GROOVY GRAPE GETAWAYS AUSTRALIA

DESERT PATROL

Adelaide to Alice Springs
$865 fully inclusive: includes all accommodation, food and National Park fees while on tour.
7 days / 6 nights.
Departs Adelaide every Tuesday (also Friday October to May).
Pickups around Adelaide CBD 6.45 AM.

• Small groups - 18 maximum
• Coober Pedy
• Reclining seats
• Uluru
• Flinders Ranges
• Kata Tjuta
• Outback Dirt Roads
• Kings Canyon
• William Creek

Day 1

We escape the city heading north to the Flinders Ranges and the jumping off point for our outback desert adventure. Passing through small country towns like Quorn and Hawker, the scenery gradually changes to the legendary landscapes of the oldest continent on earth. Tonight we stay at Angorichina, in the magnificent Parachilna Gorge.

Day 2

Destination outback, with a day of driving the dirt ahead of us. From Marree, rich in its history of camel trains, along the Oodnadatta Track, we follow the Old Ghan Railway and its long abandoned railway settlements. This is remote territory, with red, stony plains stretching to the horizon. At William Creek (South Australia's smallest town) we camp under the desert stars.

Day 3

Taking an isolated track through the world's largest cattle station (Anna Creek), we head for the opal capital of the world, Coober Pedy. We take an underground tour to learn about the history of Coober Pedy and its opal. Free time is available to explore the charms of the town or look for opals on your own. Tonight we sleep like the locals, underground.

Day 4

It's a big day driving up the Stuart Highway with several pitstops en route. Our goal for the day is Uluru (Ayers Rock). We set up camp at Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort), for nights four and five before watching the sunset over Uluru taking time to absorb the beauty and majesty of this place.

Day 5

A sunrise breakfast at Uluru, followed by a walk around the base. Hear about Tjukurpa (creation/law) leading you to an understanding of the cultural landscape. Time will be available for those wishing to climb before visiting the Cultural Centre and then heading back to the camp for lunch and a relaxing afternoon.

Day 6

We spend the morning at Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), hiking the magnificent Valley of the Winds followed by lunch and an afternoon drive to Watarrka (Kings Canyon). Camping tonight at Kings Creek cattle station.

Day 7

A morning at beautiful Watarrka, through the sandstone domes and down into the Garden of Eden. Cool off in the waterhole before returning to camp for a feed. Then it's on to our final destination Alice Springs. Approximate arrival time 6.30 PM.

What to bring

Hat, sunscreen, walking shoes, insect repellent, water bottle, bathers (swimming gear), and a sleeping bag (or hire one from us for $15). Otherwise all the usual stuff, and most important a sense of adventure!