to Wiluna in Western Australia. The Canning Stock Route now forms one of the most remote and challenging four wheel drive tracks in the world…. Our route takes us via awesome desert landscapes as we travel via the Great Sandy Desert, Tanami and Gibson Deserts through gibbers, sandhills, ancient ranges and salt lakes
 

Our journey includes Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Billilluna Aboriginal Community, Lake Gregory region (bird watchers paradise), Paraku Indigenous Protected Area, Wardabunni Rockhole, Durba Springs, Diebel Springs, Onegunyah Rockhole, Lake Disappointment, Helen Hill, Slate Range, Ural Native Title Well, Glen Ayle Station, then the rich mineral & Gold rush areas around Wiluna and Newman.

Tour includes Toyota Landcruiser GXL 100 vehicles (max. 4 persons per vehicle in convoy) , 4 nights motel accommodation (Halls Creek, Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community, Wiluna, and Newman), all meals, fees, permits, professional 4WD driver guides, delicious healthy meals, comfortable most modern camping gear supplied including full height easy up tents, stretchers if required, comfortable mattresses or swags if preferred, linen and pillow cases, showers & real toilet.

Alice Springs or Broome departures are same departure dates, with return options – please ask.

Broome to Newman or Broome. 16 days from Broome to Newman WA (to fly to Perth) or return to Broome via Marble Bar – 17 days. Our journey includes Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Billilluna Aboriginal Community, Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise), Paraku Indigenous Protected Area, Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community, Wardabunni Rockhole, Durba Springs, Diebel Springs, Onegunyah Rockhole, Lake Disappointment, Helen Hill, Slate Range, Ural Native Title Well, Glen Ayle Station, then the rich mineral & Gold rush areas around Wiluna and Newman.

SEATS AVAILABLE – ASK FOR DETAILS 

Canning Stock Route Tours

Join us Departing on this 16 day tour from Broome to Newman WA to fly out or return to Broome via Marble Bar - 17 days.
OR – Depart from Alice Springs – dates at booking link

Book Now on 1300 763 188 or 04172 44 600

Note Alice Springs departures meet Broome departures near Balgo /  Lake Gregory after travelling from Alice Springs via Tanami Track, Tillmouth Well and Rabbit Flat.  Both tours travel together and overnight at Canning SR end at Wiluna and visit Well 2. Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway (created by Len Beddell) via Carnegie, Everard Junction, Warburton (great Aboriginal art work), Giles Weather Station, Schwerin Mural Crescent, Docker River, Uluru, Alice Springs
 
Canning Stock Route Tours – Itinerary from Broome – see note at end re from Alice Springs
 
Day 1 – Broome - You will be collected from the airport in Broome or meet at our groups pre-arranged accommodation. Enjoy your leisure time in Broome during the day and join us for a debriefing and group dinner that evening and a good nights rest before the big adventure.
Day 2 - After breakfast we depart via the vast savannah grasslands, majestic Boab trees and powerful mountains of the Western Kimberley crossing the Fitzroy River near Willare. Travelling on we stop at a giant boab tree over a thousand years old, and appreciate more of the uniqueness of these trees. We travel via the Erskine Ranges to historic Fitzroy Crossing where we have time to visit the local Aboriginal Art centre and purchase art if desired. We travel adjacent the Napier Range, the ancient Devonian era limestone reef that was formed 350 million years ago by coral like creates, when this area was under seawater. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch by the Fitzroy River. Travel on viewing ancient mesas and stopping at scenic Ngumban Cliff lookout, and later Marys Pool, popular with many native birds, and crocodiles. We arrive Halls Creek Hotel for overnight.  B, L, D
Day 3 – Leaving Halls Creek we take the Tanami Track road south toward Alice Springs and Wolf Creek Crate. We travel via Ruby Plains, and vast cattle station still owned and operated by S. Kidman & Co the pioneering pastoralist who ruled the cattle country of the late 18 & 1900s.  We travel by and see Wolfe Creek Crater, the world 2nd largest meteorite crater, before arrival at the Aboriginal community and owned cattle station of Billilluna, the start of the Canning Stock route. From here we pass by waterholes of Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise) by the Paraku Indigenous Protected Area and check out the birds and wildlife.
   

Paruku is the Walmajarri name for Lake Gregory. Paruku/Lake Gregory is the only lake in the region with a reliable source of fresh water for large numbers of birds and other animals, supporting over 70 species of waterbirds and 175 aquatic species. Surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of arid desert lands, these wetland oases are fed from a catchment in the south-east Kimberley region. More than 100,000 birds visit the wetlands regularly, with up to 60,000 estimated at Mulan Lake at any one time.

Paruku IPA encompasses a variety of desert and semi-desert landscapes undulating red sand plains, salt pans and occasional dunes with stunted eucalyptus. It is dotted with acacias and spinifex, flood plains with swathes of short grasses and low shrubs, and alluvial plains and sand rises.
We visit Bloodwood Bore and Wells 51 and 50, before stopping for our overnight camp at the restored Well 49, the Crystal Well.

Day 4 – On the track again we explore Breaden Pool and Godfrey's tank – named in 1896 after members of David Carnegie’s expedition. We stop at Wells 48 and 47 then it’s into the sand dunes with their unique vegetation and wildlife to arrive at Well 46 for overnight.
Day 5 - We are now in the Great Sandy Desert and check out Wells 45 & 44, and take a break at Gravity Lakes. From Well 43 we head over the Guli Lake System and past Well 42 to stop for overnight amongst the trees near Helena Springs track.
Day 6  - Enjoy the remote early morning nature of this area before arrival at Well 41, known by the locals as 'Tiru'. This was a popular resting spot for the drovers due to good feed here for their cattle. We head south to cross Lake Tobin then to Well 39, where lots of water here attracts abundant bird life including budgerigars. Wardabunni Rockhole & Well 38 is reached today, where we enjoy another night under the stars.
Day 7 - After another great breakfast we arrive at Well 37, where lay the graves of 3 early drovers who died under mysterious circumstances. We learn more of the mystery and their fate at the site, and numerous other stories of early pioneers before Well 36. Travelling on we visit Well 33 then overnight in comfortable and modern style rooms at the Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community. Here we have abundant water and a chance to catch up on personal laundry.
Day 8 – At Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community and store we can do personal shopping and restock some essential supplies & fuel. These remote communities are always fascinating insights into remote desert life. Onwards we visit Wells 32, 31 and 30 (known as Duna Jinnda). After lunch we travel to Thring Rock, a sandstone outcrop with a lookout we climb for a great view of the landscape, before our overnight camp nearby.
Day 9 - More sand dunes today before Well 27, then the rebuilt Well 26 with good drinking water. We take a break here and stock up with water, then travel to shady Well 25 for lunch under the Desert Oaks before arrival at Well 24 for overnight camp. 
Day 10 – We are now also on part of the Talawana Track, which is a direct route to Newman. We see the Capricorn Roadhouse Fuel dump where many Canning trekkers still arrange fuel drops from Newman. Travel on to Georgia Bore, which was sunk in the 1970’s by CRA survey crews. Lake Disappointment is a large salt lake and our goal today. Named by explorer Frank Hann after he was expecting to find a freshwater lake. Overnight and sunset by the lake shore at Lake Disappointment.
Day 11 – We travel several kilometres by the shores of Lake Disappointment to Savory Creek crossing (or diversion crossing depending on water levels) and Well 19. After lunch we visit Onegunyah Rock Hole before majestic Durba Springs where we spend 2 nights in this restful shaded and well watered area.
Day 12 - Durba Springs is known as 'Jilikuru' by the local Martu people, who made this area their home. Elaborate Aboriginal rock art sites are here, and we walk through the Durba Hills area viewing these rock art galleries. Enjoy lunch back at camp and a relaxing easy afternoon as the drovers and cattle did in the good old days.
Day 13 – We leave this little haven and head for Well 16 with its challenging history then the lookout at Well 15 enables a wider view of this incredible landscape. Wells 14 and 13 are visited, then the restored Well 12 with good drinking water.   Then on to wells 11 & 10 and MacConkey Hill for our camp under a starry sky.
Day 14 – Today takes us to Weld Springs (Well 9) and the edge of Glen-Ayle Station, where WA’s first premier John Forrest built a fort in 1874 to defend against Aborigines. We travel off the CSR here to Glen-Ayle Station and then to Wiluna for refuelling, before overnight camp at the southern end of Canning Stock Route.
Day 15 - From our last camp here we travel to the BHP mining town of Newman and check into our welcome hotel after lunch. You can explore Newman or just catch up with all those photos at your leisure. Group dinner this evening in Newman.

Days - 15-18 - Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway (surveyed by Len Beddell)
via Carnegie Station, Everard Junction, Warburton (great Aboriginal art work),
Giles Weather Station, Schwerin Mural Crescent, Docker River, Uluru,
Alice Springs

If returning to Newman / Broome

• Day 16 – Today you have time for an optional morning tour of the monster BHP Mt Whaleback mine. Our CSR Tour ends at 10 am after breakfast and for those flying we will transfer you to Newman airport for your flight to Perth.
• Alternatively if travelling back to Broome with us we depart after the mine tour and lunch. We travel through spectacular mineral rich Pilbara country, via Roy Hill, the new Gina Reinhart Iron Ore mine, visit the famous and impressive rock formation that is the Marble Bar then overnight in accommodation in Marble Bar township.
• Optional Day 17 – Visit the old Comet Mine before we travel mineral rich mining and Mesa areas of Shay Gap, before we cross the mighty De Grey River. Enjoy lunch at spectacular 80 Mile Beach, then a stop at Sandfire to arrive Broome late afternoon. BL
  

Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway Includes -

•    Genuine small group travel – Maximum 12 in convoy Toyota Landcruiser vehicles
•    All delicious meals on tour, including breakfasts, lunches and dinners
•    Special diets catered
•    4 nights hotel / motel accommodation
•    12 nights camping with comfortable, modern, user friendly equipment including full height Easy Up tents (no centre pole), stretchers if required, self-inflating mattresses, linen and pillow case.
•    Hot showers and real toilet
•    Professional Driver / Guides
•    Satellite phone connection to the world, Emergency services / Flying Doctor if required
•    2 way radio allows communication and sharing between vehicles
•    Personal refrigeration for limited supplies of alcohol and medications
•    Aboriginal Art purchase opportunities direct from source
•    240 Volt and 6 Volt USB charging for cameras and phones

Excludes -

•    Flights to and from departure points
•    Alcohol

Call Now to book or for latest tour dates and availability – Call 1300 763 188

Uluru to Alice Springs via MacDonnell Ranges Haasts Bluff Palm Valley Kings Canyon Tours 8 Days

ACCOMMODATED OR Easy Comfy Camping 

Overnights at Uluru 2N, Kings Canyon, Glen Helen 2N, Palm Valley (or Glen Helen if accommodated), Alice Springs ie 7 nights

Reverse itinerary also available - please ask

Uluru to Alice Springs via Palm Valley & Mereenie Loop Track Tour includes – Stanley Chasm, Simpson’s Gap, Palm Valley, Hermannsburg, MacDonnell Ranges including Ormiston Gorge, Larapinta Trail,  Glen Helen, Papunya Art Centre, Haasts Bluff, Gosse Bluff, Mereenie Loop, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Uluru (Ayers Rock), Aboriginal rock art, visit Aboriginal art centres.

Relax and Revitalise your creative self in the clear and nurturing energies of the Central Deserts of Australia’s Heartlands …  This journey is an opportunity to reflect, honour and develop deeper relationships with the land, each other, and with the traditional Aboriginal caretakers, songmasters, singers and dancers from the land we travel. We experience extraordinary landscapes, and sacred sites, and walk, rest and relax in these special places.

The 8 day and 5 day tours travel some similar areas – except the 8 day includes 1st night in Alice Springs (or Uluru) hotel, 1 overnight at Palm Valley, 1 extra night (2 total) at Glen Helen allowing more time to explore the Western MacDonnell Ranges and to visit Hassts Bluff and Papunya local Aboriginal art communities.

8 day Uluru / Ayers Rock to Alice Springs via MacDonnell Ranges & Mereenie Loop Track –  

 

Day 1 - Flights arrive Uluru around lunchtime. We collect you at airport for hotel check-in and free time. Explore the Resort Cultural centre and art galleries. Sunset viewing over Uluru & Kata Tjuta options. Evening gathering and debrief, before evening meal and overnight at Uluru / Yulara resort.

Day 2 – An early start for Uluru at sunrise and a nearby breakfast. Opportunity for morning walk and quiet time at sacred waterholes and gorges. Experience a "welcome to country" and an introduction to the area at the local Aboriginal Anangu cultural centre. After lunch and a relax, enjoy an afternoon Kata Tjuta (Olga's) walk. Sunset at Uluru.  Overnight Uluru / Yulara Resort. Dinner own cost at local restaurant.

Day 3 – Morning return to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) or Uluru for extended 3-4 hours Valley of  the Winds walk. Picnic lunch in the National Park before departure on our for 4 hours highway cruise through picturesque desert oaks & sand hills to Kings Canyon with scenic stops. Enroute view Curtin Springs and Mt Connor lookout, plus George Gill Ranges. Overnight Kings Canyon resort (with swimming pool) 

Day 4 – Our time for morning walks at Kings Canyon allows for the 3-4 hours (6 km) over the top via the "Garden of Eden" and the spectacular north and south walls or a shorter walk option is also available in the valley floor). After a delicious and well earned lunch we head off on the 4WD Mereenie Loop Track, through spectacular Central Deserts landscapes via the Gardiner Range, the Camels Hump and Katapata Pass with sweeping views from Tyler’s Pass of the comet crater known as Gosse Bluff (Tnorala). We enter the crater and spend some quiet time here with a short walk to a lookout where the dimensions of time, space and your place in the universe can be appreciated in a new perspective. After marveling at nature’s power, we travel on in the MacDonnell ranges National Park and in view of Mt Sonder. We crioss the Finke River to Glen Helen Resort for overnight Dinner own cost at resort.

Day 5 - Enjoy a morning swim before we head out to Haasts Bluff and Papunya Art centre communities to meet the artists and appreciate the stunning spectacle and real beauty of these central desert landscapes. Here you can buy Aboriginal art from source at best prices. On return, we take a peaceful and reflective walk in beautiful Ormiston Gorge and witness Mt Sonder's changing colours at sunset.  Overnight Glen Helen.

Day 6 - We depart Glen Helen following the Caterpillar songline of the MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy a relaxing day of short walks and great energy and scenery at various gorges including Ormiston Gorge, Serpentine Gorge, Ellery Big Hole and the Ochre Pits. We travel on to visit the Hermannsburg Mission, the source of so many beautiful artworks of the central deserts, then wind our way up the ancient Finke River bed to Palm Valley where the artist Albert Namatjira’s paintings were so inspired. Overnight at coszy campsite in Palm Valley. 

Day 7 – At Palm Valley we take a walk in this eerie and ancient Palm Valley, viewing Livingstonia palm trees and unique landforms only seen here – watch out for dinosaurs. Additional walks in an ancient natural amphitheatre helps recomections with this special landscape and unique landforms. We leave Palm Valley and head east on the Larapinta Drive for an easy walk in the peaceful energies of Simpsons Gap – where we may meet the cute but endangered Black Footed Rock Wallabies. Simpsons Gap is also here, and another very pleasant creeek bed walk. Now we head for Alice Springs and a short short town tour before overnight. BLD  

Day 8 - Enjoy a hearty breakfast or alternatively enjoy the resort facilities or just relaxing. Transport available to airport for flight connections. Tour ends 10am after breakfast for flights home or extend your stay to enjoy Alice Springs highlights including Desert Wildlife Park, Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, Overland Telegraph Station, Araluen Art & Cultural Centre, Air  or Transport Museum, Aboriginal Art galleries.

Inclusions –

• Small boutique group in modern 4 wheel drive vehicles – Landcruisers or similar
• Professional and experienced driver / guides
• Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Experience the high energy of rock art, sacred sites and songlines
• All delicious meals, including vegetarian options, unless noted in itinerary.
• Accommodated sleeping or luxury camping. Camp gear includes stretcher, mattress & linen.
• All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees
• Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
• Contributions of tour price supports Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s future.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine

Learn practical skills –

• Bush foods & medicine and survival skills for self and team survival and thrival
• Rock art symbols 
• Understanding songlines & sacred sites 

Consider allowing time before or after the the tour to stay in Alice Springs and see more of the rich sights such as Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, Overland Telegraph Station, Araluen Art & Cultural Centre, Air or Transport Museum, Aboriginal Art galleries, Alice Springs Desert Park.

Tour Includes delicious meals, all fees, professional guides, luxury 4WD transport, comfy camping + 1 night resort accommodation included. ACCOMMODATION UPGRADES - See Extras options when you commence online booking procedure.  – or Please Ask

Book Early & SAVE  

Tour details are below and on the web here - https://www.spiritsafaris.com/uluru_red_centre_tours/

3 day Macs Meander Alice Springs to Ayers Rock / Uluru Tours – Via MacDonnell ranges, Hermannsburg, Kings Canyon to Uluru

FULLY ACCOMMODATED RATE SHOWN

Day 1 - Departs Alice Springs 8 am, includes Simpson Gap walk, Hermannsburg Mission, Palm Valley (3 hrs return with 1 hour walk & lunch), Glen Helen Resort overnight.

Day 2  - Ochre Pits walk, Ormiston Gorge walk, lunch at Tyler’s Pass overlooking Gosse Bluff meteorite crater. Drive into the crater & 40 mins walk. Travel the Mereenie Loop 4WD track via Camels Humps to George Gill Ranges lookout then Kings Canyon Resort for overnight.

Day 3 – Early start for Kings Canyon 6 km rim walk (3-4 hours) or easier 40 mins valley floor walk. Lunch at Kings Canyon before highway cruise through scenic desert oaks & sand hills to Uluru and Yulara resort. Includes all meals except 1 at Glen Helen (restaurant), plus National Park entry fees. Optional sunset viewing between Uluru & Kata Tjuta , so you see whole landscape and both landmarks. Ie 3 day tour does not include entry to Uluru NP or time for Uluru sunset or sunrise, but includes extra time for Palm Valley, Hermannsburg & MacDonnell Ranges. Ends at Yulara Resort / Uluru 3rd evening 6pm then own accommodation arrangement.

Lake Eyre 3 Days from Adelaide to Uluru or Alice Springs via Cooper Pedy, Oodnadatta Track & Lake Eyre

FULLY ACCOMMODATED IN LOCAL HOTELS

INCLUDES SPECTACULAR  1.5 hour flight over Lake Eyre & CHANNEL COUNTRY,

Tour Now Includes a Spectacular 1.5 Hour Flight Over Lake Eyre Floods & Channel Country. An optional EXTEDNED Flight to Birdsville for an extra 2 hrs flight with Birdsville Lunch, viewing Simpson Desert, Channel Country, Goyder Lagoon Cooper Creek, Tiari Desert is available on some tours.

TOUR DETAILS

Tour Includes lake shore walk and visits,travel the Oodnadatta Track, following the Old Ghan railway & Overland Telegraph Line, visit Marree, Coober Pedy (sleep underground), William Creek, Coward Springs, Leigh Creek, Copley – 3 days/ 2 nights. Luxury 4WD transport, fully accommodated for 2 nights, all fees, all meals except 1 at restaurant. Tour Code EAS3.

Our Lake Eyre Tours and Flights include spectacular 2 hour flight over Lake Eyre viewing the Channel Country, Warburton Groove (major inflow) and Tirari Desert and depart from William Creek. This flight views also Elliot Price Conservation Park, (Donald) Campbell Point, Jackboot, Halligan & Belt Bays, Lake Eyre South, major islands & landmarks. Longer flights extension options available – please ask - to the northern extreme of the lake and the Warburton & Macumba Rivers and southern Simpson Desert region of Lake Eyre North. The extended flight will view the Warburton River. Learn of the Marree Man giant sculpture.

These Lake Eyre Tours and Flights are by luxury 4WD from Adelaide via spectacular mountains and rural SA scenery and pioneer history with wildlife & bird spotting by the lake shore.

We aim to find where the best water and wildlife viewing experiences are considered to be at the time, so your guide may visit Lake Eyre South shoreline and lookout, and Oodnadatta Track highlights, such as Mound Springs ( including “The Bubbler”) in the Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park and the old Afghan created palm grove of the old Ghan town of Coward Springs with great railway heritage and a chance for a swim in the warm springs.

A Painted Hills flight is available on some tours if booked. All Lake Eyre tours include Flinders Ranges, Parachilna, Ochre Pits, Oodnadatta & Birdsville Tracks, flight over Lake Eyre.

Itinerary 

3 day Lake Eyre Tours and Flights - Depart from Adelaide return to Adelaide (or Broken Hill option) via Lake Eyre – Includes flights over Lake Eyre, lake shore by 4WD, wetlands birds areas, see the Old Ghan Railway, Tom Kruse Outback Mailman from “Back of Beyond” truck & history, Oodnadatta Track, Birdsville Track, Marree, Leigh Creek, Copley, Lake Eyre National Park, Flinders Ranges. Connection options to Sydney, Broken Hill or Melbourne

Day 1 – From Adelaide city or airport we depart via spectacular mountain scenery adjacent the Flinders Ranges. Travel via the rich wine producing region of the Clare Valley ((wine tasting option) and through the rich countryside of rural South Australia. Enjoy picturesque scenery, and rural town stops with lunch and morning teas. We cross the Goyder Line, view the Elder & Heyson Ranges, Wilpena Pound & Lake Torrens and visit the historic and award winning Prairie Hotel at Parachilna with great outback art before arrival at our cosy overnight stop at Leigh Creek or Marree on some tours.  L, D

Day 2 – At Marree we check out the ancient mosque, Old Ghan railway history and Lake Eyre Yacht Club. From Marree we follow the Old Ghan Railway Line and Oodnadatta Track to William Creek. From here take a 2 hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre. (Optional extensions at extra cost). We visit the shores of Lake Eyre South and and unique Mound Springs, which are permanent water flows from the Great Artesian Basin. We connect with the wonder of the bird and plant life revitalised by recent rains. We visit a water hole, a favourite spot for birds (including brolgas) and birdwatchers. Overnight Coober Pedy and a chance to buy opals or see some of the highlights of this unique place in Australian history and culture. . MT L D

Day 3 -  From Coober Pedy we take a break at the spectacular colourful Breakaways - Desert Mesas where Mad Max movies were made. Then our onward journey via the SA NT Border to Alice Springs or Uluru to arrive at your accommodation around 5 pm.(B MT L ).

INCLUSIONS

• Fully accommodated (ensuites) and all meals included
• Small group luxury 4WD travel (usually 4-6 / vehicle) with professional and experienced driver / guide
• Scenic Flight over Lake Eyre -  1.5 hour flight with add on options as above and selectable in booking process
• All delicious meals, including vegetarian options
• Comfortable hotel / motel style ensuite accommodation
• All National Park entry and accommodation fees, airport or hotel pickup & return
• Contributions of tour price supports Outback Kids and Australian Wildlife Conservancy nature care programs.

Lake Eyre 3 Days Uluru or Alice Springs to Adelaide via Cooper Pedy, Oodnadatta Track & Lake Eyre –

Lake Eyre Tours and Flights Uluru or Alice Springs to Adelaide 3 days

Tour Now Includes a Spectacular 2+ Hour Flight Over Lake Eyre Floods viewing Cooper Creek, Tiari Desert

Tour Includes  2+ hour flight over Lake Eyre, lake shore walks and visits,travel the Oodnadatta Track, following the Old Ghan railway & Overland Telegraph Line, visit Marree, Coober Pedy (sleep underground), William Creek, Coward Springs,  – 3 days/ 2 nights. Luxury 4WD transport, fully accommodated for 2 nights, all fees, all meals except 1 at restaurant.

Our Lake Eyre Tours and Flights include time for an optional spectacular  2 hour flight over Lake Eyre viewing the Warburton Groove (major inflow) and Tirari Desert and depart from William Creek. This flight views also Elliot Price Conservation Park, (Donald) Campbell Point, Jackboot, Halligan & Belt Bays, Lake Eyre South, major islands & landmarks. Longer flights extension options available – please ask - to the northern extreme of the lake and the Warburton & Macumba Rivers and southern Simpson Desert region of Lake Eyre North. The extended flight will view the Warburton River. Learn of the Marree Man giant sculpture.

These Lake Eyre Tours and Flights are by luxury 4WD from Adelaide via spectacular mountains and rural SA scenery and pioneer history with wildlife & bird spotting by the lake shore.

