Lake Eyre and
Flinders Ranges

with APT

Outback South Australia | 7 Days 4WD Tour of Ancient Landscapes, Scenic Flights & Remote Wilderness

Follow the path of explorers through Australia’s most remote frontier | Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges

Journey deep into South Australia’s most iconic Outback regions, where vast salt lakes, rugged mountain ranges, and timeless desert plains create a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth.

From the soaring cliffs of the Flinders Ranges to the shimmering expanse of Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, this is an immersive exploration of Australia’s ancient heart — rich in beauty, culture, and story.

Travel in comfort as you uncover remote towns, breathtaking viewpoints, and unforgettable Outback moments shaped by time itself.

Highlights of Your Journey

Scenic flight over the ever-changing expanse of Lake Eyre
Explore Ikara–Flinders Ranges National Park and Wilpena Pound
Travel the legendary Oodnadatta Track
Discover historic outback settlements and ghost towns
Sunset drinks in the vast Simpson Desert landscape
Iconic dining experiences at the Prairie Hotel
Expert Driver-Guide throughout your journey

Itinerary Summary

Day 1 | Arrive Adelaide, Wadlata Outback Centre, Port Augusta Day 2 | Port Augusta, Marree Day 3 | Marree, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Birdsville Day 4 | Birdsville, Wilpena Pound Day 5 | Wilpena Pound Day 6 | Wilpena Pound, Clare Valley, Adelaide Day 7 | Depart Adelaide

Quick Facts

Start/End Place: Adelaide, Australia Country Visited: Australia Duration: 7 Days Start Date: Flexible Travel Style: Small Group Suitability: Adventurous travellers comfortable with remote travel. Those with moderate mobility and a love for nature.

Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges Trip Details

Inclusions

Experience eight diverse destinations across South Australia’s Outback
Savour 18 locally inspired dining experiences showcasing regional flavours
Be guided throughout by an expert APT Driver-Guide
Journey along the iconic Oodnadatta Track, deep into remote Australia
Enjoy a breathtaking scenic flight over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre
Discover the ancient landscapes of Ikara–Flinders Ranges National Park

Not Included

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrive Adelaide, Wadlata Outback Centre, Port Augusta

Your journey begins on arrival at Adelaide Airport, where you’ll meet your Driver-Guide and board your 4WD, the start of your Outback adventure.

Travel north to Port Augusta, a key gateway to Australia’s vast interior. Located at the top of Spencer Gulf, this iconic town sits at the meeting point of the nation’s most important rail corridors.

Step into the past at the Wadlata Outback Centre, where the Tunnel of Time takes you deep into the stories of the region from Aboriginal Dreamtime to the bold camel expeditions of early European explorers searching for Australia’s mythical inland sea.

Stay: Port Augusta – Standpipe Motel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 | Port Augusta, Marree

Begin your day in the historic town of Quorn, where heritage streetscapes and railway charm have served as the backdrop for iconic films including Gallipoli and Wolf Creek.

Travel through the spectacular Pichi Richi Pass, a former steam railway line winding through rugged ranges and rich pioneering history.

Enjoy lunch at the legendary Prairie Hotel, Parachilna, a true outback institution dating back to 1876, known for its character and regional flavours.

Continue to Aroona Dam, where striking ochre landscapes meet vast desert horizons, before visiting the atmospheric ghost town of Farina, once a bustling community now reclaimed by time and silence.

Arrive in Marree, a remote outback township steeped in history.

Stay: The Marree Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 | Marree, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Birdsville

Travel along the Oodnadatta Track to Lake Eyre South, where salt flats may shimmer depending on conditions. Look out for unique birdlife and desert wildlife along the way. Stop at William Creek for lunch before continuing into the Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert National Park.

Enjoy sunset drinks and nibbles as you journey across the desert before arriving in Birdsville.

Signature Experience – Scenic Flight Over Lake Eyre

Take an included scenic flight over Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre, witnessing its vast salt pans, striking colours, and dramatic desert surroundings, including views towards Poeppel Corner and Big Red.

Stay: Birdsville Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 | Birdsville, Wilpena Pound

Depart Birdsville and travel along the Diamantina River, returning via Marree and the eastern edge of Lake Eyre North, passing Cooper Creek and Lake Eyre South.

Enjoy an included scenic flight over the mysterious Marree Man, the world’s largest geoglyph.

Continue into the Flinders Ranges, arriving at Wilpena Pound for your stay and dinner at the hotel.

Stay: Wilpena Pound Resort (2 Nights)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 | Wilpena Pound

Spend the morning at leisure in the remarkable setting of Wilpena Pound, surrounded by the ancient beauty of the Flinders Ranges. You may choose to take an optional scenic flight (own expense), offering a rare aerial perspective of this vast natural amphitheatre, or explore on foot with a self-guided walk through its peaceful surrounds.

After lunch, continue into Flinders Ranges National Park, following in the footsteps of Douglas Mawson through the striking landscapes of Brachina Gorge, an important conservation area and habitat for the endangered yellow-footed rock wallaby.

Day 6 | Wilpena Pound, Clare Valley, Adelaide

After breakfast, drive to the world-renowned wine growing district of the Clare Valley. This afternoon, savour a Signature Experience. Later, return to Adelaide, where you will enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel.

Signature Experience – Dine at the Watervale Hotel

Visit the highly acclaimed Watervale Hotel for a delightful meal featuring locally grown produce from the hotel organic, bio-dynamic farm in one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, the Clare Valley. It’s the ideal setting to enjoy a glass of wine and catch up with your fellow guests.

Stay: Adelaide, The Playford
Daily:· Breakfast· Lunch· Dinner