DRIVING UP DOWNUNDER
Routing: Alice Springs to Adelaide
Duration: 7 Days
Code: AL5
From AUD$1,270.00* per person, based on standard double/twin share accommodation.
Includes: 6 nights’ accommodation, full breakfast in Kings Canyon, 7 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps.
From AUD$1,535.00* per person, based on superior double/twin share accommodation.
Includes: 6 nights’ accommodation, full breakfast in Kings Canyon, 7 days unlimited km use of a compact sized car and fully detailed itinerary with local and regional maps.
DAY 01: Alice Springs to Kings Canyon (476 km) OR Alice Springs to Kings Canyon via the Mereenie Loop Road (390 km) 4WD access only
Take the Stuart Highway (201 km) south to the Ayers Rock turn off. Turn west onto the Lasseter Highway. Continue on Luritja Road to reach the Kings Canyon Resort for your overnight stay. 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 to take the Rim Walk is early in the morning.
DAY 02: Kings Canyon to Ayers Rock (318 km)
Make an early start to complete the Rim Walk at Kings Canyon. Then travel via the Lasseter Highway to the spectacular region of Yulara. Now it’s time to see the world’s greatest monolith, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and also Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). On your way to see sunset over Uluru, stop at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to learn of the region’s history and about the unique flora and fauna, how the earth created such remarkable landmarks and how the Aboriginal communities have lived and thrived there for thousands of years. What better way to finish the day at the famous sunset strip to see the sun setting over Ayers Rock.
DAY 03: Ayers Rock
A day at leisure. Take a walk around the Rock, a visit to the Cultural Centre, a Harley ride around the Rock or a scenic flight. This afternoon after lunch visit the magnificent Olgas and take a walk through the Valley of the Winds before viewing another spectacular sunset.
DAY 04: Ayers Rock to Marla (495 km)
This morning you can see the sunrise over Ayers Rock before departing very early today for a long drive through the desert. Travel back to the Stuart Highway and turn south to Kulgera. Continue over the border into South Australia through the desert towards Marla, which marks the start of the famous Oodnadatta Track.
DAY 05: Marla to Coober Pedy (232 km)
Leaving Marla, continue travelling south on the Stuart Highway and pass through Cadney Homestead and arrive at the opal mining town 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. Take some time to explore the town this afternoon.
DAY 06: Coober Pedy to Port Augusta (540 km)
Travel south along the Stuart Highway, through the desert, to reach the town of Port Augusta, at the top of Spencer Gulf. This is a busy seaport town which is the last major centre along the road linking Western Australia with South Australia.
DAY 07: Port Augusta to Adelaide (317 km or 382 km)
It’s a very pleasant drive today into the city of Adelaide and takes around 4 hours. There are two routes available for this journey. One takes the Princes Highway through Port Pirie. However a more scenic route is to Wilmington, then on to Gladstone and Clare. The wineries around Clare are well worth a visit.
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.
