Here’s Your chance to join us on a road less travelled … Check out this News and Early Bird Savings for Spirit Safaris 2024 Tours
Here are some more Dig Tree and Dinosaur goodies below after a busy 2023 season. Some great video from the Canning Stock Route and Gunbarrel Highway – what a ride and beautiful remote country. Link below
Here’s what’s in this Newsletter –
Earlybird SAVINGS – save when you book before 2024 price rises
Join Us – Creating Connecting and Celebrating deeper relationships with the land and nature for richer experiences and a higher purpose inspired life journey. What’s that mean ? – read Creation Journeys Book Intro – here
See how your ancestors, ancient cultures, and modern architects have worked with Earth Energy for thousands of years. This subtle energy is flowing through us all – and may be blocked causing dis-ease.
Canning Stock Route Tour Drone View from Spirit Safaris drone footage showing various landscapes from above. Canning Stock Route Tours available as tag along, self drive or passenger tours from Alice Springs or Broome. Depart from Alice Springs to Alice Springs travelling via Tanami Track, CSR, Gunbarrel Highway, Giles, Warburton, Uluru to Alice Springs. Or depart from Broome to Alice Springs via CSR, Gunbarrel Highway, Giles, Warburton, Uluru to Alice Springs, OR 3RD OPTION, from Broome to Wiluna (then fly to Perth option) via CSR or Newman option
Dig Tree Dinosaurs Cameron Corner Tour Intro video is here – check it out for this amazing tour from Sydney with a small group by GXL 4WD. Join us on this amazing 10 day tour, that includes Cameron’s Corner, the dinosaurs in Southern Queensland, and the Dig tree with Innamincka the Cooper Creek and, Outback New South Wales, including the Macquarie marshes. We’ve got the Warrumbungles, amazing plant life, Macquarie Marshes and the Brewarrinna fish traps.
We see the ancient fish traps and there’s the museum in Brewarrina, fantastic, background to Aboriginal life in the region and in Australia. I hope you can join us, tremendous experience over 10 days visiting extraordinary landscapes and, iconic features in this region. We see the Cunamulla fella.
Dig Tree Dinosaurs Cameron Corner Tour Map
There’s the dinosaurs in Eromanga in southern Queensland, not far from the Dig Tree. And, the Eromanga Sea you can see there, Cooper Creek. There we are at Cameron’s Corner. And, uh, checking in there with the Wild Deserts Program, and the Milparinka, the sculptures at Broken Hill. Um, desert sculptures and a bit of wildlife there.
Add a little bit of flavor to the to the adventure. And there’s the Cowra Mining Museum and some Silo art thrown in there. And of course the Dish, at Parkes as well. So I hope you can join us.
Click the link below for more details or Call on 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188
Cameron Corner Dig Tree Dinosaurs Tour with Macquarie Marshes Menindee Lakes Broken Hill Silo Art Tibooburra Innamincka Bourke plus Cooper Creek Eromanga Dinosaurs Lake Cargellico, Darling River Darling River cruise Brewarrina Fish Traps Outback NSW QLD and SA from Sydney return.
Cameron Corner Dig Tree Dinosaurs Macquarie Marshes Menindee Broken Hill Silo Art Tibooburra Innamincka Bourke NSW Outback Tour 10 days
Small group (max. 4 per 4WD) to explore the Far West of NSW, South Australia and South Western Queensland.
Highlights of Cameron Corner Dig Tree Dinosaurs Tour
Sydney return to Sydney
Follow the Indian Pacific Rail route
Siding Springs Observatory entry and viewing
Telescsope Stargazing night session with Donna the Astronomer (optional)
Parkes Radio Telescope – The Dish
Lake Cargelligo central NSW
Menindee Lakes & Burke & Wills Campsite
Packsaddle & Milparinka historic sites
Tibooburra granites, pastoral, art and mining history
Burke and Wills Dig Tree, history and grave sites by Cooper Creek walks
Dog Fence & SA/QLD/NSW State border
Darling River via Menindee Lakes and Burke and Wils Menindee campsite
Macquarie Marshes – great bird spotting and special extra time here
Gulgong historic village
Mudgee winetasting
Silo Art Trail
Blue Mountains
BOOK HERE for the Cameron Corner Dig Tree Dinosaurs Tour Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188
Itinerary – For Cameron Corner Dig Tree Dinosaurs Tour
Note tour may run in reverse order
Day 1 – Depart Sydney for the Blue Mountains with morning tea at stunning views from Govetts Leap over the Grose Valley. Moving on via Lithgow to Bathurst and the fascinating history of the gold rush and Cobb & Co coaches. We travel via Orange to near Parkes to visit The Dish Exhibition Centre at the giant CSIRO operated radiotelescope that brought the 1st moon landing images to Earth. Back in Parkes, and less famous is the King’s Castle, Australia’s very own Elvis Presley museum created by the original yellow Wiggle Greg Page.
