APT Touring - 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.

Staying Two Nights, Uluru, Sails in the Desert

You will take a flight from William Creek to Birdsville and Birdsville to William Creek on this tour. 

At sunrise, embark on a base tour of Uluru, hearing stories from the Dreamtime while you explore this icon. Afterwards, visit the Cultural Centre and wander through the exhibitions on show to learn more about Anangu culture and the park’s natural environment. This evening, enjoy a special Signature Experience. Signature Experience – Sounds of Silence Dinner 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'.

Staying Two Nights, Coober Pedy, Desert Cave Hotel

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.

Set off along the Oodnadatta Track and pass the Dingo Fence, a 5,614-kilometre fence built during the 1880s to keep dingoes and wild dogs out of lands where sheep and cattle grazed. Arrive in William Creek and enjoy a pub lunch before you board a scenic flight to Birdsville, where you'll spend the night at the iconic Birdsville Hotel. Signature Experience – Travel the Oodnadatta Track Embark on an unforgettable journey along the legendary Oodnadatta Track, where every turn reveals a new chapter of Australia's rich history and stunning landscapes. Traverse rugged terrain and ancient pathways, immersing yourself in the heart of the Outback's rugged beauty. Signature Experience – Birdsville Scenic Flight Embark on a scenic flight to Birdsville. Witness the ever-changing landscape, where ancient river systems carve their way through the rugged terrain, and where the colours of the desert shift with the light of the setting sun.

Staying Birdsville Hotel

This morning, enjoy an unforgettable Signature Experience at Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. Arrive back into William Creek 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. Continue to your hotel in Marree for dinner.  

Signature Experience – Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre Scenic Flight  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.

Staying Marree Hotel

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.

Staying Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

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.

Staying Two Nights, Wilpena Pound Resort

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.

Farewell Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park as you make your way through the wine-growing district of the Clare Valley. Here, enjoy lunch at the Watervale Hotel, showcasing the locally grown produce. Arrive in Adelaide and celebrate the end of your journey during a farewell dinner. SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE – Dine at the Watervale Hotel Visit the highly acclaimed Watervale Hotel for a delightful meal featuring local produce from the hotel’s organic, bio-dynamic farm in the Clare Valley.

Staying Adelaide, The Playford Hotel

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