We aim to find where the best water and wildlife viewing experiences are considered to be at the time, so your guide may visit Lake Eyre South shoreline and lookout, and Oodnadatta Track highlights, such as Mound Springs ( including “The Bubbler”) in the Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park and the old Afghan created palm grove of the old Ghan town of Coward Springs with great railway heritage and a chance for a swim in the warm springs.

A Painted Hills flight is available on some tours if booked. All Lake Eyre tours include Flinders Ranges, Parachilna, Ochre Pits, Oodnadatta & Birdsville Tracks, flight over Lake Eyre.

Itinerary - Lake Eyre Tours and Flights via Uluru or Alice Springs to Adelaide 3 days 

Day 1 - Pick up at 7.30am at your Uluru or Alice Springs accommodation. Travel to Coober Pedy via the Stuart Hwy, the route pioneered by Australia’s greatest explorer John McDouall Stuart. View memorial to his achievements at various stops including NT / SA Border, and roadhouses including Kulgera & Marla. Depending on time & interests we visit some local landmarks and sightseeing, with 'at source" opal buying opportunities in Coober Pedy. Dinner and overnight at Coober Pedy. (L D)

Day 2 - Depart Coober Pedy via the Moon Plains to arrive William Creek for 10-10.15 flight. From here take a 2 hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre. (Optional extensions at extra cost). After our flight and lunch we follow the Old Ghan Railway Line and Oodnadatta Track to Marree. We visit the shores of Lake Eyre South and and unique Mound Springs, which are permanent water flows from the Great Artesian Basin. We connect with the wonder of the bird and plant life revitalised by recent flooding rains. We visit a permanent water hole, a favourite spot for birds (including brolgas) and birdwatchers. At Marree check out the ancient mosque, Old Ghan Railway history and Lake Eyre Yacht Club. Overnight Marree and a few yarns around the campfire the bar, or just take it easy. B L D

Day 3 –Today we visit the Old Ghan ghost town of Farina, the fascinating and colourful Ochre Pits and travel via old Ghan railway towns including Wilson and Woolshed Flat via the Flinders Ranges to Hawker and stunning mountain landscapes.  We visit the impressive Kanyaka Station & stone woolshed ruins (time permitting) as we follow the Old Ghan Line via Quorn, through the Pitchi Ritchie Pass and the breathtaking view of Spencers Gulf & Port Augusta to arrive Adelaide around 6pm, delivered to your accommodation or airport connection. B L 

Fully accommodated tour

INCLUSIONS

• Fully accommodated (ensuites) and all meals included
• Small group luxury 4WD travel (usually 4-6 / vehicle) with professional and experienced driver / guide
• Scenic Flight over Lake Eyre -  2 hour flight with add on options as above and selectable in booking process
• All delicious meals, including vegetarian options
• Comfortable hotel / motel style ensuite accommodation
• All National Park entry and accommodation fees, airport or hotel pickup & return
• Contributions of tour price supports Outback Kids and Australian Wildlife Conservancy nature care programs.

Aboriginal Art Centre Tours – Western Deserts Tour – From Alice Springs to Uluru

Arrive in Alice Springs for art galleries, (or rock art - 3pm depart) dinner and overnight in Alice Springs. Morning start for overnight Uluru with sunset or Field of Lights (optional). Early start to Amata, Wingellina and Blackstone overnight. Next day Warburton gallery and overnight. Then next day Warakurna and Giles weather station. Next Tjukurla if time and interest, before Docker River and late arrival
Uluru. Tour completes 10 am day 7

Also return to Alice Springs available approx 12 noon. There is daily coach and flights connecting Uluru to Alice and flights 3 days / week from Uluru to Brisbane. Also Virgin and Qantas fly to Alice Springs

For more details and other Art Centre Tours see - https://www.spiritsafaris.com/aboriginal-art-tours/

Inclusions –

• Small boutique group in modern 4 wheel drive vehicles – Landcruisers or similar
• Professional and experienced driver / guides
• Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Experience the high energy of rock art, sacred sites and songlines
• All meals, including vegetarian options, unless noted in itinerary.
• Accommodation in community or hotels
  
• All World Heritage and National Park & entry permits and accommodation fees
• Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
• Contributions of tour price supports Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s future.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine

Consider allowing time before or after the the tour to stay in Alice Springs and see more of the rich sights such as Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, Overland Telegraph Station, Araluen Art & Cultural Centre, Air or Transport Museum, Aboriginal Art galleries, Alice Springs Desert Park.

Tour Includes delicious meals, all fees, professional guides, luxury 4WD transport, comfy camping + 3 night resort accommodation included. includes hotel meals. Also return to Alice Springs available approx 12 noon. Other options available – Please Ask

For more details and other Art Centre Tours see - https://www.spiritsafaris.com/aboriginal-art-tours/

Simpson Desert Tours from Adelaide return to Adelaide - 9 days

Simpson Desert & Birdsville Races Tour –  from Alice Springs to Birdsville, return to Adelaide. Simpson Desert crossing includes Old Ghan Railway stops (incl. Finke) Mt Dare, Dalhousie Springs (for warm swimming in thermals pools), 3 nights in desert crossing via French Line, QAA & WAA Lines, then Birdsville Races, and 2 days return travel to Alice Springs or Adelaide option. Excludes Chambers Pillar. Completes in Adelaide

Itinerary for 9 days Simpson Desert & Birdsville Races Tours Flights 2019 – Alice Springs to Adelaide

1. Alice Springs to Mt Dare Hotel – Depart 8am for Kulgera, Lambert’s Centre of Australia, Finke Aboriginal community, Charlotte Waters (old OTL Telegraph Station) NT/SA border crossing, Witjira National Park. At Mt Dare overnight camp or accommodation upgrade option
2. Dalhousie Springs – Travel via Bloods Creek Bore & stockyards, Opossum Waterhole to Dalhousie Springs, a series of 60 natural Artesian springs from the Great Artesian Basin. Swim option at Dalhousie Springs in 38-43 Deg C water. Enter the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve – Overnight camp western edge of the Simpson Desert
3. Simpson Desert crossing – Travelling over and between the sandhills. Great photo opportunities, sunsets and sunrises and wildflowers. Remote desert camp
4. Simpson Desert – as above – another night under the stars in a remote camp
5. Birdsville – Visit the Approdinna Attora Knolls, high gypsum hills with a great lookout over the desert. Poeppels corner marking the meeting of QLD, NT & SA borders. Traverse Big Red sandhill – originally known as Nappanerica Dune, on the western edge of Lake Nappanerica, and eastern edge of The Simpson Desert – Overnight Birdsville
6. Races Day – Its race day for 2 days with an active social program supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service. You are issued with a Birdsville Race Club Medallion for entry to all events, including the races, and may attend the Birdsville Dance & the Birdsville Ball, enjoy a drink at the Birdsville Pub and tune up your whip cracking skills for the competition. Today if not having travelled the desert with us, we will also visit & optionally climb Big Red the Simpson Desert’s biggest sand hill. We do a Birdsville tour with its fascinating history, see Burke & Wills marked tree by the Diamantina River, and thermal power station. Optional Lake Eyre, Goyder Lagoon & Simpson Desert flights (book early) Great plane spotting too as we witness the fly in from around Australia. Overnight Birdsville
7. Races Days – The BIG DAY at Birdsville Races – 12 races are on the program. You choose if you wish to attend all or just be amused by the characters and many activities and spontaneous entertainment available. Overnight Birdsville
8. Birdsville Track via Mungerannie Hotel to Marree overnight. Head off south on the Birdsville Track crossing by the Cooper Creek and wetlands. Enjoy a break at Mungerannie Hotel, and a Mungerannie wetlands walk views of the salt lakes and rich vegetation on this remote iconic Australian route.  This afternoon we cross the Cooper Creek, and flood plain, visit old station ruins including Lake Harry. Arriving in Marree, explore this once thriving railway town that helped save Darwin during WWII with 56 trains per week ! Marree is at the junction of the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks, and the path of the Great Northern  Railway / Old Ghan for over 100 years, so lots of history here including Aboriginal museum and history, Tom Kruse (Outback Mailman from “Back of Beyond”) and Donald Campbells Bluebird story. Take an optional 1 or 2 hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre to see the Warburton Groove, the main inflow channel to Lake Eyre, Elliot Price Conservation Park, Halligan Bay, Lake Eyre South and the Marree Man (a 4 km long, giant engraving in the landscape). On return to base, we see some of the sights of Marree, this once thriving Ghan Railway town. Marree is caretaker for some interesting railway relics, plus  the old mail truck used by legendary outback mailman Tom Kruse on the run from Marree to Birdsville. Connect with the wonder of Lake Eyre's bird and plant life revitalised by recent flooding rains. Overnight in Marree with a few yarns around the campfire or at the local pub. BLD Overnight Marree.
9. Lake Eyre flight option available (book early) before travel via the spectacular scenery of the Flinders Ranges and remote outback pastoral country via Hawker, Quorn and Pitchie Ritchie Pass to Adelaide to arrive approximately 6-7 pm. Accommodation own arrangements.

Birdsville Races Tours Flights from Alice prings to Birdsville & Adelaide.

Optional scenic flights over Goyder Lagoon, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Simpson Desert, Coongie Lakes.  9 days or fly out day 8 option. Detailed Itinerary shown below.

Kakadu from Alice Springs to Darwin TourKakadu from Alice Springs to Darwin Tour via Devils Marbles,  Daly Waters Katherine, Kakadu to Darwin

  Reverse Available Please Ask

Travel with us via Kakadu National Park for Hot springs, cool waterholes, sacred sites, awesome nature.

‘If you respect the land, then you will feel the land. Your experience will be one that you cannot get anywhere else in the world.’ BrianBaruwei – Wurrkbarbar clan. Aboriginal traditional owner

Day 1 – Depart Alice Springs at 8am and travel via Wycliffe Wells, Barrow Creek, the old Overland Telegraph stations, Mt Stirling and Ti-tree are significant landmarks before we arrive at the Devils Marbles for great photo opportunities at sunset. The day includes visiting the Aileron Outback Art Gallery where we can see artists at work.  Connect with the gold mining history of Tennant Creek, and more of the amazing boulder formations. Aboriginal legend refers to stones like the Devils Marbles as the “Eggs of the Rainbow Serpent”.  We travel via Three Ways where the road from Mt Isa and Townsville join the Stuart Highway. Here we see the John Flynn memorial (father of  the Royal Flying Doctor Service). We cross the Ashburton and Whittington Ranges as we travel via famous outback town of Renner Springs, Lake Woods & Newcastle Waters. Overnight Daly Waters famous outback rest stop.

Day 2 –  Travel via Katherine, and on to Kakadu rock art sites. We take a walk at stunning Nourlangie Rock before Cooinda Resort for overnight.  Enjoy the resort facilities at Cooinda Lodge before a spectacular sunset walk at Yellow Waters viewing the birdlife settling in for the night. Overnight Cooinda.

Day 3 – Board the early boat on the Yellow Waters to cruise amongst extraordinary birdlife and crocodiles in this World Heritage listed wetlands. Visit Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Bowali Visitor Centre.  Then later we visits Ubirr Rock  Window on the Wetlands tranquilviewing area (time permitting) that supports abundant bird life. Travel via Humpty Doo to arrive in Darwin early evening for farewells.

Includes small group modern 4 wheel drive vehicles, camping gear, fees, side trips, all meals. Percentage of cost supports Aboriginal community and nature re-creation projects.

3 Days/2 Nights – From Alice Springs to Darwin via Mataranka hot springs, Devils Marbles  – Tour Code AKD3

Uluru (Ayers Rock) to Alice Springs Tours, Mereenie Track Palm Valley, MacDonnell Ranges Tours 5 days via Simpson’s Gap, Palm Valley, Hermannsburg, MacDonnell Ranges including Ormiston Gorge, Larapinta Trail, Glen Helen, Gosse Bluff, Mereenie Loop, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Uluru (Ayers Rock), Aboriginal rock art, visit Aboriginal art centres. REVERSE available

REVERSE ITINERARY SHOWN

Uluru start meets flights from Sydney & Melbourne approximately 1pm

ACCOMMODATED OR Easy Comfy Camping

5 day Alice Springs to Ayers Rock / Uluru via MacDonnell Ranges & Mereenie Loop Track via Simpsons Gap, Palm Valley, Hermannsburg, Kings Canyon, Gosse Bluff & MacDonnell Ranges Tours – Arrive Alice Springs day prior departure, includes welcome to country, 2 Uluru sunsets, 1 sunrise, 2 nights Uluru, 1 night Kings Canyon, 1 night Glen Helen, ends Uluru after breakfast day 5 in time for flights. Tour Code MAU5 – Please ASK

REVERSE option available – Please ASK

Below describes our 5 Day MacDonnell Ranges Tour.

Relax and Revitalise your creative self in the clear and nurturing energies of the Central Deserts of Australia’s Heartlands …  This journey is an opportunity to reflect, honour and develop creative relationships with the land, each other, and with the traditional Aboriginal caretakers, songmasters, singers and dancers from the land we travel. We experience extraordinary landscapes, and sacred sites, walk and relax in these places and share each participants unique gifts of creativity and place in creation …. with the aim of having fun, and enriching all life.

5 Day Tour Details – Alice Springs to Uluru

Day 1– We depart Alice Springs 730am and head west on the Larapinta Drive for an easy walk in the peaceful energies of Simpsons Gap – where we may meet the cute but endangered Black Footed Rock Wallabies. We travel on to visit the Hermannsburg Mission, the source of so many beautiful artworks of the central deserts, then wind our way up the ancient Finke River river bed to Palm Valley where the artist Albert Namatjira’s paintings were so inspired.We take a walk in this eerie and ancient Palm Valley, viewing Livingstonia palm trees and unique landforms only seen here – watch out for dinosaurs. Leaving Palm Valley, we drive back down the riverbed, following the Caterpillar songline of the MacDonnell Ranges – and an optional swim before dinner at the resort. Here is a great spot to witness the regions magnificent Mt Sonder’s changing colours at sunset. Overnight at Glen Helen Gorge & resort. L. Dinner own cost at resort restaurant

Day 2 – After a tasty breakfast, we take a peaceful and reflectivewalk in beautiful Ormiston Gorge by the waterhole formed by the Finke River. More wallabies here too ! Leaving the MacDonnell Ranges behind, we head west then south on the 4WD Mereenie Loop track through spectacular Central Deserts landscapes via sweeping views from Tyler’s Pass of the comet crater known as Gosse Bluff(Tnorala). We enter the crater and spend some quiet time here with a short walk to a lookout where the dimensions of time, space and your place in the niverse can be appreciated in a new perspective. After marveling at nature’s power, we travel on via the Gardiner Range, the Camels Hump and Katapata Pass to our Kings Canyon Resort for the evening.BLD

Day 3 - Our time for morning walks at Kings Canyon allows for the 3 hours (6 km) over the top via the “Garden of Eden” and the spectacular north and south walls or a shorter walk option is also available in the valley floor. After a delicious and well earned lunch we cruise the 3 hour drive on to Uluru, visiting Curtin Springs and viewing Mt Connor (Attila) before arriving at Yulara resort and Uluru sunset viewing. Overnight Uluru. BL Dinner own cost at resort restaurant.

Day 4 – An early start for Uluru at sunrise and a nearby breakfast. Opportunity for morning walk and quiet time at sacred waterholes and gorges. Experience a “welcome to country” and an introduction to the area at the local Aboriginal Anangu cultural centre. After lunch and a relax, enjoy an afternoon Kata Tjuta (Olga’s) walk. Overnight Uluru BLD

Day 5 – Enjoy a hearty breakfast or alternatively enjoy the resort facilities or more time for walks or just relaxing with the power of Uluru Transport available to airport for flight connections. Tour ends 9am after breakfast for flights home or flight or road transport to Alice Springs is available, or join our 4 day tour to Lake Eyre & Adelaide via Coober Pedy & the Flinders Ranges. B  

Inclusions –

• Small boutique group in modern 4 wheel drive vehicles (4-6 passengers) – Landcruisers or similar
• Professional and experienced driver / guides
• Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Experience the high energy of rock art, sacred sites and songlines
• Delicious meals shown as B,L,D, including vegetarian options, unless noted in itinerary.
• Accommodated sleeping or luxury camping. Camp gear includes stretcher, mattress & linen.
• All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees
• Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
• Contributions of tour price supports Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s future.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine

Allow time before or after the the tour to stay in Alice Springs and see more of the rich sights such as Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, Overland Telegraph Station, Araluen Art & Cultural Centre, Air or Transport Museum, Aboriginal Art galleries, Alice Springs Desert Park.  5 Day Alice Spring to Uluru Ayers Rock via McDonnell Ranges Tour Tour includes professional guide, delicious meals, all fees, professional guides, luxury 4WD transport, comfy camping or Accommodation upgrade options.

Outback Elite Tours loves to go where the big operators don’t, and our Chambers Pillar Classic tour takes you deep into the Red Centre’s beautiful and remote sand hill country, in comfort and style.

Our 4WD adventure begins at sunrise as we follow the Old Ghan railway route south to the historic landmark of Chambers Pillar. On the way, we explore the ancient and sacred Ewaninga rock carvings which the local Arrente Aboriginal people have been visiting for thousands of years. Learn about the cultural significance of these astonishing petroglyphs over a sumptuous European-style morning tea. Choose from a selection of home-made buns, fresh fruit, yogurt, teas, and Italian brewed coffee. 

Next, we visit the remote Aboriginal community of Titjikala and its renowned art centre. This is a rare opportunity to purchase an authentic piece of Central Australian Aboriginal art without paying gallery prices*.

From there we follow in the footsteps of the early explorers, crossing the sands of the dry Hugh River, and ascending to a stunning lookout atop the Charlotte Range, from which the vast Simpson Desert and the distant Chambers Pillar come into view. 

We travel the same red, sandy track the great John McDouall Stuart took more than 150 years before, passing through country that is still some of the driest, most remote wilderness on the continent, emerging amid the giant natural sandstone sculptures of the Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve. 

You can choose to walk around and/or up to the base of this astonishing natural wonder. Either way, your guide will explain the geology of this amazing landscape, taking you back to when all this prehistoric countryside was under the sea, as well as relating the ancient Aboriginal Dreamtime stories that created these magnificent structures. 

After your walk around and up to Chambers Pillar and around Castel Rock, relax and enjoy a gourmet lunch, prepared on-site by your guide under the shade of the majestic desert oaks, in this beautiful wilderness reserve. 

In the afternoon we then return to Alice where your guide will take you to your accommodation after an unforgettable day in Australia’s Outback. 

*Subject to Titjikala Art Centre opening days/hours.

What’s Included:

• snacks and fresh fruit during the walks
  
• Morning tea with coffee, tea, cereals, yogurt, homemade rock cakes
• Gourmet lunch
• Accommodation Pick-up & Drop-off
• Experienced driver guide
• modern Air Conditioned  4WD Vehicle

East MacDonnell Ranges Classic Tour

The East MacDonnell Ranges or East Macs as known by local Centralians are every bit as beautiful as their famous cousins, the West MacDonnell Ranges. The East MacDonnell Ranges are ancient formations that reveal geological formations, fossils, picturesque gorges, Aboriginal Dreamtime stories and early European mining adventures. Outback Elite Tours East Macs tour has a feeling of getting away from it all, but we do it in comfort and style.

Highlights on Tour

Trephina Gorge Nature Park

Trephina Gorge has a unique natural beauty and some of the best walks in Australia. Join our guide on a magnificent walk and discover superb and diverse scenery, wildlife and the Aboriginal and pastoral history of the region. The contrasting hues of the bright blue skies, red and purple quartzite rock formations, pale sandy creek beds, brilliant green foliage, and startling white tree trunks bring all the colours of Central Australia into vivid detail. This area is significant to the Eastern Arrente Aboriginal people and the Wallaby dreaming trail and was also once part of the Garden Station and the early settlement of Central Australia. After our walk, we will enjoy morning tea in this beautiful setting.

Giant Ghost Gum

Inside Trephina Gorge we get up close and personal to what is believed to be the world’s largest Ghost Gum. This massive tree, with its startling white trunk and branches, is more than 300 years old.

Arltunga Historical Reserve

Central Australia experienced its first gold rush in the late 1800s at Arltunga, the boom town at the heart of it all. This wonderfully well-preserved ghost town, with restored police station, old gaol, and mine shafts allows visitors to get a glimpse into the Australia’s distant past and experience what life was like for these hardy prospectors of the Outback.

Corroboree Rock

The mysterious Corroboree Rock is a sacred Aboriginal men’s site whose formation from salt lakes dates back more than 800 million years. Our guide will take you on an easy 15-minute stroll around this impressive dolomite rock structure where you will learn about its significance to both the local Arrernte Aboriginal people and geologists.

Emily and Jessie Gaps

Our last stop before returning to Alice Springs is Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park. These picturesque gaps are of major spiritual significance to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people and are registered sacred sites that include sacred paintings. The origins of the Yeperenye (Caterpillar) dreaming story, which created the MacDonnell Ranges and many of the landform of this region, began here. An easy walk at Emily Gap takes us to a large rock painting depicting this ancient Aboriginal song line. 

Inclusions:

• Experienced and friendly guide
• Luxurious 4WD vehicle 
• Snacks, fruit and complimentary water throughout the day
• Morning tea and pic-nic lunch
• Complimentary accommodation pick-up and drop-off

What to Bring:

• Sturdy walking shoes
• Sunscreen, hat and comfortable clothing
• Camera
• Jacket in cooler months

Australia’s Red Centre has some of the most magnificent sunsets in the world and none are better than the sunsets at Rainbow Valley. And Outback Elite Tour’s Rainbow Valley Sunset Tour is like no other. 

This chilled-out half-day tour begins with an early afternoon pick-up at your Alice Springs location for a little more than an hour’s drive to the wonderful Rainbow Valley, nestled in the beautiful James Ranges. 

Rainbow Valley is one of the most striking geological features in Australia and her sunsets are world famous. Enjoy a lovely, easy, late-afternoon stroll to Mushroom Rock as your guide prepares a lavish sunset platter. The secluded valley adjoins a clay pan and is home to an exceptional and special ecosystem. On your walk, you’ll marvel at the distinctive plant life, flowers, and birds of this unique region. 

Then watch the setting sun as you enjoy a generous banquet of cheeses, gourmet crackers, delicious cured meats and much more. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the amazing hues of the outback sunset as Rainbow Valley reveals her true colours. 

After your relaxing evening in the outback, your guide will return you to your accommodation in Alice Springs. 

What’s Included:

• snacks and fresh fruit during the walks
• Abundant sunset aperitif
• Accommodation Pick-up & Drop-off
• Experienced driver guide
• Luxury Air Conditioned 4WD Vehicle
• Maximum 4 passengers

Alice Springs to Uluru Tours, Mereenie Track Palm Valley, MacDonnell Ranges Tours 5 days via Simpson’s Gap, Palm Valley, Hermannsburg, MacDonnell Ranges including Ormiston Gorge, Larapinta Trail, Glen Helen, Gosse Bluff, Mereenie Loop, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Uluru (Ayers Rock), Aboriginal rock art, visit Aboriginal art centres. REVERSE available

ACCOMMODATED OR Easy Comfy Camping

5 day Alice Springs to Ayers Rock / Uluru via MacDonnell Ranges & Mereenie Loop Track via Simpsons Gap, Palm Valley, Hermannsburg, Kings Canyon, Gosse Bluff & MacDonnell Ranges Tours – Arrive Alice Springs day prior departure, includes welcome to country, 2 Uluru sunsets, 1 sunrise, 2 nights Uluru, 1 night Kings Canyon, 1 night Glen Helen, ends Uluru after breakfast day 5 in time for flights. Tour Code MAU5 – Please ASK

REVERSE option available) – Please ASK

Below describes our 5 Day MacDonnell Ranges Tour.

Relax and Revitalise your creative self in the clear and nurturing energies of the Central Deserts of Australia’s Heartlands …  This journey is an opportunity to reflect, honour and develop creative relationships with the land, each other, and with the traditional Aboriginal caretakers, songmasters, singers and dancers from the land we travel. We experience extraordinary landscapes, and sacred sites, walk and relax in these places and share each participants unique gifts of creativity and place in creation …. with the aim of having fun, and enriching all life.

