Darwin to Adelaide 13 Day 12 Night Tour

We start the day with a stop at the Adelaide River War Cemetery, a reminder of our involvement in WW2 and the events that occurred.

We then travel to Pine Creek, a town with a rich gold mining history. We will stop at the old mine lookout to learn about the miners and their work before making our way to Edith Falls for lunch and a refreshing swim. Once we’ve cooled off we’ll visit Katherine Gorge where we will set up camp for the night.

Highlights: Adelaide River War Cemetery, Pine Creek and Edith Falls
Estimated hiking distance: 5km+
Meals provided: L, D

This morning we take in the sights of the magnificent Katherine Gorge. You have two options, to either board a relaxing cruise where you will be guided up stream to both the first and second gorge, or grab a paddle and explore the gorge by canoe. If you choose the canoe option, you take a boat to the second gorge then paddle to both the second and third gorge at your own pace, while stopping for a swim or anything of interest.

In the afternoon we’ll arrive at the thermal pools known as Mataranka Hot Springs for refreshing dip before setting up camp in Elsey National Park.

Please select your preferred activity on Katherine Gorge at the time of booking.

Highlights: Katherine Gorge and Mataranka Hot Springs
Estimated hiking distance: 4km
Meals provided: B, L, D

Make a splash as you dive into the natural thermal pools of Bitter Springs and allow the currents to take you down stream. Enjoy the idyllic setting and peaceful atmosphere.

Dry off and we’ll make tracks towards Daly Waters, surprisingly home to Australia’s first international airfield, used to refuel commercial flights in the 1920s and 1930s. We can not go to Daly Waters without a stop at the famous outback pub to have a look around and grab a drink if you wish.

We’ll wave ‘goodbye’ to the small outback town and continue on to Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). You’ll have a chance to observe and explore the unique rock formations before setting up camp.

Highlights: Bitter Springs, Daly Waters and Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)
Estimated hiking distance: 4km
Meals provided: B, L, D

Today we’ll visit the Tropic of Capricorn, the southernmost latitude where the sun can be seen directly overhead.

Afterwards, we make our way to Mparntwe (Alice Springs) to the historic Telegraph Station established in 1871. The site is where the first European settled when they arrived in the area and the station was set up to relay messages between Darwin and Adelaide along Australia’s overland telegraph line.  It not only connected Australia’s towns with the north, but it also connected Australia with the undersea telegraph network of the British Empire.

We’ll check out the local lookout and stock up at the shops, ready for the next leg of our adventure. You will have time to have a look around the mall and the galleries, etc.

Highlights: Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Tropic of Capricorn and Mparntwe (Alice Springs)
Estimated hiking distance: 2km
Meals provided: B, L, D

We begin by making our way towards Tjoritja (West MacDonnell Ranges) stopping off at Ellery Creek Big Hole. The creek cuts through the gorge due to thousands of years of flooding which has carved the rock unlocking some amazing geology.

Our next stop is Glen Helen Gorge; a stunning natural chasm offering an opportunity for a swim.

In the afternoon, we’ll discover Palm Valley, named after the lofty tropical palms found in the area, the place is characterised by red rock, sandy riverbeds and native shrubs. It’s also home to a diversity of native wildlife, including dingoes, goannas, kangaroos, snakes, and wallabies.

Highlights: Ellery Creek Big Hole, Glen Helen Gorge, Palm Valley
Estimated hiking distance: 5km
Meals provided: B, L, D

We have an early start as we make our way to Kings Canyon in Watarrka National park. The main gorge plunges 270 metres/885 feet to the canyon floor and smaller gorges, such as the Garden of Eden, are also found on route. The area is home to endemic plants and animals including some unique cycads. We have most of the day to explore the gorge before continuing on to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Highlights: Kings Canyon
Estimated hiking distance: 6km
Meals provided: B, L, D

Today we are up early to witness the majestic sunrise over Uluru before we embark on the base walk. A great opportunity to observe some of the Aboriginal rock art and cultural sites at the rock. Your guide will interpret some of these sites for you to provide an understanding of the cultural importance of this place to the Anangu people.

