| TOUR CODE: PASAE5 / PASAE5Y
HIGHLIGHTS
:: ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
:: KATA TJUTA
:: KINGS CANYON
:: COOBER PEDY
:: FLINDERS RANGES
:: PARACHILNA
ITINERARY
DAY 1 :: ALICE SPRINGS TO KINGS CANYON & ULURU
Journey deep into the remote ‘Red Centre’ as we head towards Kings Canyon. There’s a lot to explore here and we check out the Amphitheatre, Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the sheer outcrops of the North and South Walls. After a bite to eat, we’ll pass Mt Connor and Curtin Springs cattle station on the way to Uluru. Tonight, you’ll be glad to curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) after dinner as millions of stars fill the sky. (LD)
DAY 2 :: ULURU AND KATA TJUTA
Sunrise over Uluru is magical! It’s an early start to catch it. While the morning's fresh (and your legs are too!) take a walk around Uluru’s base or climb to the top if you choose – however, the Anangu traditional owners prefer it if you don’t. Gain further insight into the land, its stories and the people who inhabit it at the Cultural Centre, where you’ll also have the opportunity to invest in original arts and crafts by Indigenous artists. After refuelling with some lunch, we head to fascinating Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) to discover the secrets of this ancient landform and their spiritual significance to the Anangu. A glass of Australian sparkling wine is perfect while the desert sun sets over Uluru. Dinner is a traditional camp oven cook up back at our permanent camp. (BLD)
DAY 3 :: ULURU TO COOBER PEDY
We get away early this morning as we cross the Northern Territory/South Australian border on the way to Coober Pedy. Time to go underground! Learn about this unique place with a mine tour, including an opal-cutting demonstration. If we’ve got time, try your luck at 'noodling' for opals yourself! Tonight we sleep in an underground bunkhouse. (BLD) |
DAY 4:: COOBER PEDY TO QUORN
This morning we check out the sites of Cooper Pedy on a town tour which includes an opal cutting demonstration and mine tour with the opportunity to try your luck ‘noodling’ for opals! We continue our journey south and stop at ancient salt lakes which are remnants of an inland sea. We stop at the small town of Glendambo (population 30!) and Pt Augusta before arriving in Quorn, the quaint and historical railway township nestled at the entrance to the Richman Valley. We stay two nights in private accommodation at the historical “Mill”. Get ready for tonight’s BBQ dinner – it doesn’t get any more Aussie than this! (BLD)DAY 5 :: FLINDERS RANGES & WILPENA POUND
The Flinders Ranges has been recognised as one of Australia’s National Landscapes and today you’ll get to experience and explore this magical region! Wilpena Pound is a natural amphitheatre located in a huge stone crater and you will spend the morning hiking and exploring its wonder! After lunch, it’s a short walk to Yourambulla Caves to view Aboriginal rock paintings. Learn about the hardships of sheep farming in the mid-1800s as you view the ruins of Kanyaka Homestead. As we travel back to Quorn, there’s an opportunity to spot the shy and elusive Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby on a quiet stroll through the peaceful Warren Gorge. Overnight at the Quorn “Mill”. (BLD)
DAY 6 :: QUORN TO ADELAIDE
Eat a hearty breakfast, because this afternoon we hike to the summit of Dutchman's Stern for stunning 360° views of Quorn, Spencer Gulf and the Flinders Ranges! We then say farewell to the "Flinders". Near the frontier township of Melrose, we take a short walk across a swinging bridge and enjoy panoramic views from the Mt Remarkable lookout. Our last stop is in the infamous Clare Valley before arriving late afternoon into Adelaide. (BL)
BRING
Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, warm clothing in winter, water bottle, torch, insect repellent, camera & film, pillow, sleeping bag (can be hired for AUD$15).
INCLUDED
Experienced guide, meals as indicated, accommodation transfers, camping fees & equipment, hostel accommodation where stated, Opal Mine tour, park fees within South Australia.
NOTE
Upgrade accommodation is budget style and may be located on different premises to hostel accommodation. This tour includes 3 nights of dorm accommodation and 2 nights of camping. |
A diverse journey from the Red Centre via the icons of Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Kings Canyon to Coober Pedy and the Flinders Ranges. Stay in campsites and bunkhouse accommodation which is a highlight in itself including staying underground at Coober Pedy.
DEPARTS
Year Round: Sundays
Tour PASAE5 = Alice Springs accommodation at 5:40 am
or
Tour PASAE5Y = Ayers Rock at 1:45 pm from Desert Gardens Hotel
FINISHES
Adelaide accommodation early evening Day 5
MAX PEOPLE - 24
Valid till 31 March 2015
