6-DAY EYRE PENINSULA & FLINDERS RANGES ADVENTURE TOUR (ADELAIDE TO ADELAIDE)

We begin our Flinders Ranges tour from Adelaide by heading north, stopping at Clare for a quick coffee. Then continue to Mount Remarkable National Park to embark on the first hike of the tour at Alligator Gorge. Make a steep descent, then follow a trench of bright ochre-coloured quartzite cliffs guaranteed to make you feel very small. After a picnic lunch, travel a bit further north, arriving at Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. So unique are the fossils found in this landscape, geologists had to revise the geologic timeline of the Earth’s history, identifying a new era called the Ediacaran period.

Arrive at our campsite at the magnificent Wilpena Pound for a Welcome to Country in the Adnyamathanha people’s language. Enjoy Aboriginal songs, traditional stories, and local information as you are welcomed to the spectacular Flinders Ranges. Head back to the campsite for dinner and roll out your swag for your first night under the billions of stars of the Milky Way.

Today we drive approximately 450 km (5 hours), with stops along the way. Swag camp in the camping area at the Wilpena Pound Resort, which has toilet and shower facilities.

Wake to the joyful sounds of birdsong, and after breakfast, set out on the Hills Homestead Walk. Wander through the tranquil Pound Gap into Wilpena Pound and follow Wilpena Creek through tall river red gums and pines. Head up Wangara Lookout for panoramic views into the inside of Wilpena Pound and keep your eyes peeled for echidnas in the undergrowth. Breathe deep and take in the magic all around you.

Return to camp for lunch and a dip in the resort swimming pool to cool off. This afternoon we will set out on the Arkaroo Rock Trail, which has impressive views over the Chace Range. Arkaroo Rock is a significant cultural site for the Adnyamathanha people and has an incredible example of Adnyamathanha rock art depicting the Yura Muda (Dreaming or creation story) of Ikara.

Back at the resort, cool down with another swim, and relax and soak up the serenity of this ancient landscape. Spend your second night swag camping at Wilpena Pound, watching the shooting stars above.

This morning, say farewell to the Flinders Ranges and visit the Jeff Morgan Gallery in the tiny town of Hawker to see an incredible 360-degree immersive panorama of the region. Travel through to Port Augusta for lunch and see some impressive silo art at Cowell. Come late afternoon, arrive in the ‘Seafood Capital of Australia’, Port Lincoln.

Take a look around the town to get your bearings and stretch your legs before heading to our unique campsite at Mikkira Station. This private property is special as it is home to the Eyre Peninsula’s only wild koala population. Around 170 koalas and lots of kangaroos and emus, call Mikkira home. Head to a nearby beach for a swim and to watch the sunset before dinner at the campsite.

Travel around 500 km today (6 hours) and set up camp for three nights at Mikkira Station, which has shower and toilet facilities.

Surfing is a way of life in Australia, so today, pull on a wetsuit for a two-hour learn-to-surf lesson. The turquoise and calm water of Fisheries Bay is the perfect place to Hang 10! Those not wanting to surf will be able to relax, swim or explore. After a bite to eat, take a 14-kilometre scenic coastal drive along Whalers Way. Be wowed by the breathtaking coastline and cliffs that have been smashed by the Southern Ocean for millions of years.

This afternoon, you have the opportunity to ‘give back’ by participating in some important koala conservation work at Mikkira Station. Depending on the time of year, we will spend the afternoon removing weeds, or collecting, propagating or planting manna gum tree seeds. These trees are critical habitat for the koalas at Mikkira Station, and our partnership with land management and conservation groups will hopefully make a difference in their protection.

Feeling a great sense of purpose and connection with nature, kick back around the campfire with your new human and furry friends.
Travel 100 km today (2 hours), and sleep under koala-filled gum trees at Mikkira.

Today you are offered two very different itineraries. Those who love aquatic wildlife can choose the full day optional experience of coming face-to-face with the majestic, Great White Shark and swimming with the ever-playful Australian Sea Lions. Please see Optional Extras for more information.

Those who choose to stay on dry land will explore some hidden secrets in Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay. After a coastal hike along part of the Parnkalla Trail, head to Coffin Bay National Park. Famed for its white sandy beaches and wildlife, spend some time exploring, swimming or relaxing here. No visit to Coffin Bay is complete without tasting the world’s most famous oyster, so you also have the option of pulling on some waders and joining the Coffin Bay Oyster Farm Tour.

Back in Port Lincoln, enjoy a spot of wine tasting at Boston Bay Wines before we collect the rest of the group. Get ready for the best fish and chips you have ever had from the award-winning Fresh Fish Place and head back to camp at Mikkira Station for our last night together.

Drive time today is about 1.5 hours unless you are doing the sharks experience, in which case it is only 1 hour.

After breakfast, pack up camp and head to Port Lincoln for a must-do walk up Stamford Hill. Named as one of the 40 Great Australian Short Walks, this challenging but rewarding walk has magnificent views of Boston Bay, Port Lincoln and Lincoln National Park. Learn about the challenges Matthew Flinders encountered in finding water. And hear about the area’s wildlife and natural history.

On the way out of town, get one final look at Port Lincoln from Winters Hill Lookout. Stop for a BBQ lunch at Arno Bay as we make our way to Lucky Bay. Our Searoad Ferry will set sail across the Spencer Gulf towards Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula at 2.30 pm. Grab a coffee at the onboard café and relax and enjoy the two and a half hour journey across the gulf.

After disembarking in Wallaroo, jump back on the bus for our last stint into Adelaide, where you will arrive at around 8 pm.