Arkaroola, Wilpena
Pound, Flinders Ranges, Birdsville & Lake Eyre – From Adelaide or Broken Hill to Birdsville, via Arkaroola, Wilpena Pound, Lake Eyre (flight included), Flinders Ranges to Adelaide
or Broken Hill. Lake Eyre (flight included),
Flinders Ranges to Adelaide. Connection
options to Sydney, Broken Hill, Adelaide or Melbourne.
Day 1
– From Adelaide pickup (or Broken Hill option) approximately 8 am from
airport or your accommodation for departure via spectacular mountain
scenery as we travel via Clare Valley wine country,
then the Flinders Ranges to Wilpena Pound. Our
journey takes us through rural SA to enjoy picturesque roadside stops
for lunch and a morning and afternoon teas. Visit historic Quorn
& Hawker before arrival at Wilpena Pound resort for our
comfy overnight stop. Enjoy a sunset walk with the
kangaroos amongst the ancient Red River Gums and a
relax at the bar before dinner & overnight at Wilpena Pound.
L, D
Day 2 –
This morning we recommend the spectacular optional scenic flight
over Wilpena Pound. There’s time also to enjoy the Wangarra
Lookout & Hills Homestead walk into the Pound. We leave
Wilpena and travel through the Heyson & ABC Ranges via Bunyeroo Gorge & the
Brachina Gorge Geological Trail where the oldest &
complex Ediacara life in the world have been found. Visit
historic Parachilna Pub on the Old Ghan
Railway Line then Farina Ghan railway town ruins before
travel on to Marree. Check out the ancient Islamic mosque and
Ghan railway history. Overnight Marree. B,L,D
Day 3 – From Marree, we take a 1 hr 30 min
(or options 2.5 hours) scenic flight
over Lake Eyre. Our
flight allows us to see the Warburton Groove, the
main inflow channel to Lake Eyre, ElliotPriceConservationPark, HalliganBay,
Lake Eyre South and learn of the Marree Man
(a 4 km long, giant engraving in the landscape). We visit the
shores of Lake Eyre and connect with the wonder of the bird and plant
life revitalise by recent flooding rains. We visit a permanent water
hole by Muloorina Station, a favourite spot for birds
(including brolgas) and birdwatchers. On return
to base, we see some of the sights of Marree, this once thriving Ghan
Railway town. Marree is caretaker for some interesting railway
relics, plusthe old mail truck used by
legendary outback mailman Tom Kruse on the run from
Marree to Birdsville. Overnight Marree. B,L,D
Arkaroola Resort
Ridge Top Tour
Arkaroola
Day 4 –
Today we visit
the Old Ghan Railway ghost town of
Farina, view the giant Leigh Creek coal mine,
the fascinating and colourful Ochre Pits and travel
via old Ghan railway towns.
At Copley we head
east through the stunning Gammon Ranges to Arkaroola. There’s plenty to do here in
this remote, rugged area, including scenic flights or relaxing walks in
the paths by nearby creeks, but the highlight is the Ridge
Top Tour. The 4.5 hour Ridge Top Tour showcases the magic
of the Northern Flinders Ranges timeless terrain and unique natural
beauty of the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Witness
some of the most spectacularly rugged country on earth as you travel
through Arkaroola’s 1600-million year geological history, as the
inspiring images of red granite mountains and golden spinifex hillsides
give way to a breath-taking view across the Freeling Heights,
Lake Frome and the desert beyond. After a spectacular day,
relax by the fireside and share your experiences. Overnight Arkaroola BLD
Day 5 –
Today we head south for Chambers Gorge, joining a local
Aboriginal elder for insights and introductions to this
stunning Aboriginal Rock Art Gallery. Most of our
day is spent here and in this region, before we head south for Wilpena
Pound overnight.
Day 6 – Today we visit the ruins of
the old Ghan railway town of Farina, which once supported 300 people.
We view the giant Leigh Creek coal mine, enjoy a break
at the Quandong cafe at Copley and travel via old
Ghan railway towns to Parachilna, and in the foothills of the Flinders Ranges to Hawker and
picturesque mountain landscapes to arrive in Adelaide
around 6pm, delivered to your accommodation or airport connection. BLDay 4– Enjoy a range of Wilpena Pound walks,
relax or an optional flight over the pound is available. We visit the
extensive Yourambulla Caves Aboriginal rock art sites and
the impressive Kanyaka Station & stone woolshed
ruins (time permitting) as we follow the Old Ghan Line via Quorn,
through the Pitchi Ritchie Pass and the breathtaking
view of Spencers Gulf & Port Augusta to arrive
Adelaide around 6pm, delivered to your accommodation or airport
connection. B,L,D
