Mid-morning we fly to the small settlement of Innamincka in the north-east of South Australia. From your comfortable window seat, you can witness the endless Strzelecki Track which was named after Sir Pawel Edmund Strzelecki and shows us the way into the township of Innamincka. We have lunch at the Innamincka Hotel and there is plenty of time to explore the township at your own leisure. We depart Innamincka in the afternoon and fly north. The excitement grows as we near Birdsville, located on the banks of the Diamantina River. Settle in for a legendary event you will never forget. (Day 3 Breakfast, Lunch, Birdsville overnight)

Whether it is the Birdsville Races, the boxing, the big red sand hills of the Simpson Desert or the atmosphere that draws us to Birdsville, this iconic town has truly made a mark in Australian history. Explore the local sights of Birdsville including the famous Birdsville Hotel, the historic hospital, the Visitor Information Centre, browse the market stalls, enjoy the festivities in the main street or walk down to the Diamantina River. For lunch why not tantalise your tastebuds at the Birdsville Bakery. Try a Curry Camel Pie, Lamb Shank Pie or the traditional Beef Pie, all are homemade and deliciously good.

The races start in the afternoon, put on your best flip-flops and shorts and head to the Birdsville Track, one of four tracks in Queensland that run anti clockwise. For sunset we head west out of town to the outskirts of Big Red, the first of many sand dunes when crossing the desert land between Birdsville and Alice Springs. “Big Red” stands a massive 36.5m above sea level and is part of the Simpson Desert, the largest sand dune desert in the world. Climb up to the top for some magnificent desert views. Tonight, we head over to the iconic Fred Brophy’s Boxing Tent and watch allcomers taking on a troupe of boxers which have been travelling Australia for over four generations. This has become a highlight and is not to be missed. (Day 4 Conti Breakfast Pack, Birdsville overnight)

Today is the day, the 2025 Birdsville Cup. The XXXX Gold Birdsville Cup, which is said to be the Melbourne Cup of the Outback and the event everyone has been waiting for. Get ready for an exciting day of first-class Horse racing, premium hospitality, and great entertainment. Jump on the shuttle bus and head out to the racetrack and join in the action! It is a big day at the Races with several races on the program. If you need a break from racing, wander around the market stalls where you will find arts and crafts, clothes, leather goods and souvenirs. But don’t forget to back  your favourite horse and cheer as loud as you can at the 1-mile Birdsville Cup.

After the last race, catch the shuttle bus back into town and freshen up for the Monster Auction of collectables, memorabilia, vouchers and so much more. All money raised is donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. No need to go to bed yet, there is plenty of entertainment around the area including bands, buskers and fundraising events making this an unbelievably fantastic Outback Festival for up to 5000 people. And why not join the unforgettable atmosphere of the Birdsville Pub as the night rolls on. (Day 5 Conti Breakfast Pack, Birdsville overnight)

The Birdsville Races are done and it’s time to count your winnings. We board our morning plane and fly back to Marree. Today’s flight follows the creeks and rivers of Goyder Lagoon and Channel Country all the way to the Warburton Groove at the top of North Lake Eyre. The views of Lake Eyre the largest salt lake of the Southern Hemisphere are stunning. See the different patterns and colours mother nature creates and witness wilderness, remoteness, beauty, and the enormous size of Outback South Australia that can only be seen by air. We fly over the Marree Man as we approach the Marree airfield. The modern geoglyph is etched into a remote plateau, and with its length of 4.2 kilometres and 28 kilometres circumference it is one of the biggest geoglyphs on earth. Back on the ground enjoy a good lunch at the Marree Hotel before we travel south to historic township of Quorn.

Here we visit the local Flinders Gin Distillery based in the beautifully restored 1890’s stables. Locally harvested botanicals such as quandongs, desert lime, saltbush and native muntries are some of the ingredients in the superb selection of gins. Take a gin tasting or sit back sipping on a non-alcoholic cocktail. After dinner you may like to head to the Railway Precinct to watch the Quorn Silo Light Show. For sound just tune in on the 87.6 FM radio station. (Day 6 Conti Breakfast Pack, Hotel Lunch, Dinner, Quorn overnight)

Our last day of a truly iconic tour has arrived. Enjoy a little sleep in this morning or go for an early discovery walk in Quorn. We depart at 9.30am and travel back to Adelaide via the charming country towns of Melrose and Laura. There is no better way to finish our tour than with a delicious lunch in Clare Valley. Packed with amazing memories we arrive in Adelaide around 4.30pm. (Day 7 Full Breakfast and Lunch)