South Australia Wayward Bus Face the Outback North 8 Day Tour
Wayward Bus
Get wayward on this 8 day tour! Enjoy the impressive views of Wilpena Pound, one of Australia’s most magnificent natural features. Take in desert landscapes of red dunes, salt pans and gibber plains. Walk in the Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta and hike the marvellous Kings Canyon! But instead of reading about it, enjoy, experience and book now!
Day 1 - Adelaide to Flinders Ranges
From Adelaide, our way north weaves through the hillside vineyards of the Clare Valley plus a string of classic country towns with the chance to sample wines at one or two top wineries. Enjoy expansive views of the Flinders Ranges as we approach Wilpena Pound, one of Australia’s most magnificent natural features and our campsite for tonight. (LD).
Day 2 - Wilpena Pound
At Wilpena Pound you have your first chance for spectacular walks and challenging climbs. The views are breathtaking. After lunch, dirt roads take us through the heart of the Ranges to the historic copper mines of Blinman and our night stop at Angorichina. Cool off in the nearby waterhole and stay in bunkhouse style accommodation. (BLD).
Day 3 - Oodnadatta Track to William Creek
Breakout from the Ranges through Parachilna Gorge with the option to cycle the Gorge. Copley Bakery is the last cappuccino opportunity for 300kms. Drive by Leigh Creek coalmines, visit Outback eccentric Talc Alf (he’s usually in), leave the bitumen at Lyndhurst, see the Aboriginal ochre pits and stop for lunch beside Marree’s Old Ghan rail station and nearby Arabunna Aboriginal Cultural Centre. The Oodnadatta Track follows the dusty trail of the Overland Telegraph, camel caravans and the old Ghan railway to Lake Eyre and the fascinating thermal mound springs. We camp in swags within stumbling distance of William Creek Pub. (BLD).
Day 4 - Oodnadatta Track to Coober Pedy
Desert landscapes of red dunes, salt pans and gibber plains feature on the morning drive to Coober Pedy. Lake Cadibarrawirracanna can be a refreshing short detour. Just beyond the Dog Fence, the mining moonscape takes over. We’ll show you about Coober Pedy - underground house, mine tour, opal cutting, an underground church - and still give you time to explore and ‘noodle’ (fossick) for opals. Underground bunkhouse accommodation is our ‘digs’ for tonight. (BLD).
Day 5 - Coober Pedy to Uluru
Roam the colourful Breakaways site of Mad Max III before devouring 700kms of hot black bitumen on the Stuart and Lasseter Highways, via Marla and Erldunda to Uluru. By special invitation, we may go off-highway onto the ‘AP Lands’ to call in at Iwantja Aboriginal Arts Centre. Going north the vegetation increases - even the Northern Territory looks like the botanic gardens compared to Outback South Australia! Arrive at our campground in time for sunset views of the Rock. (BLD).
Days 6 & 7 - Uluru & Kata Tjuta
We spend 2 nights at Uluru to give you maximum time, double chances for sunsets and sunrises; more time for walks and more flexibility in hot weather. As well as plenty of time for Uluru walks and the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, there is time to do the Valley of the Winds walk (we guide) at Kata Tjuta. Free time can be used for local indigenous tours, air flights, a swim in the pool - or other refreshments. The drive towards Kings Canyon takes 3.5 hours and we camp near Kings Canyon. Option to swag tonight. (BLD).
Day 8 - Kings Canyon to Alice Springs
Another big morning hike tackles Kings Canyon. On the Rim Walk you’ll see the sandstone domes of the Lost City, Garden of Eden pool and take in the views along the walls of the Canyon. Carefully! The afternoon travels on to Alice Springs, set amidst the MacDonnell Ranges, arriving about 6.00pm. (BL).
About Wayward Bus
Wayward Bus, Adventure Tours and Sealink Holidays have united to offer a range of self-drive and guided touring packages for all ages exploring the state renowned for it’s diversity - from the remote outback scenery of the Flinders Ranges and Coober Pedy to the coastal landscape and abundant wildlife of Kangaroo Island, to the Aboriginal culture of the Coorong.
