Day 1 – Adelaide
On arrival in Adelaide, you will be welcomed by your friendly and professional Tour Directors. If arriving at Adelaide Airport, please collect your luggage and make your way to the café located at the bottom of the escalator by 11:00am to meet the group.
Departing Adelaide, travel into the scenic Adelaide Hills to visit the charming historic village of Hahndorf. Enjoy time to stroll through its picturesque streets before continuing to Penfolds Magill Estate for a heritage tour and wine tasting experience.
Later, return to Adelaide and check in to the Stamford Grand Hotel in Glenelg, overlooking the ocean, where we will stay overnight.
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*Please note that if this is the start of your Australia visit we absolutely recommend you arriving 2/3 nights earlier and staying in Adelaide or if you wish another city.*
Day 2 – Adelaide to Wilpena Pound
This morning, travel north to Port Augusta, often referred to as the Gateway to the Flinders Ranges. Here, you will visit the award-winning Wadlata Outback Centre, where interactive exhibits bring the stories of early explorers and their courageous journeys into the Australian outback to life.
From Port Augusta, continue through the historic towns of Quorn and Hawker before arriving at Wilpena Pound Resort, your home for the next two nights. Located at the entrance to Wilpena Pound, the resort sits among majestic River Red Gums and native pines along the banks of Wilpena Creek.
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Day 3 – Exploring Wilpena Pound & the Flinders Ranges
Wilpena Pound is renowned for its spectacular natural scenery and remarkable biodiversity, with nearly half of South Australia’s plant species found within the Flinders Ranges region.
Today, enjoy a guided walk into Wilpena Pound to Hills Homestead, one of South Australia’s oldest and best-preserved pastoral settlements. The walk follows Wilpena Creek, passing magnificent stands of river red gums and offering stunning views of the towering Pound wall in the distance. For those who wish to explore further, longer walking options are available.
This afternoon, travel to Stokes Hill Lookout to take in breathtaking 360-degree views of the Flinders Ranges before returning to Wilpena Pound Resort for dinner.
Optional Experience: This morning there is the opportunity to take a 30-minute scenic flight over Wilpena Pound (additional cost).
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Day 4 – Brachina & Bunyeroo Gorges – Parachilna – Arkaroola
Today, travel through the dramatic landscapes of Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges, renowned for their rugged beauty and rich geological history. By late morning, arrive at Parachilna, where you can enjoy lunch at the charming Prairie Hotel.
After lunch, continue north through the remote northern Flinders Ranges to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. This evening, enjoy a fascinating intergalactic tour from Arkaroola’s accredited astronomical observatories, offering an unforgettable look into the spectacular outback night sky.
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Day 5 – Arkaroola Ridge Top Tour – Marree
Today, explore some of the most spectacular and rugged landscapes in Australia. Travelling in open-back 4WD vehicles with expert guides, the famous Arkaroola Ridge Top Tour takes us deep into the ancient mountains and dramatic terrain of the sanctuary. This thrilling experience is a true highlight of the Arkaroola region and not to be missed.
Later this afternoon, depart for Marree, where you will stay for the next two nights at the historic Marree Hotel.
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Day 6 – Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) – Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary
This morning, take to the skies for a spectacular scenic flight over Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda). Your flight travels over Lake Eyre South before crossing into Lake Eyre North, the larger of the two lakes. From above, admire the vast salt lake landscape as you fly over Belt Bay and follow the Warburton Groove through the centre of the lake and into the Warburton Creek system.
From there, follow the creek north to Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary, landing late morning.
Kalamurina is a 1.7-million-acre wildlife sanctuary owned and managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy. This vast desert wilderness stretches from the northern shores of Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre to the southern boundary of the Simpson Desert.
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Stretching to the southern edge of the Simpson Desert, this vast landscape provides an important refuge for several endangered species, including the Dusky Hopping Mouse, Mulgara, and Ampurta.
After landing at Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary, travel to the banks of Warburton Creek for a guided tour. Here you will learn about the remarkable transformation of the property from a traditional cattle station into a thriving wildlife sanctuary. Gain insight into the conservation programs led by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and the vital work being undertaken to protect native species.
Continue by coach along the famous Birdsville Track, crossing Cooper Creek before arriving back in Marree late this afternoon.
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Note: Today the group divides into two.
Group 1 will follow the itinerary above, taking the morning scenic flight.
Group 2 will travel north to Kalamurina by coach along the Birdsville Track and later return to Marree via the scenic flight over Lake Eyre.
Day 7 – Oodnadatta Track – William Creek & Painted Hills – Coober Pedy
After breakfast, depart Marree and travel along the legendary Oodnadatta Track to the tiny outback settlement of William Creek. Steeped in history and cultural significance, the track is regarded as one of Australia’s most iconic outback drives. It follows an ancient Aboriginal trading route and was later chosen as the route for the Central Australian Railway, the original line of the famous Old Ghan.
This morning, stop at Coward Springs Siding, a beautifully restored, heritage-listed railway site showcasing relics and stories from the era of the Old Ghan.
