Day 1 Adelaide
Arrive in Adelaide at any time. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. Please try to arrive before 7pm for an important group welcome meeting where you can meet the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members. If you arrive early enough, you'll have time to explore the city to visit a museum or visit a local vineyard.
Day 2 Flinders Ranges (1B,1D)
Early departure this morning. Travel through the Clare Valley wine area, making a stop for a wine tasting and demonstration to learn about the development of the vineyards in the area. South Australia has earned its place as one of the top wine regions in the world. A stop at Quorn Historic town provides a nice chance to explore before going to a sheep station for the night.
Estimated travel time: 4 hours
Travel distance: 350 km
Day 3 Outback (1B,1L,1D)
Take the day to explore the amazing scenery of Flinders Ranges. Wilpena Pound is a stunning natural amphitheater of mountains. Visit Aboriginal Art sites while on a guided tour of the area by your CEO. Your CEO will explain about the early settler history before settling in at Beltana Homestead for the night.
Estimated travel time: 1 hour
Travel distance: 50 km
Day 4 William Creek (1B,1L,1D)
We follow the Oodnadatta Track, strewn with ruins of failed early settler activity, along the route of the equally unsuccessful original Ghan Railway route. Stop to explore a number of historic settler sites along the way. Visit the Arabunna Aboriginal Centre to learn about the importance of the area to indigenous people. Visit the dry salt lake of Lake Eyre and take a dip in the remote thermal springs. Overnight at the Historic William Creek Hotel. Due to the size of the town the accommodations here are rather basic.
Estimated travel time: 3 hours
Travel distance: 200 km
Day 5 Coober Pedy (1B)
Travel a very basic track to the unique opal mining town of Coober Pedy, where people live underground to avoid the heat. A guided mine tour gives insight to the mining process and then importance of opal to the area. Overnight like the locals by sleeping in an underground hostel, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Estimated travel time: 3 hours
Travel distance: 150 km
Day 6-7 Uluru (2B,1L,1D)
Cross the border to the Northern Territory, where Australia's most iconic view awaits. Experience the colourful sunset at Uluru, while enjoying a glass of bubbly. Marvel at the night sky while bunking down in a swag (canvas bedroll) for the night. If you would like a bit more coverage, tents are also available.
The next morning, awake before sunrise to do the Marla Walk around part of the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock) while learning its significance to the locals. Visit the cultural centre to get a better understanding of the area.
Between November and March, there is extreme heat with temperatures averaging between 43-46°C in the middle of Australia, especially around Uluru and Kings Canyon. This can lead to heat exhaustion and potentially become very dangerous. Be sure to drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes by drinking sports drinks, coconut water or water mixed with electrolyte powder packets.
The Mala Walk at Uluru is not permitted if temperatures exceed 40°C. During these hot months, we will endeavour to offer all walks early in the day to avoid the heat. Our CEOs will monitor the weather conditions to gauge the safety of any included walks and may need to call off a given day's walk due to extreme heat.
Estimated travel time: 9 hours
Travel distance: 750 km
Day 8 Kings Creek (1B,1L,1D)
Travel to the rock formations of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and, heat permitting, walk through the Valley of the Winds to explore the surrounding area before continuing onto Kings Canyon. Enjoy another night under the stars the traditional way, by sleeping in a swag (canvas bedroll). If you would like a bit more coverage, tents are also available.
Opt to take a scenic helicopter flight over the area.
Estimated travel time: 5 hours
Travel distance: 450 km
Day 9 Alice Springs (1B)
Enjoy the morning taking in the scenery or by going on an optional 4 hour walk through the gorges and valleys of Kings Canyon of Watarrka National Park. Travel to Alice Springs via the homestead of Erldunda. Located halfway between Adelaide and Darwin, Alice Springs is the base for all trips through the Red Centre.
The tour ends upon arrival to Alice Springs in the evening at approximately 6pm. Opt to join the group for a night out in Alice Springs. Feel free to book onward travel from 8pm or later today.
Estimated travel time: 4.5 hours
Travel distance: 375 km
CLOTHING
- Comfortable hiking/walking shoes ( no flip flops! ). Sandles are OK.
- Warm jacket and long pants. Night times temperatures can drop down 5 degrees celcius
- Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun and Mosquitoes
- Shorts and T Shirts for daytime hikes and walks
- Swimwear
- Hat and sunglasses
Passengers need to take caution during December/January period where temperaturs in Central Australia can get quite high. Its advised to prepare accordingly.
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
- Sunscreen
- Towel & toiletries
- Pillow
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Sleeping bag are needed and can be hired if you don't have one.
- Mp3 Player / iPod
- Rechargers
- Torch
- Camera
- Bincolars
TRANSPORT
- 4WD - Custom-prepared airconditioned mini bus
ACCOMMODATION
- Hostel (4 nts), camping in swag or tent (3 nts), underground hostel (1 nt). All nights multi-share.
- Shower and toilet facilities
MEALS
- 8 breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 5 dinners (Allow AUD100-150 for meals that are not included.)
EQUIPMENT
- Camping equipment and utensils
- Tents and/or Swags
- Sleeping Mattress
- Pillows
OTHER
- Plenty of drinking water and snacks
- Experienced and knowledgable tour guide
- Park entry fees
Personal travel insurance is not included but visitors are advised to have it. This can be organised through your travel agent.
Where can I get more information about this trip?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.
What should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.
What immunisations do I need?
For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.
How fit do I need to be?
These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.
Do I need travel insurance?
Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.
Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?
You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.
Do I have to book this tour online?
Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.
If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?
Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.
Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.
How do I know when a tour is available?
You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.
Does the tour price include flights?
No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!
How far in advance do I need to book my tour?
As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want.
That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.
Is this tour for me?
These tours are made up of small groups with a range of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Groups are usually an even mix of men and women, and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the outdoors, nature, adventure and culture. They suit travellers who want to really explore and share the experience with likeminded people. Whether you are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, travellers on these trips want more than just a sightseeing tour – they are chasing a hands-on group experience.
The trips are packed with highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives, and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food – this is a group adventure. There is always time to chill out, have a cold beer (or wine!) and soak up your surroundings. As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
What type of groups go on these tours?
On these tours there are usually around 5 - 24 people (depending on the tour and destination). The travellers who book through Lost In Australia want to explore the country and develop a real sense for the land, nature and its people. Groups are kept small, which means they move from destination to destination quickly and easily while staying flexible and free.
Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?
Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.
Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.
For more information please contact us directly.
Is there an age limit?
We get a large range of travellers from all over the world and from a very large age range. We get people of all ages joining these trips; generally our travellers vary between 21 - 45 though we also get many happy travellers in their 60s and 70s. Some tours however have a restriction on children under the age of 16 - 18. This will depend on the destination so please email us for more info.
Will I need additional money?
Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.
Do I need to tip the guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.
Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?
Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.
Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?
We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.
What will the weather be like?
Between the months of April and August Central Australia is quite cold so be sure to bring warm clothing. Temperatures range from about 20c during the day right down to 2c at night.
Between October and March temperature are warm, so light clothing during the day is ok. However, night times can still be quite cool so its wise to bring light winter clothing for extra warm.
Where do I meet the tour?
For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.
There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.
Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.
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Experiencing Uluru
Uluru Interview
Travelling in small groups we sleep underground, hunt for opal, explore ancient aboriginal culture, hike, trek, eat good food, meet new friends and take-part in a authenic Australian adventure.
This amazing adventure from Adelaide to Alice Springs takes us to some amazing sites: Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), Kings Canyon in Wattarka National Park, Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Lake Eyre, Quorn and the opal mining town of Coober Pedy.
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