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Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre & Wilpena Pound

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 Trip Length
7 Days
 Trip Starts
Adelaide
 Trip Finishes
Adelaide
7 Day Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre & Wilpena Pound Itinerary (Outback Spirit)
Countries Explored: Australia
Trip Operator
No Reviews
Trip Style
4WD Adventure
Accommodation
3.5 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
26
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
KTLEWP

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Outback Spirit's 7 Day Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre & Wilpena Pound. Since 2009, Outback Spirit have welcomed over 10,000 guests on our unique Lake Eyre adventures. Come aboard with us and you’ll see why when it comes to Lake Eyre, no-one can showcase this breathtaking natural phenomenon like Outback Spirit. Our award-winning adventures are in a league of their own and feature exclusive highlights and attractions designed to give our guests the best adventure possible.

Itinerary

After landing at Adelaide Airport please collect your baggage and make your way to the café located at the bottom of the escalator in the baggage hall where one of our friendly and professional Tour Directors will meet you. We then depart Adelaide and travel north along the Princes Highway, making our way to Port Augusta. Stay: Standpipe Golf Motor Inn (L/D)

This morning we enjoy a visit to the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens. Established in 1993 to research, conserve and promote the wider appreciation of Australia's arid zone flora, the centre is home to thousands of highly evolved plant communities that are specially adapted to thrive in an environment where temperatures are extreme, and drought can last for decades. The garden showcases a diverse collection of arid zone habitats in a picturesque setting of more than 250 hectares.

Later this morning we continue our journey north to Parachilna. Enjoy a gourmet lunch under the verandah of the Prairie Hotel before heading on through Lyndhurst and Leigh Creek, arriving in Marree late afternoon. This historic little settlement lies at the junction of the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks, and was once one of the busiest towns in Outback Australia! Tonight, we stay at the Marree Hotel in comfortable motel units. Stay: Marree Hotel (B/L/D)

Please Note: Today your tour will split into 2 groups. Group 1 will take the scenic flights/tour as per the itinerary below, while Group 2 travels up to William Creek by road following the Old Ghan rail line. On Day 4, Group 2 enjoys the scenic flight and tour, while Group 1 travels back down to Marree by road.

This morning we head to the Marree Aerodrome to prepare for our scenic flights. Meet your experienced pilot and board our Cessna Grand Caravan (subject to availability). Once airborne, our morning flight will take us over Lake Eyre South before crossing over to Lake Eyre North, the larger of the two lakes.

We continue north over Clifton Hills Station and Goyder Lagoon on the Diamantina River floodplains. Located at the junction of the Diamantina River and Eyre Creek, this large ephemeral swamp consists mainly of shallow braided micro-channels which look stunning from the air. From Goyder Lagoon we fly further north to Birdsville where we land and enjoy a leisurely lunch at the iconic Birdsville Hotel.

This is followed by an informative town tour taken by a local guide to close points of interest and the Waddi Waddi trees. This afternoon we take to the skies for our second flight for the day, this time heading southwest over the mighty Simpson Desert. Admire the endless red sand dunes that stretch to the horizon, before once again flying over Lake Eyre North. After another close inspection of this breathtaking natural spectacle we'll fly over Belt Bay, the lowest point on the Australia continent at 15 metres below sea level, and head for William Creek, where we rendezvous with the rest of the tour group. We spend the night here in modern ensuite accommodation and enjoy dinner in one of the most atmospheric outback pubs in Australia - the William Creek Hotel. Stay: William Creek Hotel (B/L/D)

Today group 2 enjoys the scenic flights to Birdsville, Kalamurina and Lake Eyre, while Group 1 travels down the Oodnadatta Track to Marree.