You arrive in William Creek for lunch at the iconic William Creek Hotel, before boarding a one-hour scenic flight over the Painted Hills. This spectacular formation of colourful hills rises dramatically from the surrounding desert plains and can only be accessed by air due to its fragile environment and natural beauty.
Later this afternoon, continue to Coober Pedy, where you will stay for the next two nights at the award-winning Desert Cave Hotel.
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Note: Underground rooms at the Desert Cave Hotel cannot be guaranteed.
Day 8 – Coober Pedy Sightseeing
Due to the extreme summer heat, much of Coober Pedy’s population lives underground. Known as the Opal Capital of the World, the town produces around 70% of the world’s precious opals.
This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Umoona Opal Mine, where you’ll learn about the history of opal mining and the fascinating underground lifestyle of the region. There will also be time to try your hand at fossicking for opals.
In the afternoon we visit the Breakaways Reserve, a stunning landscape of colourful, low hills that rise dramatically from the desert plains and sit apart from the nearby Stuart Range. You then return to the Desert Cave Hotel, where you can explore the hotel’s unique underground galleries and displays.
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Day 9 – Woomera – Port Augusta
Travelling south today, arrive at Woomera, home to the Woomera Range Complex, operated by the Royal Australian Air Force. This major defence and aerospace facility functions both as an active military airbase and a testing ground for Australian Defence Force technology.
During our visit, explore the Woomera Interactive Rocket Range Museum, where historical exhibits showcase the history of the Woomera Range and the now-closed Joint Defence Facility at Nurrungar.
This afternoon, continue to Port Augusta, where we visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, featuring native plants adapted to Australia’s arid environments. Check in to the Standpipe Golf Motor Inn for the evening.
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Day 10 – Port Augusta – Clare Valley – Adelaide
After breakfast, travel south to the picturesque Clare Valley, one of Australia’s most celebrated wine regions. While famous for its exceptional Riesling, the region also produces outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, which together account for nearly half of the area’s wine production.
Following a scenic tour through the valley, visit a local winery for a relaxed lunch and wine tasting – the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the flavours of the region.
Later this afternoon, return to Adelaide and check in once again to the Stamford Grand Hotel in Glenelg, enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant.
(B, L, D)
Day 11 – Adelaide – Kangaroo Island – Marine Cruise
Please note: The 11-day tour concludes this morning. Passengers will be transferred to Adelaide Airport or their accommodation if they are continuing their stay in Adelaide.
For guests continuing the journey, depart Adelaide and travel through the renowned McLaren Vale wine region and the charming township of Willunga before heading down the scenic Fleurieu Peninsula to Victor Harbor.
You then continue to Cape Jervis, where we board the ferry for the crossing to Kangaroo Island, one of Australia’s most spectacular natural destinations.
Day 11 – Adelaide – Kangaroo Island – Marine Cruise
Travelling south from Adelaide, make our way through the renowned McLaren Vale wine region and the charming township of Willunga, before continuing along the scenic Fleurieu Peninsula to Victor Harbor.
From Cape Jervis, board the ferry for a scenic crossing of Backstairs Passage to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island. On arrival, enjoy an exceptional eco-adventure cruise along the island’s spectacular coastline. Keep an eye out for abundant marine life and birdlife including Sea Eagles, Little Penguins, petrels, terns, and oyster catchers.
After the cruise, travel to Kingscote, Kangaroo Island’s largest town, where you will stay for the next three nights.
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Day 12 – Exploring Kangaroo Island
This morning, visit Seal Bay Conservation Park, home to Australia’s largest colony of breeding Australian Sea Lions. Here, enjoy a guided beach walk with a local expert, allowing you to observe these remarkable animals up close while learning about their behaviour — from hunting and surfing to resting, raising pups, and defending their territory.
A scenic boardwalk through the dunes leads you down to the beach, offering breathtaking views of the colony and the dramatic coastline. Along the way you may encounter sea lions resting in the dunes or even stretched out along the walking path.
Later this morning, continue west to Flinders Chase National Park, one of the island’s most iconic natural areas. Here, visit the impressive granite formations known as Remarkable Rocks, sculpted by wind and sea over thousands of years. After, travel to Cape du Couedic to see the historic lighthouse and Admirals Arch, where stalactites frame views of the deep-blue Southern Ocean.
Return to Kingscote late this afternoon.
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Day 13 – Kangaroo Island Sightseeing
This morning offers a chance to further explore the unique flavours and local industries of Kangaroo Island.
Begin with a visit to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, where you’ll discover the fascinating history and modern process of eucalyptus oil production. Next, enjoy a tasting experience at Kangaroo Island Spirits, renowned for its handcrafted premium gin and spirits.
You will also visit Island Beehive, where you can sample delicious pure Ligurian honey, produced by one of the world’s only remaining pure populations of Ligurian bees.
After a day discovering the island’s local produce and traditions, return to Kingscote for our final evening on Kangaroo Island.
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Day 14 – Kangaroo Island – Adelaide
Today bid farewell Kangaroo Island and board the ferry back to the mainland. On arrival, you will be transferred to Adelaide Airport or your city hotel, marking the conclusion of your unforgettable South Australian journey.
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