The WA government has officially closed the Canning Stock Route indefinitely for 2021 hence this Canning Stock Route Alternative Tour Update 2021. The government says they are reviewing monthly, but WA has a record of fast shut downs.
With this much uncertainty, we have provided alternatce tours via Simpson Desert as follows from Broome return and from Alice Springs return.
Alternative tour tour that fit into the same dates from Broome to Broome and includes Wolfe Creek Crater, Tanami Track to Alice Springs, with Newhaven wildlife sanctuary, remote Aboriginal art centres, Alice Springs, Chambers Pillar, Mt Dare, Dalhousie Springs, Simpson Desert, Birdsville, Plenty Highway, Devils Marbles, Daly Waters, Wave Hill (Victoria-Daly Region), Old Halls Creek to Broome. This tour would be the same cost.
2021 Canning Stock Route ALTERNATIVE Tours now available
August 9 – 25, 2021 – Canning Stock Route Tours 2021– From Broome to Broome and includes Wolf Creek Crater, Tanami Track to Alice Springs, with Newhaven wildlife sanctuary, remote Aboriginal art centres, Alice Springs, Chambers Pillar, Mt Dare, Dalhousie Springs, Simpson Desert 9 day crossing, Birdsville, Plenty Highway, Devils Marbles, Daly Waters, Wave Hill (Victoria-Daly Region), Old Halls Creek to Broome.
August 9 – 27, 2021– From Alice Springs to Alice Springs via Tanami Track, with Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary, remote Aboriginal art centres, Chambers Pillar, Mt Dare, Dalhousie Springs, Birdsville, Simpson Desert 13 days via French and WAA lines, Big Red, Birdsville Track (part), K1 line and Hay River Track, Batton Hill, Plenty Highway to complete Alice Springs.
Alternative options from Broome or Alice Springs in same date period include …
Managing Director Spirit Safaris
PO Box 488 Neutral Bay NSW 2089 Australia – Level 32, 101 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060
Local Call 1300 763 188 Mobile 0417 244 600
Aboriginal Art Buying Tour Alice Springs to Darwin via Utopia
Aboriginal Art Buying Tour Alice Springs to Darwin via Utopia Devils Marbles, Daly Waters, Katherine Gorge, 3 Utopia region Aboriginal art centres to Darwin
Details of Aboriginal Art Buying Tour Alice Springs to Darwin via Utopia
Day 1 – Depart Alice Springs at 8am and travel via remote Utopia region Aboriginal art centres of Ampilatwatja (pronounced um-blood-a-watch) and Ali Curung. Here you can meet the artists and view them at work, and purchase art directly from the source. Travel on via Wycliffe Wells (UFO centre of Australia), to overnight at Wauchope at theDevils Marbles Hotel.
Day 2 – An early start to arrive at the Devils Marbles for a walk in this mystical boulder formations, and great photo opportunities. Aboriginal legend refers to stones like the Devils Marbles as the “Eggs of the Rainbow Serpent”. Visit the Aboriginal cultural centre and art centre with more Utopia region artists working here. Later, connect with the history of Tennant Creek, including gold mining. We visit the historic Telegraph Station before overnight in Tennant Creek
Day 3 – Travel via Three Ways where the road from Mt Isa and Townsville join the Stuart Highway. Here we see the John Flynn memorial (father of the Royal Flying Doctor Service). We cross the Ashburton and Whittington Ranges as we travel via the famous outback town of Renner Springs, Lake Woods & Newcastle Waters. Overnight Daly Waters Pub famous outback rest stop.
Day 4 – Travel via Mataranka hot springs and connect with Elsie of “We of the Never Never”. Onward to Katherine, and take a 2 hour boat cruise on Katherine Gorge and view Aboriginal rock art in the gorge cruise. An optional helicopter flight to rock art higher in the gorge is also available. Katherine is the NT’s 3rd largest town, and more Aboriginal art galleries are here displaying and selling art from nearby communities.
