Floodwaters pass by Birdsville and head for Goyder Lagoon on the way to Lake Eyre

NOTE – 7 DAY TOUR INCLUDES 6 DAY CONTENT AS
BELOW + 2 NIGHTS IN BIRDSVILLE and wildlife spotting at Kalamurina Wildlife
Sanctuary.  (NOTE – KALAMURINA MAY NOT BE NOT AVAILABLE IN
2012 ) – see brochure

Day 1 
– Day 1 – From Adelaide we depart via
spectacular mountain scenery adjacent the Flinders Ranges. Travel via
the rich wine producing region of the Clare Valley ((wine tasting
optional) and through the rich countryside of rural South Australia.
Enjoy picturesque scenery, and rural town stops with lunch and a
morning and afternoon teas. We cross the Goyder Line, view the Elder
& Heyson Ranges, Wilpena Pound & Lake Torrens and
visit the historic and award winning Prairie Hotel at Parachilna with
great outback art before arrival at our cosy overnight stop in Marree.
Dinner at the historic 1880’s Hotel L, D

Day 2 –

 At Marree check out the
Arabunna Aboriginal cultural centre, old Afghan mosque, and the
historic precinct including Old Ghan Railway history, Kidman and other
cattlemens stories of the region, plus the Lake Eyre Yacht Club.

Depart Marree and today we pass through various terrain including harsh
red stones of the Sturt Stony Desert to the yellow
dunes of the Natterannie Sandhills as we head north
to Birdsville. We pass ruins of old sheep and cattle stations, and
currently operating stations. Just north of the Dog Fence (5,600 km
long) are the hot springs of Clayton Creek, near Clayton Station.
Another 30 km on is Dulkaninna Station, these names made famous in the
Tom Kruse film “The Outback Mailman.” We arrive at the
Cooper Creek crossing, which depending on water levels may be the punt
(Cooper Creek Ferry) or a water crossing (1.5 km wide in flood time).
Enjoy a wetlands walk (or optional cruise if
running – NOTE CRUISE NOT EXPECTED IN 2012 DUE TO TRACK OPEN)
on the Cooper Creek before we stop at Mungeranie and the Mungerannie
Wetlands and hot springs for a warm spa while we check out the
birdlife here before dinner and overnight.

Big Red Sandhill – Simpson Desert	Big Red Sandhill – Simpson Desert	Lake Eyre Flight

Day 3 – Explore
Kalamurina Wildlife Sanctuary this morning (check if available –
details below) or alternatively the Mungerannie wetlands
(and hot spa).  We travel by Gypsum Cliffs, Mirra Mitta Bore and
Lake Howitt, to Tippipilla Creek campsite, (some bird spotting) near
the Warburton River. We continue on to Birdsville for overnight.
Enjoy the many events and festival if race time, or simply the
fascinating character of this iconic town.

Day 4 – Birdsville
is an icon of the outback, attracting outback travellers to connect
with the frontier history of this landmark town. Birdsville used to be
the customs post for goods and cattle travelling to and from South
Australia before Federation. It was the route used by the great cattle
drovers, including S. Kidman & Co, and there’s plenty of this
history to experience in Birdsville, especially at the local museum,
adjacent the tasty treats of the Hard Road Cafe. Today we visit Big
Red, the Simpson Desert’s biggest sand hill, and see Burke
& Wills marked tree on the Diamantina River. An optional
flight over the Simpson Desert and Goyder Lagoon is available here. If
the races are on check out the diverse action there and in town or
enjoy quiet time by the mighty Diamantina River or an optional scenic
flight over the wetlands or deserts BLD

Day 5 – After a good look
at Birdsville, we head off south on the Birdsville Track
following the spectacular Diamantina River past Pandie Pandie station
and Goyder Lagoon. Travellers willing, some time in
the hot spa might be in order. BLD Overnight Marree.

Day 6
– From Marree we take a 1 1/2 hour scenic flight over Lake Eyre.
(Optional 2.5 hour flight available). We visit the shores of Lake
Eyre at Madigan Gulf where Donald Campbell set the land speed
record In 1963. The flight includes viewing Cooper Creek,
Warburton Groove (the major inflows), Elliot Price Conservation Park,
Campbell Point, Jackboot, Halligan & Belt Bays, Lake Eyre South,
major islands & landmarks. Learn of the Marree Man giant sculpture.
The flight gives you a great perspective of the region we have
travelled.
We visit a wetlands at the permanent Muloorina water hole, a favourite
spot for birds (including brolgas) and birdwatchers, and connect with
the wonder of the bird and plant life revitalised by recent flooding
rains. We enjoy the day with memories of life on the track before
overnight in Marree with a few yarns around the campfire or at the
local pub. BLD Overnight Marree

Day 7 – Today we visit
the ruins of the old Ghan railway town of Farina,
which once supported 300 people. We view the giant Leigh Creek coal
mine, enjoy a break at the Quandong cafe at Copley and travel via old
Ghan railway towns to Parachilna, and in the foothills of the Flinders
Ranges to Hawker and picturesque mountain landscapes to arrive in
Adelaide around 6pm, delivered to your accommodation or airport
connection. BL

Cooper Creek flowing to Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre, Birdsville Wetlands Cruise, Flight & 4WD Tour Lake Eyre & Birdsville – Birdsville Track, Simpson Desert, “Big Red” sandhill, Flinders Ranges & Lake Eyre Tour & Flight, Wetlands Walk, Cooper Creek wetlands. Tour from Adelaide return to Adelaide  Price includes all meals, NP park entry fees, professional guide, Lake Eyre flight (less $ if flight not required), luxury 4WD transport. Price of $3,300 includes flight and cruise is for comfy camping OR for 4 nights accommodation upgrade add $395 per person (Birdsville Races tour). Non races tour 6 nights upgrade available at $595. Rooms are in country hotel or ensuite cabins.   2012 tours after July – Note that wetlands walks are available at Lake Eyre, Muloorina wetlands and Cooper Creek wetlands but Kalamurina activities are replaced by Cooper Creek & Muloorina wetlands time. Cooper Creek cruise is now not available as cruise it is not running due to Birdsville rack being open.   7 days tour from Adelaide to Adelaide August 29 – September 4 + October 10-16, 2012   7 days tour from Adelaide return to Adelaide   Call  1300 763 188 or email with any questions to info@spiritsafaris.com