Heading west we travel beside the Indian Pacific railway route and visit Manildra, Bogan Gate and Condobolin, in extensive Murray Darling Basin wheat, grain, sheep and cattle producing areas with a taste of the far west of NSW. Arrive for overnight at Lake Cargelligo.
Day 2 – We depart for Hillston, once an important stop for the stagecoaches of Cobb and Co. then on via Ivanhoe on the Cobb Highway, part of the Kidman Way. Arriving in Menindee we visit Kinchega National Park, to view the birdlife of Menindee Lakes then to nearby Burke and Wills camp on the banks of the Darling River. It’s now a short hop to Broken Hill for dinner at the famous & delicious Mario’s Palace Hotel (full of the original murals from Priscilla Queen of the Desert fame) Overnight Broken Hill.
Day 3 – Explore Broken Hill highlights (your choice) options include Pro Hart Gallery, The Line of Lode Lookout, a mine tour, and Miners Memorial plus Desert Sculptures or Lake Mungo or Mutawintji National Parks (optional extra day tour) for exceptional rock art rich in Aboriginal history. Overnight Broken Hill.
Day 4 – Depart Broken Hill through the Barrier Range on the Silver City Highway via Packsaddle for more on our Cameron Corner Dig Tree Dinosaurs Tour. We stop at Milparinka to appreciate this once bustling gold mining town at the restored Milparinka Heritage Precinct with impressive new displays of early life and Sturts expedition. This area has been extensively mined for tin, lead and gold and operated large sheep stations.
Its time to explore Tibooburra, and the Outdoor Pastoral Museum. Flat-topped mesas and fantastic views characterise the central Jump-Up country while 450 million-year-old granite tors surrounding Tibooburra form part of the southern boundary of the Sturt National Park. We check out the impressive National Parks display and explore the nearby Granites walking track at the Dead Horse campground, and considerable town and mining history before overnight in Tobooburra BLD
Day 5 – Heading into the Sturt Desert we cross the Grey Range with a stop and walk to the lake at Fort Grey. The park protects an enormous arid landscape of space and solitude. The rolling red-sand dunes of the Strzelecki desert ripple through the western section, graduating past surprising wetlands surrounded by white sands. After some great opportunities for photos, and to explore the work of the Wild Deserts project reintroducing locally extinct mammals to Sturt National Park in the far corner of outback NSW.
We cross through the dingo fence (Earths largest man made structure) to arrive at Cameron Corner on the 3 states corner (NSW, SA & QLD). After some refreshments at the “Corner Store” we travel via Bollards Lagoon, the Yellow Bus and Merty Merty station, crossing the sand hills of the Strzelecki Desert, and Strzelecki Creek as we head up the Strzelecki Track through the uncanny Moomba oil & gas fields. We pass the location of the now decommissioned geothermal power plant / hot rocks project of Geodynamics where Australia has the hottest rocks on Earth, outside of volcanic areas.
Geologists think that 10 million years ago, the granites in the Cooper Basin, South Australia, were exposed at the surface. Since that time they have been covered by a sedimentary layer, four kilometres thick, that acts as an overlying blanket; trapping the heat and preventing it from escaping to the atmosphere.
The heat is created by naturally occurring radiogenic decay that heats the granite to more than 250 degrees Celsius. The granite temperatures in Europe are only 180 degrees Celsius. The granite belt in the Cooper Basin is fractured in horizontal layers and these fractures naturally contain water at very high pressures – up to 5, 000 pounds per square inch.
