9 days in the Flinders Ranges and Eyre Peninsula - Signature Experiences of Australia

South-west of Wilpena Pound lies Port Lincoln where the pristine waters of the Eyre Peninsula are a sanctuary for some of Australia’s most unique and curious marine creatures including dolphins, Australian sea lions and the awesome great white shark.

At a glance:

• 3 nights Wilpena Pound
• 5 nights Port Lincoln                                                            

The Journey

• Nearest Major City: Adelaide
• Duration: 9 days
• Mode of Transport: Car, On Foot, 4WD, Bicycle, Plane, Boat

Day 1

Drive to the Flinders Ranges, stopping to stretch your legs at Crystal Brook – home to the Big Goanna.

Stop for lunch at Port Pirie, a treasure trove of colonial architecture with intoxicating views of the Spencer Gulf. Cool off at nearby Solomontown Beach.

Take a break at Quorn where a visit to the Quandong Café for a slice of quandong (wild peach) pie is a must.

Arrive at Wilpena Pound Resort and check in.

Wilpena Pound Resort offers visitors to the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park an opportunity to explore and truly appreciate this spectacular and ancient land with its rich cultural history, unique biodiversity and stunning landscapes.  The Resort serves as the only accommodation within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and includes hotel rooms, ‘glamping’ safari tents and campsites.

This evening experience a Welcome to Country - Adnyamathanha Yarta.

Be welcomed to the area in Yura Ngawarla, the language of the Adnyamathanha people. Enjoy Aboriginal songs, traditional stories, and local information as you are welcomed to Wilpena Pound Resort and the Flinders Ranges by a Yura staff member.

Highlights:

• See the Big Goanna at Crystal Brook.
• Try some quandong pie in Quorn.
• Enjoy a traditional Welcome to Country at Wilpena Pound Resort.

DAY 2

Take the full day Mining Mysteries and Outback Histories tour.

Visit Blinman, exploring the old copper mine and historic town. Travel to Parachilna for lunch at the famous Prairie Hotel then pass through Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges learning about ancient geological history.

Tonight, enjoy an Ikara Sunset Spectacular tour with an Aboriginal guide.

Observe the changing colours as the sun sets over Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges. Marvel at this vast ancient landscape from a spectacular local lookout point. Beverages and canapés are provided.

Highlights:

• Explore the copper mines and historic town of Blinman.
• Have lunch at the famous Prairie Hotel.
• Enjoy drinks and canapés from a sunset lookout.

DAY 3

This morning take a scenic flight of Lake Eyre and Muloorina Station.

Enjoy stunning aerial views of Parachilna, Marree and awe-inspiring Lake Eyre. Land at the remote Muloorina Station then pass over the Leigh Creek open-cut coal fields and Gammon Ranges on the return flight.

In the afternoon hire a bike from Reception. Ride part of the famous Mawson Trail, which runs from Adelaide to Blinman passing behind the Wilpena Pound Campground. Alternatively, ride to Old Wilpena Station before taking the self-guided walking trail around the old buildings.

Highlights:

• View the magnificent Lake Eyre on a scenic flight.
• Hire a bike and explore one of the many trails around Wilpena Pound Resort.

DAY 4

Depart Wilpena Pound for Port Lincoln.

Stop at Port Augusta, the ‘crossroads of Australia’, an intersection of calm blue waters, red ranges and semi-arid deserts. Check out the remarkable Sundrop, a farming complex that combines solar power, electricity generation, freshwater production and hydroponics.

Continue to The Eyre Peninsula, with striking coastlines, vast sand dunes, rugged offshore islands, secluded coves and incredible marine encounters.

Stop at Cowell and enjoy an alfresco lunch at The Franklin Harbour Hotel.

Arrive Port Lincoln and check into Port Lincoln Hotel.

Tonight’s dining suggestions include Del Giorno’s, Sarins Restaurant,  The Line & Label and Sharkys Bar

Highlights:

• Make a stop at the ‘crossroads of Australia’ – Port Augusta.
• Drive past the remarkable Sundrop Farms – successfully growing produce without fossil fuels, vast amounts of fresh water and thousands of acres of cultivated farmland.
• Enjoy a laidback dinner with the locals at Port Lincoln.

DAY 5

Meet your guide from Australian Coastal Safaris for an unforgettable 3-4 day Eyre Peninsula Wildlife and Ocean Encounters Tour.

Day 1:  Coffin Bay National Park

Enter beautiful Coffin Bay and venture out on a cruise joining a local oyster farmer to see two islands named 'The Brothers'. Shuck your own oysters, then enjoy a gourmet seafood platter before continuing on to Coffin Bay National Park for some wildlife spotting.

Return to Port Lincoln.

Highlights:

• Visit the stunning estuary at Coffin Bay.
• Cruise to The Brothers – unique, paleontological-significant islands.
• Enjoy a tour and tasting at an oyster farm.
• Spot native birds and animals at Coffin Bay National Park.

DAY 6

Day 2: Baird Bay

Depart Port Lincoln for the magical Baird Bay. Take a short boat ride to the location where you will experience sea lions in their natural environment. Swim with the resident Bottlenose dolphins, then enjoy lunch on the beach before returning to Port Lincoln via Talia caves.

Highlights:

• Swim with Australian sea lions – one of only two places in the world where this is available.
• Enjoy an up-close encounter with bottlenose dolphins in deeper waters.

DAY 7

Day 3: Lincoln National Park

Head to Lincoln National Park, where rugged cliffs provide an opportunity to view native Australia birdlife. Take an optional hike to see spectacular views from the Stamford Hill Lookout. After lunch,  visit the beautiful Mikkira Station to see a colony of wild koalas and emus roaming around amongst the sheep.

Highlights:

• View seabirds, shorebirds, songbirds, parrots and raptors including osprey and white-bellied sea eagles.
• Interact with the koalas at Mikkira Station.

DAY 8

Day 4: Neptune Islands (Optional)

Today head to Neptune Islands for an opportunity to cage dive with the Great White Sharks. Enter the Aqua Sub (a glass underwater viewing area) or experience the underwater action in the cage.

Highlights:

• Cage dive with Great White Sharks.
• Spot birdlife, dolphins and Australian Sea-lions and Long-nosed Fur Seals.

DAY 9

Return to Adelaide.