5 Day Tour Details – Alice Springs to Uluru

Day 1– We depart Alice Springs 730am and head west on the Larapinta Drive for an easy walk in the peaceful energies of Simpsons Gap – where we may meet the cute but endangered Black Footed Rock Wallabies. We travel on to visit the Hermannsburg Mission, the source of so many beautiful artworks of the central deserts, then wind our way up the ancient Finke River river bed to Palm Valley where the artist Albert Namatjira’s paintings were so inspired.We take a walk in this eerie and ancient Palm Valley, viewing Livingstonia palm trees and unique landforms only seen here – watch out for dinosaurs. Leaving Palm Valley, we drive back down the riverbed, following the Caterpillar songline of the MacDonnell Ranges – and an optional swim before dinner at the resort. Here is a great spot to witness the regions magnificent Mt Sonder’s changing colours at sunset. Overnight at Glen Helen Gorge & resort. L. Dinner own cost at resort restaurant

Day 2 – After a tasty breakfast, we take a peaceful and reflectivewalk in beautiful Ormiston Gorge by the waterhole formed by the Finke River. More wallabies here too ! Leaving the MacDonnell Ranges behind, we head west then south on the 4WD Mereenie Loop track through spectacular Central Deserts landscapes via sweeping views from Tyler’s Pass of the comet crater known as Gosse Bluff(Tnorala). We enter the crater and spend some quiet time here with a short walk to a lookout where the dimensions of time, space and your place in the niverse can be appreciated in a new perspective. After marveling at nature’s power, we travel on via the Gardiner Range, the Camels Hump and Katapata Pass to our Kings Canyon Resort for the evening.BLD

Day 3 - Our time for morning walks at Kings Canyon allows for the 3 hours (6 km) over the top via the “Garden of Eden” and the spectacular north and south walls or a shorter walk option is also available in the valley floor. After a delicious and well earned lunch we cruise the 3 hour drive on to Uluru, visiting Curtin Springs and viewing Mt Connor (Attila) before arriving at Yulara resort and Uluru sunset viewing. Overnight Uluru. BL Dinner own cost at resort restaurant.

Gosse Bluff – this comet crater dominates the landscape. We enter this powerful Earth energy impact centre.

Day 4 – An early start for Uluru at sunrise and a nearby breakfast. Opportunity for morning walk and quiet time at sacred waterholes and gorges. Experience a “welcome to country” and an introduction to the area at the local Aboriginal Anangu cultural centre. After lunch and a relax, enjoy an afternoon Kata Tjuta (Olga’s) walk. Overnight Uluru BLD

Day 5 – Enjoy a hearty breakfast or alternatively enjoy the resort facilities or more time for walks or just relaxing with the power of Uluru Transport available to airport for flight connections. Tour ends 9am after breakfast for flights home or flight or road transport to Alice Springs is available, or join our 4 day tour to Lake Eyre & Adelaide via Coober Pedy & the Flinders Ranges. B  

Inclusions –

• Small boutique group in modern 4 wheel drive vehicles (4-6 passengers) – Landcruisers or similar
• Professional and experienced driver / guides
• Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Experience the high energy of rock art, sacred sites and songlines
• Delicious meals shown as B,L,D, including vegetarian options, unless noted in itinerary.
• Accommodated sleeping or luxury camping. Camp gear includes stretcher, mattress & linen.
• All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees
• Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
• Contributions of tour price supports Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s future.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine

Allow time before or after the the tour to stay in Alice Springs and see more of the rich sights such as Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, Overland Telegraph Station, Araluen Art & Cultural Centre, Air or Transport Museum, Aboriginal Art galleries, Alice Springs Desert Park.  5 Day Alice Spring to Uluru Ayers Rock via McDonnell Ranges Tour Tour includes professional guide, delicious meals, all fees, professional guides, luxury 4WD transport, comfy camping or Accommodation upgrade options.

Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) via MacDonnell Ranges Haasts Bluff Palm Valley Kings Canyon Tours 8 Days

ACCOMMODATED OR Easy Comfy Camping 

Overnights at Uluru 2N, Kings Canyon, Glen Helen 2N, Palm Valley, Alice Springs ie 7 nights

Reverse itinerary also available - please ask

Alice Springs to Uluru via Palm Valley & Mereenie Loop Track Tour includes – Stanley Chasm, Simpson’s Gap, Palm Valley, Hermannsburg, MacDonnell Ranges including Ormiston Gorge, Larapinta Trail,  Glen Helen, Papunya Art Centre, Haasts Bluff, Gosse Bluff, Mereenie Loop, Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Uluru (Ayers Rock), Aboriginal rock art, visit Aboriginal art centres.

Relax and Revitalise your creative self in the clear and nurturing energies of the Central Deserts of Australia’s Heartlands …  This journey is an opportunity to reflect, honour and develop deeper relationships with the land, each other, and with the traditional Aboriginal caretakers, songmasters, singers and dancers from the land we travel. We experience extraordinary landscapes, and sacred sites, and walk, rest and relax in these special places.

The 8 day and 5 day tours travel some similar areas – except the 8 day includes 1st night in Alice Springs (or Uluru) hotel, 1 overnight at Palm Valley, 1 extra night (2 total) at Glen Helen allowing more time to explore the Western MacDonnell Ranges and to visit Hassts Bluff and Papunya local Aboriginal art communities.

8 day Uluru / Ayers Rock to Alice Springs via MacDonnell Ranges & Mereenie Loop Track –  Book Tour

8 Days Alice Springs to Ayers Rock / Uluru Tours via MacDonnell Ranges & Mereenie Track Tour details

or reverse Ayers Rock / Uluru to Alice Springs via MacDonnell Ranges & Mereenie Track Tour

Day 1 – Flights arrive Alice Springs around lunchtime. We collect you at airport for hotel check-in and free time in
Alice Springs. Explore the Araluen Cultural Precinct or Desert Park. Evening group gathering and debrief, before evening meal and overnight at resort accommodation.

Day 2 – We depart Alice Springs 9am and head west on the Larapinta Drive for an easy walk in the peaceful energies of Simpsons Gap and Stanley Chasm – where we likely meet some rock wallabies. After morning tea we travel on to visit the Hermannsburg Mission, the source of so many beautiful artworks of the central deserts. We visit Albert Namatjira’s house before winding our way up the ancient Finke River bed to Palm Valley where Albert Namatjira’s paintings were so inspired. There’s time for some great sunset photos of this stunning landscape before a relaxing sunset and overnight camp at Palm Valley (unless accommodated then Glen Helen or Alice Springs).

Day 3 – Today we take a morning walk in this eerie and ancient Palm Valley, viewing Livingstonia palm trees and unique landforms only seen here – watch out for dinosaurs. Leaving Palm Valley, we drive on following the Caterpillar songline of the MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy a relaxing day of short walks and great energy and scenery at various gorges including Serpentine Gorge, Ellery Big Hole. The Ochre Pits offer an insight into local customs before overnight at Glen Helen gorge – and a welcome swim before dinner. Dinner own cost at resort restaurant .

Day 4 – Enjoy a morning swim before we head out to Haasts Bluff and Papunya Art centre communities to meet the artists and appreciate the stunning spectacle and real beauty of these central desert landscapes. Here you can buy Aboriginal art from source at best prices. On return, we take a peaceful and reflective walk in beautiful Ormiston Gorge and witness Mt Sonder’s changing colours at sunset.  Overnight Glen Helen.

Day 5 – Leaving the MacDonnell Ranges behind, we head west then south on the 4WD Mereenie Loop track through spectacular Central Deserts landscapes via sweeping views from Tyler’s Pass of the comet crater known as Gosse

Bluff(Tnorala). We enter the crater and spent some quiet time here with a short walk to a lookout where the dimensions of time, space and your place in the Universe can be appreciated in a new perspective. After a cuppa tea, marveling at nature’s power, we travel on via the Gardiner Range, the Camels Hump and Katapata Pass  to our Kings Canyon Resort camp.

Day 6 – Our time for morning walks at Kings Canyon allows for the 3 hours (6 km) over the top via the “Garden
of Eden” and the spectacular north and south walls or a shorter walk option is also available). After a delicious and well earned lunch we cruise the 3 hour drive to Uluru, visiting Curtin Springs before arriving at Yulara resort and Uluru sunset viewing. Overnight Uluru.

Day 7 – An early start for Uluru at sunrise and a nearby breakfast. Opportunity for morning walk and quiet time at sacred waterholes and gorges. Experience a “welcome to country” and an introduction to the area at the local Aboriginal Anangu cultural centre. After lunch and a relax, enjoy an afternoon Kata Tjuta (Olga’s) walk. Overnight Uluru. 
Dinner own cost at local restaurant

Day 8 – Enjoy a hearty breakfast or alternatively enjoy the resort facilities or more time for walks or just relaxing with the power of  Uluru. Transport available to airport for flight connections. Tour ends 9am after breakfast for flights home or road transport to Alice Springs available. Most flights depart Uluru before or around lunchtime. Become part of the re-creation of country and culture. Discover new understandings from times beginning. This is a small group adventure learning journeys … connecting and re-creating with the land and locals.

Inclusions –

• Small boutique group in modern 4 wheel drive vehicles – Landcruisers or similar
• Professional and experienced driver / guides
• Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Experience the high energy of rock art, sacred sites and songlines
• All delicious meals, including vegetarian options, unless noted in itinerary.
• Accommodated sleeping or luxury camping. Camp gear includes stretcher, mattress & linen.
• All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees
• Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
• Contributions of tour price supports Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s future.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine

Learn practical skills –

• Bush foods & medicine and survival skills for self and team survival and thrival
• Rock art symbols 
• Understanding songlines & sacred sites 

Consider allowing time before or after the the tour to stay in Alice Springs and see more of the rich sights such as Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, Overland Telegraph Station, Araluen Art & Cultural Centre, Air or Transport Museum, Aboriginal Art galleries, Alice Springs Desert Park.

Tour Includes delicious meals, all fees, professional guides, luxury 4WD transport, comfy camping + 1 night resort accommodation included. For 5 nights motel / hotel accommodation upgrade add $995 per twin share / double room. For 7 nights add $1980 per person – includes hotel meals. Other options available – Please Ask

Book Early & SAVE

Outback Elite Tours loves to go where the big operators don’t, and our Chambers Pillar – Rainbow Valley tour takes you deep into the Red Centre’s beautiful and remote sand hill country, in comfort and style.

Our 4WD adventure begins at sunrise as we follow the Old Ghan railway route south to the historic landmark of Chambers Pillar. On the way, we explore the ancient and sacred Ewaninga rock carvings which the local Arrente Aboriginal people have been visiting for thousands of years. Learn about the cultural significance of these astonishing petroglyphs over a sumptuous European-style morning tea. Choose from a selection of home-made buns, fresh fruit, yogurt, teas, and Italian brewed coffee. 

Next, we visit the remote Aboriginal community of Titjikala and its renowned art centre. This is a rare opportunity to purchase an authentic piece of Central Australian Aboriginal art without paying gallery prices*.

From there we follow in the footsteps of the early explorers, crossing the sands of the dry Hugh River, and ascending to a stunning lookout atop the Charlotte Range, from which the vast Simpson Desert and the distant Chambers Pillar come into view. 

We travel the same red, sandy track the great John McDouall Stuart took more than 150 years before, passing through country that is still some of the driest, most remote wilderness on the continent, emerging amid the giant natural sandstone sculptures of the Chambers Pillar Historical Reserve. 

You can choose to walk around and/or up to the base of this astonishing natural wonder. Either way, your guide will explain the geology of this amazing landscape, taking you back to when all this prehistoric countryside was under the sea, as well as relating the ancient Aboriginal Dreamtime stories that created these magnificent structures. 

After your walk, relax and enjoy a gourmet lunch, prepared on-site by your guide under the shade of the majestic desert oaks, in this beautiful wilderness reserve. 

After lunch, we make our way to the spectacular Rainbow Valley, following the spine of the ancient James Ranges along the historical Hugh River Stock Route, passing the iconic River Red Gums and Ghost Gums of the riverine woodlands. 

Rainbow Valley is one of the most striking geological features in the country and her sunsets are as spectacular as any in Australia. As the day ends, enjoy a lovely, easy stroll to Mushroom Rock, amongst the distinctive plant life and flowers of this unique region, whilst your guide prepares a lavish sunset platter. Return from your walk to a banquet of European cheeses, gourmet crackers, delicious cured meats and much more, as the true colours of Rainbow Valley reveal themselves to the setting sun. 

We then return to Alice where your guide will take you to your accommodation after an unforgettable day in Australia’s Outback. 

*Subject to Titjikala Art Centre opening days/hours.

What’s Included:

• snacks and fresh fruit during the walks
  
• Morning tea -  Continental style breakfast with coffee and tea, yogurt, cereals, homemade rock cakes 
• Lunch - gourmet lunch
• Sunset aperitif - - banquet of European cheeses, gourmet crackers, delicious cured meats and much more.
• Accommodation Pick-up & Drop-off
• Experienced driver guide
• modern Air Conditioned  4WD Vehicle

Simpson Desert Tours from Adelaide return to Adelaide - 9 days

 9 days – Simpson Desert & Birdsville Races Tour –  from Alice Springs to Birdsville, return to Adelaide. Simpson Desert crossing includes Old Ghan Railway stops (incl. Finke) Mt Dare, Dalhousie Springs (for warm swimming in thermals pools), 3 nights in desert crossing via French Line & WAA Line, then Birdsville Races, and 2 days return travel to Alice Springs or Adelaide option. Excludes Chambers Pillar. Completes September 9 in Adelaide or Alice Springs option – 9 days

Itinerary for 9 days Simpson Desert & Birdsville Races Tours Flights 2019 – Alice Springs to Adelaide

1. Alice Springs to Mt Dare Hotel – Depart 8am for Kulgera, Lambert’s Centre of Australia, Finke Aboriginal community, Charlotte Waters (old OTL Telegraph Station) NT/SA border crossing, Witjira National Park. At Mt Dare overnight camp or accommodation upgrade option
2. Dalhousie Springs – Travel via Bloods Creek Bore & stockyards, Opossum Waterhole to Dalhousie Springs, a series of 60 natural Artesian springs from the Great Artesian Basin. Swim option at Dalhousie Springs in 38-43 Deg C water. Enter the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve – Overnight camp western edge of the Simpson Desert
3. Simpson Desert crossing – Travelling over and between the sandhills. Great photo opportunities, sunsets and sunrises and wildflowers. Remote desert camp
4. Simpson Desert – as above – another night under the stars in a remote camp
5. Birdsville – Visit the Approdinna Attora Knolls, high gypsum hills with a great lookout over the desert. Poeppels corner marking the meeting of QLD, NT & SA borders. Traverse Big Red sandhill – originally known as Nappanerica Dune, on the western edge of Lake Nappanerica, and eastern edge of The Simpson Desert – Overnight Birdsville
6. Races Day – Its race day for 2 days with an active social program supporting the Royal Flying Doctor Service. You are issued with a Birdsville Race Club Medallion for entry to all events, including the races, and may attend the Birdsville Dance & the Birdsville Ball, enjoy a drink at the Birdsville Pub and tune up your whip cracking skills for the competition. Today if not having travelled the desert with us, we will also visit & optionally climb Big Red the Simpson Desert’s biggest sand hill. We do a Birdsville tour with its fascinating history, see Burke & Wills marked tree by the Diamantina River, and thermal power station . Optional Lake Eyre, Goyder Lagoon & Simpson Desert flights (book early) Great plane spotting too as we witness the fly in from around Australia. Overnight Birdsville
7. Races Days – The BIG DAY at Birdsville Races – 12 races are on the program. You choose if you wish to attend all or just be amused by the characters and many activities and spontaneous entertainment available. Overnight Birdsville
8. Birdsville Track via Mungerannie hot springs to Marree overnight. Head off south on the Birdsville Track crossing by the Cooper Creek and wetlands. Enjoy a break at Mungerannie Hotel, and a Mungerannie wetlands walk (and hot spa if time permits) views of the salt lakes and rich vegetation on this remote iconic Australian route.  This afternoon we cross the Cooper Creek, and flood plain, visit old station ruins including Lake Harry. Arriving in Marree, explore this once thriving railway town that helped save Darwin during WWII with 56 trains per week ! Marree is at the junction of the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks, and the path of the Great Northern  Railway / Old Ghan for over 100 years, so lots of history here including Aboriginal museum and history, Tom Kruse (Outback Mailman from “Back of Beyond”) and Donald Campbells Bluebird story. Take an optional 1 or 2 hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre to see the Warburton Groove, the main inflow channel to Lake Eyre, Elliot Price Conservation Park, Halligan Bay, Lake Eyre South and the Marree Man (a 4 km long, giant engraving in the landscape). On return to base, we see some of the sights of Marree, this once thriving Ghan Railway town. Marree is caretaker for some interesting railway relics, plus  the old mail truck used by legendary outback mailman Tom Kruse on the run from Marree to Birdsville. We visit the shores of Lake Eyre and Lake Eyre National Park and connect with the wonder of the bird and plant life revitalised by recent flooding rains in a permanent waterhole. Overnight in Marree with a few yarns around the campfire or at the local pub. BLD Overnight Marree.
9. Lake Eyre flight option available (book early) before travel via the spectacular scenery of the Flinders Ranges and remote outback pastoral country via Hawker, Quorn and Pitchie Ritchie Pass to Adelaide to arrive approximately 6-7 pm. Accommodation own arrangements.

Birdsville Races Tours Flights from Alice prings to Birdsville & Adelaide.

Optional scenic flights over Goyder Lagoon, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Simpson Desert, Coongie Lakes.  9 days or fly out day 8 option. Detailed Itinerary shown below.

Alice Springs to Darwin Tour via Utopia, Devils Marbles, Daly Waters, Katherine Gorge, 3 Utopia region Aboriginal art centres to Darwin

Reverse Available Please Ask

Day 1 – Depart Alice Springs at 8am and travel via remote Utopia region Aboriginal art centres of Ampilatwatja (pronounced um-blood-a-watch) and Ali Curung. Here you can meet the artists and view them at work, and purchase art directly from the source. Travel on via Wycliffe Wells (UFO centre of Australia), to overnight at Wauchope at the Devils Marbles Hotel.

Day 2 - An early start to arrive at the Devils Marbles for a walk in this mystical boulder formations, and great photo opportunities. Aboriginal legend refers to stones like the Devils Marbles as the “Eggs of the Rainbow Serpent”.  Visit the Aboriginal cultural centre and art centre with more Utopia region artists working here. Later, connect with the history of Tennant Creek, including gold mining. We visit the historic Telegraph Station before overnight in Tennant Creek

Day 3  - Travel via Three Ways where the road from Mt Isa and Townsville join the Stuart Highway. Here we see the John Flynn memorial (father of the Royal Flying Doctor Service). We cross the Ashburton and Whittington Ranges as we travel via the famous outback town of Renner Springs, Lake Woods & Newcastle Waters. Overnight Daly Waters Pub famous outback rest stop.

Day 4 –  Travel via Mataranka hot springs and connect with Elsie of "We of the Never Never". Onward to Katherine, and take a 2 hour boat cruise on Katherine Gorge and view Aboriginal rock art in the gorge cruise. An optional helicopter flight to rock art higher in the gorge is also available. Katherine is the NT's 3rd largest town, and more Aboriginal art galleries are here displaying and selling art from nearby communities.

Day 5 - Heading North, enjoy a swim and break at scenic Edith Falls. Travel via Pine Creek and check out the "Great Northern Railway" & gold mining history, then Alligator River to arrive in Darwin late afternoon for a celebration meal together.

Includes small group modern 4 wheel drive vehicles, FULLY ACCOMMODATED in motels, fees, side trips, Katherine Gorge cruise all meals.

5 Days/4 Nights – From Alice Springs to Darwin via Mataranka hot springs, Devils Marbles  – Tour Code 10AGD5

5 days/4 nights –  Tanami Track Broome to Alice Springs tour

Eastbound Tanami Track Tours – Includes Geike Gorge cruise on Fitzroy River, Outback Art, Wolfe Creek Crater, Balgo, Warlukurlangu artists at Yuendumu,  Tillmouth Wells art gallery, Balgo Art Community. Departs Tuesdays 1 pm after lunch, completes Saturday after rock art site & lunch in Alice Springs. As below itinerary excluding Newhaven. Price of 5 day tour of $2680.00 per person includes 4 nights comfy camping OR add 1 or 2 nights accommodation upgrade available at Fitzroy Crossing or Tillmouth Well for $150 twin share/night). Also, option to add last day's night in Alice Springs with breakfast add $280 twin share.  Departures on demand – please ask

Details of Tours – Broome to Alice Springs via Tanami Track – Eastbound Itinerary (Westbound is Reverse)

Day 1 – We depart Broome after the arrival of flights to meet incoming travellers (approx. 1pm after lunch). If you arrive this morning earlier, enjoy a free morning in Broome for Cable Beach swim or other activities. We will pickup from your hotel or airport as confirmed. We then travel through sweeping Kimberley grasslands and cattle country to cross the flood plains of the Fitzroy River. We stop by roadhouses and enjoy an afternoon cup of tea under a majestic boab tree. We start to experience some of the local lifestyles, and sense the spirit of this wide-open country as we witness stunning mesa landscapes (great photo opportunities). Late afternoon sees us check in for overnight at Fitzroy River Resort at Fitzroy Crossing before a relaxing night and tasty evening meal, with a chance to meet some of the locals. L,D

Day 2 – After breakfast enjoy a relaxing Geike Gorge river cruise on the vast Fitzroy River, and marvel at the high cliffs, annual massive flood records, stunning wildlife and river tales from our knowledgeable local guide. After a morning cuppa, and comfortable highway cruising we enjoy lunch at a spectacular local lookout, on the major songline that crosses the Tanami Desert. Time permitting we stop in at Yiyili Aboriginal Art centre (beautiful colourful & contemporary artworks for sale here) and Halls Creek for last supplies before the Tanami Track. Late afternoon we arrive at Wolfe Creek Crater in time for a crater walk and set up camp prior to a spectacular Kimberley sunset over Wolfe Creek Crater. BLD

Day 3 – A chance this morning for stunning photos and memories at sunrise of Wolfe Creek Crater, the world's second-largest meteorite crater. Local stories say this is where the rainbow serpent entered the Earth. You can take a walk in the crater or enjoy the view from the crater rim. After a healthy breakfast, we take the Tanami Track to Billiluna Aboriginal community on the edge of the Canning Stock Route, before visiting the Balgo community & Balgo Aboriginal Art centre to witness artist sin action and, some wonderful and unique art styles of the western deserts available to purchase at significant discounts from the local artists. We lunch enjoying the spectacular view over the Balgo Hills and mesas stretching into the western deserts – The Great Sandy Desert & Gibson Deserts. This afternoon we make camp near Rabbit Flat for our overnight camp in the real Never Never, under a brilliant starry sky, and see the Milky Way and the heavens like never before. BLD

Day 4 – Travel today takes us by the great Tanami and Granites gold mines, some of the most productive in Australia and old abandoned wells from gold rush & cattle droving days. These are some of the remotest parts of Australia – a great place to reflect on our existence and experience the vastness and vitality of life – even in the desert. After a look over Chilla Well or Renahans Springs Bore we’re ready for the delights of the art centre at the Warlukurlangu artists Centre at Yuendumu, and a look around at this large and unique outback community. The 5 day tour travels on to Tillmouth Well for a restful overnight camp or upgrades to motel cabins if desired. If choosing the 6 day tour we divert to Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary for 2 nights, with Tillmouth Wells Aboriginal art shopping available on the last day. BLD

Day 5 – An easy start to the morning allows us to reflect on our experience at our oasis on the desert. A wide range of well priced art is available at Tillmouth Well Aboriginal art centre from surrounding communities including Mt Allan, Papunya, and Yuendumu. We may even meet some of the artists with their special offers. We head for Alice Springs, visiting a picturesque rock art site where we enjoy lunch.  Tour completes in Alice Springs after lunch,  in time to see the sights of Alice or if flights require, please ask. Optional overnight accommodation in Alice Springs at own expense BL

Next Day Post Tour – Now in the big smoke, you can explore the Araluen Art centre or other fabulous Aboriginal Art galleries of Alice Springs, or other sites such as Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, historic Overland Telegraph Station, all with the backdrop of the mighty MacDonnell Ranges – or just soak up this special atmosphere. 

Inclusions

• Small group luxury 4WD travel (usually 4-6 per vehicle)
• Professional and experienced driver / guides
• Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Access to remote areas and rock art sites unreachable by most tour vehicles
• All delicious meals, including vegetarian, unless noted in the itinerary.
• Accommodated sleeping or Comfy Camping. Camp gear includes stretcher, mattress & linen.
• Guided tours by locals of Geike Gorge and Fitzroy River
• All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees
• Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
• Contribution of tour price supports Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s future.
• Learn practical skills –
  • Bush foods & medicine and survival skills for self and team survival and thrival
  • Camping, tent, food health & safety
  • Rock art symbols guide / earth energy connection
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s past, present and future.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine

Ask Now: 1300 763 188

Adelaide to Alice Springs with Lake Eyre, Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Coober Pedy, Breakaways 4 DAYS via Flinders Ranges, Bunyeroo & Brachina Gorges, William Creek. Includes optional Flight over Lake Eyre. Lake shore lookout, Oodnadatta Track luxury 4WD transport.

