Simpson Desert Tours from Adelaide return to Adelaide - 9 days

Tour by 4WD from ADELAIDE via Port Augusta and Woomera to Coober Pedy Includes The Painted Desert, Ooodnattta & Old Ghan Railway, Dalhousie Springs (swim in thermal pools) then 3 nights Simpson desert crossing via French Line, Coulson Track, QAA & WAA Lines, Poeppel's Corner Eyre Creek then Birdsville Hotel accommodation, return to Adelaide via Birdsville Track, Marree and Lake Eyre. Includes all park entries & permits, sleeping gear and meals. Optional scenic flights over Goyder Lagoon, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Simpson Desert, Coongie Lakes. 9 days or fly out day 8 option. The detailed Itinerary is shown below.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 – Adelaide to Coober Pedy – Depart 7:00 am via Port Wakefield, the giant windfarms of Snowtown and Spencers Gulf to Port Augusta with its historic precinct for morning tea on the old Port Augusta Dock. We head north up the Stuart Highway via Pimba and visit Woomera's historic rocket museum (passengers willing) then vast historic sheep stations including Glendambo. Arrive Coober Pedy late afternoon for dinner and a comfy sleep in underground accommodation amongst the opals (or above ground option available) LD

Day 2 – You can check out the opals and fascinating Umoona underground museum before we head off into the desert to The Painted Hills including Mount Arckaringa - these Ochre coloured hills are a unique feature of this area. We arrive at Oodnadatta and have a cuppa at the famous Pink Roadhouse before visiting the Old Ghan Railway Museum full of wonderfull history of the establishment and operation of Oodnadatta and the railway. Oodnadatta was established on the Neales River in 1889 it was South Australia’s most northern railway town. It was a starting point for pioneering travellers heading north and a major railhead for cattle being walked down the northern stock routes. By 1893, Oodnadatta boasted a diverse population which included Afghans, Chinese & Europeans. We travel north from Oodnadatta following sections of the old Ghan Track and visit Pedirka Siding Ruins and the Old Dalhousie Springs Homestead.

We enter Witjira National Park and arrive at Dalhousie Springs, a vast area of natural springs outpouring from the Great Artesian Basin – Dalhousie Springs is a series of 60 natural artesian springs from the Great Artesian Basin. Swim option at Dalhousie Springs in 38-43 Deg C water. Enter the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve – Overnight camp here on the edge of the Simpson Desert. BLD

Day 3 – Heading into the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve we cross the floodplains of Spring Creek Delta moving into numerous salt lakes and higher sand dunes. We take a break at Purnie Bore before more of the French Line with spectacular views from the top and great feeling of humility and nurturing by nature within the dunes. We travel over and longitudinally between the sandhills. Great photo opportunities, maybe a dingo or two to see, sunsets and sunrises and wildflowers. Enjoy and evening campfire at our remote desert camp BLD

Day 4-5 – We cross more salt lakes and sand dunes, but also travel parallel to the dunes for a different perspective of the landscape. We visit the Approdinna Attora Knolls, high gypsum hills with a great lookout over the desert. We see remnants of other travellers and oil searches in the desert. Take a break at Poeppel's Corner marking the meeting of QLD, NT & SA borders. Overnight under the stars in our remote camp.

Day 6 – We cross Eyre Creek and traverse the largest sandhill, Big Red is also known as Nappanerica Dune, on the western edge of Lake Nappanerica, and the eastern edge of The Simpson Desert. Overnight ensuite accommodation in Birdsville. BLD

Day 7 – This morning, time to check out Birdsville and the unique features of this once bustling town which was a customs post for cattle heading down the track. Consider an optional flight over Lake Eyre, Goyder Lagoon & Simpson Desert. (book early). We visit the historic Burke and Wills camp tree by the Diamantina River. After lunch we do a Birdsville tour with its fascinating history, visit Burke & Wills marked tree by the Diamantina River, and site of Australias most famous thermal power station. After lunch, we depart and travel due north through Channel Country and the Diamantina Shire HQ at Bedourie, crossing several creeks and water holes often hosting wetland birds including Brolgas. Arrive Boulia for overnight at Australia Hotel or Boulia Desert Sands Motel. BLD

Day 8 – The Min Min Encounter is a theatre presentions at the visitors centre, where we learn of the fascinating story of the Min Min lights phenomena – a mystery of strange red lights appearing and following people in this remote desert region. We depart after the exhibition and town tour for Tobermory via the Plenty Highway and the northern boundary of the Simpson Desert. The Tobermory camping area which is set on the Tobermorey Station is a lovely grassed area under trees. It has hot showers, flushing toilets and a shop with some basic goods. We can enjoy an open campfire under the stars tonight. Accommodation is available here in basic cabins with shared bathrooms for early bookers. Alternatively camping option. as we overnight at Tobermorey Station BLD

Day 9 – Our journey onward takes us via Jervois, which is our last fuel stop. Jervois is a cattle station, formed in 1960, and one of the last stations to be taken up in the area. We pass by giant termite nests and nearby the rugged Harts Range. Enjoy a stop at the remote Atitjere community Aboriginal Arts centre, nestled at the base of the Harts Ranges, Atitjere is home to around 400 people. Time permitting, a stopover at Gemtree and check out the gems, crystals and mineral specimens as well as local Aboriginal Art and artefacts at this popular gem fossicking region. Arrive in Alice Springs for overnight and a celebratory meal together. BLD

Tag along travellers in their own cars may wish to depart at Birdsville to head south to Adelaide

This fully inclusive tour is by small group luxury 4WD travel.