Day 5 – Heading North, enjoy a swim and break at scenic Edith Falls. Travel via Pine Creek and check out the “Great Northern Railway” & gold mining history, then Alligator River to arrive in Darwin late afternoon for a celebration meal together.
Includes small group modern 4 wheel drive vehicles, FULLY ACCOMMODATED in motels, fees, side trips, Katherine Gorge cruise all meals.
5 Days/4 Nights – From Alice Springs to Darwin via Mataranka hot springs, Devils Marbles – Tour Code AGD5
Lake Eyre from Sydney to Alice Springs tour 5 days
Lake Eyre from Sydney to Alice Springs Tour 5 days
Lake Eyre from Sydney to Alice Springs Tour 5 days – Easter Tour Special via Broken Hill Coober Pedy and NSW Outback – Small group (max. 4 per 4WD) tour to explore the Far West of NSW with Broken Hill, Darling River from Wilcannia Menindee Lakes to Broken Hill, Flinders Ranges, Marree Lake Eyre Coober Pedy, Alice Springs
Easter Tour Special – LAKE EYRE via Broken Hill Coober Pedy and NSW Outback
Highlights of Lake Eyre from Sydney to Alice Springs Tour 5 days
Sydney to Alice Springs via Lake Eyre, Coober Pedy and Broken Hill
Parkes Radio Telescope – The Dish
Lake Cargellico
Menindee Lakes
Burke & Wills Campsite
Broken Hill – see the Desert Sculptures and dine at The Palace Hotel
Return optional tours or meets rail to Sydney or Adelaide
Flinders Ranges
Marree
Lake Eyre / Painted Hills flights options
Coober Pedy
The Breakaways
Alice Springs or Uluru option
Itinerary for Lake Eyre from Sydney to Alice Springs Tour 5 days
Day 1 – Depart Sydney for the Blue Mountains with morning tea at stunning views from Govetts Leap over the Grose Valley. Moving on via Lithgow to Bathurst and the fascinating history of the gold rush and Cobb & Co coaches. We travel via Orange to near Parkes to visit The Dish Exhibition Centre at the giant CSIRO operated radiotelescope that brought the 1st moon landing images to Earth. Back in Parkes, and less famous is the King’s Castle, Australia’s very own Elvis Presley museum created by the original yellow Wiggle Greg Page.
Heading west we travel beside the Indian Pacific railway route and visit Manildra, Bogan Gate and Condobolin, in extensive Murray Darling Basin wheat, grain, sheep, and cattle producing areas with a taste of the far west of NSW. Arrive for overnight at Lake Cargellico.
Day 2 – We depart for Hillston, once an important stop for the stagecoaches of Cobb and Co. then on via Ivanhoe on the Cobb Highway, part of the Kidman Way. Arriving in Menindee we visit Kinchega National Park, to view the birdlife of Menindee Lakes then to nearby Burke and Wills camp on the banks of the Darling River. It’s now a short hop to Broken Hill for dinner at the famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of the original murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill.
Explore Broken Hill highlights options include The Line of Lode Lookout, a mine tour, and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures or Lake Mungo or Mutawintji National Parks (optional extra day tour) for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history. Please ask if wanting this option.
Day 3 – From Broken Hill we cross the NSW / SA border travelling through saltbush country, via remote outback towns of Yunta, Oodla Wirra, Cradock, and Orrooroo, and the 3 gauge steam railway town of Peterborough. From Hawker, we skirt Wilpena Pound, and the awesome mountain scenery of the Heyson Range & Flinders Ranges. We cross the Goyder Line, view the Elder & Heyson Ranges, Wilpena Pound & Lake Torrens and visit the historic and award-winning Prairie Hotel at Parachilna with great outback art before arrival at our cosy overnight stop at Leigh Creek or Marree on some tours. L, D
Day 4 – At Marree we check out the ancient mosque, Old Ghan railway history and Lake Eyre Yacht Club. From Marree we follow the Old Ghan Railway Line and Oodnadatta Track to William Creek. From here we can take an optional 1 hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre. (Optional extensions
at extra cost). We visit the shores of Lake Eyre South and unique Mound Springs, which are permanent water flows from the Great Artesian Basin.
