The Opal Trail by 4WD - 4 Days
Here is an opportunity to experience all the elements of the Australian Outback, travelling with an expert guide in 4WD comfort. On this adventure you will discover the world-famous opal fields of Coober Pedy and Andamooka, with scenery that looks like a mix of the Wild West and the moon! You will also explore the desert regions of the Outback, the Great Salt Lakes and the magnificent Flinders Ranges with their abundance of wildlife and spectacular gorges. You'll meet the people of the country, experience the history and the culture and travel through some of the most diverse countryside on earth.
Follow the Opal Trail and discover a real Australian gem!
Day 1 - You will be transferred to the Adelaide airport for a flight with Regional Express Airlines to Olympic Dam. On arrival, you will be met by your Banksia Adventures 4WD driver/guide. Travel to Roxby Downs and the world famous opal mining area of Andamooka. This town is opal mining in its 'rare' form. Meet the people of the area and be in awe of their lifestyle and gemstones. Tour an underground working mine where 'you may even strike some opal'.
O/n - Roxby Downs Motor Inn
Day 2 - Travel south for a short tour of Woomera , home to Australia's rocket range. See the region around Island Lagoon and Lake Hart, before following the Stuart Highway, further into the outback plains of the world famous opal region of 'Coober Pedy'. Tour through the township, underground opal mines and meet with the characters of this region. There will be an opportunity to explore Coober Pedy's many opal retail outlets. Overnight accommodation will be at the famous Desert Cave underground hotel.
O/n - Desert Cave Hotel
Day 3 - Depart on a trip through the real Australian outback to see all the BIG icons. Cross the Moon Plains and the longest fence in the world, the Dog Fence, which stretches more than 5300 kilometres from the Great Australian Bight to the foothills of Queenslands Bunya Mountains. Drive through Anna Creek cattle station, the largest cattle station (single land holding) in the world, some 24,000 square kilometres. Anna Creek is quoted ' bigger than Belgium'. See Lake Cadibarrawirracanna, the longest place name in Australia. Then to famous William Creek, one of Australia's smallest towns. Follow the Oodnadatta Track (Old Ghan Line) and see the artesian mound springs (water volcanoes), see Australia's largest salt lake, Lake Eyre (quoted as 10 times the size of Singapore). Lunch is at a classic Outback Pub, the Marree Hotel in Marree. Once known as Hergott Springs , Marree has a rich history. A staging post for the large camel trains carrying wool and supplies in the early days that were eventually replaced by the Ghan Railway. This town is at the start of the Birdsville Stock Route (Birdsville Track). Gradually, in the distance, the Flinders Ranges rise out of the vast plains of the desert as you journey up to the highest town in South Australia. The quaint outback pub at the old Copper mining town of Blinman will be your stay for tonight.
O/n - Blinman Hotel
Day 4 - Travel through the picturesque tree-lined Brachina Gorge then marvel at the changing colour as you travel through the 'corridor in time'. You will be guided through the habitats of Emus, Kangaroos and Reptiles where you may also spot the rare and beautiful Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies. See the earliest living animal fossils (630 million years old) in the world. Many species of birds also inhabit this region, ranging from brightly coloured Ringed Neck Parrots through to the magnificent Wedge-tail eagle, Australia's largest bird of prey. This day provides a stark contrast to the deserts and salt lakes you have been through. Today will be spent exploring this region, which attracts nature lovers and artists from all over the world. You will then travel through the gentler southern ranges and into the vineyards of the beautiful Clare Valley wine region as you make your way back to Adelaide for the completion of 'The Opal Trail'.
City Pick Up for Airport Transfer and tour returns at approximately 18:00 on the last day
Tour Includes:
Airport transfer from accommodation
Flight from Adelaide to Olympic Dam with Regional Express Airlines
4 days escorted 4WD touring
1 night each at Roxby Downs, Coober Pedy & Blinman (B&B)
All morning teas and lunches
All park entry fees
Complimentary pick up and set down in Adelaide metropolitan area
Important Notes:
Light aircraft operators are very stringent about weight limits.
Luggage is restricted to 15kg per person. This is a safety issue.
This tour can operate in reverse, subject to flight availability
Minimum PAX for departure: 2
ECONOMY ACCOMMODATION OPTION
Itinerary and inclusions as above
Economy accommodation is utilised
DEPARTURE DATES :
DEPARTS DAILY (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)
HOLIDAY SURCHARGE APPLIES FOR DEPARTURE ON GOOD FRIDAY & CHRISTMAS DAY.
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