|
Day 1 – Thursday
25 June 2009 – Depart from Sydney – travelling via the famous
“Dog on the Tucker Box” over the Great Dividing Range to Wagga Wagga,
and on to Narranderra in the Heart of Australia
food bowl, the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area,
then Hay for a hearty local meal and overnight
stop.
Day 2 – See the Shearers Hall of fame
at Shear Outback and learn of the rich life in the wool industry in
early NSW. We travel through the Western Plains parallel to the Murray
River to the junction of the Darling River at Wentworth – a mighty
sight of Australia’s 2 great rivers. See evidence of giant
wombats (Diprotodon) and Australia’s megafauna who roamed this ancient
land. Enjoy sunset over the River as we
relax before overnight in wine country in Renmark.
 |
 |
|
Flinders Ranges – Wilpena Pound
|
Murray
River Steamer “Melbourne”
|
Day 3 – We have
entered South Australia and now travel through rural river
towns in the rich South Australian wine growing districts from Renmark.
We leave the river and head for the hills, on our way to Peterborough
(great railway junction) and the Flinders Ranges National Park to
overnight at Wilpena Pound.
Day 4 – Enjoy a walk in Wilpena Pound
with the magnificent River Red Gums and scenic Flinders Ranges. Visit
stunning Aboriginal rock art before we travel via picturesque Brachina
Gorge. Enjoy tasty treats at the Quandong Cafe before heading to Marree
(visit the old Afghan mosque) on the route of the Overland Telegraph
and Old Ghan Railway for the Oodnadatta Track a notorious outback route
that paved the way to the Australian inland. Overnight camp at Coward
Springs oasis.
Optional alternative – Scenic flight from around $100 for 40
mins over Wilpena Pound, Arkaba Station, Elder Range, Edeowie Gorge,
Lake Torrens, Heysen Range St Mary’s Peak and the Pound Gap.
Day 5 – Relax at the springs or join an optional Roxby Down
and Olympic Dam mine tour. This is likely the worlds largest and
richest mine. After lunch we continue on the Oodnadatta Track, passing
Lake Eyre, the old Ghan Railway track – take an optional scenic air
flight over Lake Eyre during a lunch stop at remote William Creek.
Relax with a hearty meal at the opal town of Coober Pedy and a cozy
underground bed dug into the earth the opal mining way. Try your luck
at opal mining !
 |
 |
Sunset over the Simpson Desert |
Chambers Pillar |
Day 6 – Highway desert travel & salt
lakes lets you appreciate the remote and vast outback. Witness modern
outback “oasis” centres and the bustling life of the outback
roadhouses. Marvel at Mt Connor looming large in the desert landscape.
Arrive at Yulara and Uluru for sunset and full friendly BBQ feed.
Overnight Uluru
Day 7 – Visits to Aboriginal cultural centre. Meet local Aboriginal elder and welcome to country. Walk at
Kata Tjuta “Valley of the Winds”. Lunch at Kata Tjuta.
Witness the majestic sunset at Uluru. Uluru base walks. Campfire and
evening meal. Community elders meetings
when available. Overnight
Uluru
Day 8 – Sunrise
at Uluru. Breakfast by the rock. Uluru base walks available. Tour
ends 10 am – options to extend time for personal time at rock.
Tour ends after breakfast or join us on the next leg to the Western
MacDonnell Ranges. Or travel to Alice Springs (option)
and join an optional trip to Chambers Pillar &
Rainbow Valley or Palm Valley & Hermannsburg.
Inclusions –
- Celebration
dinner at journey end.
All healthy meals, camp gear (bedding options available) - Parks
entry and camping fees,
- Visit
to Aboriginal Art communities for “direct from artist” purchases,
- Percent
of price supports Outback Kids Fund.
A knowing that you are co-creating Australia’s past, present and future.- You
– and Your involvement in a creation much bigger than most can imagine
Key Benefits
- Travel
1/2 way Across Australia and enter the Heartlands Alive!!
- Explore
& discover remote sacred sites
Visit and meet remote Aboriginal communities- Tap
your new creativity
- Support
local communities
|