We connect with the wonder of the bird and plant life revitalized by recent flooding rains. We visit a favourite spot for birds (including brolgas) and birdwatchers. we traverse the moon plains to Coober Pedy for the night with a sleep underground option. Overnight Coober Pedy and a chance to buy opals or see some of the highlights of this unique place in Australian history and culture. . B L Dinner own purchase in local restaurant
Day 5 – From Coober Pedy we take a break at the spectacular colourful Breakaways – Desert Mesas where Mad Max movies were made. Then our onward journey via the SA / NT Border to Alice Springs (or Uluru option is available) to arrive at your accommodation around 5 pm.(B L ).
All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.
Inclusions –
4 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation – twin share or single supplement available – see booking link
Lake Eyre flights options
Genuine small group tour vehicle – usually max. 4 per 4WD Landcruisers
Corner CountryTours by luxury 4WD via Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Milparinka, Cameron Corner, Moomba, Innamincka to the famous NSW / QLD / SA Corner – 4, 5, 8, 10, 12 Day tours from Broken Hill Sydney and Adelaide exploring Sturt National Park Tibooburra, Milparinka, Moomba, Innamincka, Dig Tree, Cameron Corner – .
Includes 2 hour Cooper Creek cruise at Innamincka if operating – depends on river depth and local conditions
via Broken Hill to Broken Hill tour via Tibooburra, Milparinka, Cameron Corner, Moomba, Innamincka
Explore in the footsteps of Burke & Wills (visit the famous Dig Tree & historic reserve) this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders, known as Cameron Corner. Travel through Sturt National Park giant sheep stations from over 100 years ago, witness the Moomba oil fields & mighty Cooper Creek at Innamincka. Travelling in our luxury 4WD Landcruisers, you can stand at the famous Cameron Corner, and stay overnight at the “corner store”. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art sites and hear the tales of the great Cattle drives as we travel the Strzelecki Track – pioneered by Captain Starlight as he stole 1000 cattle from Queensland QLD in 1870. Later, Sidney Kidman & Co and many others made their fortunes on the track pioneered by Starlight.
Sturt National ParkSturt National Park ClaypanRoad Sign in Middle of Nowhere
Strzelecki Track History
Named after Polish Count Paul Edmund de Strzelecki, the ‘highway’ from Lyndhurst in the south to Innamincka and beyond in the north used to be one of the driest and loneliest tracks to transport mobs of fat cattle to the Adelaide market.
Today the southern point of the track is Lyndhurst, surveyed in 1896. Here Dutch born, self-taught Talc artist, poet, bush philosopher and supporter of the new flag for Australia, Cornelius Alferink has carved himself a place in outback art and modern history.
More than hundred years ago it was Captain Starlight, of Robbery under Arms fame, who gave the track notoriety. In 1870 Henry Arthur Readford, better known as Harry Redford, or Starlight, drove a thousand head of stolen cattle from Queensland, down the Barcoo and Cooper past Mount Hopeless, to Blanchewater where he sold them for $10,000. When finally apprehended in 1872, the now folk hero and his two accomplices were found not guilty.
In earlier days the track terminated at Farina and cattle from Avondale, Blanchewater, Cadelgo, Coongie, Cordillo Downs, Cullamurra, Haddon Downs, Innamincka, Merty Merty, Monte Collina, Mount Hopeless, Mount Lyndhurst, Murnpeowie, Nappa Merrie, Tinga Tingana, Titcha, and Wallelderdine were walked to its railhead to be transported to the southern markets.
Land at the southern end of the track was first taken up by John Baker at Blanchwater in 1857. At the northern end it were settlers from Warrnambool, Victoria, who gained pastoral leases in 1872. One of the first mobs of cattle to be walked down was in 1877, taking about ten weeks. The Strzelecki Track was last used by drovers during the 1930s.
