Day 1
Uluru - Coober Pedy
There’s a raw, striking beauty to the Australian Outback. The rich pindan soil, silvery gums, endless skies, and vast stretches of sun-baked emptiness create a truly unique backdrop as you journey from the Northern Territory into South Australia, ready to dive deep into your destination. Coober Pedy, known as the ‘opal capital of the world’, offers a landscape that’s otherworldly – with lunar terrain above ground and vibrant, psychedelic colours below. Locals not only mine rainbow-hued opals in an extensive network of underground tunnels but also live, worship, and send their children to school in this fascinating town.
You’ll have the chance to stay at a motel right in the heart of Coober Pedy. Next, discover more about the region’s history at the Big Winch 360º, a ‘circlevision’ cinematic experience that fully immerses you in a journey along South Australia’s Explorer’s Way. Make no mistake – this show is as grand as the Outback itself, and as extraordinary as the people who call it home.
** As this short tour commences early, accommodation will need to be pre-booked for the previous night.
Overnight: Mud Hut Motel, Coober Pedy (or similar)
Day 2
Coober Pedy
Coober Pedy, self-styled as the ‘opal capital of the world’, has many of its attractions hidden beneath the earth’s surface. Due to the intense heat above ground – with temperatures often soaring – many locals opt for subterranean living. After exploring this unique community, including fossicking for opals in nearby mines, venture further to the Aboriginal-owned Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park. Here, you’ll travel along a stretch of the Dog Fence, a remarkable barrier that stretches 5,300 kilometres across three states. While the scale of its construction is impressive, it’s nothing compared to the landscape of fossilised shells and cracked grey clay that creates a moonscape-like atmosphere. The only thing more surreal than the natural surroundings is the man-made one you’ll encounter later at the Coober Pedy Opal Fields Golf Club, where the fairways are made of dirt and sand. Grab a club and have a go at hitting balls around the oil-soaked putting green.
Overnight: Mud Hut Motel, Coober Pedy (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3
Coober Pedy - Port Augusta
It’s hard to imagine landscapes more dramatic than those you’ve encountered so far. Yet nature takes things up a notch at Lake Hart, a vast saltpan that inspired a community back in the 1930s. Today, it’s nearly deserted, adding to its ethereal atmosphere. The sheer scale of the South Australian outback was surely one of the reasons it was selected to house the world’s largest military land base. Remarkably, Woomera has served as a testing ground for atomic bombs, ballistic missiles, and satellite boosters. Reflect on this fascinating history as you continue your journey towards South Australia’s natural harbour, Port Augusta.
Overnight: Majestic Oasis Apartments (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4
Port Augusta – Adelaide
The Wadlata Outback Centre, featured on your Port Augusta tour, offers a fascinating insight into the countryside you've been exploring over the past two days. Encounter giant ripper lizards, journey back to the time when dinosaurs roamed the land, and meet some of the early settlers, explorers, and inhabitants of the region, as well as those who call it home today. You’ll find fossils, more opals, and interactive exhibits – ever tried Morse code? All this exploration of the outback can be quite thirsty work, but fortunately, the Clare Valley is just ahead. Head to the cellar door at the historic Knappstein Wines, where you’ll discover why their riesling has won so many awards. Your Uluru to Adelaide tour concludes upon arrival in Adelaide this afternoon.
** Tour finishes at approximately 19.00pm so flights must depart the following day
Meals included: Breakfast
