Lake Eyre Tour from Adelaide

Depart your Adelaide accommodation by 7am and let us take you on a tour filled with wonders and delights of Iconic Outback Towns. Our journey takes us to Lake Bumbunga in Lochiel for a morning tea break. The lake is known to change colour from pink, to white, to blue, depending on the salinity of the water throughout the year. We then travel further to the historic town of Quorn for a look around and lunch.

Mid-afternoon we are arriving in Beltana. The town is state heritage listed and has a population of around 35 permanent residents. Aboriginal, Afghan and Europeans cultures alike regard Beltana as a significant part in their history. The town is rich in historic buildings, and we have time to uncover some of Beltana’s stories. Only a 30-minute drive to go and we find ourselves in Leigh Creek for a delicious dinner and comfy overnight stay. Day 1 – Lunch, Dinner, Leigh Creek Outback Resort overnight

Travel to Marree, South Lake Eyre and William Creek, Experience the stunning Painted Hills with a flight and landing 

Today we discover the lives and history along the Oodnadatta Track. Not too many people are listed as one of their town’s visitor attractions. But then Talc Alf is a one off, a quirky and engaging outback character who has achieved near icon status. Over the past 40 years he has created an outside gallery, and we view some of Alf’s unique talc carvings in Lyndhurst. Our next stop takes us to Farina, which was established as a railway town for passengers travelling on the Transcontinental North Line in 1878. Visit the ruins and some of the reconstructed buildings while learning about the important history.

Marree is only a short distance away and we have time to wander the town square for photographs. Discover the stories of the Great Northern Express, visit the Afghan Mosque and perhaps the Lake Eyre Yacht club. Hear about old Tom Kruse the outback posty and make sure you check out the museums room in the Marree Hotel. We then follow the Oodnadatta Track to the viewing area of South Lake Eyre. Take a short walk to the edge of the lake to get an up-close experience with Lake Eyre. Or enjoy the views from the information bay. Back on the dirt track passing more outback country for another 90-minutes and we arrive in William Creek.

Outback South Australia is home to some hidden treasures, and you have the option to witness the Anna Creek Painted Hills. These must-see sandstone hills are a stunning outcrop in the middle of nowhere and can only be reached by air. Join an optional scenic flight highlighting the wonderful colours of the area. In addition, we have permission to land and explore this incredibly unique and spectacular landmark on the ground. If the extra flight is not of interest, relax and unwind in your ensuited cabin or join the locals for an ice-cold beer. We all meet back for dinner and a briefing about the next day ahead. Day 2 – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, William Creek Hotel overnight

Lake Eyre Scenic Flight and journey to Coober Pedy, marvel at the Kanku-Breakaways and stay underground

This morning take a scenic flight over North Lake Eyre. We fly from William Creek, the closest airstrip to the lake. Lake Eyre is the largest salt lake in the Southern Hemisphere and more often dry than not. But when soaking rain does fall or flood waters drain into Lake Eyre, this dry land fills with lives. Thousands of pelicans, banded stilts and gulls fly in from as far away as North Queensland, flowers bloom and plants grow at a breakneck pace. No matter if Lake Eyre’s status is dry or wet, a scenic flight over Lake Eyre gives you a true sense of the wilderness, remoteness, and the enormous size of it.

We continue our outback journey to Coober Pedy the opal capital of the world. Only here can you arrive with just a shirt on and leave as one of the richest people in the world! Take your first look at the unique moonscape and bizarre township from the Big Winch sitting on top of a mound offering 360 – degrees views of Coober Pedy. After lunch enjoy the lookout views and then immerse yourself in a 40-minute cinematic journey with stunning footage and sound. We check in at the Lookout Cave Motel and then all have a try at Outback Golfing. Coober Pedy’s golf course is in the top 10 of the most unique places to play golf in the world.

We then head out to the Kanku- Breakaways Conservation Park for some amazing photo opportunities. Kanku – Breakaways Conservation Park is Aboriginal owned, and the entire park is a registered aboriginal heritage site. We have permits to drive into the park and show off its amazing beauty. On route to our final lookout, we stop at the dog fence, a two-meter-high wire barrier stretching for over 5,300km across three States. Finish the day with a delicious dinner in town before retiring in your underground room, an experience on its own and most definitely part of our tour. Day 3 – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Coober Pedy Lookout Cave overnight

Coober Pedy Town Tour with an opal mine tour and the Orthodox Serbian underground church, travel to Woomera

Hard to know the sun is up when you sleep underground but trust your stomach will tell you it is breakfast time. Or perhaps set an alarm and witness the sunrise from the rooftop of the Lookout Cave. This morning, we visit the stunning Orthodox Serbian underground church and the unique gravestones of Boot Hill Cemetery. We then join an Opal Mine tour and learn about the qualities of opal and look at some brilliant opal that has been found here. You have some time to stroll the main street. Buy your own special piece of opal or visit one of the galleries in town.

After an early lunch we are back on board and tour south to Woomera with stops at Lake Hart and Glendambo. Woomera was a hidden base for rocket and weapons testing, established back in 1947. It is still being used as a military testing site today. Listen to Len Beadell’s story as we make our way to the Woomera Rocket Park, home to several aircrafts, missiles, and other artifacts. Walk among the collection before our final stretch to Port Augusta. Day 4 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Port Augusta Standpipe Hotel overnight

Return to Adelaide via the Arid Lands Botanical Gardens and Port Pirie

Our last day has arrived and enjoy a walk in the fantastic Arid Lands Botanical Gardens. Admire the wildflowers, themed gardens, listen to the native birds and stroll past artistic outdoor sculptures at your own leisure. For lunch we travel to the historic Federal Hotel in Port Pirie, which originally opened as the Rising Sun Hotel in 1890. We then take on the final drive to Adelaide passing the Port River Mangroves, old Dry Creek Salt Fields, and Adelaide Plains Market Gardens. Packed with amazing memories we arrive in Adelaide by 4.30pm. Day 5 – Breakfast, Lunch