Oodnadatta Track to Clare Vineyards

Tour Details

Operator

The Adventure Collective

Destination

Adelaide

Departs From

Alice Springs

Tour Description

ALICE SPRINGS TO ADELAIDE - 7days / 6 nights
HIGHLIGHTS: Coober Pedy, opal mining, Oodnadatta track, Flinders Ranges National Park, Clare Valley Vineyards

2008 Departure Date: 12-18th November

Day 1
Following the old telegraph line down the Stuart highway, we travel towards our destination, the infamous opal mining town of Coober Pedy where many of the town’s inhabitants live underground! (L, D)

Day 2
Riding from Coober Pedy we pass opal mine diggings as we head towards our destination: the famous William Creek Hotel (population: 2) on the Oodnadatta track. The famous old track was once part of an ancient Aboriginal trade route providing access for the trade of ochre in exchange for pituri (a narcotic from the Simpson Desert). The stark endless gibber plains that you’ll ride though is extremely remote and hosts the largest cattle station in the world, Anna Creek Station, which is 34,000 square kilometres… larger than Belgium!) (B, L, D)

Day 3
As we cycle our way along some of this historic old track, many of the ruins from the days when the original ‘Ghan’ train passed through, can still be seen. After today’s ride, we come upon the oasis of the Coward Springs wetlands complete with natural artesian spa! We also pass by the historic towns of Marree and camp at the ghost town of Farina. (B, L, D)

Day 4, 5 & 6
These three days are spent exploring the steep ridges, gorges, pools and rolling plains of the ancient Flinders Ranges National Park. Kangaroos, Emus and an abundance of bird life can easily be seen as we take in the spectacular panorama viewed from sections of the Mawson (cycle) Trail. There may also be time for a bushwalk to view the extraordinary geological formation of Wilpena Pound. We leave the Flinders Ranges in the afternoon of day 6 and travel to Clare, the heart of the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia. DAY 4 & 6 (B, L); DAY 5 (B, L, D)

Day 7
After cycling along the scenic Riesling Trail, we have opportunity to spend our last day in luxury; wine tasting our way through this spectacular region. We arrive into Adelaide in the late afternoon. We are sure you will enjoy these seven days of unique cycling adventure! (B)