all inclusive pp / twin share
Single Supplement AUD$ 1540.
Special Discounts apply to this tour.
Early Bird price reverts to the Regular Price 6 months prior to each tour departure date.
Small group - maximum 7 participants
Follow the songlines and pathways of our First Peoples, Explorers, Afghan Cameleers, Ghan Railway and Overland Telegraph gangs through the South Australian deserts to Central Australia and Alice Springs.
Visit the iconic Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Lake Eyre, Oodnadatta Track, Painted Desert, Coober Pedy, Hermannsburg, Palm Valley, Chambers Pillar, Rainbow Valley, plus Ormiston and other extraordinary gorges of the imposing MacDonnell Ranges – Discover the ancient geological wonders of heartland Australia.
2024 Departure - June 4 ex Adelaide
Register now for your priority reservation and advanced releases.
From our guests:
I wanted to thank you both for the trip over the last two weeks. It was quite a journey and I really appreciated your efforts to make it a special one for us all. As it was my first time in this unique part of our country I feel privileged to have experienced it with your guidance and expertise. Your passion for this part of the country, the landscape, the people, the flora and fauna is obvious and it was wonderful to be able to share it with you." - Helen VIC
"I have travelled on some splendid bush tours with John and Ros Thompson who personally run a small specialist touring company. It is highly professional and very friendly. The first trip was a memorable journey to the Corner Country, out where the borders of three States meet, where Burke and Wills died at the Dig Tree at Cooper Creek. Then, the Thompson’s took us on an exploration of the Flinders Ranges of South Australia, up to Lake Eyre, the Painted Desert and the Red Centre, visiting vast outback stations, the most ancient Nilpena fossil fields, Parachilna, Leigh Creek, Marree and Coober Pedy. What is great about a Nature Bound Tour is the Thompson's superb knowledge of flora, fauna, water, history and the legends of the bush. The dialogue is highly educational and fascinating.” - Everald AUS
Secure your reservation by firstly enquiring about availability today.
Find yourself immersed in evocative and sublimely beautiful desert landscapes, contorted ranges and imposing monoliths dating back 80 to 550 million years. An exceptional experience and travel opportunity.
Depart Adelaide for a scenic drive through Clare Valley vineyards to the oldest village in the Flinders Ranges, followed by an afternoon trail walk
Features
Accommodation
Private en-suite rooms in a Melrose Stone Cottage
Meals
Local cafe M/Tea, A/Tea
Popular local bakery al fresco Lunch
Evening dinner at heritage Melrose Hotel
Self serve Continental Breakfast
Travel
Driving: 284 kms in 4 relaxed stages over half a day
Walking: Up to 4 hour relaxed roaming and trail walking/climbing by choice
A relaxed scenic drive from Melrose to Wilpena Pound with a variety of feature stops along the way
Features
Accommodation
Luxury ensuite resort accommodation for 2 nights
Meals
Cafe/coffee shop M/Tea
Village al fresco Lunch and tailgate A/Tea
Evening restaurant dinner and breakfast
Travel
Driving: 247kms in 5 relaxed stages throughout the day
Walking: Casual roaming at various feature stops and serendipity moments
A delightful trail walk this morning followed by an afternoon of scenic driving, exploring the beauty and magnificence of the Flinders Ranges
Features
Accommodation
Luxury ensuite resort accommodation
Meals
Resort restaurant based breakfast, lunch and dinner
Morning walk sustenance and tailgate A/Tea
Travel
Driving: 122 kms in 6 relaxed stages during the afternoon with many scenic stops
Walking: Optional easy grade 7.8kms 3 hr morning walk to view Wilpena Pound. Roaming at afternoon features and serendipity moments
Today you journey through the ranges to an historic copper mining town, then a convulsed ancient landscape to remote Parachilna for lunch and an adventure in chef prepared feral food
Features
Accommodation
Deluxe ensuite rooms at remote Prairie Hotel, Parachilna
Meals
Tailgate or village hotel M/Tea
Lunch, dinner and breakfast at iconic Prairie Hotel
Travel
Driving: 97kms in 4 relaxed stages on back roads to Parachilna
Walking: Roam at various feature stops
Today we visit Nilpena Station north of Parachilna for an extraordinary viewing of the earliest evidence of life
Features
Accommodation
Deluxe ensuite rooms at remote Prairie Hotel, Parachilna
Meals
Tailgate M/Tea
Lunch, dinner and breakfast at iconic Prairie Hotel
Travel
Driving: 80 kms return trip to Nilpena Station
Walking: Roaming at various fossil features
You leave the bitumen and follow the gravel toward the outpost towns of Lyndhurst and Marree, taking in Aboriginal and Afghan history, early settler and railway endeavours. Pass through the southern intersections of outback adventure tracks, the Strzelecki and the Birdsville.
