DESERT PATROL (7 Days Adelaide to Alice Springs)

Tour Details

Operator

Groovy Grape Getaways

Destinations

Ayers Rock (Uluru), Alice Springs, Flinders Ranges, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Coober Pedy, Kings Canyon and William Creek

Departs From

Alice Springs

Tour Description

The grooviest outback adventure around. We take you through the best of Australia'a desert wilderness. The Flinders Ranges, the old Ghan railway, William Creek, Coober Pedy, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and Watarrka (Kings Canyon).

Day 1:
We escape the city heading north to the Flinders Ranges and the jumping off point for our outback desert adventure. Passing through small country towns like Quorn and Hawker, the scenery gradually changes to the legendary landscapes of the oldest continent on earth. Tonight we stay at Angorichina, in the magnificent Parachilna Gorge.

Day 2:
Destination outback, with a day of driving the dirt ahead of us. From Marree, rich in its history of camel trains, along the Oodnadatta Track begins, we follow the Old Ghan Railway and its long abandoned railway settlements. This is remote remote territory now, with red, stony plains stretching to the horizon. At William Creek (SA’s smallest town) we camp under the desert stars.

Day 3:
Taking an isolated track through the world’s largest cattle station (Anna Creek), we head for the Opal capital of the world, Coober Pedy. We take an underground tour to learn about the history of Coober Pedy and its opal. Free time is then available to you to explore the charms of the town or look for opals on your own. Tonight we sleep like the locals, underground.

Day 4:
It’s a big day driving up the Stuart Highway with several pitstops en route. Our goal for the day is Uluru (Ayers Rock). We set up camp at Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) for nights four and five before watching the sunset over Uluru taking time to absorb the beauty and majesty of this place.

Day 5:
We spend the morning at Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), hiking the magnificent Valley of the Winds followed by lunch back at the camp. The afternoon is spent visiting the Cultural Centre and the chance to either releax or explore.

Day 6:
A sunrise breakfast at Uluru, followed by a cultural walk around the base. Hear about Tjukurpa (creation/law) leading you to an understanding of the cultural landscape. Time will be available for those wishing to climb. After lunch we drive to Watarrka (Kings Canyon). Camping tonight at Kings Creek station.

Day 7:
A morning at beautiful Watarrka, through the sandstone domes and down into the Garden of Eden. Cool off in the Garden of Eden waterhole before returning to camp for a feed. Then it’s on to our final destination Alice Springs. Approximate arrival time 6:30pm.