7 Day Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges AGOLE7

Itinerary

• 1 Arrive Adelaide, Wadlata Outback Centre, Port Augusta

  Be met at Adelaide airport, where you will meet your driver and board your 4WD vehicle. Travel to Port Augusta, situated at the head of Spencer Gulf. This iconic town sits at the crossroads of Australia, where the Sydney-Perth and Adelaide-Alice Springs railway lines intersect. Today you’ll also visit the award-winning Wadlata Outback Centre, where a walk through its ‘Tunnel of Time’ provides the perfect introduction to this magnificent region by introducing you to the fascinating stories from the Dreamtime to the early explorers who embarked on camel-back voyages in search of an inland sea.  

• 2 Port Augusta, Marree

  This morning, explore the Historic railway town of Quorn, filled with charming heritage buildings that have been a backdrop for films including Gallipoli and Wolf Creek. Traverse the Pichi Richi Pass, a heritage steam railway line. Stop for lunch at Parachilna’s famous Prairie Hotel, a family-owned pub that was first licensed in 1876. Continue to the stunning Aroona Dam and admire its spectacular ochre-coloured pits, then call in at the ghost town of Farina, once a thriving community with around 600 residents, before arriving at Marree.    

• 3 Marree, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Birdsville

  Set off along the Oodnadatta Track towards Lake Eyre South, where you’ll walk on the dazzling salt flats subject to weather conditions. Keep an eye out for unusual creatures including the Lake Eyre dragon, as well as a variety of birdlife including corellas and wild emerald budgerigars. Afterwards, enjoy a pub lunch at William Creek and then embark on your Signature Experience. Later, relax in the comfort of a 4WD coach whilst you travel to Munga Thirii (formerly known as Simpson Desert). Witness the sun setting while enjoying drinks and nibbles and watch as nature displays its very own light show. You will spend the night in Birdsville at the famous Birdsville Hotel.

  Signature Experience – Scenic Flight Over Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre
  Board an included scenic flight over Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, where you will be able to gain a bird’s-eye view and true appreciation of this magnificent sight. Absorb the beautiful range of vibrant blue and pink hues – even when dry, the lake bed dazzles with its patchwork of geometric patterns. From this vantage point, you will see how it cuts an amazing track though the Simpson Desert, all the way from Queensland, as you head for Poeppel Corner and the Big Red sand dune, prior to landing at Birdsville.

• 4 Birdsville, Wilpena Pound

  Depart Birdsville and follow the vast intermittent Diamantina River before returning to Marree via the eastern side of Lake Eyre North, the Cooper Creek and Lake Eyre South. Fly over the Marree Man, the largest geoglyph and work of art in the world, to this date little is known about its origin. Upon arrival, drive through the Flinders Ranges to Wilpena Pound and enjoy dinner at your hotel later this evening.

• 5 Wilpena Pound

  This morning is yours to explore at leisure. Perhaps take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound to gain a true appreciation of this natural wonder (additional expense). Or alternatively embark on a self-guided walk to the spectacular Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre of mountains in the heart of the national park. After Lunch, venture into Flinders Ranges National Park and follow in the footsteps of Douglas Mawson as you spend the afternoon in the geological site of Brachina Gorge, an important refuge for the endangered yellow-footed rock wallaby.

  Freedom of Choice – Wilpena Pound Scenic Flight 
  Perhaps take a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound to gain a true appreciation of this natural wonder. 

• 6 Wilpena Pound, Clare Valley, Adelaide

  After breakfast, drive to the world-renowned wine growing district of the Clare Valley. This afternoon, savour a Signature Experience. Later, return to Adelaide, where you will enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel.

  Signature Experience – Dine at the Watervale Hotel
  Visit the highly acclaimed Watervale Hotel for a delightful meal featuring locally grown produce from the hotel organic, bio-dynamic farm in one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, the Clare Valley. It’s the ideal setting to enjoy a glass of wine and catch up with your fellow guests.

• 7 Depart Adelaide

  After breakfast, be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

• Itineraries and inclusions are subject to change
• Weather may cause disruptions to itinerary, especially in remote locations
• We highly recommends travel insurance
• This tour includes mainly easy walks over uneven terrain
• Prices includes airport transfers and park fees
• Prices are for land only. Flights not included unless specified

Additional Information

Travel Documents Travel Documents After booking you will receive an invoice with all important information relevant to your holiday package. We strongly recommend you check the details carefully and read the included information. Please ensure that you check your flight timings carefully on your tickets, particularly early morning departures. Approximately 21 days before departure you will receive your e-ticket together with your final itinerary. However, in the case of late bookings, charges or late payment, tickets may be emailed to you.

