11 Days Central to South Explorer 2024

itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrive Uluru

Be met on arrival in Uluru and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before meeting your fellow travellers during a relaxed welcome dinner this evening. Stay: Two Nights, Uluru, Sails in the Desert. (D)

DAY 2 – Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

At sunrise, embark on a base tour of Uluru, hearing stories from the Dreamtime while you explore this icon. Afterwards, visit the Cultural Centre and wander through the exhibitions on show to learn more about Anangu culture and the park’s natural environment. Tonight, indulge in a Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars. Savour a glass of sparkling before helping yourself to a ‘bush tucker’ inspired buffet accompanied by the music of a didgeridoo. At the same time, immerse yourself in the spectacular Field of Light art installation. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 – Coober Pedy

Cross into South Australia and arrive in the outback town of Coober Pedy. In order to avoid the heat, much of the town has been built underground, including your unique hotel. Its vast lunar-like landscapes have set the backdrop for many films, including ‘Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome’ and ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’. Two Nights: Coober Pedy, Desert Cave Hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 – Coober Pedy

Today will be spent exploring Coober Pedy in greater depth. Most of the world’s opal comes from this tiny desert town, and you’ll learn about how they are mined during a visit the Umoona Opal Mine. Explore the mine and get an insight into Indigenous and European settlement in the area. Return to your hotel for dinner this evening. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 – Oodnadatta Track, William Creek, Birdsville

Set off along the Oodnadatta Track and pass the Dingo Fence, a 5,614-kilometre fence built during the 1880s to keep dingoes and wild dogs out of lands where sheep and cattle grazed. Arrive in William Creek and board a scenic flight to Birdsville, where you’ll spend the night at the iconic Birdsville Hotel. Stay: Birdsville Hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 – Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Marree

Fly from Birdsville back to William Creek and enjoy a pub lunch before journeying to Lake Eyre South. Here, you’ll walk on the dazzling salt flats subject to weather conditions. Explore the surrounding natural artesian mound springs, created from water deep within the Great Artesian Basin. Board an included scenic flight over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre to gain a bird’s-eye view of this natural wonder. Keep an eye out for wildlife including the Lake Eyre dragon, as well as a variety of birdlife including corellas and wild emerald budgerigars. Soar over an incredible area where, prior to entering Lake Eyre, the Warburton Creek opens up to a plain that resembles a birdlife filled playground when the area has seen recent flooding. From here you will gain an appreciation of how it cuts an amazing track though the Simpson Desert all the way from Queensland. Continue to your hotel in Marree for dinner. Stay: Marree Hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 – Gammon Ranges National Park, Arkaroola

Today, explore Gammon Ranges National Park, famed for its rugged ranges and deep gorges. Arrive later at Arkaroola in the heart of the Gammon Ranges National Park. Stay: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 – Arkaroola, Wilpena Pound

Explore Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, a cultural, historical and geological wonder renowned for its spectacular 800-million-year-old landscapes. Within the park, the famous Wilpena Pound Ikara is cradled within an amphitheatre of mountains. Set amongst river red gums and native pines, Wilpena Pound Resort is the perfect base for exploring Wilpena Pound National Park. Two Nights: Two Nights, Wilpena Pound Resort. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 – Wilpena Pound, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

This morning, set out on a walk to explore the incredible natural surrounds of Wilpena Pound before continuing to the geological site of Brachina Gorge. Keep an eye out for the endangered yellow-footed rock-wallaby as you explore the quartzite-ridged gorge, which was once used as a thoroughfare where bullock teams pulled their loads. This evening, enjoy dinner back at your resort, before retreating to your deck with relaxing vistas of the bush. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 – Clare Valley, Adelaide

Farewell Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park as you make your way through the wine-growing district of the Clare Valley. Here, enjoy lunch at Skillogalee Winery, showcasing the locally grown produce and wines of the region. Arrive in Adelaide and celebrate the end of your journey during a farewell dinner. Stay: Adelaide, The Playford Hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 – Depart Adelaide

After breakfast, farewell your new-found friends and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

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