Central to South Explorer

Be met on arrival in Uluru and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before meeting your fellow travellers during a relaxed welcome dinner this evening. Stay Two Nights: Uluru, Sails in the Desert (D)

• Indulge in a Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars. Savour a glass of sparkling before helping yourself to a ‘bush tucker' inspired buffet accompanied by the music of a didgeridoo. At the same time, immerse yourself in the spectacular Field of Light art installation.

Cross into South Australia and arrive in the outback town of Coober Pedy. In order to avoid the heat, much of the town has been built underground, including your unique hotel. Its vast lunar-like landscapes have set the backdrop for many films, including 'Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome' and 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'. Stay Two Nights: Coober Pedy, Desert Cave Hotel (B/L/D)

Today will be spent exploring Coober Pedy in greater depth. Most of the world's opal comes from this tiny desert town, and you'll learn about how they are mined during a visit the Umoona Opal Mine. Explore the mine and get an insight into Indigenous and European settlement in the area. Return to your hotel for dinner this evening. (B/L/D)

• Traverse the remote Oodnadatta Track.
• Embark on a scenic flight to Birdsville.

Fly from Birdsville back to William Creek and enjoy a pub lunch before journeying to Lake Eyre South. Here, you'll walk on the dazzling salt flats subject to weather conditions. Explore the surrounding natural artesian mound springs, created from water deep within the Great Artesian Basin. Board an included scenic flight over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre to gain a bird's-eye view of this natural wonder. Keep an eye out for wildlife including the Lake Eyre dragon, as well as a variety of birdlife including corellas and wild emerald budgerigars.

Soar over an incredible area where, prior to entering Lake Eyre, the Warburton Creek opens up to a plain that resembles a birdlife filled playground when the area has seen recent flooding. From here you will gain an appreciation of how it cuts an amazing track though the Simpson Desert all the way from Queensland. Continue to your hotel in Marree for dinner. Stay: Marree Hotel (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• View the salt flats of the largest inland lake in Australia, Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre.

Today, explore Gammon Ranges National Park, famed for its rugged ranges and deep gorges. Arrive later at Arkaroola in the heart of the Gammon Ranges National Park. Stay: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary (B/L/D)

Explore Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, a cultural, historical and geological wonder renowned for its spectacular 800-million-year-old landscapes. Follow in the footsteps of Douglas Mawson as you spend the afternoon in the geological site of Brachina Gorge. Keep an eye out for the endangered yellow-footed rock-wallaby as you explore the quartzite-ridged gorge, which was once used as a thoroughfare where bullock teams pulled their loads. Set amongst river red gums and native pines, Wilpena Pound Resort is the perfect base for exploring Wilpena Pound National Park. Stay Two Nights: Wilpena Pound Resort (B/L/D)

This morning is yours to explore at leisure. Perhaps take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound to gain a true appreciation of this natural wonder (additional expense). After Lunch, embark on a guided walk to explore the incredible natural surrounds of Wilpena Pound.

This evening, enjoy dinner back at your resort, before retreating to your deck with relaxing vistas of the bush. (B/L/D)

• Visit the highly acclaimed Watervale Hotel for a delightful meal featuring local produce from their organic, bio-dynamic farm in the Clare Valley.

After breakfast, farewell your new-found friends and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)