Follow the Overland Telegraph Line & Old Ghan Railway Track and visit historic Coward Springs Railway precinct plus much more. Includes all fees, meals, ensuite accommodated at Wilpena Pound, Marree (or William Creek) & Coober Pedy. Consider also the Wilpena Pound Flinders Ranges flight option. Connection options to Sydney, Broken Hill or Melbourne 

4 Day - itinerary

Day 1 - From Adelaide city or airport we depart via spectacular mountain scenery adjacent the Southern Flinders Ranges. Travel via the rich wine-producing region of the Clare Valley (wine tasting optional) and through the rich countryside of rural South Australia. Enjoy picturesque scenery, and rural town stops with lunch and a morning and afternoon teas. We have a picnic lunch in scenic Melrose at the base of Mt Remarkable and cross the Goyder Line before Quorn and Hawker, the gateway to the Flinders Ranges. Enjoy Scenic views of the Elder, Druid & Heyson Ranges, and visit an ancient Aboriginal Rock art site. Enjoy a scenic walk with the kangaroos and spectacular River Red Gums into Wilpena Pound, viewing unique flora, Old Hills Homestead. Then an optional hike up to Wangarra Hill lookout offering panoramic views of Wilpena Pound. Returning to Wilpena Pound, we check in for the night for a cosy dinner L,D

Day 2 - Join a spectacular but optional 30 minute scenic flight over Wilpena Pound and the Heyson and ABC Ranges before departing Wilpena Pound Resort to travel Bunyeroo Gorge lookouts and scenic drive then the fascinating Geological Trail through 800 million years of time via Brachina Gorge and Bunyeroo Gorge in the Flinders Ranges, viewing fossils including ancient stromatolites. Arrive at the old Ghan railway town of Parachilna and the famous Prairie Hotel, with tasty treats and exceptional Aboriginal art and jewellery for sale. We travel north here following the Heyson Range via Leigh Creek (viewing the massive open cut mine now closed) via Copley and Lindhurst past the Strzelecki Track and into the desert. Stop for a look at the large and colourful ochre pits famous for trading ochre widely throughout Australia. Visit the Old Ghan ghost town of Farina once a township of 300 people, now deserted except for the annual appearance of an enthusiastic group of volunteers restoring buildings and cooking treats in the bakery. Arrive Marree and check out the ancient mosque and Old Ghan Railway history. Also the Lake Eyre Yacht Club and Birdsville Track. We follow the Oodnadatta Track Overland Telegraph Line & Old Ghan Railway Track and visit historic Coward Springs and the lookout at Lake Eyre South then the Mound Springs, natural springs bubbling up from the Artesian Basin. We visit creeks and water holes along the route which are favourite spots for birds (including brolgas, egrets,  swans, ducks, waders, Herons and many more) and birdwatchers. Arrive historic William Creek for overnight. B,L,D

Day 3 – From William Creek which is surrounded by Anna Creek Station (Sidney Kidman's largest cattle station). Join an optional 2+ hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre and / or Painted Hills. (see extras for flight options) After our flight, we head through the Moon Plains, crossing the "Dog Fence" for Coober Pedy for a look into this fascination underground opal mining centre. We visit an underground church, museum and mine, plus town lookout before overnight. This is a special sleep underground opportunity. B,L,D

Day 4 – Today we are heading north on the Stuart Highway via desert travel & The Breakaways where Mad Max movies were filmed. This stunningly colourful desert mesa landscape is like another planet - but here it is in your backyard. Witness modern “oasis” outback stations and transport roadhouses of this great Stuart Highway connecting Australia’s north and south. Aboriginal artwork is available for sale from local communities at some of these stops. Arrive Alice Springs or Uluru option late afternoon. Tour ends approx 6 pm. B,L 

 Adelaide to Alice Springs (or Uluru) Lake Eyre, Wilpena Pound, Coober Pedy, Breakaways 4 DAYS inclusions -

• Fully accommodated with en-suites.
  
• All meals included except 1 in Coober Pedy
  
• Small group luxury 4WD travel (usually 2-4 / vehicle) with professional and experienced driver / guide
• Scenic Flight optional over Lake Eyre and/ Painted Hills - selectable in booking process
• All delicious meals, including vegetarian options
• Comfortable hotel / motel style en-suite accommodation
• All National Park entry and accommodation fees, airport or hotel pickup & return
• Contributions of tour price supports Outback Kids and Australian Wildlife Conservancy nature care programs.
• Tour completes Alice Springs - For Uluru option please advise/discuss
  

Lake Eyre Tours Flights with Wilpena Pound Coober Pedy 4 DAYS via Flinders Ranges, Bunyeroo & Brachina Gorges, Sacred Canyon, Coober Pedy, William Creek. Including 2 Hour Flight over Lake Eyre and Warburton Groove, lake shore visit and walk, Birdwatching and Lake Shore drive by 4WD, luxury 4WD transport.

Optional EXTENDED FLIGHT to Birdsville return via Lake Eyre & CHANNEL COUNTRY, WITH BIRDSVILLE LUNCH, SIMPSON DESERT -  see detail at Extras when commence booking process

Follow the Overland Telegraph Line & Old Ghan Railway Track and visit historic Coward Springs & Curdimurka Railway Sidings and history plus much more. Includes all fees, flight, meals, ensuite accommodated at Wilpena Pound, Marree (or William Creek) & Coober Pedy. Consider also the Wilpena Pound Flinders Ranges flight option. Tour  Code LCP4. Connection options to Sydney, Broken Hill or Melbourne 

LAKE EYRE UPDATE -

OCTOBER 3, 2019 - Lake Eyre region has recently witnessed massive floodwaters from two Queensland cyclones earlier this year. These waters travelled down the Cooper Creek, Georgina, Diamantina and Warburton Rivers to fill Lake Eyre and nearby lakes to a level not seen for many years.

Pink algal blooms have now commenced and it is always a stunning spectacle no matter the water level, with cloud reflections, and vast water and salt surfaces merging with the pink of the algal blooms. However the recent intense heat and strong dusty winds in the region are taking its toll on water levels and bird numbers. As at late September the Lake has approximately 30% water coverage. You can see a daily satellite image here - https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=132.52769971831015,-30.223839999999992,145.79873971831012,-23.743839999999995&l=MODIS_Aqua_CorrectedReflectance_Bands721

Our tours aim to show you the best this unique region has to offer, including the amazing mound springs, iconic landmarks and Ghan and pioneer history. Lately our travellers have been impressed with their Lake Eyre flight also incorporating the Painted Hills, a nearby desert region with awesome multi coloured ochre hills. This opportunity will be offered to your group on the tour and availability depends on a consensus to spend approximately half the flight time on Lake Eyre, and half on the Painted Hills.

This information has been provided as an update on the changing conditions, as we want you to aware that water and bird levels have not remained at the peak of earlier this year.

We look forward to seeing you on your journey soon and will be showing you wonderful aspect of Lake Eyre and the region.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns

4 Day Lake Eyre Tours Flights - itinerary

Day 1 - From Adelaide city or airport we depart via spectacular mountain scenery adjacent the Southern Flinders Ranges. Travel via the rich wine producing region of the Clare Valley (wine tasting optional) and through the rich countryside of rural South Australia. Enjoy picturesque scenery, and rural town stops with lunch and a morning and afternoon teas. We have a picnic lunch in scenic Melrose at the base of Mt Remarkable and cross the Goyder Line before Quorn and Hawker, gateway to the Flinders Ranges. Enjoy Scenic views of the Elder, Druid & Heyson Ranges, and visit an ancient Aboriginal Rock art site at Sacred Canyon (near to recently discovered Warrantyi Rock Shelter). Here enjoy an easy short walk amongst the Cypress Pines into the gorge to view pecked rock art tens of thousands of years old. Returning to Wilpena Pound, we check in for the night for a cosy dinner with open fire place L,D

Day 2 - Enjoy an optional scenic flight before a scenic walk with the kangaroos and spectacular River Red Gums into Wilpena Pound, viewing unique flora, Old Hills Homestead. Then an optional hike up to Wangarra Hill lookout offering panoramic views of Wilpena Pound. Depart Wilpena Pound Resort and travel the fascinating Geological Trail through 800 million years of time via Brachina Gorge and Bunyeroo Gorge in the Flinders Ranges, viewing fossils including ancient stromatalites. Arrive at the old Ghan railway town of Parachilna and the famous Prairie Hotel, with tasty treats and exceptional Aboriginal art and jewellery for sale. We travel north here following the Heyson Range via Leigh Creek (viewing the massive open cut mine ow closed) via Copley and Lindhurst past the Strzelecki Track and into the desert. Stop for a look at the large and colourful ochre pits famous for trading ochre widely throughout Australia. Farina Arrive Marree for overnight. B,L,D

Day 3 – At Marree check out the ancient mosque and Old Ghan Railway history. Also the Lake Eyre Yacht Club and Birdsville Track. We follow the Oodnadatta Track Overland Telegraph Line & Old Ghan Railway Track and visit historic Coward Springs & Curdimurka Railway Sidings and the lookout at Lake Eyre South then the Mound Springs, natural springs bubbling up from the Artesian Basin. Visit the shores of Lake Eyre and connect with the wonder of the bird and plant life revitalised by flooding rains. We visit creeks and water holes along the route which are favourite spots for birds (including brolgas, egrets, swans, ducks, waders,  Herons and many more) and birdwatchers. Arrive historic William Creek on Anna Creek Station (Sidney Kidman's largest cattle station) for a 2+ hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre.  After our flight, we head though the moon plains for Coober Pedy for overnight. This is a special sleep underground opportunity. B,L,D

Day 4 – Today we are heading south on the Stuart Highway via desert travel & salt lakes that let you appreciate the remote and vast outback. Witness modern “oasis” outback stations and transport roadhouses of this great Stuart Highway connecting Australia’s north and south. Visit Woomera and the “rocket park” collection of missiles launched from this unique location, the extensive Rocket Range Museum and view the infamous Detention Centre. Travel via Port Augusta, the powerhouse of Spencers Gulf and a cuppa by the water front, then on via rich rural lands of the Gulf of St Vincent  to arrive Adelaide this evening. Tour ends approx 7 pm. B,L

 

 Lake Eyre Tours Flights with Wilpena Pound Coober Pedy Tour Inclusions -

• Fully accommodated (ensuites) and all meals included
• Small group luxury 4WD travel (usually 4-6 / vehicle) with professional and experienced driver / guide
• Scenic Flight over Lake Eyre -  2 hour flight with add on options as above and selectable in booking process
• All delicious meals, including vegetarian options
• Comfortable hotel / motel style ensuite accommodation
• All National Park entry and accommodation fees, airport or hotel pickup & return
• Contributions of tour price supports Outback Kids and Australian Wildlife Conservancy nature care programs.

Adelaide to Uluru / Alice Springs - tour available to either  - please ask

Channel and Corner Country Adelaide Broken Hill Innaminka Birdsville Alice Springs 12 Day Tour

• Join tour in Adelaide, Mildura or Broken Hill (rail option from Sydney)
  
• Fully accommodated hotel rooms
  
• Genuine small group - 2-4 per GXL 4WD
• NOT a Bus
• 27 years tours operation

We have strict COVID-19 Safety Management Systems in place to protect guests.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Due to the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 crisis, all new bookings will be refunded in full should the borders not open prior to trip departure.
Conditions apply.

This Small group luxury 4WD travel via Channel and Corner Country Adelaide Broken Hill Innaminka Birdsville Alice Springs 12 Day Tour runs from Adelaide to Alice Springs via Mungo National Park, Darling River Run via Pooncarie and Menindee Lakes, Burke and Wills camp, Broken Hill, Silverton, Milparinka, Tibooburra, Cameron Corner, Moomba, Innamincka, Dig Tree, Coongie Lakes (access allowing) Mungerannie, Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia, Tobermorey, Plenty Highway to Alice Springs.

Explore in the footsteps of Burke & Wills (visit the Dig Tree) in this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders and beyond. This tour includes Big Red sandhill viewing the Simpson Desert, Cooper Creek cruise, Boulia, Min Min lights encounter and Plenty Highway desert travel and Gemtree minerals visit.

Fully inclusive luxury 4WD vehicles in small group 4WD travel, 12 days from Adelaide or 11 from Broken Hill (meets arrival by rail option), with 8 nights hotel  / motel / cabin accommodation, all meals, professional guides.

Pick up available Adelaide, Mildura or Broken Hill - please ASK

Includes 2 hour Cooper Creek cruise at Innamincka (seasonal)

Visit the famous Dig Tree & historic reserve, plus Burke's Grave on the banks of Cooper Creek. this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders, known as Cameron Corner. Travel through giant sheep stations from over 100 years ago, witness the Moomba oil fields & mighty Cooper Creek at Innamincka. Travelling in our luxury 4WD Landcruisers, you can stand at the famous Cameron Corner adjacent the Dog Fence. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art sites and hear the tales of the great Cattle drives as we travel the Strzelecki Track - pioneered by Captain Starlight as he stole 1000 cattle from Queensland QLD in 1870. Later, Sidney Kidman & Co and many others made their fortunes on the track pioneered by Starlight.

ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1 - Depart Adelaide via scenic Barossa Valley wine country, Berri and Renmark with a wine tasting opportunity for the Mungo Lodge at Mungo National Park. You can choose to meet us this day in Mildura if preferred at approximately 2pm. Overnight at Mungo Lodge in Mungo National Park  L,D

Day 2 - Explore Mungo National Park, a World Heritage listed site thanks to Mungo Man man & woman being discovered here, after their 60,000 year old ritual burial. Explore the walls of China, and more history including National Parks display, and the restored woolshed. Next we meet the Darling River at Pooncarie and follow the river to Menindee, Menindee Lakes, and Burke and Wills campsite on the banks of the river. Arrive in Broken Hill for overnight.  Enjoy viewing Mario's famous artworks and a well deserved dinner at the famous Palace Hotel from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame. In Broken Hill we can meet passengers from the Sydney train. 2 nights at Desert Sands Motel or similar, Broken Hill BLD

Day 3 - From Broken Hill, we visit Silverton, where films including Mad Max, and Mission Impossible were made. We visit the Living Desert sculptures, Pro Harts Gallery, the Railway & Historical Museum and Miners Memorial on top of the Broken Hill Line of Lode where the mine was located. Alternatively, you may wish to take an Aboriginal guided tour to Mootwingee National Park (extra cost) Overnight Broken Hill Desert Sands Motel or similarB.L.D

Day 4 - Depart Broken Hill through the Barrier Range on the Silver City Highway via Packsaddle for Milparinka and Depot Glen, where explorer Charles Sturt spent 6 months in 1845 with a team of men, waiting for rain or cooler conditions. This area has been extensively mined for tin, lead and gold and operated large sheep stations. Appreciate this once thriving gold mining town at the restored Milparinka Heritage Precinct. Time to explore Tibooburra, and the Outdoor Pastoral Museum.  Flat-topped mesas and fantastic views characterise the central Jump-Up country. Remnant gidgee woodland, the catchment system of the ephemeral Twelve-Mile Creek and gibber and grass-covered plains dominate the east, while 450 million year old granite tors surrounding Tibooburra form part of the southern boundary of the park. We check out the Tibooburra pubs and considerable town and mining history before overnight here at Family Hotel or Granites Motel BLD

Day 5 - Today we are heading into the Sturt Desert & Sturt National park, crossing the Grey Range with a stop at Fort Grey. The park protects an enormous arid landscape of space and solitude. The rolling red-sand dunes of the Strzelecki desert ripple through the western section, graduating past surprising wetlands surrounded by white sands. After some great opportunities for photos, we pass through the Dog Fence and arrive at Cameron Corner on the 3 states corner (NSW, SA & QLD) for a thirst quencher and souvenirs, and check out the "Corner Store". It is said by the local Queensland residents that the flies come in from NSW, and the dust from South Australia. We travel via Bollards Lagoon, the Yellow Bus site (now buried) and Merty Merty station, crossing the sand hills of the Strzelecki Desert, and Creek as we head for the Strzelecki Track and the uncanny Moomba oil & gas fields. We pass the location of the geothermal power plant / hot rocks project of Geodynamics where Australia has the hottest rocks on Earth, outside of volcanic areas.

Geologists think that 10 million years ago, the granites in the Cooper Basin, South Australia, were exposed at the surface. Since that time they have been covered by a sedimentary layer, four kilometres thick, that acts as an overlying blanket; trapping the heat and preventing it from escaping to the atmosphere.

The heat is created by naturally occurring radiogenic decay that heats the granite to more than 250 degrees Celsius. The granite temperatures in Europe are only 180 degrees Celsius. The granite belt in the Cooper Basin is fractured in horizontal layers and these fractures naturally contain water at very high pressures – up to 5, 000 pounds per square inch. Check out the birdlife at sunset on the flooding Cooper Creek before a delicious meal at the Innamincka Hotel, adjacent the famous old Mission station, restored as National Parks offices. Overnight Innaminka Hotel 2 nights

Day 6 - A chance for an early walk and look at creekside birdlife - the old hospital building (now museum & NP office) and quirky Innamincka - before we head for the S/ QLD border and Nappa Merrie Station (was owned by S Kidman & Co, now Gina Reinhart) to the Burke & Wills Dig Tree. Here Burke & Wills support team lead by Brahe had waited 4 months and 4 days (a month longer than agreed) and had buried provisions for the possibility of the returning northern explorers. The support team left only a few hours before Burke & Wills return, and the supplies were possibly not found, contributing to their demise. Lots of history, and birdlife here on the infamous Cooper Creek. There's time for a cruise on Cooper Creek, and providing the access route is open, we can visit Coongie Lakes, a haven for bird life in the region. Overnight Innaminka Hotel 2 nights.

Day 7 - Travel via Moomba and remote Walkers Crossing through the Stony Desert to the Birdsville Track and Mungerannie Hotel, site of their popular Artesian bore fed wetlands. Overnight Mungerannie Hotel - cabin accommodation with shared bathrooms BLD

Day 8 - Today we visit Cowarie Station on the Warburton River, the major inflow to lake Eyre from the Diamantina River and Goyder Lagoon before a visit to  Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary operated by Australian Wildlife Conservancy.  Here we learn of the important local and widespread work of AWC with its over 24 sanctuary properties in unique and diverse Australian landscapes. We later travel north on the Birdsville Track to cross the Queensland border and overnight in Birdsville, at the Birdsville Pub BLD

Day 9 - Today we will travel through the sandhills to visit and climb Big Red, the Simpson Desert’s biggest sandhill. We do a Birdsville tour with its fascinating history, visit Burke & Wills marked tree by the Diamantina River, and site of Australias most famous thermal power station. After lunch, we depart and travel due north through Channel Country and the Diamantina Shire HQ at Bedourie, crossing several creeks and water holes often hosting wetland birds including Brolgas. Arrive Boulia for overnight at Australia Hotel or Boulia Desert Sands Motel. BLD

Day 10 - The Min Min Encounter is a theatre presentions at the visitors centre, where we learn of the fascinating story of the Min Min lights phenomena -  a mystery of strange red lights appearing and following people in this remote desert region. We depart after the exhibition and town tour for Tobermorey via the Plenty Highway and the northern boundary of the Simpson Desert. The Tobermorey camping area which is set on the Tobermorey Station is a lovely grassed area under trees. It has hot showers, flushing toilets and a shop with some basic goods. We can enjoy an open campfire under the stars tonight. Accommodation is available here in basic cabins with ensuite shared bathroom for early bookers. Alternatively or camping option. as we overnight at Tobermorey Station in basic cabin accommodation. BLD

Day 11 - Our journey onward takes us via Jervois, which is our last fuel stop. Jervois is a cattle station, formed in 1960, and one of the last stations to be taken up in the area. We pass by giant termite nests and nearby the rugged Harts Range. Enjoy a stop at the remote Atitjere community Aboriginal Arts centre, nestled at the base of the Harts Ranges, Atitjere is home to around 400 people. Time permitting, a stopover at Gemtree and check out the gems, crystals and mineral specimens as well as local Aboriginal Art and artefacts at this popular gem fossicking region. Arrive Alice Springs for overnight and a celebratory meal together. BLD

Day 12 - After a tasty breakfast tour completes at 10 am. You are free to enjoy the many options available in Alice Springs including the Araluen Cultural Centre & Museum, Old Telegraph Station, or Royal Flying Doctor Base, Desert Wildlife Park, Aboriginal Art galleries, or extended tours to Uluru via MacDonnell Ranges or to Darwin or beyond. B

This fully inclusive tour is by small group luxury 4WD travel.

Inclusions

• Genuine small group 2- 4 per car, in 4WD Landcruisers
  
• Professional and experienced driver / guides
• Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Access to remote areas and rock art sites unreachable by most tour vehicles
• Ensuite hotel/motel accommodation except 1 night shared bathroom at Mungerannie, and possible 1 night camping at Tobermorey if you book too late.
• All Delicious meals on tour, including vegetarian options.
• All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees
• Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
• Contributions of tour price support Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine

Exclusions

• Alcohol
• Flights to and from departure points

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pick up available Adelaide, Midura or Broken Hill - please ASK
• Join tour in Adelaide, Mildura or Broken Hill (rail option from Sydney)
  
• Fully accommodated hotel rooms if booked early
  
• Genuine small group - 2-4 per 4WD
• NOT a Bus
• 27 years tours operation
  

We have strict COVID-19 Safety Management Systems in place to protect guests.

BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

Due to the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 crisis, all new bookings will be refunded in full if delayed by COVID-19 issues eg borders not open prior to trip departure.

Update to Terms and Conditions  – December 29, 2020 – Travel insurance that includes cancellation cover for COVID-19 issues is recommended.

REVISED REFUND POLICY – Refunds are available with no penalty up to 30 days prior to the departure date, if your request is received in writing (SMS or email preferred). Refunds requested with less than 30 days notice are subject to conditions as below in General terms & Conditions. NOTE – we always try to make refunds available if requested, even at short notice, but we may incur costs (eg relocation of vehicles and people, accommodation terms etc) that do not make 100% refund possible, hence the General Terms and Conditions as detailed on this booking site and our website.

Simpson Desert Tours from Adelaide return to Adelaide - 9 days

Tour by 4WD from ADELAIDE via Port Augusta and Woomera to Coober Pedy Includes The Painted Desert, Ooodnattta & Old Ghan Railway, Dalhousie Springs (swim in thermal pools) then 3 nights Simpson desert crossing via French Line, Coulson Track, QAA & WAA Lines, Poeppel's Corner Eyre Creek then Birdsville Hotel accommodation, return to Adelaide via Birdsville Track, Marree and Lake Eyre. Includes all park entries & permits, sleeping gear and meals. Optional scenic flights over Goyder Lagoon, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Simpson Desert, Coongie Lakes.  9 days or fly out day 8 option. The detailed Itinerary is shown below.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 – Adelaide to Coober Pedy – Depart 7:00 am via Port Wakefield, the giant windfarms of Snowtown and Spencers Gulf to Port Augusta with its historic precinct for morning tea on the old Port Augusta Dock. We head north up the Stuart Highway via Pimba and visit Woomera's historic rocket museum (passengers willing) then vast historic sheep stations including Glendambo. Arrive Coober Pedy late afternoon for dinner and a comfy sleep in underground accommodation amongst the opals (or above ground option available) LD

Day 2 – You can check out the opals and fascinating Umoona underground museum before we head off into the desert to The Painted Hills including Mount Arckaringa - these Ochre coloured hills are a unique feature of this area. We arrive at Oodnadatta and have a cuppa at the famous Pink Roadhouse before visiting the Old Ghan Railway Museum full of wonderfull history of the establishment and operation of Oodnadatta and the railway. Oodnadatta was established on the Neales River in 1889 it was South Australia’s most northern railway town. It was a starting point for pioneering travellers heading north and a major railhead for cattle being walked down the northern stock routes. By 1893, Oodnadatta boasted a diverse population which included Afghans, Chinese & Europeans. We travel north from Oodnadatta following sections of the old Ghan Track and visit Pedirka Siding Ruins and the Old Dalhousie Springs Homestead.