Check out the birdlife at sunset on the Cooper Creek before dinner at the Innamincka Hotel, adjacent the famous old Mission station, restored as National Parks offices.Overnight in Innamincka by the Cooper Creek
Day 6 – A chance for an early walk and look at creek side birdlife – and quirky Innamincka – before we visit Burke’s Grave site. We then drive approximately 70km further upstream crossing the SA/ QLD border and Nappa Merrie Station (once owned by S Kidman & Co) to the Burke & Wills Dig Tree.
Here Burke & Wills support team waited 4 months before departing, even though intsructed by Burke to wait 3 months. Provisions were buried for the northern explorers before the support group left only hours before Burke & Wills return, who were so weak they chose not to pursue. Lots of history, and birdlife here on the infamous Cooper Creek.
After a reflective look around here, we head for Eromanga and the Eromanga Natural History Museum where nearby Australia’s largest dinosaur was carefully excavated from the dirt and a raft of other dinosaurs followed, all species that had never been seen before. The discoveries made southwest Queensland the country’s newest palaeontology frontier. We take a museum tour and meet the discovered remains of dinosaurs “Cooper” and “Zac” and many other species. Overnight Eromanga
Day 7 – Today our destination is Bourke, back in NSW via Thargomindah, Lake Bindegolly National Park which conserves one of the most important wetland systems in south-west Queensland and is often home to prolific birdlife. Then on via Yowah and Eulo with unique Boulder opals. Cunnamulla is next where we learn of the Cunnamulla Fella (a song of a drover written by Slim Dusty) We cross the border to NSW and follow the Warrego River south for our overnight and dinner in Bourke.
Day 8 – In Bourke we take a cruise along the Darling River on the Jandra, a rebuilt historic paddleboat to recall the river boat history. In recent years Bourke has undergone a remarkable revitalisation and is now a shining light in the remote west of NSW. The impressive ‘Back O’Bourke’ centre showcases the early days of Bourke and beyond. Discover the Outback life of Henry Lawson, and the search for an inland sea. Hear the stories of the ‘women of the west’ including Nancy Bird Walton, who flew an air ambulance here in the 1930’s. Stop by the 110 year old Morrall’s bakery for a pie or pastry, follow the Heritage Trail through town, or visit the grave of Fred Hollows. Overnight Bourke.
Day 9 – We head for Brewarrina on the Barwon River, and the 40,000-year-old Aboriginal Fish Traps – still working. The Brewarrina fish traps are one of the oldest man-made structures on earth. This elaborate network of rock weirs and pools stretches for around half a kilometre along the riverbed and was built by ancient tribes, to catch fish as they swam upstream. Heading south to Macquarie Marshes a UNESCO registered site of outstanding value as one of the most important wetland areas in the world. It is one of the most crucial breeding sites for waterbirds in Australia, with 77 species, along with over 150 other birds, as well as fish, turtles, frogs, snakes and mammals. We travel on via silo art in Coonamble then take the scenic road to the beautiful Warrumbungles for a delightful bush walk with wonderful views of The Breadknife.
The Warrumbungles is Australia’s only Dark Sky Park, meaning it is our only Internationally recognised park with an exceptional quality of starry nights and an environment specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and public enjoyment. Tonight you can book a Star gazing session with local expert and high powered telescopes Overnight Coonabarabran
Day 10 – In Coonabarabran view the Diprotodon fossil remains discovered at nearby Tambar Springs. Back in the ‘bungles take a tour of Siding Springs Observatory, home to Australia’s largest optical telescope. Since opening in 1964, The Australian National University has operated the observatory site hosting research telescopes from the ANU’s Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics (RSAA), Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) and many other institutions from around the world. Research is varied, from probing the depths of the cosmos in search of “Dark Energy” to searching the Milky Way for other planets and signs of life. We tour inside the dome of the largest telescope and learn of its workings plus visit the adjacent astronomy exhibition centre.
We depart the region mid morning and drive through Dunedoo, known for its poetry, hospitality, and name, or alternatively via Coolah, one of several towns to claim bragging rights as the home of the legendary Black Stump. It was here that the colloquial saying ‘Beyond the Black Stump’, meaning ‘beyond the limits of civilisation,’ is said to have originated.
