Day 1: Flinders Ranges
Your epic journey departs Adelaide and heads north visiting coastal villages with their rich maritime history. By lunch time you are in the Flinders Ranges, one of oldest mountain ranges on earth. Walk through Mambray Creek National Park, where you have spectacular views of the mountains and Spencer Gulf. Enjoy lunch surrounded by towering peaks that are as old as time itself. Kangaroos and emus are abundant in this area. Travel through the picturesque Pichi Richi Pass to the classic old township of Quorn, which was once the start of the original Ghan Railway. Head out on the dirt tracks and search for the rare Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies at Warren Gorge Conservation Park before settling in to a wholesome camp-cooked meal. Roll out your swags and sleep happy and contented under millions of stars.
Meals: (L) (D) Flush toilets available during the day
Night 1 ~ Bush camp, drop toilet, no running water.
Day 2: Flinders Ranges
Today visit an Aboriginal ceremonial site, where you will see rock art dating back thousands of years. Continue to Wilpena Pound for a beautiful bush walk with magnificent views of this amazing natural amphitheatre, one of the unique wonders of the world. Lunch is in the heart of Wilpena Pound, followed by an awe-inspiring drive along the northern side of Wilpena through the famous Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges known as the ‘Corridors Through Time’. This spectacular journey will show you 900 million years of geological history where you will see fossils dating back to the beginning of life on earth.
Meals: (B) (L) (D) Showers and flush toilets available at lunch time.
Night 2 ~ Bush camp, drop toilet, no running water
Day 3: Oodnadatta Track
Leave the splendour of the rugged mountain scenery and travel north into the outback of Australia. At Lyndhurst you begin your epic journey up the famous Oodnadatta Track, following the historic route of the Cameleers and the Old Ghan Railway. At Marree we explore this remote outback town which is also the beginning of the famous Birdsville Track. This area has a rich history of Aboriginal culture and pioneering settlements, including many ghost towns.
Cross the Dingo Fence which is the longest man made fence in the world. This helps to keep the wild dogs up north away from the sheep stations further down. Check out Lake Eyre South, which is approximately 11m below sea level. The Lake Eyre Basin is about the size of Belgium.
Visit thermal springs that have been the life blood of this arid land for centuries.
Meals: (B) (L) (D)
Showers and flush toilets available at lunch time.
Night 3 – Bush camp, prepare our own toilet, no running water.
Day 4: Coober Pedy
Anna Creek Station, Moon Plains & Painted Desert
In the morning, visit the remote and unique William Creek Pub, population currently 6. Then travel through Anna Creek Station, the largest cattle station in Australia! Arriving at Coober Pedy, the opal mining capital of the world, go underground on a mine tour and watch an opal
cutting display. You will have the opportunity to purchase this rare gemstone direct from the mine. Meet the locals who live in houses under the ground in one of the most arid landscapes in the world.
You now venture out into the real outback to the Painted Desert and camp amongst the beautiful Arckaringa Hills. No bus tours out here mate!
Meals: (B) (L) (D)
Showers and flush toilets available at lunch time.
Night 4 – Bush camp, prepare our own toilet, no running water.
Day 5: Simpson Desert
Continue your 4WD expedition to the Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta, the last sign of civilisation before heading out into the Simpson Desert. Oodnadatta has Australia’s first Royal Flying Doctor Clinic which is still operating. Later in the day continue into the remote outback of South Australia, crossing the red sand hills of the Simpson Desert.
WINTER: Soak the night away in a desert oasis at Dalhousie Hot Springs where the thermal water bubbles up from the Great Artisan Basin at approximately 32°C.
SUMMER: Head to Eringa Waterhole and Mt Dare.
Meals: (B) (L) (D)
Shower and flush toilets available at lunch time.
Night 5
WINTER: Bush camp near hot spring, shower and drop toilet available.
SUMMER: Bush camp, prepare our own toilet, no running water.
Day 6: Centre Of Australia
Further into the desert we go to Mount Dare, an old outback cattle station to re-fuel and stock up on supplies. Onto Finke, a traditional Aboriginal community (Note: this is not a tourist area, respect and privacy are required). Then it is onto Lambert Centre, the geographical centre of the Australia. Heading Bush is currently the only company to take our intrepid travellers to experience this incredibly remote outback area.
Spend the afternoon travelling into the heart of Central Australia, exploring this unique and diverse land, which is alive with desert animals of all types.
Meals: (B) (L) (D)
Showers and flush toilets available at Mount Dare.
Night 6 – Bush camp, prepare our own toilet, no running water.
Day 7: Uluru
Base walk, Cultural Centre & Sunset at The Rock an exciting morning heading to Uluru. Spend time at the cultural centre where you can relax and learn the ways and listen to stories of the Anangu through displays and educational information. Join our guided walk around the base of Uluru which introduces you to the traditional food sources and spirituality of this area. Witness sunset over this ancient monolith with your small group of fellow adventurers.
Meals: (B) (L) (D)
Night 7 – Camp at Yulara camp ground, full facilities.
Day 8: Sunrise over Uluru
Kata Tjuta (The Olgas),Valley of the Winds walk Sunrise at Uluru then head out to another sacred area for the Anangu and hike through the spectacular canyons and rock formations of Kata Tjuta/ The Olga’s. Learn about some of the bush tucker that grows in the area and photograph some of the most beautiful scenery the desert has to offer.
After lunch, travel north towards Watarrka National Park and set up camp in the red sand hills protected by the majestic desert oak trees.
Meals: (B) (L) (D)
Showers and flush toilets available in the morning at Yulara.
Night 8 – Bush camp, prepare our own toilet, no running water.
Day 9: Kings Canyon
Regarded as one of the most rewarding walks of the tour, we spend approximately four hours exploring Kings Canyon. Trek to places like the Amphitheatre and the Lost City in this land of the Luritja Aboringinal people. Take time and soak up this ancient and special area.
In the afternoon, continue north west through more red desert sand dunes covered with an amazing diversity of native flora. Pass the huge comet crater at Gosses Bluff and perhaps find the elusive Thorny Devil which survive in this arid land.
Set up camp in the magnificent Western MacDonnell Ranges.
Meals: (B) (L) (D)
Shower and flush toilets available at lunch time.
Night 9 – Bush camp, drop toilet, no running water.
Day 10: Western Macdonnell Ranges
Swim, Laugh, Explore, Alice Springs
Stop and say g’day to the outbush folks at Glen Helen then onto Ormiston Gorge. You will be able to swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole or Simpson Gap before entering Alice Springs at around 5.00pm. Then get cleaned up, and hit the town with your new Heading Bush mates!.
These last ten days together, sharing this unique experience will leave you with a great sense of
achievement, fulfillment and new friends for life.
Meals: (B) (L)
Departs: 6:30am Thursday, Second Monday of every month from your Adelaide accomodation
Arrives: Approx 5-6pm, drop off at your Alice Springs accomodation
Extra Costs:
Safety
What to bring
