Eyre Peninsula Adventure

Welcome to South Australia! Your adventure begins in Adelaide (Tandanya in the language of The Kaurna people, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Adelaide is now located). A welcome meeting will take place at 8am for you to meet up with your local leader and the other travellers joining you for your adventure. Then it’s time to hit the road and begin the journey to Port Augusta. Make a stop in Crystal Brook to snap a selfie with the Big Goanna, then drive past the Barunga Ranges on your way to Port Pirie. Check out examples of colonial architecture and views of the Spencer Gulf before completing the final leg of today’s journey to Port Augusta, where the outback meets the ocean. Head to the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens for some lunch at the cafe inspired by native ingredients, then take a guided walk around the gardens to discover the diverse and resilient range of plants that exist in the outback. Enjoy a free night before you continue further on your way tomorrow. (L)

You have some free time this morning to visit the Wadlata Outback Centre and Tunnel of Time if you wish, before saying goodbye to Port Augusta. Venture on to the town of Wudinna with a stop at the Big Galah in Kimba, said to mark the halfway point across Australia. While here you’ll also check out the impressive artwork painted on silos. Carry on to Wudinna, where on arrival you’ll have a free afternoon to climb Mt Wudinna, visit the Big Farmer statue or rest up before an exciting day exploring the Gawler Ranges National Park tomorrow.

After breakfast this morning, head out for a full day exploring the Gawler Ranges National Park, discovering the region’s fascinating flora, fauna and natural history. Stops include Sturt’s Lake where a walk over coloured rocks will reveal how the land has changed over time, the Old Paney Homestead, a restored sheep station that provides a glimpse into the history of the Gawler Ranges, and the Yandinga Gorge looking out for some yellow-footed rock-wallabies. Take a short walk through a stunning valley to the Organ Pipes, awe-inspiring rock formations created by volcanic activity more than 1500 million years ago. After an exciting day, return to Wudinna for the evening, but not before stopping off at Pildappa Rock, where the rippling wave formations make for a spectacular sight. (B/L)

Your first stop of the day is the lovely little town of Ceduna where you can grab some lunch, take a walk along the peaceful jetty and maybe pay a visit to the local art centre showcasing Aboriginal art by artists from the Far West Coast of South Australia if it's open today. Travel onwards to Penong, home to the windmill museum where you’ll find Bruce, the largest windmill in Australia. Your journey continues as you travel to the Scotdesco Aboriginal Community in the locality of Bookabie, named for the descendants of the founding Scott family, who still reside in and manage the community today. The community operates as a social and cultural hub while providing employment for local families. Spend the evening in Scotdesco, and be sure to keep an eye out for southern hairy-nosed wombats roaming the property! (B/D)

After breakfast this morning, make the journey out to Head of Bight, one of Australia’s top whale watching spots, located at the edge of the Nullarbor Plain. From soaring limestone cliffs to a wash of white sand dunes, this slice of South Australia is certainly fantastic to look at, but the real stars of the show are the southern right whales who use the bight as a breeding ground and to calve during their winter migration. Various viewing platforms allow you to observe whales when they’re visiting, and also take in fantastic views of the Bunda Cliffs and surrounding landscape. Return to Scotdesco for an evening at leisure. (B/L/D)

Take part in a cultural activity this morning at Scotdesco to gain a deeper understanding of the community, then it's time to say your goodbyes and head to the famous Lake Macdonnell, one of the most iconic images of South Australia. With a road cutting through the middle, one side of this salt lake is (sometimes) a vivid pink, while the other side (can be) a deep blue – this striking natural phenomenon is a sight you won’t soon forget if you are lucky enough to be here at the right time. From here, it’s just a short drive to Cactus Beach, one of Australia’s premier surf spots. Watch the locals catch some waves before continuing on to Streaky Bay, a delightful seaside town on the western side of the Eyre Peninsula. With a laidback atmosphere and gorgeous coastline, Streaky Bay is the perfect place to stretch out on the beach or take a dip in the clear waters of the jetty pool. The historic town centre is pleasant to wander around and be sure to ask your leader for tips on the best places to dine tonight. (B/L)

Hit the road and head to Murphy’s Haystacks, a series of wind worn boulders and pillars dating back some 100,000 years. Then it’s on to Point Labatt, home to the only permanent colony of Australian sea lions on the mainland. Watch these endearing creatures bask in the sun, and if you’re lucky you may even catch some seal pups learning how to swim. Your journey then takes you through Port Kenny, Venus Bay & Elliston, to the seaside city of Port Lincoln where you’ll enjoy a free afternoon. With a rich history of industry and seafaring and fishing, you can walk along the Parnkalla Walking Trail past historic sites and of course the city is celebrated for its phenomenal seafood, so be sure to tuck into some tonight. (B)

Start the day with a visit to Coffin Bay, brimming with wildlife both on shore and off. You’re in for a real treat as you don a pair of waders and take a seat at the 'The Salt Water Pavilion' which is located right in a working commercial oyster farm. Learn about this vital industry and you’ll even have the chance to sample some freshly shucked oysters too. The rest of the day is spent on further discoveries of the area. Explore the Coffin Bay National Park – dotted with walking trails, lookout points and an abundance of wildlife, there are few better places to spend an afternoon! Return to Port Lincoln for the evening.

Leave Port Lincoln this morning and check out the Tumby Bay silo art before heading to Lucky Bay, where you’ll board a ferry to Wallaroo. Make the drive back to Adelaide, arriving in the early evening, at which point your Eyre Peninsula adventure will come to an end.