Now on the way to Gulgong – the town that was on the $10 note. This small village from the gold rush days is a delight to take in the regional history and historic buildings. We are now a short drive to Mudgee where we’ll taste some local wines and have lunch in a vineyard. Travel via Lithgow and the Zig Zag railway and back to Sydney via spectacular Grose Valley views and Mt Tomah on Bells Line fo Road to Sydney and tour completion.
All tours require a minimum of 2 passengers for departure. If you require a booking for 1 person please call us direct to confirm minimum numbers have been met prior to booking online.
Inclusions in the Cameron Corner Dig Tree Dinosaurs Tour
9 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation – twin share or single supplement available – see booking link
Genuine small group tour vehicle – usually 2-4 per 4WD Landcruisers
Professional Driver Guide
All meals except 3 meals 1 day in Broken Hill
Wild wildlife!!
National Parks entry fees.
Eromanga Natural History Museum entry and Dinosaur tour
Dig Tree Entry fees
Tour price supports Outback Kids & Nature Care projects.
BOOK HERE for the Cameron Corner Dig Tree Dinosaurs Tour Or Call 0417 244 600 or 1300 763 188
Channel Country Tour and Corner Country Tour – all in one 10 day Adventure – Alice Springs to Adelaide via Mungo NP Broken Hill Tibooburra Cameron Corner Innamincka Birdsville Boulia Alice Springs 10 Day Tour
Join tour from Alice Springs or Uluru, to Adelaide, Mildura or Broken Hill (rail option to Sydney)
Fully accommodated hotel rooms or outback cabins at Tobermorey
Genuine small group – 2-4 per 4WD
NOT a Bus
27 years tours operation
Overnights Stops for the Channel Country Tour and Corner Country Tour are – Tobermorey, Boulia, Birdsville, Innamincka 2 Nights, Tibooburra, Broken Hill 2Nights, Darling River Run to Mungo NP, Adelaide
This Small group luxury 4WD travel via Channel and Corner Country Adelaide Broken Hill Innamincka Birdsville Alice Springs 10 Day Tour runs from Alice Springs to Adelaide via Mungo National Park, Darling River Run via Pooncarie and Menindee Lakes, Burke and Wills camp, Broken Hill, Silverton, Milparinka, Tibooburra, Cameron Corner, Moomba, Innamincka, Dig Tree, Coongie Lakes (access allowing) Mungerannie, Birdsville, Bedourie, Boulia, Tobermorey, Plenty Highway to Alice Springs.
Explore in the footsteps of Burke & Wills (visit the Dig Tree) in this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders and beyond. This tour includes Big Red sandhill viewing the Simpson Desert, Cooper Creek cruise, Boulia, Min Min lights encounter and Plenty Highway desert travel and Gemtree minerals visit.
Visit the famous Dig Tree & historic reserve, plus Burke’s Grave on the banks of Cooper Creek. this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders, known as Cameron Corner. Travel through giant sheep stations from over 100 years ago, witness the Moomba oil fields & mighty Cooper Creek at Innamincka. Travelling in our luxury 4WD Landcruisers, you can stand at the famous Cameron Corner adjacent the Dog Fence. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art sites and hear the tales of the great Cattle drives as we travel the Strzelecki Track – pioneered by Captain Starlight as he stole 1000 cattle from Queensland QLD in 1870. Later, Sidney Kidman & Co and many others made their fortunes on the track pioneered by Starlight.
Includes 2 hour Cooper Creek cruise at Innamincka if operating
Canning Stock Route Kimberley Lake Eyre Corner Country Tours Photos are shown here from and for 2023 plus links to currebnt tours with availability – including Canning SR, Channel and Corner country via Mungo NP and Dig Tree, Plus Eromanga Dinosaurs on our Outback NSW, SA, QLD tour PLUS Tasamania Wilderness Explorer Tour
Canning Stock Route ..Seats available … from Broome to Alice Springs or Perth (via Wiluna) ….