After our walk we take a short drive to the park’s second major landmark, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). These large, domed rocks are very impressive. Your guide will pick the best walk in the conditions, a chance for you to explore the domes up close. We’ll then make our way back Uluru for sunset.

Highlights: Uluru, Kata Tjuṯa (The Olgas)
Estimated hiking distance: 6km+
Meals provided: B, L, D

Over the next few days we are going to travel through very remote areas that are well worth exploring. We’ll stop along the historic Ghan railway line to see old ruins, visit the incredible Lake Eyre, to name a few. We allow for these days to be flexible so we operate according to the road conditions.

Today we venture away from standard tourist route, we make our way towards a small town Aputula (Finke) stopping at The Lambert Centre of Australia; established in 1988 this the point geographically recognised as the centre of Australia.

We pass through Apatula (Finke) and onto Charlotte Waters to explore the ruins of the old telegraph station.

Highlights: The Lambert Centre of Australia, Apatula (Finke) and Charlotte Waters
Estimated hiking distance: 2km
Meals provided: B, L, D

Today our destination is Witjira National Park and our first stop is a little oasis known as Mount Dare. There’s time for a beer in one of Australia’s most remote pubs; a true the outback bar.

We discover Opussum waterhole which looks after a huge variety of birds and wildlife including the native hen, the Opossum.

Dalhousie Springs is our next stop; in the middle of nowhere these thermal pools offer a great opportunity to relax and bath in the warm waters. Afterwards, we’ll explore the ruins of Dalhousie station viewing its date palm pictures giving you the feel of the Sahara Desert.

We then pass through the arid landscape of Pedirka Desert characterised by red sand dunes, and spinifex and acacia shrubland.

Highlights: Witjira National Park, Opussum waterhole, Dalhousie Springs, Dalhousie station, Pedirka Desert
Estimated hiking distance: 4km+
Meals provided: B, L, D

We make our way to the outback town of Oodnadatta which holds the record for the hottest place in Australia at 50.7 degrees.

We detour through to the painted desert and make a stop to explore the impressive escarpment; the natural colours of this place need to been seen to be believed.

We will then arrive at Coober Pedy where we will take a guided tour of a working opal mine. You’ll learn about the mining process and the techniques for finding the precious opals. After the tour you will have an opportunity to fossick for your own opals and shop in the galleries. We will also restock our supplies in the town and you’ll be given the chance to look at a few of the other opal galleries.

After our time at Coober Pedy we stop to admire the Dingo fence; it is one of the longest structures in the world as it stretches 5,614 kilometres. We will set up camp on station country.

Highlights: Oodnadatta, Painted Desert, Coober Pedy
Estimated hiking distance: 3km
Meals provided: B, L, D

Today we make our way through Anna Creek Station, the worlds largest Cattle station at 5851000 acres before making a stop at William Creek to see one of Australia’s most remote pubs. You have the opportunity to do an optional scenic flight over Lake Erye (approx. $400pp).

We visit some of the old Ghan sidings as well as Strangeway Springs, an old telegraph station surrounded by dozens of mound springs. Whilst in the area, we will embark on one of the walks from the old ruins to some of the springs to take in the view over the surrounding desert. The vicinity attracts a large numbers of finches and coastal plants grown here due to the numerous springs.

We then make our way to the Blanche Cup; a great place to witness the desert Goby, a extremely rare fish only found in a few small water holes.

We stop at Coward Springs for a swim before visiting Lake Eyre, officially known as Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre. This is an endothermic lake and it is the lowest natural point in Australia, at approximately 15 m (49 ft) below sea level.

Highlights: Anna Creek Station, Strangeway Springs, Blanche Cup, Coward Springs, Lake Eyre.
Estimated hiking distance: 4km
Meals provided: B, L, D

Today we make a stop a Marree; you wouldn’t expect to find a yacht club here in the desert however when Lake Ayre fills up it’s surprisingly the perfect spot.

After Marree, we head to the colourful ochre cliffs. An important place for the Yandruwandha people who would come here to collect and trade their ochre.

We then continue to Brachina Gorge and Bunyeroo Gorge in the Flinders Ranges. These gorges have a huge number of yellow footed rock wallabies, emus, euros (wallaroos) as well as stunning rock formations.