Features
Accommodation
Comfortable, detached hotel ensuite cabins for 2 nights
Meals
Tailgate M/Tea and fresh delights at a unique underground bakery
Counter lunch, a restaurant dinner and breakfast at historic Marree Hotel
Travel
Driving: 193kms outback travel toward the desert lands, enjoyed in 5 relaxed stages
Walking: Roam at various feature stops and serendipity moments
A remarkable day journey to the lowest point in Australia, the extensive salt sink and surreal experience of Lake Eyre
Features
Accommodation
Comfortable, detached hotel ensuite cabins
Meals
Picnic tailgate tea breaks and lunch provided by our friends at the Marree Hotel
Travel
Driving: 198kms return on outback road and sandy tracks to Lake Eyre
Walking: Travel breaks and surreal roaming on iconic salt encrusted Lake Eyre
Journey along the Old Ghan Railway and legendary 615 kms long Oodnadatta Track toward William Creek, located in the centre of the world’s largest cattle station of 6 million acres
Features
Accommodation
Basic but comfortable, air-conditioned, ensuite transportable cabins
Meals
Tailgate M/Tea
Lunch, afternoon refreshments, dinner and breakfast at the isolated William Creek Hotel
Travel
Driving: 199kms with several stops at natural and historic features along the way
Walking: Roam at various feature stops and serendipity moments
Head west this day across cattle station holdings as big as small countries to discover Coober Pedy, acknowledged as Australia’s Opal Capital
Features
Accommodation
Chance in a lifetime to sleep comfortably underground in a deluxe Coober Pedy Motel room. Every convenience except no window views.
Meals
Tailgate M/Tea near Lake Cadibarrawirracanna
Lunch and Dinner at local family style restaurant
Continental breakfast underground
Travel
Driving: A relaxed morning drive of 168 kms to Coober Pedy in two easy stages
Walking: Rest and relax, enjoy the journey
Today you’ll pass through the striking Painted Desert region few Australians are aware of, before joining a sealed highway run to the Marla Roadhouse and Motel
Features
Accommodation
Comfortable but basic ensuite highway motel units at Marla Retreat
Meals
M/Tea, A/Tea and Lunch all picnic tailgate style
Roadhouse restaurant dinner and breakfast
Travel
Driving: 367 kms at relaxed pace through the desert in 5 comfortable stages
Walking: Casual roaming at feature stops plus an optional 2.5 kms return walk with a modest climb on warn trails in the Painted Desert
Today you’ll enjoy an easy highway run into the Northern Territory bound for Alice Springs. Later in the afternoon we’ll share the extraordinary Rainbow Valley experience, roaming around the ramparts of a giant sandstone feature ablaze in the setting sun..
Features
Accommodation
Comfortable, spacious ensuite rooms at Mercure Alice Springs Resort for the next 4 nights.
Meals
Tailgate M/Tea and casual roadhouse lunch
Resort restaurant for dinner and breakfast
Travel
Driving: 447 kms sealed highway drive crossing into the Northern Territory, plus diversion into Rainbow Valley
Walking: Rest and relax, enjoy the road journey. 2 kms Rainbow Valley stroll to visit features
An early start and relaxed scenic drive along the East MacDonnell Ranges to visit various gaps and gorges cutting through the range. Enjoy an elevated rim walk overlooking Trephina Gorge. Later an afternoon visit to the award winning Desert Park with its informative fauna, flora and cultural exhibits. Closing the day with an elevated view of Alice Springs from the town lookout, Anzac Hill.
Features
Accommodation
Quality ensuite rooms at our Mercure Resort tour base.
Meals
M/Tea at Trephina Gorge
Cafe Lunch at Desert Park
Dinner at Resort restaurant
Travel
Driving: Total 158 kms of sealed road in 5 relaxed stages linking the days features
Walking: 3 short walks each approx.1.5 kms long to take in the natural beauty
A 2 kms / 1 hr loop walk at Trephina Gorge with a short opening climb
Today we head into the fringes and sand ridge outliers of the Simpson Desert to an iconic landmark that once guided early explorers and settlers, but today few tourists witness - Chambers Pillar.
Features
Accommodation
Quality en-suite rooms at our tour base
Meals
Tailgate tea breaks and picnic lunch at the Pillar
Dinner and breakfast at the tour base restaurant
Travel
Driving: 328kms in 4 relaxed stages on back roads and tracks across desert sand ridges
Walking: Relaxed roaming at various feature stops and a short staircase climb up the pedestal of the pillar
A big day ahead as we travel to Hermannsburg and Palm Valley along Larapinta Drive
Features
Accommodation
Quality ensuite rooms at our Mercure Resort tour base.
Meals
Cafe M/Tea &/or lunch at Hermannsburg Historic Precinct
Dinner and breakfast at the Mercure or Alice Restaurant
Travel
Driving: 248 kms in 4 relaxed stages throughout the day
Walking:
Short roams at various feature stops. Possible 1.5 kms return walk / climb in Palm Valley for an elevated view.
Focus today is on the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges and a 4 hour walk through Ormiston Pound and Gorge. Returning to “Alice” we’ll include short visits and strolls at 3 other feature locations
Time too, to reflect on the variety of experiences enjoyed in your 15 day / 3,200 kms journey from Adelaide to Alice Springs
Features
Accommodation
End of tour accommodation pre-arranged with tour guests - not included in tour
Meals
Resort restaurant based breakfast
Walking sustenance
Cafe lunch and tea breaks at Ormiston Gorge
Travel
Driving: 296 kms in 5 relaxed stages throughout the day
Walking: Optional 8.5 kms / 3.5 to 4hr through Ormiston Pound and Gorge with a few short climbs, rock and boulder sections to negotiate. Non-walkers can enjoy passive time free roaming through the delightful gorge, possibly to greet the walking group coming through the gorge.
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