Canning Stock Route Tour from Broome to Alice Springs via Gunbarrel Highway 19 days
These new small group by 4WD Lake Eyre Tours and Flights from Sydney Broken Hill Adelaide Alice Springs are happening July August September to catch the latest Lake Eyre floods. Genuine small groups – Only 2 – 4 people per Four Wheel Drive. Floodwater are coming in from most rivers surrounding Lake Eyre after heavy rains in the Channel Country plus Uluru and Alice Springs. Goyder Lagoon (photo) is overflowing into Lake Eyre
See our calendar and link to all tours fromhereor see Lake Eyre Tours and Flights from Sydney Broken Hill Adelaide Alice Springs options from links below…
Goyder Lagoon
Here are the latest Lake Eyre Tours and flights options …
August 10 -14 – Lake Eyre Tours Flights with Wilpena Pound Walks 4 Days
Tour Details are at the links above, or see the Lake Eyre Tours and Flights Calendar to see Lake Eyre Tours and Flights from Sydney Broken Hill Adelaide Alice Springs ..
Please ask if any questions
Thank you
Richard O’Neill
Managing Director Spirit Safaris
PO Box 488 Neutral Bay NSW 2089 Australia – 83 Campbell Street Surry Hills NSW 2010
Sydney 02 8213 3225 Melbourne 03 9017 6862 Brisbane 07 3137 1607 Perth 08 6364 3651 Adelaide 08 8120 0366 Alice Springs 08 8120 0366
Local Call 1300 763 188 Mobile 0417 244 600 International + 61 417 244 600
Here is an introduction video to Kimberley Private Small Group Tours 2023 – see dates and links below …
Kimberley Private Small Group Tours 2023
Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Kimberley? Look no further, because Spirit Safaris has been offering unforgettable Kimberley Private Small Group Tours 2023 to this mesmerizing region for over 30 years. Founded by Richard O’Neill, our company has been exploring the Kimberley since 1997, and we invite you to join us on an adventure of a lifetime.
The Kimberley region is renowned for its natural beauty, and our Kimberley Private Small Group Tours 2023 provide the perfect opportunity to witness its magic firsthand. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, where cascading waterfalls are currently at their most spectacular due to the recent big wet season. Prepare to be captivated by the sight of these gorgeous waterfalls, their powerful flow rejuvenated by nature’s own hand.
One of the highlights of our Kimberley Private Small Group Tours 2023 is a visit to Parry Lagoon, a Ramsar site that serves as a haven for an array of bird species. As the northern hemisphere’s feathered residents migrate to this sanctuary, the lagoon becomes a bustling hub of avian activity. Witness the fascinating spectacle of these winged travelers finding respite and nourishment in this pristine environment. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the opportunity to observe and photograph these magnificent creatures up close.
For those with an appreciation for ancient art, the Kimberley region offers a treasure trove of rock art sites. Our Kimberley Private Small Group Tours 2023 provide you with the opportunity to explore these incredible galleries, where ancient stories and traditions are etched into the very fabric of the land. Marvel at the intricate details and vivid colors that have withstood the test of time, providing a window into the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people of Kimberley.
No visit to the Kimberley would be complete without a trip to Mitchell Falls. These majestic falls, nestled within the rugged terrain, are a sight to behold. Feel the mist on your face as you witness the water cascading down in a magnificent display of natural power. Our Kimberley Private Small Group Tours 2023 are carefully designed to take you to these remote and awe-inspiring locations, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience the very best of Kimberley.
Beyond the natural wonders, the Kimberley region also boasts a delightful climate, offering a welcome escape from the cooler temperatures of the southern regions. Bask in the warmth and soak up the tropical vibes as you explore this captivating land.
If you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Kimberley, Spirit Safaris is here to make your dreams a reality. Our knowledgeable guides, comfortable accommodations, and carefully crafted itineraries ensure that every aspect of your journey is seamless and memorable.
So, why wait? Take the leap and join us on one of our Kimberley Private Small Group Tours 2023. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking a transformative experience, the Kimberley region has something extraordinary to offer. Contact us today to learn more about our tours or to ask any questions you may have. Get ready to discover the wonders of Kimberley with Spirit Safaris.
Here are Available dates and details for Kimberley and more ..