Later this morning we continue south along the Oodnadatta Track, following the Old Ghan line - one of the great historic railway lines in the world. Construction began in 1878 and it eventually reached Oodnadatta in 1891. The line only reached Alice Springs in 1929, so the journey from Oodnadatta at this time was still made by camel. The old line was eventually closed in 1980, and the new line takes a different route to Alice Springs. Some of the old sidings that refilled the steam engines with water, such as Coward Springs, are incredibly interesting and well preserved. Today we'll visit a few of them on our way down to Marree. Upon our arrival we'll rendezvous with Group 2 and check-in to the Marree Hotel for our overnight stay. Stay: Marree Hotel (B/L/D)

After breakfast we farewell Marree and begin our trek south to the Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound. Enjoy the scenic drive through Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, stopping at several vantage points along the way to admire the views of the Flinders Ranges. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before arriving at Wilpena Pound Resort early in the afternoon. Wilpena Pound sits in the southern region of the Flinders Ranges National Park. It is characterised by spectacular scenery and is home to nearly half of South Australia's species of plants.

After checking in to your deluxe resort room, we'll set off on a guided walk through the tranquil Pound Gap into Wilpena Pound (Easy grade, 2-3 hrs return). Follow Wilpena Creek past ancient River Red Gums and pines to arrive at the historic Hills Homestead. For the more energetic, there is an optional extension to the walk that leads to Wangarra Hill lookout, which offers panoramic views of Wilpena Pound (good level of fitness and mobility required).

This afternoon we return to the resort. Take some time to freshen up before dinner in the restaurant. Stay: Wilpena Pound Resort (B/L/D)

This morning we enjoy a visit to the Old Wilpena Station precinct, one of South Australia's oldest and best-preserved pastoral settlements. There's also an opportunity to take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound for a 30 minute flight (own expense).

Later this morning we begin our trek south back to Adelaide. Travel to Hawker before taking the R. M Williams Way down through Carrieton, Orroroo and Burra. Enjoy a quick look around this interesting little village before heading on to Adelaide, arriving late afternoon. We then check-in to the luxurious Stamford Grand Hotel in Glenelg for our final evening together.

Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant and reflect upon your adventure into the heart of outback Australia. Stay: Stamford Grand Hotel (B/L/D)

Today your adventure concludes. After breakfast you'll be transferred to the airport for your return flights home. Bon Voyage! (B)

Trip Inclusions

Moments of Magic

  • Wilpena Pound - Explore the incredible natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound, a valley surrounded by a rim of mountains in the Flinders Ranges, one of the oldest mountain ranges on earth. Also visit Sacred Canyon to view ancient Aboriginal sandstone engravings.
  • Lake Eyre - Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Australia's largest salt lake and the 13th largest lake in the world is one of the most spectacular sights in the outback. Fly over its vast expanse, taking in Lake Eyre North and South before passing over the Warburton Creek system.

Tour Highlights

  • Witness the breathtaking spectacle of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre in flood
  • Enjoy 2 mesmerising scenic flights aboard modern turbine aircraft
  • Fly over Lake Eyre and follow the flood up all the way to Birdsville
  • Marvel at Goyder Lagoon and the Simpson Desert from the air
  • Take a 4WD adventure to the shores of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre
  • Travel the infamous Oodnadatta Track to William Creek
  • Visit Birdsville and enjoy lunch at the iconic Birdsville Hotel
  • Follow the old Ghan Rail Line and visit the historic Coward Springs siding
  • Explore the Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound

  • Small Group Size - 26
  • All meals including all breakfasts, lunches and dinners while on tour
  • 6 nights of excellent hotel, motel and lodge accommodation
  • Two scenic flights aboard a modern Cessna Grand Caravan
  • All attraction and National Park entry fees
  • Travel aboard a 5-star all terrain Mercedes Benz Coach
  • Services of a professional 2-person crew consisting of a Tour Driver and Tour Director
  • Outback Spirit Explorer Pack featuring handy travel items

  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change
  • If Outback Spirit does not operate these tours due to low water levels, a full refund of the deposit and fare paid will be provided.
Inclusive Small Group Adventures
Inclusive Small Group Adventures

Enjoy an intimate and enriching touring experience with other like-minded people on an inclusive Outback Spirit small group journey. Read more

Expert Drivers & Guides
Expert Drivers & Guides

Highly professional, passionate and always willing to go the extra mile, Outback Spirit's guides provide a seamless touring experience. Read more

Mercedes Benz 4WD Touring Coaches
Mercedes Benz 4WD Touring Coaches

When you travel with Outback Spirit, you're guaranteed to travel in the comfort and safety of Mercedes Benz. Read more

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Outback Spirit. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Outback Spirit. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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