Arkaroola Wilpena Flinders Ranges Lake Eyre Tours –6 days/5 nights tour – Arkaroola Wilpena Flinders Ranges Lake Eyre Tours includes 4WD to Lake shore walk, wetlands walk birds area, spectacular Arkaroola walks or Ridge Top Tour (optional), spot endangered rock wallabies as we drive through Brachina & Bunyeroo Gorges, incredible rock art at Arkaroo Rock & Chambers Gorge. We also experience the Old Ghan Railway, Tom Kruse “Outback Mailman” from “Back of Beyond” mail truck & history, Oodnadatta Track, Birdsville Track, Marree, Leigh Creek, Copley, Lake Eyre National Park, Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, with walks & optional Lake Eyre and Wilpena Pound flights.

Arkaroola Wilpena Flinders Ranges Lake Eyre Tours  – Itinerary

Day 1  – From Adelaide pickup (or Broken Hill option) approximately 8 am from airport or Adelaide CBD for departure via spectacular mountain scenery as we travel via Clare Valley wine country, then in the foothills of the Flinders Ranges to Marree. Our journey takes us through rural South Australia to enjoy picturesque roadside stops for lunch and morning teas. Visit historic Quorn & Hawker, view Wilpena Pound and travel via the spectacular Heyson Range in the Flinders Ranges before arrival at Marree near Lake Eyre, for our comfy overnight stops. Enjoy a sunset walk and a relax at the bar before dinner & overnight at Marree Hotel. L, D

Day 2 –  From Marree we head up the Oodnadatta Track following the route of the Old Ghan Railway and Overland Telegraph Line to historic William Creek on Anna Creek Station (Australia largest cattle station). We take a 1 hour (optional 2 hours)  scenic flight over Lake Eyre. Our flight allows us to see the latest highlights of the ever changing vast environment. See the Warburton Groove, the main inflow channel to Lake Eyre, Elliot Price Conservation Park, Halligan Bay, Lake Eyre South and learn of the Marree Man (a 4 km long, giant engraving in the landscape). The day includes a visit to the lake shore and lookout over the vastness of the salt lake. Our adventure on the Oodnadatta Track includes connecting with the wonder of the bird and plant life at various creeks and waterholes on the route. We visit permanently flowing Mound Springs releasing water from the Great Artesian Basin, and restored Coward Springs and Curdimurka Old Ghan Railway Siding. On return to base, we see some of the sights of Marree, this once thriving Ghan Railway town at the junction of the Birdsville Track & Oodnadatta Track. Marree has an Aboriginal cultural centre, Railway Museum and is caretaker for some interesting railway relics, plus the old mail truck used by legendary Outback Mailman Tom Kruse on the run from Marree to Birdsville. Overnight Marree. B,L,D

Day 3 – Today we visit the Old Ghan Railway ghost town of Farina, view the giant Leigh Creek coal mine, the fascinating and colourful Ochre Pits and travel via old Ghan railway towns. At Copley we head east  through the stunning Gammon Ranges to Arkaroola.  There’s plenty to do here in this remote, rugged area, including scenic flights or relaxing walks in the paths by nearby creeks After a spectacular day, relax by the fireside and share your experiences. Overnight Arkaroola BLD

Day 4 – We head out on the Arkaroola highlight, the Ridge Top Tour or alternatively explore remote creeks and landscapes of Arkaroola. The 4.5 hour Ridge Top Tour showcases the magic of the Northern Flinders Ranges timeless terrain and unique natural beauty of the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Witness some of the most spectacularly rugged country on earth as you travel through Arkaroola’s 1600-million year geological history, as the inspiring images of red granite mountains and golden spinifex hillsides give way to a breath-taking view across the Freeling Heights, Lake Frome and the desert beyond. Overnight Arkaroola BLD

Day 5 – Today we leave Arkaroola & the Gammon Ranges to head south for Chambers Gorge, for insights and introductions to this stunning Aboriginal Rock Art Gallery and picturesque mountain and riverside landscape. Enjoy a walk in the gorge, and some of the most elaborate ceremonial rock art in Australia.  After morning tea we travel back-country roads that once supported a thriving wool industry, and head for the historic copper mining town of Blinman for insights into early days of the region. After lunch we cross through the Flinders, ABC and Heyson Ranges via Parachilna Gorge to the Prairie Hotel at Parachilna on the Old Ghan Railway Line,  for refreshments and viewing the oldest complex life forms -the Ediacaran Fossils, some of the oldest known examples of complex, multicellular animal life on Earth. We then join the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail & Bunyeroo Gorge through the ancient rock layers that uplifted to form this spectacular geology, including Wilpena Pound. Stunning lookouts are a highlight of this journey as we wind our way to Wilpena Pound for the evening, nestled amongst the River Red Gums. BLD

Day 6– This morning we recommend the spectacular optional scenic flight over Wilpena Pound.  There’s time also to enjoy the Wangarra Lookout & Hills Homestead walk into the Pound or other walks including Sacred Canyon. (more rock art).  Time permitting we visit the impressive Kanyaka Station & stone woolshed ruins as we follow the Old Ghan Line via Quorn, through the Pitchi Ritchie Pass and the breathtaking view of Spencers Gulf & Port Augusta to arrive Adelaide around 6pm, delivered to your accommodation or airport connection. B,L

Tour includes time for an optional 1 or 2 hours Flight Over Lake Eyre.

Inclusions –

• 5 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation – twin share or single supplement available – see booking link
• Genuine small group tour vehicle – usually max. 4 per 4WD Landcruisers
• Professional Driver Guide
• All meals
• Wild wildlife!!
• National Parks entry fees.
• Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.

Exclusions

• Flights to and from departure points
• Alcohol, personal items
• Arkaroola Ridge top tour – available as option when booking
• Lake Eyre & Wilpena Pound scenic Flights – available as option when booking