June 4 – 15 – Kimberley Broome to Broome Accommodated Mitchell Falls Rock Art Bungles El Questro Lake Argyle Gibb River Road 12 Day Tour fully accommodated – 2 places
Kimberley Cameron Corner Lake Eyre Mungo Silo Art Trail Canning Simpson Desert Tours 2023
Brahes Bourke and Wills Dig Tree
Here are our latest Kimberley Cameron Corner Lake Eyre Mungo Silo Art Trail Canning Simpson Desert Tours 2023 with new dates and tours
PLus here’s a free peek at our recent Cameron Corner Macquarie Marshes Dinosaurs tour to Eromanga in southern QLD – just up the road. https://youtu.be/fbY2nyBp8jw – Next tour to there includes Lightning Ridge and MungoNP and is in October (see below)
Your next adventures are here – including Kimberley, Silo Art, Lake Eyre, Cameron Corner Bourke & Wills Dig Tree and more…
Comfortable GXL Landcruisers with maximum 4 adults per car are our specialty
This listing or Kimberley Cameron Corner Lake Eyre Mungo Silo Art Trail Canning Simpson Desert Tours 2023 then have a Kimberley focus until return south …
June 4 – 15 – Kimberley Broome to Broome Accommodated Mitchell Falls Rock Art Bungles El Questro Lake Argyle Gibb River Road 12 Day Tour fully accommodated – 2 places
These availalable (at time of posting) latest Kimberley Cameron Corner Lake Eyre Mungo Silo Art Trail Canning Simpson Desert Tours 2023 are listed on our All Tours page and our Booking site here
Please ask if any questions or call on 0417 244 600
Cameron Corner Country Innamincka Dig Tree Coongie Lakes 4WD Tour – NSW / QLD / SA Corner – 5 Day Corner Country from Broken Hill return to Broken Hill via Tibooburra, Milparinka, Moomba, Innaminka, Coongie Lakes Dig Tree, Cameron Corner – Explore in the footsteps of Burke & Wills (visit the Dig Tree) this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders. 5 days from Broken Hill (or Sydney Adelaide or Melbourne by rail, fly or coach options available) –
Details below …
Explore in the footsteps of Burke & Wills (visit the famous Dig Tree & historic reserve) this remote and fascinating area around the junction of the NSW, QLD & SA borders, known as Cameron Corner. Travel through giant sheep stations from over 100 years ago, witness the Moomba oil fields & mighty Cooper Creek at Innamincka. Travelling in our luxury 4WD Landcruisers, you can stand at the famous Cameron Corner, and stay overnight at the “corner store”. Discover ancient Aboriginal rock art sites and hear the tales of the great Cattle drives as we travel the Strzelecki Track – pioneered by Captain Starlight as he stole 1000 cattle from Queensland QLD in 1870. Later, Sidney Kidman & Co and many others made their fortunes on the track pioneered by Starlight.
Cameron Corner Country Innamincka Dig Tree Coongie Lakes 4WD Tour Details …
Day 1 – Depart Broken Hill (or Adelaide day prior) through the Barrier Ranges on the Silver City Highway via Packsaddle for Milparinka and the Albert Hotel. Appreciate this once thriving gold mining town at the restored Milparinka Heritage Precinct. We check out the Tibooburra pub and considerable town before heading into the Sturt Desert & crossing the Grey Range with a stop at Fort Grey. The park protects an enormous arid landscape of space and solitude. The rolling red-sand dunes of the Strzelecki desert ripple through the western section, graduating past surprising wetlands surrounded by white sands. After some great opportunities for photos, and to explore we arrive at Cameron Corner on the 3 states corner (NSW, SA & QLD) for a tasty meal and overnight at the “Corner Store”.
Day 2 – Travel via Bollards Lagoon, the Yellow Bus site (now buried) and Merty Merty station, crossing the sand hills of the Strzelecki Desert, and Creek as we head for the Strzelecki Track and the uncanny Moomba oil & gas fields. We pass the site of the geothermal power plant / hot rocks project of Geodynamics where Australia has the hottest rocks on Earth, outside of volcanic areas. Arriving in Innaminka, check out the birdlife at sunset on the Cooper Creek before a delicious meal at the Innamincka Hotel Overnight Innaminka.