We enter Witjira National Park and arrive at Dalhousie Springs, a vast area of natural springs outpouring from the Great Artesian Basin – Dalhousie Springs is a series of 60 natural artesian springs from the Great Artesian Basin. Swim option at Dalhousie Springs in 38-43 Deg C water. Enter the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve – Overnight camp here on the edge of the Simpson Desert. BLD

Day 3 – Heading into the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve we cross the floodplains of Spring Creek Delta moving into numerous salt lakes and higher sand dunes. We take a break at Purnie Bore before more of the French Line with spectacular views from the top and great feeling of humility and nurturing by nature within the dunes. We travel over and longitudinally between the sandhills. Great photo opportunities, maybe a dingo or two to see, sunsets and sunrises and wildflowers. Enjoy and evening campfire at our remote desert camp BLD

Day 4-5 – We cross more salt lakes and sand dunes, but also travel parallel to the dunes for a different perspective of the landscape. We visit the Approdinna Attora Knolls, high gypsum hills with a great lookout over the desert. We see remnants of other travellers and oil searches in the desert. Take a break at Poeppel's Corner marking the meeting of QLD, NT & SA borders. Overnight under the stars in our remote camp.

Day 6 – We cross Eyre Creek and traverse the largest sandhill, Big Red is also known as Nappanerica Dune, on the western edge of Lake Nappanerica, and the eastern edge of The Simpson Desert. Overnight ensuite accommodation in Birdsville. BLD

Day 7 – This morning, time to check out Birdsville and the unique features of this once bustling town which was a customs post for cattle heading down the track. Consider an optional flight over Lake Eyre, Goyder Lagoon & Simpson Desert. (book early). We visit the historic Burke and Wills camp tree by the Diamantina River.  After lunch we do a Birdsville tour with its fascinating history, visit Burke & Wills marked tree by the Diamantina River, and site of Australias most famous thermal power station. After lunch, we depart and travel due north through Channel Country and the Diamantina Shire HQ at Bedourie, crossing several creeks and water holes often hosting wetland birds including Brolgas. Arrive Boulia for overnight at Australia Hotel or Boulia Desert Sands Motel. BLD

Day 8 – The Min Min Encounter is a theatre presentions at the visitors centre, where we learn of the fascinating story of the Min Min lights phenomena –  a mystery of strange red lights appearing and following people in this remote desert region. We depart after the exhibition and town tour for Tobermory via the Plenty Highway and the northern boundary of the Simpson Desert. The Tobermory camping area which is set on the Tobermorey Station is a lovely grassed area under trees. It has hot showers, flushing toilets and a shop with some basic goods. We can enjoy an open campfire under the stars tonight. Accommodation is available here in basic cabins with shared bathrooms for early bookers. Alternatively camping option. as we overnight at Tobermorey Station  BLD

Day 9 – Our journey onward takes us via Jervois, which is our last fuel stop. Jervois is a cattle station, formed in 1960, and one of the last stations to be taken up in the area. We pass by giant termite nests and nearby the rugged Harts Range. Enjoy a stop at the remote Atitjere community Aboriginal Arts centre, nestled at the base of the Harts Ranges, Atitjere is home to around 400 people. Time permitting, a stopover at Gemtree and check out the gems, crystals and mineral specimens as well as local Aboriginal Art and artefacts at this popular gem fossicking region. Arrive in Alice Springs for overnight and a celebratory meal together. BLD

Tag along travellers in their own cars may wish to depart at Birdsville to head south to Adelaide

This fully inclusive tour is by small group luxury 4WD travel.

13 days Simpson Desert Tour Alice Springs return to Alice Springs – or 7 days

Itinerary as 9 day tour to Birdsville then 2 options –  fly out Day 7 from Birdsvillle (Rex airlines) to Brisbane or other options.

Day 1 – Alice Springs to Chambers Pillar – Depart 8am for a special and rare opportunity to visit the Ewaninga Aboriginal rock art site, then Maryvale Cattle Station and Titjikala Aboriginal Artists in community. We leave Titjikala and cross the Hugh River, travelling through Maryvale cattle station, then from a high vantage point view Chambers Pillar and the sandhills rolling into the Simpson Desert. We arrive at Chambers Pillar and enjoy an afternoon walk around this special place (which has more than 1 pillar). We make camp here for the night under the stars. LD

Day 2 – Departing Chambers Pillar we travel the Old Ghan Railway route and visit Rodinga Siding, one of the last built and most Northern fettlers cottages on the Old Ghan Line. We visit the historic Bundooma Railway Siding after crossing the Finke River, site of a few famous Old Ghan bridges and river washouts, to arrive in the active Aboriginal community and ex Ghan stop of Finke. Its then on to Lambert’s Centre of Australia, Charlotte Waters (an old OTL Telegraph Station), NT/SA border crossing, then Mt Dare Hotel for overnight camp or accommodation upgrade option. BLD

Day 3 – We enter Witjira National Park and visit Bloods Creek Bore preserved cattle yards from bygone days and Oppossum Waterhole. Arrive at Dalhousie Springs, a vast area of natural springs outpouring from the Great Artesian Basin – Dalhousie Springs is a series of 60 natural artesian springs from the Great Artesian Basin. Swim option at Dalhousie Springs in 38-43 Deg C water. Enter the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve – Overnight camp on the edge of the Simpson Desert. BLD

Day 4 – Heading into the Simpson Desert we cross the floodplains of Spring Creek Delta then moving into numerous salt lakes and higher sand dunes. Spectacular views from the top and great feeling of nurturing by nature within the dunes. We travel over and between the sandhills. Great photo opportunities, maybe a dingo or two to see, sunsets and sunrises and wildflowers. Enjoy the campfire at our remote desert camp BLD

Day 5 – We cross more salt lakes, and plenty of sand dunes, but also travel parallel to the dunes for a different perspective of the landscape. We visit the Approdinna Attora Knolls, high gypsum hills with a great lookout over the desert. Take a break at Poeppel's Corner marking the meeting of QLD, NT & SA borders. Overnight under the stars in our remote camp.

Day 6 – We cross the Eyre Creek and traverse the largest sandhill, Big Red – originally known as Nappanerica Dune, on the western edge of Lake Nappanerica, and the eastern edge of The Simpson Desert. Overnight accommodation in the Birdsville Hotel. BLD

Day 7 – Optional morning Lake Eyre, Goyder Lagoon & Simpson Desert flights (book early). Enjoy the iconic outback town of Birdsville, once a custom post for cattle heading south to Adelaide markets, now centre of an organic beef export industry, full of fascinating outback experiences. Have a cuppa at the Hard Road Café, check out the airport adjacent the pub, and the historic sights of the town including the marked tree at Camp LXXVI of the Burke and Wills expedition of 1860. View the thermal power station running on hot water from the Great Artesian Basin, or take a joy flight over the Simpson and Goyder Lagoon area. 7 Day tour ends here with flights from Birdsville to Brisbane or elsewhere – or After lunch we head off down the Birdsville inside track (or outside depending on conditions) viewing the Goyder lagoon region to the Warburton River Crossing and join the K1 line through the Simpson Desert sand dune swales and salt lakes to our overnight camp.

Days 8 – 9 – Hay River Track, Lake Caroline & Madigan Line – We see abandoned oil wells, and remote Aboriginal sites and tool remains from a past population that lived in this region. Travelling mostly in the swales and following the Hay River we visit a number of Madigan’s camps, and see impressive stands of River Red Gums. (Cecil Thomas Madigan was an early explorer and geologist who lead a party of nine men on an epic crossing of the North Simpson Desert by camels in 1939). We visit Lake Caroline, a usually dry claypan that
attracts unique vegetation supported by local ground water. Traversing some dunes gives great views of this remote landscapes, and good sunset photo opportunities We check out Vantage Point with views to Mt Winnecke. Overnight desert camps

Day 10 –  Travel today takes us over the Tropic of Capricorn to arrive at Batton Hill camp which is well serviced by traditional owners with showers and flushing toilets, where we join them on The My Country and Bush Tucker Tour. Also we visit Goyders Pillar, an impressive pillar of rock. Overnight desert camps at Batton Hill

Day 11 – After an easy start and opportunity for more time in this special place, we head for the Jervois cattle station on the Plenty Highway for Overnight

Day 12 –  Travel the Plenty Highway, then visit the Harts Range Aboriginal community and Art Centre at Atitjere and the collection of local gemstones at Gem Tree in the regions gemfields. Arrive Alice Springs for a welcome hotel bed and celebration dinner.

Day 13 – Tour completes 10 am after breakfast in Alice Springs – with plenty to do here – or delivery to your flight, Ghan or other connections.

Inclusions –

• Evening campfires with all meals provided + morning teas 
• Hotel Motel Accommodation - Alice Springs & Buirdsville + Mt Dare option - see booking link
• Genuine small group 4WD vehicles - usually 4WD GXL Toyota Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.and area permits

Exclusions

• Alcohol
• Airfares to departure points
  

Tag Along in Your 4WD available - Limits on vehicle types and Conditions apply. Tag along Rates includes all items as above, but excludes vehicle, camping gear and meals. These are available if prearranged or as extras.- please ask

Book Now – places limited

10 days Simpson Desert Tour Alice Springs return to Alice Springs – or 8 day option

Itinerary as 10 day tour to Birdsville then 2 options –  fly out Day 8 from Birdsville (Rex airlines) to Brisbane or other options.

Day 1 – Alice Springs to Chambers Pillar – Depart 8 am for a special and rare opportunity to visit the Ewaninga Aboriginal rock art site, then Maryvale Cattle Station and Titjikala Aboriginal Artists in the community. We leave Titjikala and cross the Hugh River, travelling through Maryvale cattle station, then from a high vantage point view Chambers Pillar and the sandhills rolling into the Simpson Desert. We arrive at Chambers Pillar and enjoy an afternoon walk around this special place (which has more than 1 pillar). We make camp here for the night under the stars. LD

Day 2 – Departing Chambers Pillar we travel the Old Ghan Railway route and visit Rodinga Siding, one of the last built and most Northern fettlers cottages on the Old Ghan Line. We visit the historic Bundooma Railway Siding after crossing the Finke River, the site of a few famous Old Ghan bridges and river washouts, to arrive in the active Aboriginal community and ex Ghan stop of Finke. Its then on to Lambert’s Centre of Australia, Charlotte Waters (an old OTL Telegraph Station), NT/SA border crossing, then Mt Dare Hotel for overnight camp or accommodation upgrade option. BLD

Day 3 – We enter Witjira National Park and visit Bloods Creek Bore preserved cattle yards from bygone days and Oppossum Waterhole. Arrive at Dalhousie Springs, a vast area of natural springs outpouring from the Great Artesian Basin – Dalhousie Springs is a series of 60 natural artesian springs from the Great Artesian Basin. Swim option at Dalhousie Springs in 38-43 Deg C water. Enter the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve – Overnight camp on the edge of the Simpson Desert. BLD

Day 4 – Heading into the Simpson Desert we cross the floodplains of Spring Creek Delta then moving into numerous salt lakes and higher sand dunes. Spectacular views from the top and great feeling of nurturing by nature within the dunes. We travel over and between the sandhills. Great photo opportunities, maybe a dingo or two to see, sunsets and sunrises and wildflowers. Enjoy the campfire at our remote desert camp BLD

Day 5 – 6 - We cross more salt lakes, and plenty of sand dunes, but also travel parallel to the dunes for a different perspective of the landscape. We visit the Approdinna Attora Knolls, high gypsum hills with a great lookout over the desert. Take a break at Poeppel's Corner marking the meeting of QLD, NT & SA borders. Overnight under the stars in our remote camp.

Day 7 – We cross the Eyre Creek and traverse the largest sandhill, Big Red – originally known as Nappanerica Dune, on the western edge of Lake Nappanerica, and the eastern edge of The Simpson Desert. Overnight accommodation in the Birdsville Hotel. BLD

Day 8 – Optional morning Lake Eyre, Goyder Lagoon & Simpson Desert flights (book early). Enjoy the iconic outback town of Birdsville, once a custom post for cattle heading south to Adelaide markets, now centre of an organic beef export industry, full of fascinating outback experiences. Have a cuppa at the Hard Road Café, check out the airport adjacent the pub, and the historic sights of the town including the marked tree at Camp LXXVI of the Burke and Wills expedition of 1860. View the now historic thermal power station running on hot water from the Great Artesian Basin, or take a joy flight over the Simpson and Goyder Lagoon area. 7 Day tour ends here with flights (own cost) from Birdsville to Brisbane or elsewhere. After lunch we depart and travel due north through Channel Country and the Diamantina Shire HQ at Bedourie, crossing several creeks and water holes often hosting wetland birds including Brolgas. Arrive Boulia for overnight at Australia Hotel or Boulia Desert Sands Motel. BLD

Day 9 – The Min Min Encounter is a theatre presentation at the visitors centre, where we learn of the fascinating story of the Min Min lights phenomena –  a mystery of strange red lights appearing and following people in this remote desert region. We depart after the exhibition and town tour for Tobermorey via the Plenty Highway and the northern boundary of the Simpson Desert. Onward takes us via Jervois, which is our last fuel stop. Jervois is a cattle station, formed in 1960, and one of the last stations to be taken up in the area. We can enjoy an open campfire under the stars tonight. Camping here as this is our last night under the stars. BLD

Day 10 –  From Jervois, we pass by giant termite nests and nearby the rugged Harts Range. Enjoy a stop at the remote Atitjere community Aboriginal Arts centre, nestled at the base of the Harts Ranges, Atitjere is home to around 400 people. Time permitting, a stopover at Gemtree and check out the gems, crystals and mineral specimens as well as local Aboriginal Art and artifacts at this popular gem fossicking region. Arrive in Alice Springs for overnight and a celebratory meal together. BLD Tour completes after dinner.

Tag along travellers in their own cars may wish to depart at Birdsville to head south to Adelaide or east to Brisbane

This fully inclusive tour is by small group luxury 4WD travel.

Book Now – places limited

Channel and Corner Country Adelaide Broken Hill Innaminka Birdsville Alice Springs 12 Day Tour

Channel and Corner Country  Alice Springs to Birdsville Innaminka Broken Hill Mungo Adelaide 12 Day Tour

• Join tour from Alice Springs or Uluru, to Adelaide, Mildura or Broken Hill (rail option to Sydney)
  
• Fully accommodated hotel rooms
  
• Genuine small group - 2-4 per 4WD
• NOT a Bus
• 27 years tours operation

REVERSE OF BELOW ITINERARY

This Small group luxury 4WD travel via Channel and Corner Country Adelaide Broken Hill Innaminka Birdsville Alice Springs 12 Day Tour runs from Adelaide to Alice Springs via Mungo National Park, Darling River Run via Pooncarie and Menindee Lakes, Burke and Wills camp, Broken Hill, Silverton, Milparinka, Tibooburra, Cameron Corner, Moomba, Innamincka, Dig Tree, Coongie Lakes (access allowing) Mungerannie, Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia, Tobermorey, Plenty Highway to Alice Springs.

Explore in the footsteps of Burke & Wills (visit the Dig Tree) in this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders and beyond. This tour includes Big Red sandhill viewing the Simpson Desert, Cooper Creek cruise, Boulia, Min Min lights encounter and Plenty Highway desert travel and Gemtree minerals visit.

Fully inclusive luxury 4WD vehicles in small group 4WD travel, 12 days from Adelaide or 11 from Broken Hill (meets arrival by rail option), with 8 nights hotel  / motel / cabin accommodation, all meals, professional guides.

Pick up available Adelaide, Mildura or Broken Hill - please ASK

Includes 2 hour Cooper Creek cruise at Innamincka (seasonal)

Visit the famous Dig Tree & historic reserve, plus Burke's Grave on the banks of Cooper Creek. this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders, known as Cameron Corner. Travel through giant sheep stations from over 100 years ago, witness the Moomba oil fields & mighty Cooper Creek at Innamincka. Travelling in our luxury 4WD Landcruisers, you can stand at the famous Cameron Corner adjacent the Dog Fence. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art sites and hear the tales of the great Cattle drives as we travel the Strzelecki Track - pioneered by Captain Starlight as he stole 1000 cattle from Queensland QLD in 1870. Later, Sidney Kidman & Co and many others made their fortunes on the track pioneered by Starlight.

ITINERARY DETAILS  - FROM ALICE OR ULURU SOUTH BOUND IS REVERSE OF BELOW ITINERARY

Day 1 - Depart Adelaide via scenic Barossa Valley wine country, Berri and Renmark with a wine tasting opportunity for the Mungo Lodge at Mungo National Park. You can choose to meet us this day in Mildura if preferred approximately 2pm. Overnight at Mungo Lodge in Mungo National Park  L,D

Day 2 - Explore Mungo National Park, a World Heritage listed site thanks to Mungo Man man & woman being discovered here, after their 60,000 year old ritual burial. Explore the walls of China, and more history including National Parks display, and the restored woolshed. Next we meet the Darling River at Pooncarie and follow the river to Menindee, Menindee Lakes, and Burke and Wills campsite on the banks of the river. Arrive Broken Hill for overnight.  Enjoy viewing Mario's famous artworks and a well deserved dinner at the famous Palace Hotel from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame. In Broken Hill we can meet passengers from the Sydney train. 2 nights at Desert Sands Motel or similar, Broken Hill BLD

Day 3 - From Broken Hill, we visit Silverton, where films including Mad Max, and Mission Impossible were made. We visit the Living Desert sculptures, Pro Harts Gallery, the Railway & Historical Museum and Miners Memorial on top of the Broken Hill Line of Lode where the mine was located. Alternatively, you may wish to take an Aboriginal guided tour to Mootwingee National Park (extra cost) Overnight Broken Hill Desert Sands Motel or similarB.L.D

Day 4 - Depart Broken Hill through the Barrier Range on the Silver City Highway via Packsaddle for Milparinka and Depot Glen, where explorer Charles Sturt spent 6 months in 1845 with a team of men, waiting for rain or cooler conditions. This area has been extensively mined for tin, lead and gold and operated large sheep stations. Appreciate this once thriving gold mining town at the restored Milparinka Heritage Precinct. Time to explore Tibooburra, and the Outdoor Pastoral Museum.  Flat-topped mesas and fantastic views characterise the central Jump-Up country. Remnant gidgee woodland, the catchment system of the ephemeral Twelve-Mile Creek and gibber and grass-covered plains dominate the east, while 450 million year old granite tors surrounding Tibooburra form part of the southern boundary of the park. We check out the Tibooburra pubs and considerable town and mining history before overnight here at Family Hotel or Granites Motel BLD

Day 5 - Today we are heading into the Sturt Desert & Sturt National park, crossing the Grey Range with a stop at Fort Grey. The park protects an enormous arid landscape of space and solitude. The rolling red-sand dunes of the Strzelecki desert ripple through the western section, graduating past surprising wetlands surrounded by white sands. After some great opportunities for photos, we pass through the Dog Fence and arrive at Cameron Corner on the 3 states corner (NSW, SA & QLD) for a thirst quencher and souvenirs, and check out the "Corner Store". It is said by the local Queensland residents that the flies come in from NSW, and the dust from South Australia. We travel via Bollards Lagoon, the Yellow Bus site (now buried) and Merty Merty station, crossing the sand hills of the Strzelecki Desert, and Creek as we head for the Strzelecki Track and the uncanny Moomba oil & gas fields. We pass the location of the geothermal power plant / hot rocks project of Geodynamics where Australia has the hottest rocks on Earth, outside of volcanic areas.

Geologists think that 10 million years ago, the granites in the Cooper Basin, South Australia, were exposed at the surface. Since that time they have been covered by a sedimentary layer, four kilometres thick, that acts as an overlying blanket; trapping the heat and preventing it from escaping to the atmosphere.

The heat is created by naturally occurring radiogenic decay that heats the granite to more than 250 degrees Celsius. The granite temperatures in Europe are only 180 degrees Celsius. The granite belt in the Cooper Basin is fractured in horizontal layers and these fractures naturally contain water at very high pressures – up to 5, 000 pounds per square inch. Check out the birdlife at sunset on the flooding Cooper Creek before a delicious meal at the Innamincka Hotel, adjacent the famous old Mission station, restored as National Parks offices. Overnight Innaminka Hotel 2 nights

Day 6 - A chance for an early walk and look at creekside birdlife - the old hospital building (now museum & NP office) and quirky Innamincka - before we head for the S/ QLD border and Nappa Merrie Station (was owned by S Kidman & Co, now Gina Reinhart) to the Burke & Wills Dig Tree. Here Burke & Wills support team lead by Brahe had waited 4 months and 4 days (a month longer than agreed) and had buried provisions for the possibility of the returning northern explorers. The support team left only a few hours before Burke & Wills return, and the supplies were possibly not found, contributing to their demise. Lots of history, and birdlife here on the infamous Cooper Creek. There's time for a cruise on Cooper Creek, and providing the access route is open, we can visit Coongie Lakes, a haven for bird life in the region. Overnight Innaminka Hotel 2 nights.

Day 7 - Travel via Moomba and remote Walkers Crossing through the Stony Desert to the Birdsville Track and Mungerannie Hotel, site of their popular Artesian bore fed wetlands. Overnight Mungerannie Hotel - cabin accommodation with shared bathrooms BLD

Day 8 - Today we visit Cowarie Station on the Warburton River, the major inlow to lake Eyre from the Diamantina River and Goyder Lagoon before a visit to  Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary operated by Australian Wildlife Conservancy.  Here we larn of the important local and wiedespread work of AWC with its over 24 sanctuary properties in unique and diverse Australian landscapes. We later travel north on the Birdsville Track to cross the Queensland border and overnight in Birdsville, at the Birdsville Pub BLD

Day 9 - Today we will travel through the sandhills to visit and climb Big Red, the Simpson Desert’s biggest sand hill. We do a Birdsville tour with its fascinating history, visit Burke & Wills marked tree by the Diamantina River, and site of Australias most famous thermal power station. After lunch we depart and travel due north through Channel Country and the Diamantina Shire HQ at Bedourie, crossing several creeks and water holes often hosting wetland birds including Brolgas. Arrive Boulia for overnight at Australia Hotel or Boulia Desert Sands Motel. BLD

Day 10 - The Min Min Encounter is a theatre presentions at the visitors centre, where we learn of the fascinating story of the Min Min lights phenomena -  a mystery of strange red lights appearing and following people in this remote desert region. We depart after the exhibition and town tour for Tobermorey via the Plenty Highway and the northern boundary of the Simpson Desert. The Tobermorey camping area which is set on the Tobermorey Station is a lovely grassed area under trees. It has hot showers, flushing toilets and a shop with some basic goods. We can enjoy an open campfire under the stars tonight. Accommodation is available here in basic cabins with shared bathroom for early bookers. Alternatively or camping option. as we overnight at Tobermorey Station in basic cabin accommodation. BLD

Day 11 - Our journey onward takes us via Jervois, which is our last fuel stop. Jervois is a cattle station, formed in 1960, and one of the last stations to be taken up in the area. We pass by giant termite nests and nearby the rugged Harts Range. Enjoy a stop at the remote Atitjere community Aboriginal Arts centre, nestled at the base of the Harts Ranges, Atitjere is home to around 400 people. Time permitting, a stopover at Gemtree and check out the gems, crystals and mineral specimens as well as local Aboriginal Art and artefacts at this popular gem fossicking region. Arrive Alice Springs for overnight and a celebratory meal together. BLD

Day 12 - After a tasty breakfast tour completes at 10 am. You are free to enjoy the many options available in Alice Springs including the Araluen Cultural Centre & Museum, Old Telegraph Station, or Royal Flying Doctor Base, Desert Wildlife Park, Aboriginal Art galleries, or extended tours to Uluru via MacDonnell Ranges or to Darwin or beyond. B

This fully inclusive tour is by small group luxury 4WD travel.

Inclusions

• Genuine small group 2- 4 per car, in 4WD Landcruisers up to 3 cars
• Professional and experienced driver / guides
• Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Access to remote areas and rock art sites unreachable by most tour vehicles
• Ensuite hotel/motel accommodation except 1 night shared bathroom at Mungerannie, and possible 1 night camping at Tobermorey if booked out.
• All Delicious meals on tour, including vegetarian options.
• All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees
• Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
• Contributions of tour price support Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine

Exclusions

• Alcohol
• Flights to and from departure points

HIGHLIGHTS

• Pick up available Adelaide, Midura or Broken Hill - please ASK
• Join tour in Adelaide, Mildura or Broken Hill (rail option from Sydney)
  
• Fully accommodated hotel rooms if booked early
  
• Genuine small group - 2-4 per 4WD
• NOT a Bus
• 27 years tours operation

Join tour from Alice Springs or Uluru, to Adelaide, Mildura or Broken Hill (rail option to Sydney)

Lake Eyre Tours Flights with Coober Pedy 4 DAYS via Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy, William Creek. Including optional Flight over Lake Eyre and Warburton Groove, lake shore visit and walks, Birdwatching and Lake Shore drive by 4WD.

