Eyre Peninsula & Flinders Ranges Adventure Tour

 

 

Roam the wild landscapes of South Australia and revel in the freedom to live life untamed. The Eyre Peninsula and Flinders Ranges offer the perfect paradox of outback and ocean to awaken your senses. Venture to the Eyre Peninsula and learn to surf, discover the pristine coastline, see koalas in the wild and add a deeper meaning to your trip by participating in voluntary conservation work. Fall asleep each night under a sea of stars and connect with like-minded travellers. Unearth the 540-million-year-old Flinders Ranges with sweeping gorges, bushland brimming with wildlife and rich Aboriginal history.

 

 

 

ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Adelaide to Port Lincoln

 

Your nature roaming adventure begins as we head towards Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula, where our ferry will set sail across the Spencer Gulf towards the Eyre Peninsula at 9am. Grab a coffee at the onboard café, relax, and enjoy the two-and-a-half-hour cruise across the gulf.

 

On disembarking in Lucky Bay, jump back on the bus to Port Lincoln. Have some free time in Cowell to buy lunch and see some unique silo art. Upon arrival into PortLincoln / Galinyala, be greeted by proud Barngarla woman Emmalene Richards fora Welcome to Country ceremony.

 

After a quick stop in town, arrive at Mikkira Station Koala Sanctuary to set up camp. This private property is home to the Eyre Peninsula's only wild koala population and has many kangaroos and emus to spot.

 

Relax with your new friends over dinner before rolling out your swag under the stars of the Milky Way.

 

Today, travel around 370km.

 

Accommodation

Swag camping at Mikkira Station, which has a toilet and shower.

 

 

Day 2 – Coffin Bay (or aquatic experiences)

 

After breakfast, head up the coast to Coffin Bay National Park. Famed for its white sandy beaches and wildlife, spend some time exploring, swimming and relaxing.

 

A visit to Coffin Bay isn't complete without tasting the region's famous oysters, so you can choose the optional extra of pulling on some waders and joining the Coffin Bay Oyster Farm Tour. Wade out to a semi-submerged tour deck in a working commercial oyster farm and learn about these delicious molluscs from the farmer himself. Get a hands-on shucking lesson and taste oysters plucked straight from the ocean.

 

For those not wanting to don the waders, you can set out on the OysterTrail walk or relax over a coffee or lunch at Oyster HQ whilst soaking up the views over Coffin Bay.

 

Later, back in Port Lincoln, enjoy some free time to explore the town and enjoy a spot of wine tasting at Boston Bay Wines before we head back to camp.

 

Alternative Itinerary

 

Those coming to Port Lincoln to get up close and personal with the aquatic wildlife can opt to have a Great White Sharke xperience or swim with the ever-playful Australian Sea Lions. These out sourced activities are not included in the itinerary and must be booked directly withCalypso Star Charters. Please see Optional Extras for more information.

 

Drive time today is about 1.5 hours unless you are doing the shark experience, in which case it is only 1 hour.

 

Accommodation

Swag camping at Mikkira Station, which has a toilet and shower.

(Please note in high fire danger periods, camping is not permitted here, and an alter native campsite will be utilised).

 

 

Day 3: Port Lincoln

 

Surfing is a way of life inAustralia, so today, pull on a wetsuit for a two-hour learn-to-surf lesson. The turquoise and calm water of Fisheries Bay is the perfect place for beginners to perfect their skills. Those not wanting to surf can relax on the beach or swim.

 

The National Trust of SouthAustralia cares for the world's natural and built heritage and relies on the support of volunteers to protect and preserve special places. So, this afternoon after lunch, roll up your sleeves for three hours of conservation volunteering at Brinkworth Reserve. Our activity depends on the time of year but could involve collecting seeds, weeding or planting trees whilst learning from their passionate volunteers.

 

Head back to camp via LincolnNational Park and Wanna Lookout, then relax over dinner.

 

Today, travel approximately 60km.

 

Accommodation

Swag camping at Mikkira Station, which has a toilet and shower.

(Please note in high fire danger periods camping is not permitted here and an alternative campsite will be utilised)

 

 

Day 4 – Port Lincoln to Flinders Ranges

 

Today we have some distance to cover, so say farewell to the wild Eyre Peninsula, travelling to Port August a for lunch and to see some impressive silo art along the way. Come late in the afternoon and arrive at Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. The fossils in this landscape are so unique that geologists had to revise the geologic timeline ofEarth's history to encompass a new era called the Ediacaran period. It is also famed for having some of the clearest skies in the Southern Hemisphere, perfect for stargazing.

 

Stretch your legs on the Arkaroo Rock Trail, a significant cultural site for the Adnyamathanha people with impressive views over the Chace Range.

 

Come late afternoon, arrive at Wilpena Pound Resort to set up camp and enjoy dinner before rolling out your swag and spotting shooting stars.

 

Today, we drive approximately 530km, with stops along the way.

 

Accommodation

Swag camping at Wilpena Pound Resort, which has toilet and shower facilities.

 

 

Day 5 –*Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park*

 

Watch a mesmerising sunrise in Wilpena Pound, and then after breakfast, meet local Park Ranger and proud Adnyamathanhaman John from Ngai Nhina Yuras. After a Welcome to Country, walk with him in a place where the sun and moon create magic as you listen to the fascinating stories of the Adnyamathanha People. Learn about Culture and Traditions, BushMai (food), artefacts, and medicinal plants, followed by a cultural smoking protocol.

 

Return to camp for lunch and a dip in the resort swimming pool in warmer weather. With a better understanding of Aboriginal culture, spend the rest of the afternoon exploring more of the ancient Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

 

Today, travel around 80km. Back at the resort, relax and soak up the serenity of this ancient landscape, and have dinner with your newfound friends.

 

Accommodation

Swag camping at Wilpena Pound Resort, which has toilet and shower facilities.

 

 

Day 6 – Flinders Ranges to Adelaide

 

After packing up camp, head towards the Southern Flinders Ranges to visit the Jeff MorganGallery in the tiny town of Hawker. See some impressive silo art and visit an iconic bakery in Wirrabara before taking in 360-degree views from Bluff Look outright out over the Spencer Gulf.

 

Onwards, travel through the picturesque Clare Valley wine region for our final lunch and wine tasting before arriving in Adelaide at around 5 pm.

 

Today, travel approximately 450km.