Hot Rocks – Geologists think that 10 million years ago, the granites in the Cooper Basin, South Australia, were exposed at the surface. Since that time they have been covered by a sedimentary layer, four kilometres thick, that acts as an overlying blanket; trapping the heat and preventing it from escaping to the atmosphere.
The heat is created by naturally occurring radiogenic decay that heats the granite to more than 250 degrees Celsius. The granite temperatures in Europe are only 180 degrees Celsius. The granite belt in the Cooper Basin is fractured in horizontal layers and these fractures naturally contain water at very high pressures – up to 5, 000 pounds per square inch.
Day 3 – In 1928 the Australian Inland Mission (a part of the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia) built a hospital at Innaminka, the Elizabeth Symon Nursing Home. Known as the Mission hospital, it was restored with funding from by Dick Smith and Australian Geographic, and now serves as a museum and National Parks office. A fascinating historical record here.
Today we explore more of the Cooper Creek region and Coongie Lakes, (conditional on road being open) a unique wetlands area in the desert sandhills approximately 100 km from Innaminka, attracting birdlife from afar. A rare chance to visit this remote and surrounding area
Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park is one of the most spectacular of South Australia’s natural attractions. The park is a pristine water world made up of channels, waterholes, lakes, internal deltas, shallow floodplains and interdune corridors and swamps. Motorboats, camp fires, fishing and generators are not permitted in the park, ensuring a genuine wilderness experience.
Coongie Lakes is listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The waterbird diversity is high for an arid wetland and is a significant feeding, resting and breeding site for an enormous number of birds that migrate to the area. The wetland plays host to a diversity of wildlife including fish, reptiles and frogs. It transforms into a breeding ground for an enormous number of migratory birds from around the world. The contrast from sand dunes to vast wetlands is remarkable. The park is a true wilderness for visitors seeking a place of solitude to enjoy nature. Take advantage of the wilderness – camp, canoe, enjoy photography, bushwalk, discover the Aboriginal history and generally relax in the calm surrounds of the wetlands. Overnight Innamincka.
Day 4 – For the early birds take a stroll to the nearby Coopers Creek look at creek side birdlife usually brimming with life. – and quirky Innamincka – before we head for the SA/ QLD border and Nappa Merrie Station (previously owned by S Kidman & Co) to the Burke & Wills Dig Tree. Here, Burke & Wills, their support team waited 3 months and provisions were buried for the northern explorers. The support left 1 day before Burke & Wills return, and the supplies were not found leading to their demise. Lots of history, and birdlife here on the infamous Cooper Creek. Heading south we travel through picturesque desert then into sand hill country via Orientos, Santos and Sullivans Tank before crossing the border into NSW at the Warri Gate on the Dingo fence, and once again into the Sturt Desert. Taking in vast stony plains, the towering red-sand hills of the great Strzelecki Desert and the unusual flat-topped mesas around the Olive Downs, this park covers 340,000 hectares of classic outback terrain. Thanks to the protection of the dingo-proof fence, there are large populations of western grey and red kangaroos. We arrive Tibooburra for dinner & overnight at the local hotel in this most remote NSW desert town.
Day 5 – Time to explore Tibooburra, and the Outdoor Pastoral Museum. Flat-topped mesas and fantastic views characterise the central Jump-Up country. Remnant gidgee woodland, the catchment system of the ephemeral Twelve-Mile Creek and gibber and grass-covered plains dominate the east, while 450 million year old granite tors surrounding Tibooburra form part of the southern boundary of the park. We leave town and head for Pooles Grave & Depot Glen where in 1845 Charles Sturt’s men were stranded and lay camp. Travelling south via salt lakes and vast plains we arrive Broken Hill late afternoon with many a tale to share. BLD
Inclusions –
5 days with 4 nights Hotel Motel Accommodation – twin share or single supplement available
Genuine small group tour vehicle – 4WD Landcruisers with a maximum of 4 people per car.
Professional Driver Guide
All meals
Wild wildlife!!
National Parks entry fees.
Tour price supports Outback Kids &Nature Care projects.
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Channel Country Tour and Corner Country Tour – all in one 10 day Adventure – Alice Springs to Adelaide via Mungo NP Broken Hill Tibooburra Cameron Corner Innamincka Birdsville Boulia Alice Springs 10 Day Tour
