All you need to know:

Since 1989... The original and still the best!

This 10-day outback adventure tour through the Australian outback is rated by most passengers as one of the best experiences of their lives. We travel and explore some of the most remote areas on earth.

Unlike bus tours, our 4WD Expedition is the original outback camping expedition: Sitting round the camp fire, great bush cooking and sleeping under millions of stars. We take you where the others only dream of going, this is NOT your normal bus tour, we use 4WD vehicles and we explore some of the most isolated areas on earth including the Painted Desert, the Simpson Desert, Thermal Hot Springs, Finke Aboriginal Community, Lamberts Centre (the geographical centre of Australia), Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Kings Canyon and the Western Macdonnell Ranges. We are the only company to include the Western Macdonnel Ranges in an Adelaide to Alice Springs Tour.

Our Tour Guides are specially trained in leading desert expeditions, remote First Aid and can provide a wealth of local knowledge. You'll swim in outback hot springs, hike and explore the untamed wilderness, experience Australia's unique wildlife and witness the outback's greatest landscapes. You will meet some of the locals, learn about regional Aboriginal and European history and have the best Adelaide to Alice Springs tour experience available.

So if you are a traveller that has come to explore one of the most remote and exciting frontiers in the world; if you understand that an expedition into the outback can always be unpredictable and offer challenging situations; if you are a happy, outgoing person, and are willing to help in camp and general expedition activities, then you are welcome to join our small group of outback adventurers

Itinerary:

DAY 1 FLINDERS RANGES

SOUTHERN & CENTRAL

From Adelaide we head north to one of oldest mountain ranges on earth, the Flinders Ranges. Walk through Alligator Gorge National Park, where you have spectacular views of the mountains and Spencer Gulf. Then travel through the picturesque Pichi Richi Pass to the historic township of Quorn, which was once the start of the original Ghan Railway. In the spirit of the Afghan cameleers you will explore this spectacular area on camels before settling in to enjoy a wholesome meal cooked on the campfire. Tonight we meet local Aboriginal elders who will talk about their history and share their culture. Roll out your swags and sleep happy and contented under millions of stars.

Included Activities

Alligator Gorge National Park
Camel Ride, Flinders Ranges

Overnight: Bush camp (drop toilet)
Meals: Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 2 FLINDERS RANGES

WILPENA POUND & NORTH

Today we visit the Aboriginal art site at Yourambulla Caves, where you will be introduced to the history of the Flinders Ranges. Then it is onto Wilpena Pound for a bush walk with magnificent views of this amazing natural amphitheatre, one of the unique wonders of the world.Lunch is in the heart of Wilpena Pound, followed by an awe-inspiring drive along the northern side of Wilpena through the famous Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges known as the "Corridors through Time". This is spectacular experience will show you 130 million years geological history.
We may even spot the endangered Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby.

Shower: At lunch stop if required

Overnight: Camping (drop toilet)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 3 OODNADATTA TRACK

Leave the splendour of the rugged mountain scenery and travel North into the outback.At Lyndhurst we begin our journey up the famous Oodnadatta Track, following the historic route of the Cameleers and the Old Ghan Railway. Further north to Marree we visit the Arabunna Aboriginal centre. Cross the dingo fence and check out Lake Eyre. Maybe have a dip in Thermal springs; enjoy a nice cold beer at William creek, a real bush pub. Town’s population 8! (Summer) Winter itinerary, we camp before William Creek

Shower: Optional shower at Marree if required (small fee)

Overnight: Bush camp (Portable bush toilet)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 4 COOBER PEDY

In the morning, we arrive at Coober Pedy, the Opal Mining Capital of the World. Here we will enjoy an underground mine tour, fossick for opal, and watch an opal cutting display. Meet the locals who live in houses under the ground in one of the world’s most arid landscapes.
Continue out into the Painted Desert and camp amongst the beautiful Arkaringa hills.

Included Activities

Coober Pedy Mine tour

Shower: Coober Pedy at lunch time

Overnight: Bush camp (Portable bush toilet)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 SIMPSON DESERT

Morning at the Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta is an interesting coffee spot in the middle of nowhere. If they are not too busy, we can stop at Australia’s first Royal Flying Doctor Clinic, and say g’day! Later we travel further north into the remote outback of South Australia, crossing the red sand hills of the Simpson Desert. Take a rejuvenating dip in a desert oasis - Dalhousie Hot Springs (winter), or Eringa Waterhole (summer).

Shower: Dalhousie Hot Springs

Overnight: Bush camp (Dalhousie has full facilities), Eringa waterhole (Summer Only) (Portable bush toilet)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 Simpsons Desert

We head north/west to Finke Aboriginal community and then past Lamberts Centre, the geographical centre of the continent. Spend the afternoon travelling into the heart of Central Australia, exploring this unique and exciting area, which is alive with desert animals of all types. Set up a remote bush camp.

Overnight : Bush camp (portable bush toilet);

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 Uluru

An exciting morning travelling to Uluru with time to fully appreciate the Aboriginal culture and spiritual meaning this area has to the traditional owners. Join our guided walk around the base of Uluru which introduces you to the traditional food sources and spirituality of this area.
Here we can relax and learn the ways and listen to stories of the Anungu through displays and educational information at the Cultural Centre.

Included Activities:

Uluru Base Walk
Cultural Centre

Shower: Yulara

Overnight: Yulara Camp Ground (Full facilities)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 Kata Tjuta – The Olga’s

Sunrise at Uluru then head out to another sacred area for the Anungu and hike through the spectacular canyons and rock formations that make up Kata Tjuta/ The Olga's. Learn about some of the bush tucker that grows in the area and photograph some of the most beautiful scenery the desert has to offer. After lunch we travel on north to Watarka National Park and set up camp in the red sand hills protected by the majestic desert oak trees.

Included Activities:

Valley of the Winds walk

Overnight: Bush camp (Portable bush toilet)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9 Kings Canyon / Kings Creek

Regarded as one of the most rewarding walks of the tour, we spend approx. five hours exploring Kings Canyon. Trek to places like the Amphitheatre and the lost city. In the afternoon, we will explore the huge comet crater at Gosses Bluff and perhaps search for the elusive Thorny Devil. Set up camp in the magnificent Western MacDonnell Ranges.

Included Activities

Kings Canyon Rim Walk

Shower: Kings Canyon Camp ground if required. (Small fee)

Overnight: Bush camp (portable toilet)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10 Western Macdonnell Ranges/Alice Springs

We stop at Glen Helen Gorge then onto Ormiston Gorge. We will be able to swim at Ellery Creek Big Hole or Simpson Gap before entering Alice Springs at around 5pm. Then get cleaned up, and hit the town. These last ten days together, sharing this unique experience will leave you with a great sense of achievement.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Only $1995

all inclusive

Includes tour price: $1795
Local Payment: $200
student discounts available

Local Payment fees are fees paid to National Parks, Aboriginal communities and the many outback businesses and communities that we visit and support.

departs adelaide
mondays and thursdays

This is a tour into the sometimes unpredictable outback of Australia. Passengers need to bring an easy going outlook and a willingness to assist the tour guide at times. Advertised itineraries may vary due to circumstances beyond our control. No refund will be offered if Heading Bush are unable to acheive all locations within the itinerary.