Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Pick up is from your Adelaide accommodation between 6.30am and 7.00am. We head north to one of earth's oldest mountain ranges, the Flinders Ranges. After lunch visit an Aboriginal art site at Yourambulla Caves, where our guide will introduce you to the history of the Flinders Ranges. The stories of the local Adnyamathanha people are the beginning of your journey into learning and respecting the Aboriginal people of our ancient land. Then to Hawker, once a thriving railway town, and now the hub of the Flinders Ranges. After exploring this fascinating town we head to Arkaba Homestead along the Scenic Moralana drive, between the south-western wall of Wilpena Pound and the dramatic Elder Range. A peaceful evening is spent exploring the area with it's abundant flora and fauna. Witness the first sunset of the tour in this amazing country. All help to set up camp, roll out swags and enjoy a wholesome campfire cooked meal. Sleep happy and contented under millions of stars.
Day 2: Awake to the friendly call of a kookaburra, nosy kangaroos and marvel at the Australian bush. After breakfast we make for Wilpena Pound to bush walk and photograph this amazing natural amphitheater, one of the unique wonders of the world. Enjoy lunch in the heart of Wilpena Pound, followed by an awe-inspiring drive through the northern side of Wilpena through some of the oldest landscapes on earth. We may even be lucky enough to spot the endangered Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby. This is a spectacular geographical experience where you will pass through 130 million years of earth history. Then to Iga Warta Aboriginal Community where the afternoon is spent with the traditional custodians of our land. Here we take time to hear their creation stories (dreaming) and spend an evening around the campfire. Learn about the Aboriginal culture through their music and campfire story telling.
Day 3: Leave the splendor of the rugged mountain scenery and head further north into the outback. A morning stop at the Bush Bakery at Copley for a fresh coffee and maybe a kangaroo or emu pie. Bush tucker made easy! Now it is time to hit the famous Oodnadatta track and follow the historic cameleer route and the old Ghan Railway, a constant reminder of our pioneering history. Further north to Marree for lunch and visit the Arabunna Aboriginal Center, where we see aboriginal art and weapons, culture and local history. Next into the desert, crossing the dingo fence, onto Lake Eyre South, and cool off in a thermal waterhole at Coward Springs. Collect firewood. Old Ghan Railway sleepers make excellent cooking coals. Enjoy a nice cool beer at a real outback pub at William Creek, population 3. Set up camp in the red sand dunes on the world's largest cattle station.
Day 4: Sunrise in the dunes heralds a new day of wonder. Head into Coober Pedy, the famous opal capital of the world. Take a well-earned hot shower before touring this amazing place. We take you underground, and learn the techniques of mining and production. Stock up on provisions in Coober Pedy, ready for the Painted and Simpson Deserts. This afternoon, head northeast back to the Oodnadatta Track across dry river beds lined with Coolabah trees and onto the Painted Desert. Set up camp after a walk of a million views, and talk over the day and watch the sun go down as the huge desert red kangaroos bounce by.
Day 5: Morning at the Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta is an interesting coffee spot in the middle of nowhere. Wander through this old railway town and visit an outback school, and a hospital which is serviced by the Flying Doctor Service. Have a yarn with some local aboriginal people. Push north into the Simpson Desert and perhaps deliver mail and provisions to the remote cattle stations of Mt Sarah and Hamilton. 4WD over the red sand dunes of one of the most spectacular deserts in the world. Watch out for wild camels, horses, dingoes and wedge tail eagles. A swim and lunch at Eringa Waters. The waterholes are great spots for wildlife. At the end of the day we are at Dalhousie hot springs (winter only), where we swim by moonlight in this desert oasis, soak in the 30 degree thermal springs. Big fire, big dinner and into the swags.
Day 6: Today we hit the track early and head to Finke, a traditional aboriginal community, restock with water, maybe get to meet some of the central desert aboriginal people who live in this remote settlement. Our journey then takes us past Lamberts Center which is the geographical center of Australia. Then it is the big one; Uluru (Ayres Rock). We will arrive in time for sunset over this spiritual monolith. This is the home of the Anungu, the traditional custodians and protectors of this sacred land.
Day 7: This morning you are rewarded with a life long memory of watching sunrise over Uluru. We take you on a guided walk around the rock explaining to you the spiritual importance Uluru has to the aboriginal people. After the 9km hike we make our way to the Cultural Center for lunch. Relax and learn the ways and listen to stories of Anungu through the displays and educational information.
Day 8: This morning we head out to another sacred area for the Anungu and hike through the spectacular canyons and ancient rock formations of Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) Learn about some of the bush tucker that grows in this area and photograph some of the most beautiful scenery the desert has to offer. After lunch we travel on towards Watarrka National Park and set up camp in the red sand hills protected by the majestic desert oak trees.
Day 9: Regarded as one of the most rewarding walks of the tour, we spend approximately 5 hours exploring Kings Canyon. Trek to places like the Amphitheater, and the Lost City. If it is hot enjoy a swim in the Garden of Eden water hole. You will be fascinated by the amazing colors and spectacular scenery. Spend the afternoon exploring the huge comet crater at Gosses Bluff, and perhaps search for the elusive Thorny Devil. If time permits we will visit such places as Hermannsburg and Palm Valley. At days end, we settle down for our last night together, camped in the center of Australia. Roll out your swag in front of the fire and fall asleep under the desert sky.
Day 10: A well-earned sleep in today is the reward for our hardy outback explorers. We travel along the Western MacDonnell Ranges stopping at Glen Helen Gorge then Ormiston Gorge. Have a swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole or Simpson Gap before entering Alice Springs at around 5.00pm. Tonight it is time to get cleaned up, let your hair down and hit the town. The last ten days together, sharing this unique experience will leave you with an enormous sense of achievement. Our trips are led by experienced driver/guides who have a genuine interest in aboriginal history and culture.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Plus land content fees which we pay directly to the Aboriginal communities, National Parks and outback businesses and communities that we visit and support.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
Australia
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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