Please Book Early as departure fast approaches Book Here or Ask Now: 1300 763 188
Early Bird Offers Outback and Kimberley Tours 2021
Early Bird Offers Outback and Kimberley Tours 2021 still give you Private, Small group luxury 4WDaccommodated camping or combination options or private charter tours in the Australian Outback to remote Wilderness areas, cattle stations, and Wandjina and Gwion Gwion / Bradshaw rock art sites.
Cockburn Range Kimberely Tours
Private, Small group luxury 4WD camping or accommodated Kimberley tours or private charter tours in the Australian Outback to remote nature, Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw)rock art sites.
Early Bird Offers Outback and Kimberley Tours 2021 are $600 per couple or $300 per person on 8 or more days booked by January 16, 2021 for tours in 2021.
Use Promo Code JAN16 at check out for $300 OFF per person AT THE LINK IN CALENDAR
NEW DATES are being added and some removed as time slots book up.
Your enquiry by email is preferred as this allows us to send more relevant information, and be more sure you have received it.
Private Kimberley tours are available for 2 – 4 people or more
Your adventure begins here …
If you don’t see what you want, we can best offer what you do want if you email or call to clarify –
Dates range you are available to travel
Number of people travelling with you ie group size
Accommodation preferences (motel / cabins / camping or a combination)
Duration of tour e.g. 8 – 12 days or longer
Direction e.g. can you travel in either direction. e.g. Uluru-Darwin or reverse, Darwin / Broome / Kununurra options – Broome to Broome, Darwin to Broome, Broome to Darwin or Kununurra start or finish
We have availability now for most tours but they are booking up quickly.
f you are flexible there may be more date options available to you
OR CALL 1300 763 188 or 0417 244 600 (from overseas +61 417 244 600)
Please ASK if any questions
Looking forward to showing you these special places for your Kimberley Gibb River Road Tours 2021 Broome to Broome or Darwin
Thank you
Richard O’Neill
Managing Director
Spirit Safaris
Sydney 02 8213 3225 Melbourne 03 9017 6862
Brisbane 07 3137 1607 Perth 08 6364 3651
Adelaide 08 8120 0366 Alice Springs 08 8120 0366
Local Call 1300 763 188 Mobile 0417 244 600 International +61 417 244 600
Canning Stock Route Tours 2021 from Broome or Alice Springs with Gunbarrel Highway
Explore the most remote 4WD journey in Australia via the Canning Stock Route Tours 2021 from Broome or Alice Springs with Gunbarrel Highway via the Great Sandy Desert, Tanami, Victoria and Gibson Deserts through gibbers, sandhills, ancient ranges, beautiful Desert Oak groves and salt lakes with this Canning Stock Route Tours 2021 from Broome or Alice Springs with Gunbarrel Highway
Join us Departing on this 15 -18 day tour from Alice Springs or Broome to Newman WA (to fly to Perth) or return to Broome via Marble Bar (16 days) or Alice Springs via the Gunbarrel Highway & Uluru
Our Canning Stock Route Tours travel the original Canning Stock Route created by Albert Canning in 1908 for Kimberley cattlemen to take their stock to the southern markets. The original route includes 51 wells and stretches 2,013 kilometres from Halls Creek to Wiluna. The Canning Stock Route now forms one of the most remote and challenging four wheel drive tracks in the world…. Our route takes us via awesome desert landscapes as we travel via the Great Sandy Desert, Tanami and Gibson Deserts through gibbers, sandhills, ancient ranges and salt lakes.
Campsite on Canning at Derba Springs
Our journey includes Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Billilluna Aboriginal Community, Lake Gregory (bird watchers paradise), Paraku Indigenous Protected Area, Lake Gregory, Wardabunni Rockhole, Durba Springs, Diebel Springs, Onegunyah Rockhole, Lake Disappointment, Helen Hill, Slate Range, Ural Native Title Well, Glen Ayle Station, then the rich mineral & Gold rush areas around Wiluna and Newman (with a BHP Mt Whaleback Mine tour option).