Group Size There is no set age or type of traveller, you can expect a wide-range of like-minded travellers. Families with children, young couples, baby boomers, solo travellers, small groups and more can be found on guided tours. There is certainly no age limit for touring, with children as young as 6 through to seniors travelling, however, the general demographic tends to be over 40.

Depending on the tour you choose and the time of year you are travelling our group sizes can vary from 20 people up to 49 people

Optional Experiences The must-see and must-do experiences in all their tours but also offer you the ability to customise your tour with a selection of Optional Experiences. Details of Optional Experiences available will be sent with your final documents.

Clothing and What to Bring Clothing and footwear should be casual, comfortable and suited to the cooler climate of Tasmania.
• Clothing – shorts, trousers, shirts, swimwear, hat, sunglasses, a jacket and a change of warm clothes in case of inclement weather are advisable.
• Footwear – comfortable walking shoes and some form of fast-drying wet-shoe would prove useful.
• Personal – sun protection, insect repellent, medications, toiletries, (overseas travellers should bring a suitable adapter). Don’t forget to bring your video or camera along with plenty of film & spare batteries (recharge facilities are available).
• Money and/or credit card for personal expenses such as drinks, souvenirs and optional extras.

Prepare Your Medication If you have a food allergy or medical condition which needs to be managed on tour, please advise your Booking Agent before departure, and inform your Tour Director on arrival. It is also worth packing a small medical kit, as even though there will be pharmacies along your tour, they can be difficult to access, and a prescription may be required for some medications.
Suggested Packing List:
• A general-purpose antibiotic (e.g. azithromycin)
• Cold and flu medication
• Your preferred pain medication
• Medicine for gastronomic upsets
• Band aids and blister pads

Fitness Level A good level of fitness and health is required to participate on holiday packages. In some destinations there are extensive sightseeing excursions by foot which includes the climbing of stairs and walking on uneven surfaces. Mobility is needed boarding or alighting coaches and trains. We recommend a visit to the doctor before travelling to overseas destinations and consulting with them regarding any vaccinations which may be required. It is your responsibility to the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect the normal conduct of a holiday package and the enjoyment of other passengers. A Health, Fitness & Mobility Questionnaire will be provided and requested to be completed at the time of booking if you advise of any health, fitness or mobility issues. The tour operator is not liable for any injury, illness, or loss of enjoyment which could have been reasonably prevented had we been made aware of a pre-existing condition and been provided an opportunity to review it. We will not be responsible for any costs associated with cancellation penalties or the return of passengers from a tour, and a refund for lost touring cannot be claimed.

Extras Airfares (unless stated), airport taxes, laundry, food not on the regular menu, drinks may or may not be included as indicated in your itinerary, excess baggage, Wi-Fi (unless stated), fuel surcharges and optional excursions not specified in the itinerary. Extra overnight accommodation is not included at the start or end of the tour if not specified in the itinerary. Airport Transfers Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour as indicated by the itinerary or when booking pre or post tour accommodation with your tour.

Seat Rotation To ensure all passengers enjoy window seats and forward located seats, on longer tours a daily seat rotation system may apply at the discretion of the Tour Director/Driver-Guide. We do not warrant that the seat rotation will be adjusted to suit personal preference. Passengers are responsible for all charges that result from visiting a medical practitioner. The tour operator is not responsible for the type or quality of medical services you may receive.

Luggage Limits Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 160cm (63 inches), or weigh more than 23kg (50 pounds). Dimensions for checked baggage are calculated by adding together the width, height and depth of the piece of baggage. An extra charge will be imposed to cover porterage handling of any additional luggage. Your tour director will advise you of the exact additional charge.

Some holiday packages may have restricted luggage limits, please refer to Specific Terms & Conditions under relevant destination for more information.

When packing, consider the season of the destination you are travelling to, even in summer many destinations get cooler in the evenings, so it is a good idea to pack a jumper/jacket. We recommend packing light to medium weight clothing as well as rainwear in case of cooler or wet weather. Good walking shoes are must.

Smoking Government regulations forbid smoking in tourist coaches however frequent stops are made for those wishing to smoke. Smoking is not permitted in hotel rooms or ship cabins. Requests for smoking/non-smoking rooms will be passed on to hotels but cannot be guaranteed.

Travel Insurance Travel Insurance is not included in your holiday package. For your protection, you are required to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes (without limitation) coverage for the full cost of your holiday package, medical expenses, loss of luggage, land content and airfare charges that may occur due to cancellation, impossibility of performance or other frustration, disruption, loss of deposit or strikes.

We highly recommend that you obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance to cover your entire time away from home. Be sure to pack your policy in case you need to make a claim while travelling.