Follow the Overland Telegraph Line & Old Ghan Railway Track and visit historic Coward Springs & Curdimurka Railway Sidings and history plus much more. Includes all fees, flight, most meals, ensuite accommodated at Marree William Creek & Coober Pedy.

Our tours aim to show you the best this unique region has to offer, including the amazing mound springs, iconic landmarks and Ghan and pioneer history. Lately, our travellers have been impressed with their Lake Eyre flight also incorporating the Painted Hills, a nearby desert region with awesome multi-coloured ochre hills.

We look forward to seeing you on your journey soon and will be showing you the wonderful aspect of Lake Eyre and the region.

Itinerary - Lake Eyre Tours and Flights from Alice Springs ( Uluru or option) to Adelaide 4 days

Day 1 - Pick up at 8 am at your Uluru or Alice Springs accommodation. Travel to Coober Pedy via the Stuart Hwy, the route pioneered by Australia’s greatest explorer John McDouall Stuart. View memorials to his achievements at various stops including NT / SA Border, and roadhouses including Kulgera & Marla. Depending on time & interests we visit some local landmarks and sightseeing, with 'at source" opal buying opportunities in Coober Pedy. Arrive Coober Pedy for a local meal (own cost) before a comfortable underground sleep in our dugout motel room. L Dinner own purchase at a restaurant

Day 2 – After a hearty breakfast, we explore fascinating Coober Pedy. Visit an underground chapel, and mining museum display to experience the life of the opal miners, view ancient opalised giant fish fossils, and take a tour to the Big Winch lookout to view this extraordinary landscape. We leave Coober Pedy, and enter the desert and cross the Dog Fence – the largest man-made structure in the world. The 5,300km Dog Fence separates the sheep-growing areas in the south from the dingoes of the north.

We meet the Oodnadatta Track and arrive at William Creek for our (optional) Lake Eyre scenic flight. A flight allows us to see the enormous expanse of Lake Eyre, often with reflective cloud patterns, plus the Warburton Groove, the main inflow channel to Lake Eyre, the Elliot Price Conservation Park, Halligan & ABC Bays, Lake Eyre South and if an extended flight, the Marree Man ( a giant sculpture in the landscape). A Painted Desert flight option is also available if pre-arranged. See images or link for flight options.

William Creek is on Anna Creek Station, once an S. Kidman & Co station, and larger than Belgium. Enjoy the quirky pub, town history and Woomera rockets museum park. Overnight William Creek BLD

Day 3 - Today we follow the Old Ghan Railway track via various picturesque rail bridges and sidings from the Ghan heydays. We aim to find where the best water and wildlife viewing experiences are at the time, and we visit highlights such as Mound Springs ( including “The Bubbler”) in the Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park and the old Afghan created palm grove of the old Ghan town of Coward Springs with great railway heritage and a chance for a swim in the warm springs. View Lake Eyre South from a high vantage point and appreciate the extent of the great Artesian Basin, underlying the region. We have a chuckle and wonder at the giant desert dog, hover bus and other desert sculptures of Mutonia Sculpture Park

Arrive in Marree and see some of the sights of this once thriving Ghan Railway town where the 2 gauges met.  Marree is caretaker for some interesting railway relics, plus the old mail truck used by legendary outback mailman Tom Kruse on his run from Marree to Birdsville. The Birdsville track commenced in Marree. Plus the Lake Eyre Yacht Club. Overnight in Marree with yarns around a campfire or the famous Marree Hotel, or just take it easy. BLD

Day 4 – Today we visit the Old Ghan ghost town of Farina, view the giant Leigh Creek coal mine (now closed), the fascinating and colourful Ochre Pits and travel via old Ghan railway towns including Parachilna, Hawker, Wilson, Woolshed Flat via the Flinders Ranges to Hawker and stunning mountain landscapes.  We visit the impressive Kanyaka Station & view stone woolshed ruins (time permitting) as we follow the Old Ghan Line via Quorn, through the Pitchi Ritchie Pass and the breathtaking view of Spencers Gulf & Port Augusta to arrive Adelaide around 6 pm, delivered to your CBD accommodation or Adelaide airport.

Tour Inclusions

•  Small group luxury 4WD travel (usually 4-6 / vehicle) with professional and experienced driver / guide
•  Scenic Flight over Lake Eyre optional - see options in booking process
  
•  All delicious meals, including vegetarian, unless noted in the itinerary.
•  Comfortable motel or cabin accommodation.
•  All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees, hotel pickups
•  Contributions of tour price supports Outback Kids and nature care programs.

Uluru to Alice Springs via MacDonnell Ranges Kings Canyon Tour 4 Days

ACCOMMODATED options or Easy Comfy Camping 

Overnights at Kings Canyon 1N, Glen Helen 1N, ie 3 nights

Reverse itinerary also available - please ask

Uluru to Alice Springs via Mereenie Loop Track Tour includes – Simpson’s Gap, MacDonnell Ranges including Ormiston Gorge, Larapinta Trail, Glen Helen, Gosse Bluff, Kings Canyon with walk, Kata Tjuta (Olgas), Uluru (Ayers Rock), Aboriginal rock art, visit Aboriginal art centres.

Relax and Revitalise your creative self in the clear and nurturing energies of the Central Deserts of Australia’s Heartlands …  This journey is an opportunity to reflect, honour and develop deeper relationships with the land, each other, and with the traditional Aboriginal caretakers, songmasters, singers and dancers from the land we travel. We experience extraordinary landscapes, and sacred sites, and walk, rest and relax in these special places.

4 day Uluru / Ayers Rock to Alice Springs via MacDonnell Ranges & Mereenie Loop Track –  

Day 1 - . We collect you from your hotel or airport. (Most flights arrive Uluru around lunchtime). Experience a "welcome to country" and an introduction to the area at the local Aboriginal Anangu cultural centre. Opportunity for walk and quiet time at sacred waterholes and gorges. After lunch and a relax, enjoy an afternoon at Kata Tjuta (Olga's) walk. Sunset at Uluru.  Overnight Uluru / Yulara Resort. Dinner own cost at local restaurant.

Day 2 – An early start for Uluru at sunrise and a nearby breakfast. Optional morning return to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) or Uluru for extended 3-4 hours Valley of  the Winds walk. Picnic lunch in the National Park before departure on our for 4 hours highway cruise through picturesque desert oaks & sand hills to Kings Canyon with scenic stops. Enroute view Curtin Springs and Mt Connor lookout, plus George Gill Ranges. Overnight Kings Canyon resort (with swimming pool) 

Day 3 – Our time for morning walks at Kings Canyon allows for the 3-4 hours (6 km) over the top via the "Garden of Eden" and the spectacular north and south walls or a shorter walk option is also available in the valley floor). After a delicious and well earned lunch we head off on the 4WD Mereenie Loop Track, through spectacular Central Deserts landscapes via the Gardiner Range, the Camels Hump and Katapata Pass with sweeping views from Tyler’s Pass of the comet crater known as Gosse Bluff (Tnorala). We enter the crater and spend some quiet time here with a short walk to a lookout where the dimensions of time, space and your place in the universe can be appreciated in a new perspective. After marveling at nature’s power, we travel on in the MacDonnell Ranges National Park and in view of Mt Sonder. We crioss the Finke River to Glen Helen Resort for overnight Dinner own cost at resort.

Day 4 - We depart Glen Helen following the Caterpillar songline of the MacDonnell Ranges and enjoy a relaxing day of short walks and great energy and scenery at various gorges including Ormiston Gorge, Serpentine Gorge, Ellery Big Hole and the Ochre Pits. We l head east on the Larapinta Drive for an easy walk in the peaceful energies of Simpsons Gap – where we may meet the cute but endangered Black Footed Rock Wallabies. Simpsons Gap is also here, and another very pleasant creek bed walk. Now we head for Alice Springs and a short short town tour before overnight. BL  Accommodation own arrangements 

Inclusions –

• Small boutique group in modern 4 wheel drive vehicles – Landcruisers or similar
• Professional and experienced driver / guides
• Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Experience the high energy of rock art, sacred sites and songlines
• All delicious meals, including vegetarian options, unless noted in itinerary.
• Accommodated sleeping or luxury camping. Camp gear includes stretcher, mattress & linen.
• All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees
• Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
• Contributions of tour price supports Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s future.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine

Learn practical skills –

• Bush foods & medicine and survival skills for self and team survival and thrival
• Rock art symbols 
• Understanding songlines & sacred sites 

Consider allowing time before or after the the tour to stay in Alice Springs and see more of the rich sights such as Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, Overland Telegraph Station, Araluen Art & Cultural Centre, Air or Transport Museum, Aboriginal Art galleries, Alice Springs Desert Park.

Tour Includes delicious meals, all fees, professional guides, luxury 4WD transport, comfy camping + ACCOMMODATION UPGRADES - See Extras options when you commence online booking procedure.  – or Please Ask

6 days/5 nights –  Tanami Track Broome to Alice Springs with Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary tour 6 days

Includes Newhaven 2 nights, Geike Gorge cruise on Fitzroy River, Outback Art, Wolfe Creek Crater, Balgo, Warlukurlangu artists at Yuendumu, Tillmouth Wells art gallery, Balgo Art Community. Departs 1pm after lunch, completes Saturday after rock art site & lunch in Alice Springs. Includes 2 nights at Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary and sanctuary tour.Price of 6 day tour includes 5 nights comfy camping . Option to add last night in Alice Springs motel, with breakfast add $280 twin room.  Departures on demand – please ask

Details of Tours – Broome to Alice Springs via Tanami Track – Eastbound Itinerary (Westbound is Reverse)

Day 1 – We depart Broome after the arrival of flights to meet incoming travellers (approx. 1pm after lunch). If you arrive this morning earlier, enjoy a free morning in Broome for Cable Beach swim or other activities. We will pickup from your hotel or airport as confirmed. We then travel through sweeping Kimberley grasslands and cattle country to cross the flood plains of the Fitzroy River. We stop by roadhouses and enjoy an afternoon cup of tea under a majestic boab tree. We start to experience some of the local lifestyles, and sense the spirit of this wide-open country as we witness stunning mesa landscapes (great photo opportunities). Late afternoon sees us check in for overnight at Fitzroy River Resort at Fitzroy Crossing before a relaxing night and tasty evening meal, with a chance to meet some of the locals. L,D

Day 2 – After breakfast enjoy a relaxing Geike Gorge river cruise on the vast Fitzroy River, and marvel at the high cliffs, annual massive flood records, stunning wildlife and river tales from our knowledgeable local guide. After a morning cuppa, and comfortable highway cruising we enjoy lunch at a spectacular local lookout, on the major songline that crosses the Tanami Desert. Time permitting we stop in at Yiyili Aboriginal Art centre (beautiful colourful & contemporary artworks for sale here) and Halls Creek for last supplies before the Tanami Track. Late afternoon we arrive at Wolfe Creek Crater in time for a crater walk and set up camp prior to a spectacular Kimberley sunset over Wolfe Creek Crater. BLD

Day 3 – A chance this morning for stunning photos and memories at sunrise of Wolfe Creek Crater, the world's second-largest meteorite crater. Local stories say this is where the rainbow serpent entered the Earth. You can take a walk in the crater or enjoy the view from the crater rim. After a healthy breakfast, we take the Tanami Track to Billiluna Aboriginal community on the edge of the Canning Stock Route, before visiting the Balgo community & Balgo Aboriginal Art centre to witness artist sin action and, some wonderful and unique art styles of the western deserts available to purchase at significant discounts from the local artists. We lunch enjoying the spectacular view over the Balgo Hills and mesas stretching into the western deserts – The Great Sandy Desert & Gibson Deserts. This afternoon we make camp near Rabbit Flat for our overnight camp in the real Never Never, under a brilliant starry sky, and see the Milky Way and the heavens like never before. BLD

Day 4 – Travel today takes us by the great Tanami and Granites gold mines, some of the most productive in Australia and old abandoned wells from gold rush & cattle droving days. These are some of the remotest parts of Australia – a great place to reflect on our existence and experience the vastness and vitality of life – even in the desert. After a look over Chilla Well or Renahans Springs Bore we’re ready for the delights of the art centre at the Warlukurlangu artists Centre at Yuendumu, and a look around at this large and unique outback community.we
travel off the tanami track now, and head for the hills, and beautiful mountain ranges surrounding Newhaven. Then relax at our beautiful campsite among the Desert Oaks,  with hot showers, and running water amenities.Overnight Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary BLD 

Day 5 -  Explore Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary – 2 nights at Newhaven to explore this ex Birds Australia haven now managed by Australian Wildlife Conservancy. We explore the region by 4WD and witness sunset at Lake Bennett, remote mountain ranges & mesas, preserved, and various rich native wildlife habitats home to bilbies, dunarts and many rare birds.  Overnight Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary BLD

Day 6 - Some more early exploring in Newhaven on our way to Tillmouth Well with Aboriginal art from surrounding communities including Mt Allan, Papunya, and Yuendumu. We may even meet some of the artists with their special offers. We head for Alice Springs. Tour completes in Alice Springs after lunch,  in time to see the sights of Alice. Optional overnight accommodation in Alice Springs at own expense. Shared dinner together to celebrate the journey BL

Next Day Post Tour – Now in the big smoke, you can explore the Araluen Art centre or other fabulous Aboriginal Art galleries of Alice Springs, or other sites such as Royal Flying Doctor Service, School of the Air, historic Overland Telegraph Station, all with the backdrop of the mighty MacDonnell Ranges – or just soak up this special atmosphere. 

Inclusions

• Small group luxury 4WD travel (usually 4-6 per vehicle)
• Professional and experienced driver / guides
• Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Access to remote areas and rock art sites unreachable by most tour vehicles
• All delicious meals, including vegetarian, unless noted in the itinerary.
• Accommodated sleeping or Comfy Camping. Camp gear includes stretcher, mattress & linen.
• Guided tours by locals of Geike Gorge and Fitzroy River
• All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees
• Aboriginal Art community visits for “direct from artist” purchases
• Contribution of tour price supports Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s future.
• Learn practical skills –
  • Bush foods & medicine and survival skills for self and team survival and thrival
  • Camping, tent, food health & safety
  • Rock art symbols guide / earth energy connection
• A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s past, present and future.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine
  

5 days Small group (max. 4 per 4WD) tour to explore the Far West of NSW with Mungo National Park, Menindee Lakes, Broken Hill, Darling River from Wilcannia Menindee Lakes to Broken Hill Flinders Ranges, Marree, Lake Eyre, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs

Highlights

• Sydney to Alice Springs via with Mungo National Park, Menindee Lakes, Lake Eyre, Coober Pedy and Broken Hill
• Burke & Wills Campsite
• Broken Hill - see the Desert Sculptures and dine at The Palace Hotel
• Return optional tours or meets rail to Sydney or Adelaide
• Flinders Ranges
• Marree
• Lake Eyre / Painted Hills flights options
• Coober Pedy
• Alice Springs or Uluru option

Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart from Sydney – travelling via the famous “Dog on the Tucker Box” (Canberra pickup available) over the Great Dividing Range to Wagga Wagga, and on to Narrandera in the Heart of Australia food bowl, the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, then Overnight Hay for a hearty local meal and overnight stop. L, D

Day 2 – Into the desert and Mungo National Park to explore this ancient lake bed environment. Learn of Mungo Man and Mungo woman, and the oldest known ritual burials in the world. Discover the Walls of China and the megafauna history of the area, explore the ancient Willandra Lakes and the historic sheep station and large and impressive shearing shed that served the area for around 100 years. Now onto the Pooncarie and the Darling River run to picturesque scenes of Menindee Lakes. We visit Kinchega National Park, to view the birdlife of Menindee Lakes then to nearby Burke and Wills camp on the banks of the Darling River. It's now a short hop to Broken Hill for dinner at the famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of the original murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill. Explore Broken Hill highlights options include The Line of Lode Lookout, a mine tour, and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures. Overnight Broken Hill B, L, D

Day 3 – From Broken Hill we cross the NSW / SA border travelling through saltbush country, via remote outback towns of Yunta, Oodla Wirra, Cradock, and Orrooroo, and the 3 gauge steam railway town of Peterborough. From Hawker, we skirt Wilpena Pound, and the awesome mountain scenery of the  Heyson Range & Flinders Ranges. We cross the Goyder Line, view the Elder & Heyson Ranges, Wilpena Pound & Lake Torrens and visit the historic and award-winning Prairie Hotel at Parachilna with great outback art before arrival at our cosy overnight stop at Leigh Creek or Marree on some tours.  B, L, D

Day 4 – At Marree we check out the ancient mosque, Old Ghan railway history and Lake Eyre Yacht Club. From Marree we follow the Old Ghan Railway Line and Oodnadatta Track to William Creek. From here we can take an optional 1 hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre. (Optional extensions at extra cost). We visit the shores of Lake Eyre South and unique Mound Springs, which are permanent water flows from the Great Artesian Basin. We connect with the wonder of the bird and plant life revitalized by recent flooding rains. We visit a favourite spot for birds (including brolgas) and birdwatchers. we traverse the moon plains to Coober Pedy for the night with a sleep underground option.  Overnight Coober Pedy and a chance to buy opals or see some of the highlights of this unique place in Australian history and culture. . B L Dinner own purchase in local restaurant

Day 5 -  From Coober Pedy we take a break at the spectacular colourful Breakaways - Desert Mesas where Mad Max movies were made. Then our onward journey via the SA / NT Border to Alice Springs (or Uluru option is available) to arrive at your accommodation around 5 pm.(B L ).

Extend to Darwin option - please ask

Join our 5 day Aboriginal Art Centre tour to Darwin  - see https://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/342222/alice-springs-to-darwin-via-utopia-devils-marbles-mataranka-daly-waters-katherine-gorge-tour-5-days

OR Explore Alice Springs or Uluru or fly home

All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.

Inclusions –

• 4 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation - twin share or single supplement available - see booking link
• Lake Eyre flights options
• Genuine small group tour vehicle - usually max. 4 per 4WD Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals as shown - 1 own purchase
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

BOOK HERE Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188

NOTE THIS IS MOSTLY REMOTE CAMPING AND TRAVEL

Canning Stock Route from Alice Springs return 19 days includes Billilluna Aboriginal Community Stretch Lagoon - bird watching near Paraku IPA Durba Springs Onegunyah Rockhole Wiluna Mt Beadell Warburton Giles Uluru Gunbarrel Highway

Tour includes travel by Toyota Landcruiser GXL  vehicles (Maximum 3-4 persons per vehicle), 4 nights motel accommodation (Broome, Halls Creek, Wiluna and Kunawaratji), all meals, fees, permits, professional 4WD driver guides, delicious healthy meals, deluxe & modern camping gear supplied including full height tents, stretchers if required, hot showers & real toilet.

Note Alice Springs departures meet Broome departures near Balgo / Lake Gregory after travelling from Alice Springs via Tanami Track, Tillmouth Well and Rabbit Flat.  Both tours overnight at Canning SR end at Wiluna and visit Well 2. Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway (built by Len Beddell) via Carnegie, Everard Junction, Warburton (great Aboriginal art work), Giles Weather Station, Schwerin Mural Crescent, Docker River, Uluru, Alice Springs

Our Canning Stock Route Tours travel the original Canning Stock Route created by Albert Canning in 1908 for Kimberley cattlemen to take their stock to the southern markets. The CSR includes 51 wells and stretches 2,013 kilometres from Halls Creek to Wiluna in Western Australia. The Canning Stock Route now forms one of the most remote and challenging four wheel drive tracks in the world…. Our route takes us via awesome desert landscapes as we travel via the Great Sandy Desert, Tanami and Gibson Deserts through gibbers, sandhills, ancient ranges and salt lakes

Alice Springs or Broome departures are same departure dates, with return options – please ask.

Broome to Wiluna 16 days (to fly to Perth) Our journey includes Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Billilluna Aboriginal Community, Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise), Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community, Wardabunni Rockhole, Durba Springs, Diebel Springs, Onegunyah Rockhole, Lake Disappointment, Helen Hill, Slate Range, Ural Native Title Well, Glen Ayle Station, then the rich mineral & Gold rush areas around Wiluna

OR Depart from Alice Springs and return to Alice Springs - 19 days

Canning Stock Route Tour

Canning Stock Route Tours – see note at the end re from Alice Springs
 

Day 1 – Meet fellow travellers in Broome at 6pm for dinner then overnight Broome

Day 2 - Travel via Fitzroy Crossing to Halls Creek.  We arrive Halls Creek Hotel for overnight. B, L, D

Day 3 – Leaving Halls Creek we take the Tanami Track road south toward Alice Springs and Wolf Creek Crater. We travel via Ruby Plains, and vast cattle station still owned and operated by S. Kidman & Co the pioneering pastoralist who ruled the cattle country of the late 18 & 1900s.  We travel by and see Wolfe Creek Crater, the world 2nd largest meteorite crater, before arrival at the Aboriginal community and owned cattle station of Billilluna, the start of the Canning Stock Route. From here we pass by waterholes of Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise) by the Paraku Indigenous Protected Area and check out the birds and wildlife.
   

Paruku is the Walmajarri name for Lake Gregory. Paruku/Lake Gregory is the only lake in the region with a reliable source of fresh water for large numbers of birds and other animals, supporting over 70 species of waterbirds and 175 aquatic species. Surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of arid desert lands, these wetland oases are fed from a catchment in the south-east Kimberley region. More than 100,000 birds visit the wetlands regularly, with up to 60,000 estimated at Mulan Lake at any one time.

Paruku IPA encompasses a variety of desert and semi-desert landscapes undulating red sand plains, salt pans and occasional dunes with stunted eucalyptus. It is dotted with acacias and spinifex, flood plains with swathes of short grasses and low shrubs, and alluvial plains and sand rises.
We visit Bloodwood Bore and Wells 51 and 50, before stopping for our overnight camp at the restored Well 49, the Crystal Well.

Day 4 – On the track again we explore Breaden Pool and Godfrey's tank – named in 1896 after members of David Carnegie’s expedition. We stop at Wells 48 and 47 then it’s into the sand dunes with their unique vegetation and wildlife to arrive at Well 46 for overnight.

Day 5 - We are now in the Great Sandy Desert and check out Wells 45 & 44, and take a break at Gravity Lakes. From Well 43 we head over the Guli Lake System and past Well 42 to stop for overnight amongst the trees near Helena Springs track.

Day 6  - Enjoy the remote early morning nature of this area before arrival at Well 41, known by the locals as 'Tiru'. This was a popular resting spot for the drovers due to good feed here for their cattle. We head south to cross Lake Tobin then to Well 39, where lots of water here attracts abundant bird life including budgerigars. Wardabunni Rockhole & Well 38 is reached today, where we enjoy another night under the stars.

Day 7 - After another great breakfast we arrive at Well 37, where lay the graves of 3 early drovers who died under mysterious circumstances. We learn more of the mystery and their fate at the site, and numerous other stories of early pioneers before Well 36. Travelling on we visit Well 33 then overnight in comfortable and modern style rooms at the Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community. Here we have abundant water and a chance to catch up on personal laundry.

Day 8 – At Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community and store we can do personal shopping and restock some essential supplies & fuel. These remote communities are always fascinating insights into remote desert life. Onwards we visit Wells 32, 31 and 30 (known as Duna Jinnda). After lunch we travel to Thring Rock, a sandstone outcrop with a lookout we climb for a great view of the landscape, before our overnight camp nearby.

Day 9 - More sand dunes today before Well 27, then the rebuilt Well 26 with good drinking water. We take a break here and stock up with water, then travel to shady Well 25 for lunch under the Desert Oaks before arrival at Well 24 for overnight camp. 

Day 10 – We are now also on part of the Talawana Track, which is a direct route to Newman. We see the Capricorn Roadhouse Fuel dump where many Canning trekkers still arrange fuel drops from Newman. Travel on to Georgia Bore, which was sunk in the 1970’s by CRA survey crews. Lake Disappointment is a large salt lake and our goal today. Named by explorer Frank Hann after he was expecting to find a freshwater lake. Overnight and sunset by the lake shore at Lake Disappointment.

Day 11 – We travel several kilometres by the shores of Lake Disappointment to Savory Creek crossing (or diversion crossing depending on water levels) and Well 19. After lunch we visit Onegunyah Rock Hole before majestic Durba Springs where we spend 2 nights in this restful shaded and well watered area.

