Lake Eyre and Flinders Ranges

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. Stay: Port Augusta, Standpipe Motel (L/D)

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 the spectacular ochre-coloured pits, then call in at the ghost town of Farina before arriving at Marree. Stay: The Marree Hotel (B/L/D)

• 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.

Depart Birdsville and follow the vast intermittent Diamantina River 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. Stay Two Nights: Wilpena Pound Resort (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

• Visit the highly acclaimed Watervale Hotel for a delightful meal featuring local produce from their organic, bio-dynamic farm in the Clare Valley.

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