Booking Terms and Conditions Be aware that some confirmed bookings are not refundable if cancelled, and also may not be transferable to another date or otherwise changed. Alternatively, a change may only be permissible subject to payment of an additional fee or charge. Your entitlement to a refund for cancelled bookings is subject to the relevant Supplier’s terms and conditions. Please note that if we are entitled to a service fee for placing a booking, we will remain entitled to this fee if you cancel the booking or the Supplier fails to provide you with the Product for any reason (other than our default), including in an event of Force Majeure. We will be entitled to deduct our service fee from any refund we receive on your behalf before remitting the balance to you. Suppliers’ fees are outlined in their relevant terms and conditions.

Please review the full Terms and Conditions and Schedule of Fees prior to making a booking.

Supplier Terms and Conditions:
100 days or more            Loss of deposit
99-61 days                        50% of holiday package price
60 days or less                100% of holiday package price

If your holiday has commenced, 100% of the full holiday package price is charged. There is no refund for unused services or if portions of the holiday package are missed. Additional cancellation fees may also be charged in respect of accommodation reserved outside the holiday package dates. Promotional sales may incur stricter cancellation fees, these will be in terms and conditions of sale price purchases.

Changes to the Itinerary The tour operator has endeavoured to ensure that the information provided about accommodation, itineraries etc., is correct to the best of its knowledge at the time of publication. However, advertised descriptions and facilities and prices may change after publication. We recommend that you confirm the details of your chosen holiday package at the time of booking. Additionally, flight times, carriers and routes are given for guidance only as there may be changes. Final details will be shown on your tickets. Holiday package or excursion itineraries may change or be different from those described in our collateral as a result of local conditions, weather conditions, annual events. The tour operator will endeavour to notify you of any significant changes prior to your departure.

Travel Insurance
As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance. It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance. As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to get a free no-obligation quote from Cover-More Travel Insurance.

Credit Card Payments
Credit Card Customer Payment Link enter this link into your browser: pay.travelpay.com.au/AUSTC

If paying via the Customer Payment Link, please ensure you complete all fields and ensure you enter the correct Trip Reference Number, so we can identify your payment.

Credit card surcharges will apply when paying by credit card. We accept all credit cards and relevant credit card fee is applied when processing: Mastercard – 1.30%, Visa – 1.50%, American Express – 2.20%, Diners Card – 2.75%, International Credit Cards – 3.25%

Direct Deposit
Direct Deposit payments take up to 3 business days to process. Please notify your consultant of your payment once it has been processed.

Commonwealth Bank: Australian Tours and Cruises
Reference: Your Trip Number
BSB: 062-504 Account: 1066 1268
Branch Address: Shop 1/80-84 William St, Bathurst NSW 2795
In Bank Payment of Cash Or Cheque: Add $5 for bank fees
International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees
SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S

Reviews

GT, QLD, Australia
A very good hotel in Adelaide – The Mayfair & The Novotel in Barossa were excellent as was the Glamping tent in Flinders Ranges at Wilpena Pound. Dinner at the restaurant in the camp was mostly tasty but a bit hit & miss at times, although when you consider how remote it is they did an excellent job with the variety of food presented. Staff there were friendly at all times. The scenery was beautiful. Our Guide & Driver Kym was wonderful, so careful with all driving, always looked after us all & was very knowledgeable, friendly & patient. A definite asset to APT in every way.

There were some guests (only 10 of in total so heaps of room on the coach) that did not enjoy the grazing plate meals but we thought they were fine. The food itself was very good, the wine tastings were well organised, the dinner at Seppeltsfield was great (beautiful grounds & buildings). St Hugo’s lunch was also a highlight but I think the dinner at Mt Lofty was too much food, still good but perhaps slightly pretentious. Very expensive wine, over $70 for 2 standard glasses of red wine (public holiday loading & c/c charges). The cooking class at Maggie Beers was very interesting & we enjoyed our time there, perhaps again too much food after eating the meals cooked in the demo. The drive through Brachina Gorge was amazing! Lunch in Parachilna was a standout too.

All in all the whole 7 days were filled with very interesting activities, different places to see, food was of a good standard & the group got along very well. Highly recommend the whole trip to anyone interested in seeing those parts of SA, but remember there is quite a bit of coach travel involved so not for everyone.

FAQs

• Should I buy travel insurance?

  Travel insurance is your choice. You will need to read the individual terms and conditions provided by each travel insurance company. As a valued customer of Murray River Cruises, we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance. Travel insurance can assist with non-refundable costs such as deposits paid in the event of a cancellation, please check the policy for details prior to purchase. Ask our helpful team for a quote or get a free no-obligation quote online.