7 Day Adelaide Alice Springs Safari

A combination of camping and bunk house accommodation including staying underground at Coober Pedy. Travel via the Flinders Ranges, salt lakes and the Red Centre icons of Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

The Long Straight Cooper Pedy Flinders Ranges NP
ADELAIDE < > ALICE SPRINGS
TOUR CODE: PAASE7

HIGHLIGHTS
:: FLINDERS RANGES
:: PARACHILNA
:: WILPENA POUND
:: COOBER PEDY
:: ULURU (AYERS ROCK)
:: KATA TJUTA
:: KINGS CANYON
:: ABORIGINAL CULTURE

ITINERARY

DAY 1 :: ADELAIDE TO QUORN
Leaving the city behind, we travel through the Clare Valley then on to the frontier town of Melrose where we take a short walk across a swinging bridge and enjoy panoramic views from the Mt Remarkable lookout. Soon after we arrive in Quorn, the quaint and historical railway township nestled at the entrance to the Richman Valley. Eat a hearty lunch, 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 return to Quorn where 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!(LD)

DAY 2 :: FLINDERS RANGES & WILPENA POUND
If the weather’s good, we’ll take the scenic route through the stunning Parachilna Gorge on our way to Wilpena Pound, the jewel of the Flinders Ranges. Grab your hiking boots for a guided climb of Mt Ohlssen-Bagge: you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with sweeping views over the ranges, the desert and Lake Torrens. We reach Rawnsley Park, a sheep station set against the spectacular range of Wilpena Pound, after lunch, and spend the night here in bunkhouse accommodation. (BLD)

DAY 3 :: QUORN TO COOBER PEDY
It’s time to go underground! We’ll travel to Coober Pedy today in time for an opal mine tour, and you might have the chance to go ‘noodling’ for opals if there’s time. Our bunkhouse for tonight is – you guessed it! – underground. (BLD)

DAY 4 :: COOBER PEDY TO MARLA
After breakfast we check out the sites of Coober 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 drive north and you will see the flat topped mesas, ‘The Breakaways’. During the afternoon we drive through the rugged desert country to the small outback township of Marla. (BLD)

DAY 5 :: MARLA TO ULURU
From Marla, we cross the Northern Territory border and arrive at the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) will fascinate you, and you will discover some of the secrets of this ancient landform during the Valley of the Winds hike. You’ll be mesmerised as the desert sun sets over Uluru, and as the night grows darker, curl up in your swag (Aussie bedroll) under millions of stars. (BLD)DAY 6 :: ULURU TO KATA TJUTA & KINGS CANYON
It’s an early start this morning, but you’ll be rewarded with a glorious Uluru sunrise. While the morning’s fresh (and your legs are too!) enjoy an unguided walk around the base of Uluru. You will then deepen your understanding of the land and the Mala people as you take a cultural interpretive walk with an Aboriginal guide (and interpreter). Explore the many caves of the Mala people, learning how they lived and prepared for ceremonies. Your Aboriginal guide will also share the sensitive story of the Mala people who lived at Uluru with their friend the Itjaritjari (marsupial mole). There is also a visit to sacred Kantju Gorge, a quiet water hole at the base of a dramatic rock face. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to purchase Aboriginal arts and crafts at the Cultural Centre before we travel to our exclusive campsite within the Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon) where we sleep for the night. (BLD)DAY 7 :: KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS
Get your hiking shoes on today as we head out to explore the impressive formations of Kings Canyon. You’ll be left breathless by the sheer beauty of the canyon as we trek through the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, the lush and ancient Garden of Eden and the North and South Walls. Lunch is a welcome prospect, before we make our way to Alice Springs. (BL)

BRING
Sturdy walking shoes (ankle high), hat & sunscreen, towel & toiletries, swimming gear, warm clothing in winter, water bottle, torch, insect repellent, camera & film, pillow, sleeping bag (can be hired for AUD$15)

INCLUDED
Experienced guides, meals as indicated, accommodation transfers, camping fees & equipment, hostel accommodation where stated (or upgrade to ensuite), Opal Mine tour and park fees within South Australia.

NOTE
This tour includes 3 nights dorm accommodation and 2 nights camping. Upgrade accommodaton is budget style and may be located on different premises to dorm accommodation.

Flinders Ranges Wilpena Pound Big 4WD
7 DAYS
Adult $995 ($AUD)

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DEPARTS
Sundays » from Adelaide accommodation 7am

FINISHES
Alice Springs accommodation early evening Day 7

MAX PEOPLE – 24

Valid till 31 March 2015

Fitness Hikes up to 6-8kms per day.
Minibus Maximum 24 front facing seats, air-conditioned vehicle.
Permanent Campsite
Hostel
Permanently erected tents (multi-share), permanent cooking facilities and purpose-built fire pits, screened eating areas, share showers and toilets.

Dorm or Twin/Double rooms with shared facilities

Safaris must be reconfirmed by 4.00pm the day before travel. Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal & extreme weather conditions, Traditional Owner and national park requirements. Luggage limit of 15 kg applies – backpack or soft bag.
Uluru The Olgas Kings Canyon