Highlights: Marree, Ochre cliffs, Flinders Ranges – Brachina Gorge and Bunyeroo Gorge
Estimated hiking distance: 4km
Meals provided: B, L, D

We explore some of the southern parts of the Flinders Ranges, we pass over the steep slopes of Razorback Ridge and explore some of the walks around Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheater surrounded by the Flinders Ranges. We make a stop at a Adnyamthanha painting and ceremonial site, to learn about the local indigenous culture.

We continue towards Adelaide and pass through the historic town of Quorn, the original starting place of the old Ghan railway line. We then travel through the picturesque Pichi Richi Pass before making our way to Adelaide. We will finish the tour at a central meeting point (TBC) in the town centre so everyone can make their way to their accommodation.

Highlights: Wilpena Pound, southern Flinders Ranges, Adnyamthanha painting and ceremonial site, Quorn, Pichi Richi Pass,
Estimated hiking distance: 6km
Meals provided: B, L

Please take the time to read and understand our terms and conditions set out below before booking a trip with us.  We strongly recommend that you also read the trip notes and itinerary on our website prior to booking to make sure you are familiar with the physical and adventurous style of our tour.  If you have booked a charter, we will give you your own personal itinerary.

If circumstances arise that are beyond the control of Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours, such as:

• • Threat from terrorist activities

• • Changes in road conditions

• • Natural disasters

• • Political unrest

…or any other external events that the company deems could affect the running of the tour or create unknown risks, then Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours has the right to change, alter, or cancel the tour.  In the event of this happening, we will provide you with a refund minus a

Due to factors out of our control, such as road conditions, weather conditions, and the long distances we cover, Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours is unable to guarantee arrival and departure times.  Therefore, we do not accept any liability if you miss a transfer or connection with another service provider.  When booking any transfers or connections, please be mindful of the fact that, due to the local conditions, travel times might change, so you are reminded to be flexible with any other bookings you decide to make.

By booking our tour, you accept that the itinerary can change or be altered at any time, and you understand that when booking, you are agreeing to any changes that may occur.  The itinerary lays out the type of tour you can expect but it is important you understand that when traveling on this style of tour conditions can change, and therefore alter what is possible on the tour.  We use guides who are very familiar with the Kimberley and Top End region ( examples: Litchfield, Kimberley, Kakadu, Arnhem Land, the Savannah Gulf). Our guides will always strive to provide you with the best tour under the circumstances.

Due to factors out of our control, such as road conditions, weather conditions, and the long distances we cover, Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours is unable to guarantee arrival and departure times.  Therefore, we do not accept any liability if you miss a transfer or connection with another service provider.  When booking any transfers or connections, please be mindful of the fact that, due to the local conditions, travel times might change, so you are reminded to be flexible with any other bookings you decide to make.

By booking our tour, you accept that the itinerary can change or be altered at any time, and you understand that when booking, you are agreeing to any changes that may occur.  The itinerary lays out the type of tour you can expect but it is important you understand that when traveling on this style of tour conditions can change, and therefore alter what is possible on the tour.  We use guides who are very familiar with the Kimberley and Top End region ( examples: Litchfield, Kimberley, Kakadu, Arnhem Land, the Savannah Gulf). Our guides will always strive to provide you with the best tour under the circumstances.

Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours recommends that you purchase travel insurance at the time of booking to adequately cover yourself against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation, loss or damage of personal items, and personal liability.

While on our tour, you will be walking on uneven ground and traveling in remote areas with very limited and sometimes no facilities; therefore, there is a degree of personal risk.  We recommend that you take out cancellation insurance at the time of booking, which will cover any cancellation fees.

Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours does not accept liability for:

• • Tour cancellations

• • Any medical emergency

• • Personal injury

• • Loss or damage to personal items

We are a small operator, and cancellations affect us significantly; therefore, it is essential for us to abide by our policy in all circumstances. If you choose to travel with no insurance, you do so at your own risk, and we highly recommend that you familiarise yourself with our cancellation policy.

If diesel fuel prices rise, Kimberley Off-Road Adventure Tours reserves the right to charge a diesel fuel levy.