DRIVING UP DOWNUNDER
Routing: Adelaide to Alice Springs
Duration: 7 Days
Code: A25
From AUD$1,170.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation.
Includes: 6 nights’ accommodation, full breakfast in Kings Canyon Resort, 7 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps.
From AUD$1,400.00* per person, based on superior double/twin share accommodation.
Includes: 6 nights’ accommodation, full breakfast in Kings Canyon Resort, 7 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps.
DAY 01: Adelaide to Port Augusta (382 km)
There is a choice of routes to take to Port Augusta today. The most direct way is through Port Pirie. This is quite a pleasant drive and will take around 4 hours. A more scenic drive is via Clare. The wineries around Clare are well worth a visit. From here travel on to Gladstone, the small town of Wilmington and to Port Augusta, a busy seaport town which is the last major centre along the road linking Western Australia with South Australia.
DAY 02: Port Augusta to Coober Pedy (539 km)
Leaving Port Augusta travel north on the Stuart Highway into the real outback and desert of Australia. Travel on to the unique township of Coober Pedy. The name ‘Coober Pedy’ is Aboriginal for ‘white fellow’s hole in the ground’. This is extremely appropriate as most of the population live underground in dug-outs to protect them from the severe summer temperatures, often reaching 45C.
DAY 03: Coober Pedy to Marla (232 km)
More time to explore Coober Pedy. Leaving Coober Pedy, continue travelling north on the Stuart Highway and pass through Cadney Homestead and onto Marla, which marks the start of the famous Oodnadatta Track.
DAY 04: Marla to Ayers Rock (522 km)
Leaving Marla, continue travelling through Kulgera, and then continue north another 75 kilometres to Erldunda and then turn off to Ayers Rock and Yulara Resort. This afternoon head out to the Rock, we suggest taking a slow drive around it before heading to “Sunset Strip” to see the famous Ayers Rock.
DAY 05: Ayers Rock
An entire day at leisure to explore all that the region has to offer. Take a walk around the Rock, a visit to the Cultural Centre, a Harley ride around the Rock or a scenic flight. This afternoon try a picnic lunch at the Olgas and a walk through the Valley of the Winds before viewing another spectacular sunset.
DAY 06: Ayers Rock to Kings Canyon (326 km)
This morning is at leisure to explore more of Ayers Rock. You may wish to rise early to experience the beautiful sunrise over Ayers Rock or take a walk into the majestic Olga Gorge. Leaving Ayers Rock behind take the Lasseter Highway and pass by the majestic flat topped mountain, Mt Conner. Turn left and take the Luritja Road to Kings Canyon. Skirt the rim of the Canyon and hold your breath as you gaze 300 metres down to the valley floor. The soaring sandstone walls frame the “Garden of Eden”, a unique waterhole surrounded by palms and ferns. The best time of day for the Kings Canyon Rim Walk is early in the morning when it is cool.
DAY 07: Kings Canyon to (Alice Springs 476 km) OR Kings Canyon to Alice Springs via the Mereenie Loop Road (390 km) 4WD access only
We recommend taking the Rim Walk at Kings Canyon early this morning, but it will be a very early morning to allow you enough time to drive onto Alice Springs. Depart Kings Canyon and return to the Lasseter Highway and turn left. Pass the Henbury Meteorite craters, formed around 4,700 years ago. Take the Stuart Highway north to Alice Springs. Spend the rest of the day exploring this beautiful part of the Australian Outback.
Your vehicle will need to be return tomorrow by the same time it was collected on Day 1, to avoid additional charges.
*Prices are subject to availability and conditions apply. Valid until 31 March, 2021. For dates after this or if you would like to make any changes, please contact us direct for a quote.