Day 12 - Durba Springs is known as 'Jilikuru' by the local Martu people, who made this area their home. Elaborate Aboriginal rock art sites are here, and we walk through the Durba Hills area viewing these rock art galleries. Enjoy lunch back at camp and a relaxing easy afternoon as the drovers and cattle did in the good old days.

Day 13 – We leave this little haven and head for Well 16 with its challenging history then the lookout at Well 15 enables a wider view of this incredible landscape. Wells 14 and 13 are visited, then the restored Well 12 with good drinking water.   Then on to wells 11 & 10 and MacConkey Hill for our camp under a starry sky.

Day 14 – Today takes us to Weld Springs (Well 9) and the edge of Glen-Ayle Station, where WA’s first premier John Forrest built a fort in 1874 to defend against Aborigines. We travel off the CSR here to Glen-Ayle Station and then to Wiluna for refuelling, before overnight at the southern end of Canning Stock Route.

Days - 15-19 - Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway & Great Central Road (surveyed by Len Beddell) via Carnegie Station, Everard Junction, Warburton (great Aboriginal art work), Giles Weather Station, Schwerin Mural Crescent, Docker River, Uluru, Alice Springs overnight) completes 10 am Day 19

Broome to Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway Includes -

•    Genuine small group travel – Maximum 12 in convoy Toyota Landcruiser vehicles
•    All delicious meals on tour, including breakfasts, lunches and dinners
•    Special diets catered
•    5 nights hotel / motel accommodation
•    14 nights camping with comfortable, modern, user friendly equipment including full height Easy Up tents (no centre pole), stretchers if required, self-inflating mattresses, linen and pillow case.
•    Hot showers and real toilet
•    Professional Driver / Guides
•    Satellite phone connection to the world, Emergency services / Flying Doctor if required
•    2 way radio allows communication and sharing between vehicles
•    Personal refrigeration for limited supplies of alcohol and medications
•    Aboriginal Art purchase opportunities direct from source
•    240 Volt and 6 Volt USB charging for cameras and phones

Excludes -

•    Flights to and from departure points
•    Alcohol

Call Now to book or for latest tour dates and availability – Call 1300 763 188

Channel and Corner Country Adelaide Mungo Broken Hill Tibooburra Cameron Corner Innamincka Birdsville Boulia Alice Springs 10 Day Tour

• Join tour from Alice Springs or Uluru, to Adelaide, Mildura or Broken Hill (rail option to Sydney)
• Fully accommodated hotel rooms or outback cabins at Tobermorey
• Genuine small group - 2-4 per 4WD
• NOT a Bus
• Tour Operation since 1993
  

Overnights Stops are - Tobermorey, Boulia, Birdsville 2N, Innamincka, Tibooburra, Broken Hill 2N Mungo NP, Adelaide

This Small group luxury 4WD travel via Channel and Corner Country Adelaide Broken Hill Innamincka Birdsville Alice Springs 10 Day Tour runs from Adelaide to Alice Springs via Mungo National Park, Darling River Run via Pooncarie and Menindee Lakes, Burke and Wills camp, Broken Hill, Silverton, Milparinka, Tibooburra, Cameron Corner, Moomba, Innamincka, Dig Tree, Coongie Lakes (access allowing) Mungerannie, Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia, Tobermorey, Plenty Highway to Alice Springs.

Explore in the footsteps of Burke & Wills (visit the Dig Tree) in this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders and beyond. This tour includes Big Red sandhill viewing the Simpson Desert, Cooper Creek cruise, Boulia, Min Min lights encounter and Plenty Highway desert travel and Gemtree minerals visit.

Visit the famous Dig Tree & historic reserve, plus Burke's Grave on the banks of Cooper Creek. this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders, known as Cameron Corner. Travel through giant sheep stations from over 100 years ago, witness the Moomba oil fields & mighty Cooper Creek at Innamincka. Travelling in our luxury 4WD Landcruisers, you can stand at the famous Cameron Corner adjacent the Dog Fence. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art sites and hear the tales of the great Cattle drives as we travel the Strzelecki Track - pioneered by Captain Starlight as he stole 1000 cattle from Queensland QLD in 1870. Later, Sidney Kidman & Co and many others made their fortunes on the track pioneered by Starlight.

Includes 2 hour Cooper Creek cruise at Innamincka if operating

ITINERARY DETAILS  - FROM ALICE OR ULURU SOUTH BOUND 

Day 1 - Depart Alice Springs and travel via Gemtree (mineral fossicking) and the Plenty Highway to Tobermorey, a remote cattle station nestled in the stunning Outback landscape. As you journey through the vast expanses, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the rugged terrain, with giant termite nests dotting the horizon. Arrive at Tobermorey and settle into your accommodation, surrounded by the peacefulness of the Outback. Take a moment to enjoy the serene beauty of the surroundings before an evening under the star-filled sky. LD

Day 2 - Continue your adventure as you make your way to Boulia, a charming Outback town with a rich pioneering history. Explore the town's historic landmarks, such as the Stonehouse Museum, which offers insights into the early days of settlement. Visit the Min Min Encounter, a captivating theatre presentation that delves into the mysterious phenomenon of the Min Min lights, a phenomenon that has intrigued and baffled locals and visitors for decades. The exhibition sheds light on the stories and legends surrounding these strange lights, adding an air of intrigue to your journey.  Continue south via Channel Country lakes and rivers with rich birdlife to Overnight Bedourie BLD

Day 3 - Your journey takes you to the iconic Birdsville, a remote outpost renowned for its connection to Outback exploration and adventure. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this remote town, which comes alive during the annual Birdsville Races, a legendary horse racing event. Visit the Birdsville Hotel, an iconic Outback pub steeped in history, and listen to the stories of the old drovers and explorers who once passed through this rugged region. You'll have the opportunity to climb Big Red, the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert. As you conquer its sandy slopes, be rewarded with panoramic views of the vast desert landscape stretching out as far as the eye can see. Explore the local attractions, such as the Burke & Wills marked tree, a significant historical site marking the ill-fated expedition of these explorers. Discover the remnants of Australia's most famous thermal power station, a testament to the ingenuity and challenges faced in this harsh environment. Take a moment to soak in the stunning views of the vast red dunes that surround the town, offering a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Simpson Desert. Overnight Birdsville  BLD

Day 4 - Depart Birdsville and make your way to the historic town of Innamincka, located on the banks of the legendary Cooper Creek. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this region, where explorers such as Burke and Wills ventured into the unknown. Visit the Dig Tree, a poignant memorial to the ill-fated expedition, and learn about the challenges and triumphs faced by these early pioneers. Take a leisurely cruise along Cooper Creek, marvelling at the tranquil beauty of the waterway and the diverse birdlife that calls it home. Overnight Innamincka BLD

Day 5 - Spend another day in Innamincka, exploring the captivating landscapes and engaging with the local community. Discover the stunning Coongie Lakes if the access route is open, a haven for birdlife and a sanctuary of natural beauty. Delve deeper into the history of Innamincka, with its connections to early European settlement and the Indigenous cultures that have thrived in this region for thousands of years. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the Innaminka Hotel and immerse yourself in the stories and legends that have shaped this unique Outback town. Cooper Creek cruise option if running Overnight Innamincka BLD

Day 6 - Depart Innamincka and venture toward Tibooburra, a historic Outback town nestled amidst the rugged Jump-Up country. Travel via Moomba oil and gas fields, the Strzelecki Track and Cameron Corner then via Sturt National Park and the Wild Deserts wildlife restoration project. In Tibooburra, explore the National Park Museum, which showcases the region's rich  heritage and the resilience of those who lived and worked in this harsh environment. Admire the unique geological formations of the Jump-Up country, characterized by flat-topped mesas and sweeping views that stretch out as far as the eye can see. Take a moment to appreciate the serenity of this remote region, where time seems to stand still. Overnight Tibooburra BLD

Day 7 - Today, your journey takes you to Milparinka, an old gold mining town south of Tibooburra. From there to Broken Hill, a vibrant city with a fascinating mining history and a thriving artistic community. Discover the famous Silverton, a small town that has captured the imaginations of filmmakers and artists alike. Visit the Living Desert sculptures, an impressive outdoor gallery that showcases the artistic talents of local and international artists against the backdrop of the Outback landscape. Explore the Pro Hart Gallery, dedicated to the works of one of Australia's most renowned artists, and gain insights into the region's artistic heritage. Overnight Broken Hill  BLD

Day 8 - Enjoy another day in Broken Hill, where you can delve deeper into the city's rich history and cultural offerings. Explore the Railway & Historical Museum, which sheds light on the importance of the railway in connecting remote Outback communities. Visit Menindee Lakes, a series of interconnected waterways that provide a vital lifeline to the region's flora and fauna. Learn about the rich biodiversity and the significance of these lakes to the local ecosystem. In the evening, enjoy a well-deserved dinner at one of Broken Hill's iconic establishments, where you can savour delicious cuisine while reflecting on the experiences of your Outback journey.  Overnight Broken Hill

Day 9 - Depart Broken Hill and make your way to the stunning Mungo National Park, a World Heritage-listed site of immense cultural and natural significance. Explore the Walls of China, a striking formation of ancient lunettes that bear witness to the region's Aboriginal heritage and the stories of its traditional custodians, including Mungo Man and Mungo Woman. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the park, including the restored woolshed, which offers insights into the region's pastoral heritage. As you explore the park, take in the sweeping views of the vast Mungo landscape, shaped by millennia of natural processes. Overnight Mungo National Park

Day 10 - Today marks the final leg of your journey as you make your way to Adelaide, the vibrant capital of South Australia. Travel through the scenic Barossa Valley wine country, renowned for its world-class vineyards and picturesque landscapes. Sample the region's renowned wines and indulge in delectable gourmet experiences along the way. As you approach Adelaide, take a moment to reflect on the incredible landscapes, rich history, and unique experiences that have defined your Outback adventure. Tour completes Adelaide. Accommodation own arrangements.

This fully inclusive tour is by small group luxury 4WD travel.

Inclusions

• Genuine small group 2- 4 per car, in 4WD Landcruisers up to 3 cars
• Professional and experienced driver / guides
• Long established relationships with local Aboriginal people enriches experiences
• Access to remote areas and rock art sites unreachable by most tour vehicles
• Ensuite hotel/motel accommodation except possible 1 night camping at Tobermorey if booked out.
• All Delicious meals on tour, including vegetarian options.
• All World Heritage and National Park entry and accommodation fees
• Contributions of tour price support Outback Kids and nature care programs.
• You – and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine

Exclusions

• Alcohol
• Flights to and from departure points

HIGHLIGHTS

• Start Uluru or Alice Springs - Complete Adelaide, Mildura or Broken Hill - please ASK
• Fully accommodated hotel rooms if booked early
• Genuine small group - 2-4 per 4WD
• NOT a Bus
• Tours operation since 1993
  

Join tour from Alice Springs or Uluru, to Adelaide, Mildura or Broken Hill (fly or rail options to Sydney or other cities)

Simpson Desert Tours from Adelaide return to Adelaide - 10 days

10 DAY Tour by 4WD from ADELAIDE via Port Augusta and Woomera to Coober Pedy Includes The Painted Desert, Ooodnattta & Old Ghan Railway, Dalhousie Springs (swim in thermal pools) then 3 nights Simpson desert crossing via French Line, Coulson Track, QAA & WAA Lines, Poeppels Corner Eyre Creek then Birdsville Hotel accommodation, return to Adelaide via Birdsville Track, Marree and Lake Eyre. Includes all park entries & permits, sleeping gear and meals. Optional scenic flights over Goyder Lagoon, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Simpson Desert, Coongie Lakes.  9 days or fly out day 8 option. Detailed Itinerary is shown below.

OPTION fly out Day 8
from Birdsville (Rex airlines) to Brisbane or other options.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 – Adelaide to Coober Pedy – Depart 7:00 am via Port Wakefield , the giant winDfarms of Snowtown and Spencers Gulf to Port Augusta with its historic precinct for morning tea on the old Port Augusta Dock. We head north up the Stuart Highway via Pimba and visit Woomera's historic rocket museum (passengers willing) then vast historic sheep stations including Glendambo. Arrive Coober Pedy late afternoon for dinner and a comfy sleep in underground accommodation amongst the opals (or above ground option available) LD

Day 2 – You can check out the opals and fascinating Umoona underground museum before we head off into the desert to The Painted Hills including Mount Arckaringa - these Ochre coloured hills are a unique feature of this area. We arrrive Oodnadatta and have a cuppa at the famous Pink Roadhouse before visiting the Old Ghan Railway Museum full of wonderfull history of the establishment and operation of Oodnadatta and the railway. Oodnadatta was established on the Neales River in 1889 it was South Australia’s most northern railway town. It was a starting point for pioneering travellers heading north and a major railhead for cattle being walked down the northern stock routes. By 1893, Oodnadatta boasted a diverse population which included Afghans, Chinese & Europeans. We travel north from Oodnadatta following sections of the old Ghan Track and visit Pedirka Siding Ruins and the Old Dalhousie Springs Homestead.

We enter Witjira National Park and arrive at Dalhousie Springs, a vast area of natural springs outpouring from the Great Artesian Basin – Dalhousie Springs is a series of 60 natural artesian springs from the Great Artesian Basin. Swim option at Dalhousie Springs in 38-43 Deg C water. Enter the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve – Overnight camp here on the edge of the Simpson Desert. BLD

Day 3 – Heading into the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve we cross the floodplains of Spring Creek Delta moving into numerous salt lakes and higher sand dunes. We take a break at Purnie Bore before more of the French Line with spectacular views from the top and great feeling of humility and nurturing by nature within the dunes. We travel over and longitudinally between the sandhills. Great photo opportunities, maybe a dingo or two to see, sunsets and sunrises and wildflowers. Enjoy and evening campfire at our remote desert camp BLD

Day 4-6 – We cross more salt lakes and sand dunes, but also travel parallel to the dunes for a different perspective of the landscape. We visit the Approdinna Attora Knolls, high gypsum hills with a great lookout over the desert. We see remnants of other travellers and oil searches in the desert. Take a break at Poeppels Corner marking the meeting of QLD, NT & SA borders. Overnight under the stars in our remote camp.

Day 7 – We cross Eyre Creek and traverse the largest sandhill, Big Red is also known as Nappanerica Dune, on the western edge of Lake Nappanerica, and the eastern edge of The Simpson Desert. Overnight ensuite accommodation in Birdsville. BLD

Day 8– This morning, time to check out Birdsville and unquie features of this once bussling town which was a customs post for cattle heading down the track. Consider an optional flight over Lake Eyre, Goyder Lagoon & Simpson Desert. (book early). We visit the historic Burke and Wills camp tree by the Diamantina River After lunch we head past the famous Birdsville Race Track and down the Birdsville Track to Mungerannie for overnight. BLD

Day 9 – This morning we cross the Cooper Creek, and flood plain, visit old station ruins including Lake Harry. Arriving in Marree, explore this once thriving railway town that helped save Darwin during WWII with 56 trains per week ! Marree is at the junction of the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks, and the path of the Great Northern  Railway / Old Ghan for over 100 years, so lots of history here including Aboriginal museum and history, Tom Kruse (Outback Mailman from “Back of Beyond”) and Donald Campbells Bluebird story. Take an optional 1 or 2 hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre to see the Warburton Groove, the main inflow channel to Lake Eyre, Elliot Price Conservation Park, Halligan Bay, Lake Eyre South and the Marree Man (a 4 km long, giant engraving in the landscape). On return to base, we see some of the sights of Marree, this once thriving Ghan Railway town. Marree is caretaker for some interesting railway relics, plus  the old mail truck used by legendary outback mailman Tom Kruse on the run from Marree to Birdsville. We visit the shores of Lake Eyre and Lake Eyre National Park and connect with the wonder of the bird and plant life revitalised by recent flooding rains in a permanent waterhole. Overnight in Marree with a few yarns around the campfire or at the local pub. BLD

Day 10 – Today we visit the restored ruins of the old Ghan railway town of Farina, which once supported 300 people. We view the giant Leigh Creek coal mine (now closed), enjoy a break at the Quandong cafe at Copley and travel via old Ghan railway towns to Parachilna, and in the foothills of the Flinders Ranges to Hawker and picturesque mountain landscapes via the Pitchi Ritchi Pass to arrive in Adelaide around 6pm. BL

10 days Simpson Desert Tour Alice Springs to Adelaide – or 8 day option

Itinerary as 10 day tour to Birdsville then 2 options –  fly out Day 8 from Birdsville (Rex airlines) to Brisbane or other options.

Day 1 – Alice Springs to Chambers Pillar – Depart 8 am for a special and rare opportunity to visit the Ewaninga Aboriginal rock art site, then Maryvale Cattle Station and Titjikala Aboriginal Artists in the community. We leave Titjikala and cross the Hugh River, travelling through Maryvale cattle station, then from a high vantage point view Chambers Pillar and the sandhills rolling into the Simpson Desert. We arrive at Chambers Pillar and enjoy an afternoon walk around this special place (which has more than 1 pillar). We make camp here for the night under the stars. LD

Day 2 – Departing Chambers Pillar we travel the Old Ghan Railway route and visit Rodinga Siding, one of the last built and most Northern fettlers cottages on the Old Ghan Line. We visit the historic Bundooma Railway Siding after crossing the Finke River, the site of a few famous Old Ghan bridges and river washouts, to arrive in the active Aboriginal community and ex Ghan stop of Finke. Its then on to Lambert’s Centre of Australia, Charlotte Waters (an old OTL Telegraph Station), NT/SA border crossing, then Mt Dare Hotel for overnight camp or accommodation upgrade option. BLD

Day 3 – We enter Witjira National Park and visit Bloods Creek Bore preserved cattle yards from bygone days and Oppossum Waterhole. Arrive at Dalhousie Springs, a vast area of natural springs outpouring from the Great Artesian Basin – Dalhousie Springs is a series of 60 natural artesian springs from the Great Artesian Basin. Swim option at Dalhousie Springs in 38-43 Deg C water. Enter the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve – Overnight camp on the edge of the Simpson Desert. BLD

Day 4 – Heading into the Simpson Desert we cross the floodplains of Spring Creek Delta then moving into numerous salt lakes and higher sand dunes. Spectacular views from the top and great feeling of nurturing by nature within the dunes. We travel over and between the sandhills. Great photo opportunities, maybe a dingo or two to see, sunsets and sunrises and wildflowers. Enjoy the campfire at our remote desert camp BLD

Day 5 – 6 - We cross more salt lakes, and plenty of sand dunes, but also travel parallel to the dunes for a different perspective of the landscape. We visit the Approdinna Attora Knolls, high gypsum hills with a great lookout over the desert. Take a break at Poeppel's Corner marking the meeting of QLD, NT & SA borders. Overnight under the stars in our remote camp.

Day 7 – We cross the Eyre Creek and traverse the largest sandhill, Big Red – originally known as Nappanerica Dune, on the western edge of Lake Nappanerica, and the eastern edge of The Simpson Desert. Overnight accommodation in the Birdsville Hotel. BLD

Day 8 – Optional morning Lake Eyre, Goyder Lagoon & Simpson Desert flights (book early). Enjoy the iconic outback town of Birdsville, once a custom post for cattle heading south to Adelaide markets, now centre of an organic beef export industry, full of fascinating outback experiences. Have a cuppa at the Hard Road Café, check out the airport adjacent the pub, and the historic sights of the town including the marked tree at Camp LXXVI of the Burke and Wills expedition of 1860. View the now historic thermal power station running on hot water from the Great Artesian Basin, or take a joy flight over the Simpson and Goyder Lagoon area. 7 Day tour ends here with flights (own cost) from Birdsville to Brisbane or elsewhere. After lunch we depart and travel due north through Channel Country and the Diamantina Shire HQ at Bedourie, crossing several creeks and water holes often hosting wetland birds including Brolgas. Arrive Boulia for overnight at Australia Hotel or Boulia Desert Sands Motel. BLD

Day 8– This morning, time to check out Birdsville and
unquie features of this once bussling town which was a customs post for
cattle heading down the track. Consider an optional flight over Lake Eyre, Goyder Lagoon & Simpson Desert. (book early). We visit the historic Burke and Wills camp tree by the Diamantina River After lunch we head past the famous Birdsville Race Track and down the Birdsville Track to Mungerannie for overnight. BLD

Day 9 – This morning we cross the Cooper Creek, and flood plain, visit old station ruins including Lake Harry. Arriving
in Marree, explore this once thriving railway town that helped save
Darwin during WWII with 56 trains per week ! Marree is at the junction
of the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks, and the path of the
Great Northern  Railway / Old Ghan for over 100 years, so lots of
history here including Aboriginal museum and history, Tom Kruse (Outback
Mailman from “Back of Beyond”) and Donald Campbells Bluebird story.
Take an optional 1 or 2 hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre to see the Warburton Groove, the main inflow channel to Lake Eyre, Elliot Price Conservation Park, Halligan Bay, Lake Eyre South and the Marree Man
(a 4 km long, giant engraving in the landscape). On return to base, we
see some of the sights of Marree, this once thriving Ghan Railway town.
Marree is caretaker for some interesting railway relics, plus  the old
mail truck used by legendary outback mailman Tom Kruse on the run from
Marree to Birdsville. We visit the shores of Lake Eyre and Lake Eyre
National Park and connect with the wonder of the bird and plant life
revitalised by recent flooding rains in a permanent waterhole. Overnight
in Marree with a few yarns around the campfire or at the local pub. BLD

Day 10 – Today we visit the restored ruins of the old Ghan railway town of Farina, which
once supported 300 people. We view the giant Leigh Creek coal mine (now
closed), enjoy a break at the Quandong cafe at Copley and travel via
old Ghan railway towns to Parachilna, and in the foothills of the Flinders Ranges to Hawker and picturesque mountain landscapes via the Pitchi Ritchi Pass to arrive in Adelaide around 6pm. BL

This fully inclusive tour is by small group luxury 4WD travel.

Book Now – places limited

Canning Stock Route from Alice Springs return 19 days includes Tanami Billilluna Aboriginal Community Stretch Lagoon - bird watching near Paraku IPA Durba Springs Onegunyah Rockhole Wiluna Mt Beadell Warburton Giles Uluru Gunbarrel Highway

Tour includes travel by luxury Toyota Landcruiser GXL  vehicles (Maximum 3-4 persons per vehicle), 4 nights motel accommodation (Broome, Halls Creek, Wiluna and Kunawaratji), all meals, fees, permits, professional 4WD driver guides, delicious healthy meals, deluxe & modern camping gear supplied including full height tents, stretchers if required, hot showers & real toilet.

Note Alice Springs departures meet Broome departures near Balgo / Lake Gregory after travelling from Alice Springs via Tanami Track, Tillmouth Well and Rabbit Flat.  Both tours overnight at Canning SR end at Wiluna and visit Well 2. Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway (built by Len Beddell) via Carnegie, Everard Junction, Warburton (great Aboriginal art work), Giles Weather Station, Schwerin Mural Crescent, Docker River, Uluru, Alice Springs

Our Canning Stock Route Tours travel the original Canning Stock Route created by Albert Canning in 1908 for Kimberley cattlemen to take their stock to the southern markets. The CSR includes 51 wells and stretches 2,013 kilometres from Halls Creek to Wiluna in Western Australia. The Canning Stock Route now forms one of the most remote and challenging four wheel drive tracks in the world…. Our route takes us via awesome desert landscapes as we travel via the Great Sandy Desert, Tanami and Gibson Deserts through gibbers, sandhills, ancient ranges and salt lakes

Alice Springs or Broome departures are same departure dates, with return options – please ask.

Broome to Newman or Broome. 16 days from Broome to Newman WA (to fly to Perth) or return to Broome via Marble Bar – 17 days. Our journey includes Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Billilluna Aboriginal Community, Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise), Paraku Indigenous Protected Area, Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community, Wardabunni Rockhole, Durba Springs, Diebel Springs, Onegunyah Rockhole, Lake Disappointment, Helen Hill, Slate Range, Ural Native Title Well, Glen Ayle Station, then the rich mineral & Gold rush areas around Wiluna and Newman.

