Outback and Kangaroo Island adventure

Say a quick G’day to Alice, then board a bus for a journey into the Red Centre. First stop for the day is a working camel farm. Here you’ll have the chance to hop atop one of these iconic Arabian creatures for a glimpse of how Australia would have looked through the eyes of early explorers. Yep, much of Australia’s interior was first chartered with the use of camels. Enjoy lunch, then drive on to the giant red rock domes of Kata Tjuta. Late afternoon we head to Uluru, where dinner, sunset and a glass of bubbles await.

Rise and shine folks, you won’t want to miss this sunrise. After watching the world’s biggest rock gain its colour, set out for a walk around its base. When you get back there’ll be the opportunity to learn about Uluru’s local legendry on a cultural interpretative walk led by an indigenous guide. You might also want to check out the traditional arts and crafts on display in the on-site Cultural Centre. Tonight we camp out in Watarrka National Park – in an exclusive campsite, no less.

If one were to build a canyon fit for a king, Kings Canyon would be it. As Ernest Giles, the first European to enter the place asserted, if Kings were transported to any civilized land its ‘springs, glens, gorges, ferns, zamias and flowers would charm the eyes and hearts of toil-worn men who are condemned to live and die in crowded towns.’ During your time here we’ll get you to the Amphitheatre, the Lost City, the Garden of Eden and the North and South walls. Then it’s on to Erldunda for another night’s camping.

Southbound we go, over the state border and into South Australia. Lunch today is in the tiny town of Marla – population 72 – and then it’s on to Coober Pedy. While outwardly a little nondescript, this dusty desert outpost is the world’s opal capital. It’s also where Max Max: Beyond Thunderdome was filmed. Cool. Due to the region’s intense heat, most of the town here is underground. You’ll be taken through the main attractions on a guided tour and then meet the world’s cutest orphans at Josephine’s Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage. In keeping with the local way of doing things, we’ll be spending tonight underground. Also cool. And cooling. 

The populations just keep getting smaller as we make our way south along the Sturt Highway: Glendambo, the day’s first stop, has 30 residents (and 22,500 sheep). Central Australia’s salt lakes make for another interesting pass-by, as does the military weapons testing site of Woomera. We’re not allowed to visit here – presumably because it harbours top-secret military hardware or something – but this is your best chance of seeing Australia launch a satellite. Following lunch, we arrive in Port Augusta and carry on over the Pichi Richi Pass into Quorn, a sweet little historical railway township at the entrance to Richman Valley. 

Get the day underway with a morning hike up the Flinders Ranges. Roos, wallabies, emus, goannas, wedge-tailed eagles and more call these Ranges home, so keep your eyes peeled and be vewy, vewy quiet… The final leg of the journey rolls through the lush, rolling hills of Clare Valley. This is wine country. And it’s mighty pretty. Head on to Adelaide, where you’ll spend the next couple of nights.

Enjoy a free day in Adelaide, one of those cities that has a little bit of something for everyone: award-winning gardens, 19th century churches, fresh seafood and enough good wines and wine bars to send a sommelier giddy. Discover the vibrant, eclectic, modern side of this city, with an emerging art and theatre scene to rival anything you’ll find in Melbourne or Sydney. Hit Hanly Beach, explore the nearby Barossa Valley, relax by the River Torrens, pick up some chocs at the Haigh’s Factory, experience some Teutonic charm in the German neighbourhood of Hahandorf, or just indulge in the world class food and coffee.

We’ve got an early start this morning from your accommodation, before travelling along the picture-perfect Fleurieu Peninsula to Cape Jervis for the 45-minute SeaLink ferry ride to Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island. While crossing the water, look out over the side of the boat – it’s no unusual to be joined by a few dolphins along for the ride. Touch down on the island then make your first stop at Rob’s Shearing and Sheepdogs to see firsthand a very Aussie occupation – sheep shearing. Continue on to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery – the only commercial distillery of the infinitely useful eucalyptus oil in South Australia. Next up is the Seal Bay Conservation Park, where you’ll have the chance to see rare Australian sea lions up close in a wild breeding colony. From the sea to the desert – head to the white sand dunes of the Little Sahara and give sand boarding a shot, before arriving at our exclusive accommodation in Vivonne Bay Lodge. You’ll then have a spot of free time for kayaking on the Harriet River, taking a walk along one of the property’s tracks, hopping on a bike, dipping in for a swim, or just kicking back on Vivonne Bay beach. You’ll spend the night in eight-person dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms (bed linen provided).

After breakfast, pop into the Hanson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and search for koalas lazing in the eucalyptus trees. Next up it’s Flinders Chase National Park, where you’ll find a collection of boulders that really live up to their name – the Remarkable Rocks. You’ll arrive ahead of the crowds that come to see this signature sight of giant weathered stones that guard the view over Kirkpatrick Point. Ramble across the rocky coastline, admire the seascapes, then stop in at Admirals Arch on Cape Du Couedic to see the resident fur seals frolicking in the ocean or basking on the rocks. Depending on the time and weather, make a few stops en route to Penneshaw, where you can purchase dinner (own expense) before our arrival back in Adelaide.