10 Top Tips for Outback Tour Travel from Spirit Safaris
This page and video introduces 10 Top Tips for Outback tour travel from Spirit Safaris. Your enjoyment and safety will benefit by checking this out. Spirit Safaris have been outback touring for near 30 years, and these unique helpful hints are intended to make your outback tour adventure more enjoyable.
For best photos bring a Black or Dark shirt to wear in light aircraft to minimise reflection on windows.
Kimberly early season from May catches greener grasses and fuller waterfalls but maybe some rain & road closures. Mid May / June to early September are optimum times for weather.
Bring old shoes (sneakers or crocs) for watery walks like through Tunnel Creek
Bring a good headlight torch, spare batteries & USB cable – You’ll be amazed how handy they are.
Pack up early for an early start – wildlife are out early to catch the early worms & avoid the days heat.
Mobile Phone coverage is slim. Telstra works best but virtually no coverage in the Kimberley, except public or our on board satellite phone.
Bring an extra plastic bag for wet swimmers or shoes.
A broad brimmed hat & long sleeved shirts are better sun protection than chemical & heavy metal sunscreens
Look away from passing vehicles to protect eyes and face, as stones often fly.
Take sensible strong shoes for some rocky dusty walks and sandals to relax.
Kimberley Tours for 2021 – Early Birds Save $500 – Booking Fast- Kimberley tours in 2021 are booking well, and big savings are available with prices at 2020 rates. – See https://www.spiritsafaris.com/kimberley_kakadu_tours
Canning Stock Route – From Alice Springs or Broome – See details – https://www.spiritsafaris.com/canning-stock-route-tours/
Private and Small Group Outback NSW Tours for 2-4 adults or families from 2-7 people per 4WD vehicle are now available from Sydney to Broken Hill, Corner Country, Mungo, Bourke and beyond, starting in June.
You are assured to be safe and comfortable with our 27 years experience with small and private group tours in remote areas and outback New South Wales.
With Covid-19 limitations, these private and small group tours are the best way to enjoy travel, have fun and keep your friends and family safe.
Next NSW Tours Depart Soon
October 29 – November 9- 2 SEATS LEFT – 12 days See the Best of NSW Outback on our 12 day NSW Outback Corner Country Mungo Broken Hill Darling River Bourke Tour. Fully accommodated in hotels/ motels highlights include great destinations and insights from Mungo, Warrumbungle, Kinchega & Gundabooka National Parks, Cameron Corner, Tibooburra, Milparinka, Burke & Wills Menindee campsite, Broken Hill, Bourke, Brewarrina, Darling River Run, Wentworth meeting of the Murray & Darling Rivers. Details here – https://spiritsafaris.rezdy.com/391372/nsw-outback-explorer-silo-art-corner-country-mungo-broken-hill-darling-river-bourke-sydney-return-12-days
With Covid-19 limitations, our private and small group tours are the best way to enjoy travel, have fun and keep your friends and family safe.
“These private and small group tours are a great way to escape Covid-19 lockdown and enjoy remote and outback wilderness areas, explore amazing parts of NSW, and support local communities while minimising Covid-19 risks” says Richard O’Neill, owner of Spirit Safaris. “Normally we operate in all states of Australia, so comply with the best safe work practices in the industry.”
People can travel as a couple or bring one or two of their friends and know that they are avoiding the crowds in buses or larger groups. As a small or private group, stops can be at the customers’ convenience or their places of special interest.
Broken Hill, which once had its own stock exchange, is a tour highlight. Guests visit the original BHP mine site, the Line of Lode memorial, Pro Harts Gallery, the Living Outback Sculptures and marvel at the history and size of the birthplace of the “Big Australian”, BHP. Shorter tours are also available that meet the train service to Sydney, and tour to Cameron Corner, Innamincka, Lake Eyre, Flinders Ranges and Coongie Lakes.
