Outback South Australia

Depart your home ports this morning to arrive at Adelaide Airport by 13.00pm. You will be greeted and transferred to Penfolds Magill Estate where you will meet up with your touring group. Enjoy a tour before checking in to the Stamford Grand Hotel overlooking the ocean in Glenelg. Stay: Stamford Grand Hotel (D)

Today we head north to Port Augusta, known as the Gateway to the Flinders Ranges. Visit the Wadlata Outback Centre before continuing north to the Flinders Ranges. We spend the next 2 nights at Wilpena Pound Resort, which stands amid stately Red Gums and Native Pines at the entrance to Pound. Stay: Wilpena Pound Resort (B/L/D)

Wilpena Pound is characterised by spectacular scenery and is home to nearly half of South Australia's species of plants. Today we enjoy a guided walk into Wilpena Pound to Hill's Homestead, one of South Australia's oldest and best preserved pastoral settlements. Wander along Wilpena Creek past magnificent stands of river red gums with stunning views of the Pound wall in the distance. Longer walks are available for those who wish to explore further on foot.

This afternoon we head to Stokes Hill Lookout to enjoy 360-degree views of the stunning Flinders Ranges. We then return to Wilpena Pound Resort for dinner. This afternoon there is also an opportunity for scenic flights to be taken over Wilpena Pound at a cost of approximately $199 per person for a 30 minute flight (own expense). Stay: Wilpena Pound Resort (B/L/D)

Travel through the picturesque Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges to arrive at Parachilna late morning. Here we enjoy lunch at the delightful Prairie Hotel before travelling through the northern Flinders Ranges to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Spend the night here and enjoy an intergalactic tour from Arkaroola's accredited astronomical observatories. Stay: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary (B/L/D)

Today, explore some of the most spectacular and rugged country on earth! Travelling in open back 4WD vehicles with expert guides, the Ridge Top Tour is a true highlight of the Arkaroola experience and not to be missed! Later this afternoon we depart for Marree. Stay: The Marree Hotel (B/L/D)

This morning it's time for our scenic flight over Lake Eyre. Fly over Belt Bay and follow the Warburton Groove up the middle of Lake Eyre North into the Warburton Creek system. From here we follow the creek to Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary, landing late morning. Kalamurina is a 1.7 million-acre property owned and managed by Australian Wildlife Conservancy. This vast desert wilderness stretches from the northern shores of Lake Eyre to the southern boundary of the Simpson Desert and provides a haven for several endangered species like the Dusky Hopping Mouse, Mulgara and Ampurta.

After landing we head to the banks of the Warburton Creek for a guided tour. Learn about the transformation of this station from cattle country to wildlife haven and gain an insight into AWC's conservation programs. We then travel by coach down the Birdsville Track, arriving back into Marree late this afternoon. Note: Today the tour splits into 2 groups. The 2nd group will experience the activities in reverse. Stay: The Marree Hotel (B/L/D)

After breakfast this morning we follow the legendary Oodnadatta Track to the tiny outback settlement of William Creek. The track itself is steeped in history, natural wonders and rich cultural heritage and is regarded as one of the best outback drives in Australia. It follows a traditional Aboriginal trading route and, because of the availability of water, was chosen for the Central Australian Railway; the original route of the Old Ghan.

This morning we stop off at Coward Springs siding, a fully restored and heritage–listed railway site displaying history and remnants of the ‘Old Ghan'. Arrive into William Creek for lunch at the iconic William Creek Hotel before enjoying a special 1 hour scenic flight over the ‘Painted Hills'. This rocky outcrop of large and small hills, which emerge suddenly out of a flat desert landscape, can only be accessed by air due to their fragility and natural beauty. This afternoon we trek on to Coober Pedy and spend the next two nights at the award-winning Desert Cave Hotel. Note: Underground rooms at the Desert Cave Hotel cannot be guaranteed. Stay: Desert Cave Hotel (B/L/D)

Due to the heat in summer, much of Coober Pedy's population live underground. The town is also the opal capital of the world, supplying 70% of the world's precious opals. This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Umoona Opal Mine and do some fossicking of our own.

In the afternoon, head out to the Breakaways Reserve and admire the colourful low hills separated from the Stuart Range. We then return to the Desert Cave Hotel to explore its many galleries. Stay: Desert Cave Hotel (B/L/D)

Travelling south today we head to Woomera, an Australian Defence Force facility supporting the Royal Australian Air Force. Visit the Woomera Interactive Rocket Range Museum and view historical displays relating to the Woomera Range and the closed Joint Defence Facility at Nurrungar.

This afternoon we continue on to Port Augusta. Stay: Standpipe Golf Motor Inn (B/L/D)

After breakfast, visit the Aridlands Botanic Gardens before heading south to the Clare Valley. Well known for its Riesling, the area also produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz varieties which together account for nearly half of all wine from the area.

After a tour through the region, we'll visit a local winery for a relaxed lunch and wine tastings, a great way to wind down as we approach the end of the adventure.

This afternoon, we head back into Adelaide and enjoy our final dinner together at the hotel restaurant. Stay: Stamford Grand Hotel (B/L/D)

This morning the adventure comes to an end. You'll be transferred to the airport or to your accommodation if staying on in Adelaide. Bon Voyage! (B)