Private transfer to Oval Hotel Adelaide. This evening, join your fellow travellers at a welcome dinner hosted by your Journey Director at the acclaimed Jolleys Boathouse by the River Torrens.

Overnight: Oval Hotel or similar

Fly across the Flinders Ranges to land first at Leigh Creek to refuel then at Burke and Wills Dig Tree^. A heritage-listed, blazed, eucalyptus tree, we learn of its significance as the Burke and Wills expedition contributed to the opening up of the Australian inland to pastoralism. Re-board the aircraft for the short flight to Innamincka for lunch and a chance to view this remote outback town. Flying on in our private aircraft, view the dramatic landscapes below taking in a bird’s-eye perspective of these barren lands which in recent times experienced a remarkable and rare explosion of flora and bird life due to flooding rains highlighting the fascinating extremes of life in the desert. 

Proclaimed a town in 1887, Birdsville was located at the border of South Australia and Queensland to collect tolls from the droves of cattle being moved interstate. This afternoon, we drive out to ‘Big Red’, a large sand dune that marks the symbolic edge of the Simpson Desert. Standing well over 30 metres tall, it is part of an area known for the longest parallel sand dunes in the world. Tonight, enjoy Outback hospitality and the unique opportunity of staying at the famous Birdsville Hotel.

Overnight: Birdsville Hotel

Continuing on today, fly across Western Queensland before landing at Mount Isa. Described as the Oasis of the Outback – a gleaming mirage on the horizon for travellers from all directions – Mount Isa nestles among the ochre-red Selwyn Ranges on the banks of the Leichhardt River. On arrival, take a fascinating tour of the Beth Anderson Museum and Underground Hospital, then explore the history of mining as we are enthralled by miner guides with their stories of work underground during our mine tour. We also visit the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre to learn about one of the most significant fossil deposits worldwide before heading out to Lake Moondarra for a spectacular Outback sunset. 

Overnight: Redearth Boutique Hotel or similar 

This morning depart for the Gulf country, landing first at Burketown, which sits on the Albert River and on the east-west dividing line between the wetlands to the north and the savannah grass plains to the south, 25 kilometres from the coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Burketown is named after Robert O’Hara Burke who, along with a party of explorers including William John Wills, crossed the Australian continent and reached a point near Normanton in 1861 20 years after John Lort Stokes in the Beagle said the area was ‘the plains of promise’. 

We begin our exploration with a visit to the famed Burketown Artesian Bore. Drilled in 1897 to a depth of 723m, the bore still issues boiling water and has created a billabong effect where varied bird life gathers including galahs, cockatoos, frogmouths, kookaburras and kingfishers. Touring with a local, we will discover the historical and natural wonders of Gulf Country as we traverse Australia’s largest area of salt pans^. The lower Gulf area, in which Burketown lies, has the largest aggregate area of salt pans in Australia that during the monsoon season generate into a wetland in excess of 2 million hectares, the largest in Australia. 

Visit Woods Lake^, named in 1861 by William Landsborough before re-boarding our private aircraft which flies us across the breathtaking sights below. We fly over the Gulf of Carpentaria to Groote Eylandt, one of Australia’s last untouched wilderness areas. Located in East Arnhem Land, Groote Eylandt is known for its pristine natural and marine environment, spectacular scenery, Aboriginal art and culture and some of the best fishing in the world. Enjoy two nights at Groote Eylandt Lodge which is located on a stunning bay of glistening turquoise waters. A sunset to remember this evening looking over the Gulf waters. 

Overnight: Groote Eylandt Lodge or similar 

Today we take in the past and present of Groote Eylandt. Discover the unique ancient cave paintings and enjoy the beautiful Groote Eylandt bushland. Home to the Anindilyakwa people who have lived there for thousands of years, the island was also used by the RAAF as part of Australia’s Northern defence in WWII. Explore the Angurugu Historic Mission Church, the market garden and top river crossing. We will see the Naked Pools and Milner Bay Port, which ships over two million tonnes of manganese each year to the world. The sunset this evening taking in the stunning Gulf ’s vista will transfix as you reflect on the amazing day had. 

Overnight: Groote Eylandt Lodge or similar 

Flying south today we refuel at Tennant Creek then re-board our private aircraft for a memorable flight to the Red Centre. Marvel at nature’s splendour from above while enjoying extended scenic ‘flightseeing’ of the incredible Gosses Bluff, then the iconic Uluru and Kata Tjuta as they sit majestically within the country’s Red Centre. Upon landing, take a base tour of Uluru that will explore the fascinating culture, geology and environment of this magnificent monolith. Tonight, view the incredible art installation, Field of Light before enjoying the iconic Sounds of Silence dinner under a sky brilliant with stars, the breathtaking sight of Uluru set in the distance 

Overnight: Sails in the Desert or similar 

Fly this morning to Coober Pedy viewing from above the Overland Telegraph, the Old Ghan railway line and finally the Oodnadatta Track. Take a town tour of Coober Pedy, renowned for its Opals, incredible underground dwellings and the remarkable resilience and ingenuity of its inhabitants. Following a fuel stop at Leigh Creek, enjoy aerial sightseeing of the southern parts of Lake Eyre, the mysterious Marree Man and impressive Wilpena Pound before landing in the spectacular Flinders Ranges. 

Overnight: Rawnsley Park Station or similar 

Today explore more than 800 million years of geological history in the ‘Corridor Through Time’. Marvel at the rugged beauty of Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges and search for Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies enjoying sweeping views of Bunyeroo Valley. After lunch, visit an old copper mining town before arriving at Stokes Hill which offers spectacular 360 degree panoramas of Wilpena Pound and the surrounding awe-inspiring ranges. 

Overnight: Rawnsley Park Station or similar 

This morning visit the Cazneaux Tree, noted by the National Trust for its outstanding aesthetic beauty before taking an informative tour of Old Wilpena Station, one of South Australia’s oldest and best preserved pastoral settlements. We will appreciate the magnificent river red gums with stunning views of Wilpena Pound in the distance. Return to Adelaide this afternoon and tonight enjoy our farewell dinner. 

Overnight: Mayfair Hotel or similar 

Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning. Say farewell to a magical adventure through the Gulf Country and beyond.