OR Depart from Alice Springs and return to Alice Springs - 19 days

Canning Stock Route Tour

Canning Stock Route Tours – see note at the end re from Alice Springs
 

Day 1 – Alice Springs depart 7 am for Tanami Track with stops at Tillmouth Well and Yuendumu. Visit the World renowned Warlu Aboriginal Art centre here. Remote desert travel via Renner Springs, and Tanami Gold Mine to camp that evening under the stars near Rabbit Flat. BLD

Day 2 - After breakfast, we depart to see more remote old mines, and cross the WA border. We arrive Halls Creek Hotel for overnight.  B, L, D

Day 3 – Leaving Halls Creek we take the Tanami Track road south toward Alice Springs and Wolf Creek Crater. We travel via Ruby Plains, and vast cattle station still owned and operated by S. Kidman & Co the pioneering pastoralist who ruled the cattle country of the late 18 & 1900s.  We travel by and see Wolfe Creek Crater, the world 2nd largest meteorite crater, before arrival at the Aboriginal community and owned cattle station of Billilluna, the start of the Canning Stock Route. From here we pass by waterholes of Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise) by the Paraku Indigenous Protected Area and check out the birds and wildlife.
   

Paruku is the Walmajarri name for Lake Gregory. Paruku/Lake Gregory is the only lake in the region with a reliable source of fresh water for large numbers of birds and other animals, supporting over 70 species of waterbirds and 175 aquatic species. Surrounded by hundreds of kilometres of arid desert lands, these wetland oases are fed from a catchment in the south-east Kimberley region. More than 100,000 birds visit the wetlands regularly, with up to 60,000 estimated at Mulan Lake at any one time.

Paruku IPA encompasses a variety of desert and semi-desert landscapes undulating red sand plains, salt pans and occasional dunes with stunted eucalyptus. It is dotted with acacias and spinifex, flood plains with swathes of short grasses and low shrubs, and alluvial plains and sand rises.
We visit Bloodwood Bore and Wells 51 and 50, before stopping for our overnight camp at the restored Well 49, the Crystal Well.

Day 4 – On the track again we explore Breaden Pool and Godfrey's tank – named in 1896 after members of David Carnegie’s expedition. We stop at Wells 48 and 47 then it’s into the sand dunes with their unique vegetation and wildlife to arrive at Well 46 for overnight.

Day 5 - We are now in the Great Sandy Desert and check out Wells 45 & 44, and take a break at Gravity Lakes. From Well 43 we head over the Guli Lake System and past Well 42 to stop for overnight amongst the trees near Helena Springs track.

Day 6  - Enjoy the remote early morning nature of this area before arrival at Well 41, known by the locals as 'Tiru'. This was a popular resting spot for the drovers due to good feed here for their cattle. We head south to cross Lake Tobin then to Well 39, where lots of water here attracts abundant bird life including budgerigars. Wardabunni Rockhole & Well 38 is reached today, where we enjoy another night under the stars.

Day 7 - After another great breakfast we arrive at Well 37, where lay the graves of 3 early drovers who died under mysterious circumstances. We learn more of the mystery and their fate at the site, and numerous other stories of early pioneers before Well 36. Travelling on we visit Well 33 then overnight in comfortable and modern style rooms at the Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community. Here we have abundant water and a chance to catch up on personal laundry.

Day 8 – At Kunawarritji Aboriginal Community and store we can do personal shopping and restock some essential supplies & fuel. These remote communities are always fascinating insights into remote desert life. Onwards we visit Wells 32, 31 and 30 (known as Duna Jinnda). After lunch we travel to Thring Rock, a sandstone outcrop with a lookout we climb for a great view of the landscape, before our overnight camp nearby.

Day 9 - More sand dunes today before Well 27, then the rebuilt Well 26 with good drinking water. We take a break here and stock up with water, then travel to shady Well 25 for lunch under the Desert Oaks before arrival at Well 24 for overnight camp. 

Day 10 – We are now also on part of the Talawana Track, which is a direct route to Newman. We see the Capricorn Roadhouse Fuel dump where many Canning trekkers still arrange fuel drops from Newman. Travel on to Georgia Bore, which was sunk in the 1970’s by CRA survey crews. Lake Disappointment is a large salt lake and our goal today. Named by explorer Frank Hann after he was expecting to find a freshwater lake. Overnight and sunset by the lake shore at Lake Disappointment.

Day 11 – We travel several kilometres by the shores of Lake Disappointment to Savory Creek crossing (or diversion crossing depending on water levels) and Well 19. After lunch we visit Onegunyah Rock Hole before majestic Durba Springs where we spend 2 nights in this restful shaded and well watered area.

Day 12 - Durba Springs is known as 'Jilikuru' by the local Martu people, who made this area their home. Elaborate Aboriginal rock art sites are here, and we walk through the Durba Hills area viewing these rock art galleries. Enjoy lunch back at camp and a relaxing easy afternoon as the drovers and cattle did in the good old days.

Day 13 – We leave this little haven and head for Well 16 with its challenging history then the lookout at Well 15 enables a wider view of this incredible landscape. Wells 14 and 13 are visited, then the restored Well 12 with good drinking water.   Then on to wells 11 & 10 and MacConkey Hill for our camp under a starry sky.

Day 14 – Today takes us to Weld Springs (Well 9) and the edge of Glen-Ayle Station, where WA’s first premier John Forrest built a fort in 1874 to defend against Aborigines. We travel off the CSR here to Glen-Ayle Station and then to Wiluna for refuelling, before overnight camp at the southern end of Canning Stock Route.

Day 15 - From our last camp here we travel to the BHP mining town of Newman and check into our welcome hotel after lunch. You can explore Newman or just catch up with all those photos at your leisure. Group dinner this evening in Newman.

Days - 15-19 - Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway & Great Central Road (surveyed by Len Beddell) via Carnegie Station, Everard Junction, Warburton (great Aboriginal art work), Giles Weather Station, Schwerin Mural Crescent, Docker River, Uluru, overnight Alice Spring overnight completes 5pm Day 19

If returning to Newman / Broome

• Day 16 – Today you have time for an optional morning tour of the monster BHP Mt Whaleback mine. Our CSR Tour ends at 10 am after breakfast and for those flying we will transfer you to Newman airport for your flight to Perth.
• Alternatively if travelling back to Broome with us we depart after the mine tour and lunch. We travel through spectacular mineral rich Pilbara country, via Roy Hill, the new Gina Reinhart Iron Ore mine, visit the famous and impressive rock formation that is the Marble Bar then overnight in accommodation in Marble Bar township.
• Optional Day 17 – Visit the old Comet Mine before we travel mineral rich mining and Mesa areas of Shay Gap, before we cross the mighty De Grey River. Enjoy lunch at spectacular 80 Mile Beach, then a stop at Sandfire to arrive Broome late afternoon. BL
  

Alice Springs tour returns on Gunbarrel Highway Includes -

•    Genuine small group travel – Maximum 12 in convoy Toyota Landcruiser vehicles
•    All delicious meals on tour, including breakfasts, lunches and dinners
•    Special diets catered
•    5 nights hotel / motel accommodation
•    12 nights camping with comfortable, modern, user friendly equipment including full height Easy Up tents (no centre pole), stretchers if required, self-inflating mattresses, linen and pillow case.
•    Hot showers and real toilet
•    Professional Driver / Guides
•    Satellite phone connection to the world, Emergency services / Flying Doctor if required
•    2 way radio allows communication and sharing between vehicles
•    Personal refrigeration for limited supplies of alcohol and medications
•    Aboriginal Art purchase opportunities direct from source
•    240 Volt and 6 Volt USB charging for cameras and phones

Excludes -

•    Flights to and from departure points
•    Alcohol

Call Now to book or for latest tour dates and availability – Call 1300 763 188

Alice Springs to Darwin Tour via Devils Marbles,  Daly Waters Katherine, Daly Waters to Darwin

Travel with us  for Hot springs, cool waterholes, sacred sites, awesome nature.

‘If you respect the land, then you will feel the land. Your experience will be one that you cannot get anywhere else in the world.’ BrianBaruwei – Wurrkbarbar clan. Aboriginal traditional owner

Day 1 – Depart Alice Springs at 8am and travel via Wycliffe Wells, Barrow Creek, the old Overland Telegraph stations, Mt Stirling and Ti-tree are significant landmarks before we arrive at the Devils Marbles for great photo opportunities at sunset. The day includes visiting the Aileron Outback Art Gallery where we can see artists at work.  Connect with the gold mining history of Tennant Creek, and more of the amazing boulder formations. Aboriginal legend refers to stones like the Devils Marbles as the “Eggs of the Rainbow Serpent”.  We travel via Three Ways where the road from Mt Isa and Townsville join the Stuart Highway. Here we see the John Flynn memorial (father of  the Royal Flying Doctor Service). We cross the Ashburton and Whittington Ranges as we travel via famous outback town of Renner Springs, Lake Woods & Newcastle Waters. Overnight Daly Waters famous outback rest stop with a special outback showtime experience. 

Day 2 –  Travel via Mataranka Hot Springs and Katherine, optional Katherine Gorge cruise and or helicopter flight over the gorge,  then to Pine Cree, Alligator River (check out Crocodile Dundees water buffalo "Charlie" to arrive in Darwin late afternoon for farewells.

Includes small group modern 4 wheel drive vehicles, camping gear, fees, side trips, all meals. Percentage of cost supports Aboriginal community and nature re-creation projects.

2 Days/1 Nights – From Alice Springs to Darwin via Mataranka hot springs, Devils Marbles  – Tour Code AKD2

Pilbara, Karijini National Park, Karratha & Marble Bar Tours from Broome or pickup in Port Hedland or Karratha 

6 days Pilbara Karratha Karijini Tours from Broome including Karijini National Park in the Pilbara with Karratha & Marble Bar Tours from Broome, Port Hedland & Karratha – includes 3 days in Karijini National Park to explore amazing gorges, walks & waterholes & optional Tom Price mine tour, 1 night Port Hedland, Karratha, & Marble Bar, 3 days / 2 nights in Karijini National Park at Karijini Eco Retreat. 6 days/ 5 nights from Broome return to Broome or exit Port Hedland – Fully catered, and motel accommodated & Karijini Eco Retreat.  Newman departure options – Please ask.

TAILORED TOURS AVAILABLE – If you prefer a different itinerary PLEASE ASK –

6 day Itinerary Highlights for Pilbara Karratha Karijini Tours from Broome include –

• 80 Mile Beach – drive on the beach, meet the locals and enjoy the many varied shells & corals Historic Cossack and famous Art Centre – West Australi’s first northern port & pearling area Burrup Rock Art – on Dampier Peninsula – complex figures and art around 30,000 years old
• Millstream – Chichester National Park – incl Python Pool and the paperbark springs walk at old Millstream Station by the Fortescue River
• 2 nights at Karijini Eco Retreat to explore Karijini National Park amazing wildflowers, gorges, walks & water holes & Hammersley Gorge, Oxer, Joffre, Fortescue, Hancock, Dales gorges, Fern & Circular Pools.
• Tom Price Mine Tour option or more time at Karijini
• Port Hedland docks – watch BHPs iron ore exports leave this massive port (southbound tour) or Marble Bar, Shay Gap & De Grey River crossing on Northbound tour
• Hammersley Iron / Rio Tinto Railway Road to Tom Price.
• Karratha / Dampier Rio Tinto port and LNG Plant visitors centre
• Hamersley Ranges
• Red Dog Memorial at Dampier

Details of  Pilbara, Karijini, Karratha & Marble Bar Tours – 6 Days

Day 1 - Tour commences from Broome Monday 8 am. We travel the Northern Highway through extensive cattle country to Port Hedland. Enroute enjoy a (short) walk on 80 Mile Beach. Visit the Port Hedland docks, exporting the worlds largest shipments of iron ore from BHPs railhead & storage facility. BLD

Day 2 – Travel over the De Grey River, and through this unique Pilbara landscape via Roebourne with its famous art exhibition and historic buildings, to Burrup rock art on the Dampier Archipelago to see unique rock art which is the World’s largest collection of petroglyphs, Visit the Red Dog memorial (the film star) and view the Rio Tinto / Hammersley Iron Railway & port facilities and Karratha beach before overnight in Karratha. BLD

Day 3 – We travel and picnic in Millstream National Park, on the banks of the Forteque River, and enjoy the paperbark springs walk at old Millstream Station. Travel through the Hamersley Ranges, via the special access Hamersley Iron / Rio Tinto Railway Road to Tom Price (lookout viewing and mine tour option) and overnight at Karijini Eco Retreat (or alternative campground if unavailable) for 2 nights. BLD

Days 3, 4, 5 – Experience awesome gorges of Karijini National Park views, walks, waterfalls & swim options including at Oxer lookout, and Fortescue, Hancock, Dales, Red, Joffre and Knox Gorges,  and Fern & Circular Pools. Optional Tom Price Rio Tinto Iron Ore mine tour available BLD

Day 5  – Depart Karijini late morning and travel the Great Northern Highway and 4WD back roads to Marble Bar & the Comet Gold Mine with gems and minerals displays. Overnight Marble Bar. Dinner at the geologists favourite Iron Clad Hotel BLD

Day 6  – Vist the Chinamans Pool and Marble Bar a rock formation across the Coongan River. The rock is actually Jasper (not marble) and creates a stunning backdrop. Geology enthusiasts will enjoy the spectacular outcrops and appreciate the chance to see some of the oldest Archaean Rocks in the world. We check out the highlights of this fascinating and once-thriving town of Marble Bar, with the world record for the hottest town on the planet. Depart via Shay Gap with old mining history, with a tea stop at the mighty De Grey River, then on via Pardoo & Sandfire. Arrive Broome early evening or exit tour at Port Hedland (approx.11am) for flights or coach etc. Tour may run in reverse BL

The Tom Price Rio Tinto Mine – The Mount Tom price mine is owned by RioTinto / Hamersley Iron and operated by Pilbara iron. The mine was developed in 1966, and is a massive ore body eight kilometres long and more than one kilometre wide. In 2004 the mine moved over 45Mt of material and produced over 18Mt of iron ore.

Join us on this tour in the Pilbara to better understand Australia’s & your future !!! – Please ASK or Book Tour

The team at Spirit Safaris will get you there safely and swiftly, with plenty of time for fun and exploring these amazing places. Our modern Toyota Landcruiser 4WD vehicles mean you travel in small private groups in comfort to access areas others can’t reach.

Accommodation at Karijini Eco Lodge and motels is included

Channel Country Birdsville Lake Eyre and Dinosaurs Cairns to Adelaide Tour 5 Days

Highlights include - 

• Birdsville Big Red and Birdsville Track
• Channel Country and Diamantina River country
• Marree and Mungerannie
  
• Dinosaurs at the Flinders Discovery Centre
  
• Hughenden with Muttaburrasaurus
• Kronosaurus Korner Richmond 
• Larks Quarry Dinosaur stampede, 
• Fully accommodated Cairns to Adelaide

Itinerary

Day 1: Cairns to Hughenden – A Journey Back in Time

Depart from Cairns in a luxurious 4WD Landcruiser, designed for comfort and adventure. Enjoy the scenic drive through Queensland’s lush landscapes as you head towards Hughenden. Arrive in Hughenden, a town renowned for its rich prehistoric past. Visit the Flinders Discovery Centre to see impressive fossil displays, including a life-size replica of the Muttaburrasaurus. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around town, soaking in the charming outback atmosphere.

Dinner at a local eatery, featuring hearty Australian cuisine. Overnight stay at a comfortable local motel, ensuring a restful night for the adventures ahead.

Day 2: Hughenden to Jundah – The Outback Awaits

 After a hearty breakfast, continue our journey to Richmond and visit Kronosaurus Korner, home to some of the world’s best-preserved marine fossils. Explore the fascinating exhibits, including the skeleton of a Kronosaurus, one of the largest marine reptiles to have ever lived.

From Richmond we travel to Winton, then Larks Quarry to view the dinosaur stampede. This occurred some 95 million years ago, when herds of small two-legged dinosaurs came to drink at the lake. There were at least150 dinosaurs of two different kinds - carnivorous coelurosaurs about the size of chickens, and slightly larger plant-eating ornithopods, some of them as large as emus. They were attacked by a meat-eating theropod – and the stampedes preserved at Larks Quarry

From here we then travel towards Jundah.Marvel at the changing landscapes as you traverse through the heart of Queensland’s outback. Dinner at a local pub, where you can mingle with locals and share stories. Overnight accommodation in a cozy outback lodge.

Day 3: Jundah to Birdsville

Depart from Jundah, a charming outback town, and drive through the heart of the Queensland outback, passing expansive cattle stations and striking red landscapes. Arrive in Birdsville, check into your accommodation, and enjoy a relaxing meal at the famous Birdsville Hotel. Optional scenic flight over Lake Eyre is available, offering breathtaking views of Australia’s largest salt lake. Also visit Big Red, the tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert, and experience the stunning desert panorama. Optional .Also explore the local area and its rich history. and an optional Lake Eyre flight. Overnight in Birdsville.

Day 4: Birdsville to Marree via Birdsville Track

After breakfast, visit the Burke and Wills Tree by the Diamantina River then begin your journey down the iconic Birdsville Track, offering an authentic outback experience with vast landscapes and historic landmarks. Visit Mungarannie and cross the Cooper Creek floodplain after travel through the Stoney Desert and Tirari Desert Arrive in Marree, a historic outpost with a rich Aboriginal and Afghan heritage. Explore the town, including the old Ghan Railway station and the Marree Hotel. Enjoy a hearty dinner and relax under the clear, star-studded sky. Overnight in Marree.

Day 5: Marree to Farina, Ochre Pits, Kanyaka Ruins, and Hawker and Adelaide

Depart Marree and head towards the historic ghost town of Farina. Wander through the ruins and imagine life in this once-thriving settlement of 300 people that supported s. Kidman & Co moving 500 catte a week to the Adelaide markets. . Continue to the Ochre Pits, a significant Aboriginal cultural site, and learn about the traditional uses of ochre. Visit the Kanyaka Ruins, a haunting reminder of the early settler’s challenges in the harsh outback environment. Arrive in Hawker, a small town at the edge of the Flinders Ranges.

Depart Hawker and drive to Quorn, a historic railway town. Explore the Pichi Richi Railway and its heritage steam trains history. Continue your journey south through picturesque landscapes, passing through small outback towns and rolling hills. Arrive in Adelaide and journey end approx 6pm

Next day options - Enjoy the city’s attractions, such as the Adelaide Central Market, North Terrace, and the beautiful parklands. Reflect on your incredible outback adventure over dinner in one of Adelaide’s renowned restaurants. Overnight in Adelaide (accommodation not included in this itinerary).

Highlights Include

• Comfortable Travel: Journey in a GXL 4WD Landcruiser, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride.
• All-Inclusive Meals: Savor delicious outback meals throughout the tour, from hearty breakfasts to local specialties.
• Unique Accommodations: Stay in comfortable motels and lodges, offering a perfect blend of outback charm and modern amenities.
• Expert Guides: Learn from knowledgeable guides who bring the prehistoric past to life with fascinating stories and insights.
• Diverse Landscapes: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Queensland’s outback, from lush rainforests to rugged deserts.
• Exclusive Access: Enjoy special access to museums and attractions, providing an intimate and enriching experience.

Book your seat on this extraordinary adventure today and embark on a journey through time and landscapes, tailored
for the discerning traveller who seeks both comfort and adventure.

Adult price is based on twin or double sharing a room. If one person, single rate applies.

Call Now: 1300 763 188

Old Ghan Railway Oodnadatta Track & Lake Eyre Adelaide to Alice Springs Tour – Follow the Old Ghan railway line from Port Augusta to Alice Springs with Pitchi Ritchi railway to Quorn then 4WD via the Old Ghan Railway & Overland Telegraph Line (OTL), via Beltana Farina Marree via Lake Eyre shore walk, Curdimurka, Coward Springs, Strangeways, Algebuckina, William Creek, Oodnadatta, Dalhousie Springs, Mt Dare, Simpson Desert, to Alice Springs. Small Group 4WD touring from Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Broken Hill, Marree, with Lake Eyre Flight  optional

Daily Overnights + Highlights

If from Sydney - via Broken Hill pickup option with Peterborough 3 gauge yard, stunning light show and overnight - please ASK 

Depart from Adelaide - Arrive day prior to visit the National Rail Museum & rail photo exhibition next day

• If travelling from Sydney – Broken Hill Optional from Sydney visit Cowra engine sheds & Peterborough Roundhouse, night show and 3 guage yard - please ask

Day 1 - Pickups in Adelaide from 8 am from your CBD location to visit the National Rail Museum & rail photo exhibition. Depart Adelaide 12 noon via.Port Pirie, (with historic museum) Augusta, Pt Wakefield, wind farms, Pt Pirie port and rail history, Spencers Gulf to visit the Wadlata Outback Centre then overnight Port Augusta

Day 2 - The Rail Ride - Ride the steam train Pitchi Ritchi Afghan Express from Pt Augusta to Quorn, Inspect steam engines, engine sheds and yards

Depart Port Augusta railway Station 10:30 am - See the ancient Flinders Ranges landscape unfold before you on the full-day Afghan Express from Port Augusta Railway Station to the historic outback railway town of Quorn.

Travelling the old Ghan route over red earth and bluebush plains from Port Augusta, you'll watch the ranges creep ever-closer before entering the Pichi Richi Pass with its rocky outcrops, dry riverbeds and beautiful hilly scenery.

The Afghan Express is the name railwaymen gave to the passenger train that ran from Terowie to Oodnadatta, through Quorn, in 1923. In time, this was abbreviated to the Ghan.

The railway was ultimately extended to Alice Springs by 1929. The Ghan used the Pichi Richi Railway route until 1956 when a new standard-gauge railway from Stirling North to Brachina bypassed the narrow gauge railway through the Pichi Richi Pass.

• Full day journey from Port Augusta to Quorn  - 74 km return
• Approximately 2 hour journey each way, with morning tea at Woolshed Flat
• Wherever practicable, original Ghan steam locomotive NM25 and genuine timber-bodied carriages built in the late 1920s will be used
• Diesel services use an historic Ghan locomotive, either NSU52 or NT76
• Departs Port Augusta at 10.30 am, and arrives at Quorn at approximately 12.15 pm for 1 hour stop, then return journey.

Day 3 - Leaving Port Augusta we have more time in Quorn, and steam angels willing, an engine shed and workshop tour. Closed-in footwear must be worn. We now travel by 4WD visiting railway towns and history of Hawker, Kanyaka Station, Marree, Beltana, Farina, Parachilna, see the Leigh Creek coal mine site, In Marree see the Old Ghan loop & cattle yards, 2 Old Ghan engines, 2 rail gauge platform, Tom Kruse “Outback Mailman” truck Tom Kruse museum and the Marree Rail History Museum - overnight Marree Hotel

Day 4 - Travel the Oodnadatta Track following the Old Ghan track and OT line visiting active Mound Springs and railway stops enroute including to Curdimurka, Beresford and Margaret Siding to Coward Springs (hot spa available) to view the Ghan Engineers Shed and museum - Onwards to Strangeways (Telegraph Station site)  and Angedool to William Creek Rocket Park and  William Creek hotel for overnight

Day 5 - At William Creek take a Lake Eyre flight (optional extra) then by 4WD travel Old Ghan route via Algebuckina Bridge (the largest on Old Ghan) and visit the Pink Roadhouse and extensive Railway Museum and precinct at Oodnadatta for overnight

Day 6 - Leaving Oodnadatta we head for Dalhousie Springs for hot springs swim under the palm trees. Overnight Mt Dare Hotel

Day 7 - Onwards to Finke, Rodinga Siding, Maryvale Station & Aboriginal community, Ewaninga Rock art - Overnight Alice Springs and celebration dinner

Day 8 - Morning visit to Alice Springs National Transport Museum – Optional flights home or Ghan to Adelaide or Darwin or tour to Darwin via Devils Marbles & /or Lost City - Overnight Alice Springs

 Day 9 Optional - Alice Springs optional extra day or tour to Uluru via Western MacDonnell Ranges, Meerenie Loop & Palm Valley

Our Lake Eyre component has time for an optional spectacular 1 hr flight with Warburton Groove which includes viewing Cooper Creek, Warburton Groove (the major inflows), Elliot Price Conservation Park, Campbell Point, Jackboot, Halligan & Belt Bays, Lake Eyre South, major islands & landmarks. Learn of the Marree Man giant sculpture. Visit Lake Eyre South shoreline, Mound Springs ( including “The Bubbler”) in the Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park and the old Afghan created palm grove of the old Ghan town of Coward Springs with great railway heritage. Plus Painted Hills flight option.

Includes Alice Springs Transport Museum & historic steam engines and railway steam engine workshop visit.

Includes

• All meals
• Pitchi Ritchie rail ride - Port Augusta to Quorn
• National Railway Museum entry
• Wadlata Outback Centre entry
• National Transport Museum Entry

Excludes 

• Alcohol
• Items of personal; nature
• Transport to start in Adelaide and from finish in Alice Springs

Book NOW to ensure your seat