Lake Eyre Spectacular 2011

4 DAY TOUR

$1690 per person (twin share)
$200 Single supplement

Scenic flight over Lake Eyre & 4wd expedition to the shores of the lake, Clare valley wine tasting, Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Brachina Gorge, Prairie Hotel, Oodnadatta Track, Wadlata outback centre and a 2 hour champagne cruise on Spencer Gulf.

Wednesdays:

• June 8, 22
• July 13, 27
• August 10, 24, 31
• September 14, 28
• October 12, 26
• November 9, 23, 30

Pick up from your Adelaide CBD accommodation or central bus station at approx 7.00 am and head north to the Clare Valley which is well renowned for its excellent wines, with time to visit the Seven Hill cellars, the oldest winery in the region established by the Jesuits in 1851.

We travel to Melrose, a lovely little town nestled in the foothills of the Flinders Ranges where we stop for lunch. Driving further north we arrive at Quorn which became the junction of the Sydney-Perth and Adelaide-Darwin railway systems in 1917.

After admiring Jeff Morgan’s Wilpena panorama at his Gallery in the town of Hawker, we arrive at Rawnsley Park late afternoon in time to see the sunset over Wilpena Pound as kangaroos and wallabies come out to feed. Tonight enjoy a campfire (fire restrictions permitting) and barbecue, o/n Ensuite accommodation Rawnsley.

After breakfast we take a walk along the beautiful Wilpena Creek framed by huge river red gums, up to the Wangara lookout where we can see the mystical heart of the Flinders Ranges with stunning views over Wilpena Pound.

Continuing our journey exploring Brachina and Bunyeroo gorge we discover their priceless geological treasures, crystal clear water holes and an abundance of flora and fauna including the rare yellow footed rock wallaby.

We will have lunch at the Prairie hotel renowned for its great outback food before travelling into the desert country up the Oodnadatta Track. We follow the old Ghan railway line and arrive at Lyndhurst to explore the ochre cliffs followed by a visit to Talc Alfs Gallery. Late afternoon we arrive at Marree, a town at the junction of the famous Birdsville Track which is still populated by descendents of Afghan cameleers, and with a rich history as a staging post for the large camel trains carrying goods in the early days. We visit the Arabanna Aboriginal Centre with its display of art, weapons and local information. O/n Ensuite accommodation at the Great Northern Hotel Marree.

This morning we enjoy a captivating scenic flight over the expanse of Lake Eyre, the best way to fully enjoy the impact of this amazing transformation. Back on the Oodnadatta track we explore artesian springs ecosystem, arriving at the shores of Lake Eyre, to marvel at this inland sea. Heading back south we stop at the Quandong café for lunch situated in Copley well known for its delicious Quandong pies. Driving down the western side of the Flinders Ranges we see magnificent views of the ancient mountain and arrive at the Prairie hotel for a coffee stop to absorb the atmosphere of this famous outback pub. Our final destination today is Port Augusta situated on the quiet waterways at the head of the Spencer Gulf. O/n ensuite accommodation Best Western Standpipe Hotel.

Today we visit the Wadlata Outback Centre where we will discover the origins of the Outback. Relive the Aboriginal stories, tales of pioneer explorers and settlers - and learn what the vast and varied land means to the people who live and work there today. This will be followed by a 2 hour cruise where we will enjoy a glass of champagne whilst exploring the pristine waters of the Spencer Gulf at the base of the Flinders Ranges as dolphins skip though the water astern. After lunch we head South and stop at Port Germein once an important transport hub for the surrounding districts following the opening of its jetty in 1881 - at the time known as the longest jetty in the Southern hemisphere.

We arrive in Adelaide at around 6.30pm and drop you off at your hotel.

A deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking, either by Bpay direct payment, credit card or cheque.

Full payment is due 15 days prior to departure to secure the reservation.

All prices are in Australian dollars and include Australian government Goods and Services tax (where applicable).

• At 30 days and more of the departure of the tour, 25% of the total cost
• Between 30 and 15 days of the departure of the tour, 50% of the total cost
• Between 14 and 7 days of the departure of the tour, 75% of the total cost
• Less than 7 days of the departure of the tour, 100% of the total cost