TheSilo Art Trailis part of the 12 day tour, and is a new phenomenon of massive and beautiful artworks on outback grain silos in remote country towns. The artworks are a photographers delight, with such uniquely Australian images.
Supporting regional communities with visitors and bringing much needed income to country towns affected by drought and or bushfires, is also a primary intention of these remote regional tours.
These very personal small group tours are connecting people to each other and unique nature and the extraordinary beauty and history in our own backyard.
“Our GXL Toyota Landcruisers have a proven safety record and are very comfortable, as expressed by many passengers over the years,” says Mr O’Neill, a fifth-generation Australian with strong family connections to the land.
The 12 day tour includes visiting such sites as the Siding Springs Observatory in the Warrumbungle Ranges near Coonabarabran, Mungo National Park, Broken Hill, and the Darling River Run, Burke and Wills camp on the banks of Menindee Lakes. People can take a cruise on the Jandra paddleboat from Bourke and revisit the ancient Aboriginal fish traps in Brewarrina that are more than 40,000 years old.
Silverton and the movie sets where Mad Max and other Aussie icons were made, is on the list, and guests dine at Mario’s Palace Hotel, still with its incredible artworks as revealed in the movie Pricilla Queen of the Desert fame.
Cameron Corner, the Dingo Fence and Tibooburra are included to really take in the best of Outback NSW
These Private and Small Group Outback NSW Tours commence from June 2020 through to November and then into 2021.
“This time of year we are usually operating tours in the Kimberley and remote areas such as the Canning Stock Route, Simpson Desert and from Broken Hill and South Australia including Lake Eyre, Arkaroola and the Flinders Ranges. The Covid-19 situation has caused us to consolidate, so travellers can now have an exciting adventure closer to home in New South Wales, reaching some of these unique places in these very capable and comfortable off-road vehicles.
Guests waiting in airport queues to catch a flight is also not needed, as tours depart Sydney or Broken Hill, and can often pick up guests enroute.
NSW Outback Corner Country Mungo Broken Hill Darling River Bourke Tour
See the Best of NSW Outback on our 12 day NSW Outback Corner Country Mungo Broken Hill Darling River Bourke Tour. Fully accommodated in hotels/ motels highlights include great destinations and insights from Mungo, Warrumbungle, Kinchega & Gundabooka National Parks, Cameron Corner, Tibooburra, Milparinka, Burke & Wills Menindee campsite, Broken Hill, Bourke, Brewarrina, Darling River Run, Wentworth meeting of the Murray & Darling Rivers.
Small group adventure (2-4 people per 4WD) for people who love to connect with regional Australia are our speciality, travelling in luxury Land Cruiser vehicles. Much of the tour includes the Silo At Trail which is transforming Australian regional towns. Join us on an adventure through rural Australia to witness these great masterpieces and the local hospitality. Options include a day tour to Mutawintji National Park for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history.
SEATS Available in October 29, 2020 / November 2020
Highlights of NSW Outback Corner Country Mungo Broken Hill Darling River Bourke Tour 12 days
Sydney to Broken Hill and return to Sydney
Portland Silo Art
Parkes Radio Telescope – The Dish
Canowindra – Age of Fishes Fossil Museum
Grenfell Silo Art
Weethalle Silo Art
Hay – Shear Outback Centre
Wentworth – Junction of the Darling & Murray Rivers + Megafauna Museum
Mungo National Park & China Walls sunset tour
Menindee – Lakes & Burke & Wills Camp
Broken Hill & Silverton – Pro Hart Gallery, mine tour, history, Mining & railway museums
Return optional tours or meets rail to Sydney or Adelaide
Packsaddle & Milparinka historic site
Depot Glen & Pooles Grave
Tibooburra granites, pastoral, art and mining history
Dog Fence & NSW State border
White Cliffs Opal fields (sleep underground)
Darling River Run via Pooncarie, Menindee Lakes, Wilcannia Tilpa & Louth