SA Eco Tours Lake Eyre Tours

PLEASE NOTE that this tour does not depart from Adelaide. Take a plane, train or bus to Coober Pedy and there join our 5-day 4WD safari to Adelaide. Tour departs Coober Pedy on day 1 at approximately 2pm.

Coober Pedy is in northern South Australia, 850 km north of Adelaide, about half-way to Alice Springs. The town is sometimes referred to as the "opal capital of the world" because of the quantity of precious opals that are mined there.
Coober Pedy is renowned for its below-ground residences, called "dugouts", built in this fashion due to the scorching daytime heat. Although the summer daytime surface temperature often exceeds 40 °C (104 °F), dugouts remain at a constant temperature.
Coober Pedy is situated on the edge of the erosional scarp of the Stuart Ranges and is topped with a stony, treeless desert. Very little plant life exists in town due to the region's low rainfall, high cost of water, the sandstone bedrock and lack of topsoil.

DAY 1
Meet our group at approx. 8am for breakfast at the Desert Cave Café. Spend a leisurely morning visiting underground churches, opal shops and displays. Learn about the area on a guided mine tour to see how these hardy folks live.
After lunch we depart Coober Pedy crossing the famous dingo fence (the longest man made structure in the world) this helps to keep the wild dogs up north away from the sheep stations further down.

Travel along the red sand hill tracks through Anna Creek station to William Creek. This remote town stands out like an oasis in the desert, halfway between Adelaide to Alice Springs. Enjoy an ice cold beer at the bar of this famous Outback Pub that has a rich history of stockman, camels and life in the bush.

Optional extra: Lake Eyre & Painted Desert Scenic Flights.

Overnight: William Creek Cabin
Meals:
(B) Included: Continental
(L) Own expense: Café/Bakery
(D) Included: Hotel Meal
DAY 2
Continue our epic journey down the famous Oodnadatta Track, following the historic route of the Cameleers. This area has a rich history of Aboriginal culture and pioneering settlements. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the edge of Lake Eyre South National Park. This is where Sir Donald Campbell broke the land speed record in 1964 in the Blue Bird. Visit thermal springs that have been the life blood of this arid land for centuries.
Arriving at Maree late afternoon, check out the old Afghan mosque and relics of our pioneering days. This historic town is where Outback legend Tom Kruse left on his epic mail run deliveries to Birdsville and beyond.

Overnight: Maree Cabins

Meals:
(B) Included: Continental
(L) Included: Picnic lunch
(D) Included: Pub Meal


DAY 3

Venturing further east into the remote outback of Australia, we will cross ancient creek beds that meander out to Lake Frome. Witness a stunning change in the landscape from spectacular deserts to the ancient mountains of the Gammon Range. Arriving at the Arkaroola Village around lunch time you will have time to relax and take in this world renowned area of stunning beauty. Alternatively take the exhilarating 4wd ridge top tour to the top of Mt Siller or maybe a scenic flight over this breathtaking land.
Optional extra: The Famous Arkaroola 4wd Ridge Top Tour
Optional extra: Flights over the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Optional extra: Night sky observatory
Overnight: Arkaroola Wilderness Lodge
Meals:
(B) Included: Continental
(L) Own expense: Arkaroola Café
(D) Included: Arkaroola Restaurant
DAY 4
This morning we travel south along the top of Lake Frome which can been seen in the distance from vantage points at which our early explorers once stood. See the Red Sandhill country that holds thousands of years of sacred beliefs to the Adnyamathanha aboriginal people.
Have lunch at the old copper mining town of Blinman, the highest town is SA. Our local guide will drive you on a wonderful journey through the secluded and ever-changing creek beds of Brachina Gorge, known as The Corridors Through Time. This is an area alive with wildlife and boasts a remarkable geological history including Ediacaran fossils. World-renowned South Australian painter, Sir Hans Heysen, was inspired by this country and painted many of his landscapes here. Take that special photograph or just enjoy some of the most spectacular outback scenery there is.
As the sun becomes low in the sky we will follow the road through a landscape of absolute beauty. Wildlife including Kangaroos, Emus and Wedge-tailed Eagles are prolific in this rugged terrain and are usually spotted in the late afternoon.
Overnight: Wilpena Pound Resort, Rawnsley Park Station or Quorn Motel (depending on availability)
Meals:
(B) Included: Continental
(L) Own expense: Blinman Café
(D) Own expense: Restaurant
DAY 5
Enjoy an early morning walk, breathe in the fresh air while listening to the unique sounds of the Australian Bush. Spend a relaxing morning travelling back to Adelaide along the eastern side of the magnificent Flinders Ranges with its mighty red gum forests. The land will change into lush expanses of natural rural beauty as we head south. Enjoy a break in the world-famous Clare Valley wine region.
No doubt you will leave with life-long memories to share with family and friends about your journey to the Flinders Ranges & Outback Australia!
Meals:
(B) Included: Continental
(L) Own expense: Café/Bakery


Please note:

CODE (B) (L) (D) indicates which meals are included and which meals are at the passengers own expense.
Optional extras are on request and can only be booked while on tour!
Advertised itineraries & vehicles may change due to circumstances beyond our control.
Printable itinerary: click here to view

Optional extras can be booked with us during your tour and payment made to the provider directly.

Advertised itineraries and vehicles may change due to circumstances beyond our control.

If you are interested in this tour but cannot travel on any of the dates listed, please contact us directly and we can arrange additional tour dates.