Great Southern Lands - SOLD OUT

STYLE - Easy Adventure

Accommodaiton - 3 - 4 Star / Escorted

Fitness - good level of mobility / able to walk 5km

Suggested flights:

Fred and I will be travelling to Adelaide

• 27 June arriving at 13.10
• 7 July departing at 13.50 on qantas flights. *

ITINERARY

Day 1 - June 27, 2024: Arrival in Adelaide and Group Dinner

Your journey begins in Adelaide by bringing together fellow travellers to kickstart our adventure.  Make your own way to the Adelaide Oval Hotel, in time for the group dinner leaving the hotel at 5pm. Additional pre-tour accommodation is available at $275 per night including breakfast. (D)

Day 2 - June 28, 2024: Clare Valley & Port Augusta

You'll embark on our journey to Clare Valley, a region renowned for its natural beauty and world-class wineries. Here, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a wine tasting and tour, savouring the flavours of the region before lunch in a winery. Later, we'll travel to Port Augusta, where the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden awaits our exploration. Our day concludes with a comfortable overnight stay at the Majestic Oasis in Port Augusta. (B,L)

Day 3 - June 29, 2024 : Coober Pedy

Continuing our adventure, we'll make our way to Coober Pedy, a unique and fascinating town known for its underground opal mines. Explore one of these mines and discover the secrets hidden beneath the earth's surface. After an intriguing day, you'll retire to the Mud Motel in Coober Pedy and even enjoy a show at the Drive-In. (B,D)

Day 4 - June 30, 2024 : Coober Pedy & The Breakaways

Our stay in Coober Pedy continues as we delve deeper into its intriguing landscapes and culture. The stunning Breakaways Reserve beckons with its mesmerizing beauty. A guided exploration of a nearby fossil site, led by a palaeontologist, offers a unique insight into the region's prehistoric past. (B)

Day 5 - July 1, 2024: Maree Hotel

Today, we'll journey to Marree, covering 500km in approximately 7.5 hours. Along the way, we'll stop at William Creek and convene at Maree Hotel to rest and recharge for the adventures ahead.  (B,D)

** OPTIONAL - Alternatively take the scenic flight over Lake Eyre, Painted Hills and catch a glimpse of Maree Man from the sky unique aerial view of Stuart's Giant. This modern geoglyph was discovered in 1998 and appears to depict an Indigenous Australian man hunting with a boomerang or stick.

Day 6 - July 2, 2024 : Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary & Nilpena Fossil Site

The next leg of your journey takes you to the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, a place of pristine natural beauty, and recently designated as a Dark Sky Sanctuary. Here, you'll explore the Nilpena Fossil Site with a local expert, delving into the ancient history preserved in the rocks.  (B,D)

** OPTIONAL TOUR - Overnight Ridgetop Sleepout

Embark on a 4WD journey to Streitberg Ridge campsite. Explore, discuss sciences, and enjoy breathtaking views. Unwind, savour dinner, stargaze, and sleep under the stars. Experience the outback's magic.

Day 7 - July 3, 2024: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary & Lake Eyre

The day features a Ridgetop Tour, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, and you'll spend the night in Arkaroola.

Further exploration of the sanctuary follows, immersing you in its unique ecosystem. Your day concludes with another peaceful night of stargazing in Arkaroola. (B,D)

** OPTIONAL TOUR - Scenic flight to Lake Eyre

Take a full or half-day tour from Arkaroola to Lake Eyre, witnessing the stunning landscapes of red granites, gorges, and deserts. The flight offers a unique view of Strzelecki and Tirari Deserts and Lake Eyre. The full-day tour includes a stop at William Creek Hotel and a visit to the Painted Hills, showcasing even more of the breathtaking terrain.

** OPTIONAL TOUR - Milparinka

Embark on a breathtaking journey to Milparinka, where history meets celestial wonder. Join us on a scenic flight to this remarkable Dark Sky Park, meticulously crafted by Fred and Marnie. Discover the footsteps of pioneers in the historic gold town of Milparinka, where the spirit of adventure awaits.

Day 8 - July 4, 2024: Wilpena Pound

Today, you'll journey to the iconic Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre of immense geological significance. At the Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre, you'll gain insights into the area's history and unique features. You'll enjoy a restful overnight stay within the heart of this natural wonder. (B,D)

Day 9 - July 5, 2024: Wilpena Pound & Flinders Ranges

Delve into the geological wonders of the Flinders Ranges with the guidance of a local geologist. Your adventure continues as you explore Brachina Gorge, famous for its rich fossil history and unique geological formations. You'll return to Wilpena Pound for another night in this captivating environment. 

*** OPTIONAL SCENIC FLIGHT:  20 minute scenic flight provides a fantastic view of our surrounds where you will see Wilpena Pound from the air with the resort nestled in among the River Red Gums just near the Pound Gap. You will also see the Elder Range, Edeowie Gorge, Lake Torrens, the Heysen Range and St. Mary Peak.(B,D)

Day 10 - July 6, 2024: Mannum & Murray River

Leaving the Flinders Ranges, you'll travel to Mannum, a charming town nestled along the banks of the Murray River. Here, you'll discover the river's fascinating ecology and rich history from a river cruise. The day concludes with accommodation at the Mannum Hotel after a memorable stargazing farewell dinner in the Dark Sky Reserve. (B,D)

Day 11 - July 7, 2024: Departure from Adelaide

As your adventure draws to a close, you'll return to Adelaide Airport for your departure. (B) (Flights after 1.45pm.)

Price per person

Twin/ double share - $5790 pp 

Single - $5790 + supplement $1250

** Optional flight from William Creek

1/2 day Lake Eyre, William Creek, Maree Man - $950 (3 pax min)

** Optional Tours from Arkaroola

Ridegtop Sleepout - $2100pp

1/2 day Lake Eyre scenic flight  - $850 (3 pax min) 

Full day Lake Eyre scenic flight  - $1080 (3 pax min)

1/2 day Milparinka historic flight  - $650 (3 pax min)

** Optional flight from Wilpena Pound

20mins scenic flight - $225 pp 

Inclusions:

· Tour Host – Fred Watson

· Tour Manager – Marnie Ogg

· Accommodation as listed

- Motorcoach transfers

· Breakfast and Dinner daily

· Entry to all sights, and activities listed

· Air-conditioned motorcoach and driver

· Local Guides, behind-the-scenes experiences

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Not included:

· Optional scenic flights ^

· Optional Ridgetop Sleepout

· Flights into / out of Adelaide

· Tips

· Drinks

· Items of personal nature

 

NOTES

Tour itinerary and pricing are subject to change at any time. Your place is confirmed on receipt of a non-refundable deposit. Finals are due 60 days prior to departure. Please see our terms and conditions for cancellation details.  

If the minimum numbers (16 pax) are not met, alternative travel arrangements may be made, however in the instance that this is not possible, the tour may be cancelled. and your deposit returned. Please note twin rooms are based on two co-travellers sharing a room - if you choose this option as a single traveller, you may be required to pay the full supplement in the event no other single traveller wishes to share. There are only 4 single rooms available throughout the journey and travel insurance is required to participate.

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Deposit:

$500 pp  - nonrefundable but is transferable

Final Payment - 28 April 2024