Explorer’s Way via Flinders Ranges

Explorer's Way via Flinders Ranges
7 days (to Alice Springs)
Approx 2000 kilometres (1240 miles)

The Explorer's Way is one of the world's greatest drives taking you from Adelaide to Alice Springs and on to Darwin. Along the way, experience some of Australia's most spectacular and rugged scenery through the Flinders Ranges, into Outback South Australia, towards Coober Pedy, then into the red centre and tropical north.

It is possible to do this trip with a normal vehicle or campervan. However some of the interesting attractions off the highway are only accessible by four-wheel drive. Allow approximately 14 days to complete the full Adelaide to Darwin trip. 

Day 1
Travel north from Adelaide to the Clare Valley. As well as being the centre of an important pastoral industry, the Clare Valley is internationally known for its cool climate wines and is a popular spot for an overnight stay. Take the opportunity to sample the area's fine wines at one of dozens of cellar doors.

Alternatively, continue on to Burra, established when copper was found in the area in 1845. Much of its colourful history and character is still intact. Obtain a 'passport' from the tourist information office (for a small fee) and spend the afternoon exploring the 11km trail that highlights 43 heritage sites, seven of which can be entered with the passport key.

Adelaide - Clare: 134km, 1 hour 40 minutes
Clare - Burra: 42km, 30 minutes 

Day 2
Travel from Clare/Burra to Wilpena via Melrose, the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges in its beautiful setting at the foot of Mount Remarkable. Continue north to the quaint town of Quorn where, on selected days from April to October, visitors can ride the Pichi Richi Railway through the beautiful Pichi Richi Pass.

After Quorn, drive to Wilpena Pound in Flinders Ranges National Park. An enormous natural amphitheatre, the pound offers breathtaking scenery, rich Aboriginal and European history, wildlife and above all, a great chance to unwind. Various accommodation options are available at Wilpena Pound Resort and at nearby Rawnsley Park.

Clare - Wilpena Pound:  313km, 3 hours 30 minutes
 

Day 3
Spend today exploring the area either by walking trail or on a guided 4WD tour, keeping an eye out for native animals and wildflowers (in season). Scenic flights are available (such as a 30-minute flight over the Pound), and are another great way to truly appreciate the grandeur of this remarkable area.

This afternoon travel to Parachilna for an overnight stay at the Prairie Hotel, an Outback pub that offers a high standard of accommodation and an award-winning restaurant featuring Australian 'native' cuisine and a colourful front bar.

Wilpena Pound - Parachilna: 77km, 1 hour
 

Day 4
This morning drive from Parachilna via Blinman to the township of Arkaroola, exploring areas such as Chambers Gorge if time permits.

Arkaroola is a private wilderness sanctuary and one of Australia's most spectacular areas. Rich in history, the area features rugged mountains, towering granite peaks, magnificent gorges and waterholes, and wildlife including the shy Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby. This afternoon, join Arkaroola's famous Ridgetop Tour, which features breathtaking scenery from the back of a 4WD. The pinnacle of the tour is Siller Lookout, which gives the impression of being on top of the world.

Tonight, take a tour of the night skies from the Arkaroola Astronomical Observatory which houses the largest privately-owned telescope in Australia. The skies are so clear, the view is simply stunning.

A variety of accommodation is available at Arkaroola.

Parachilna - Arkaroola: 197km, 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 5
Continue your journey into the Outback driving from Arkaroola to William Creek, via Nepabunna Community, Copley, Lyndhurst and Marree. At both the Nepabunna and neighbouring Iga Warta communities, there is an opportunity to learn about the Aboriginal people, their culture, history, food and music.

Marree is the starting point for the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks. The journey to William Creek is along the Oodnadatta Track, once the track of the Ghan railway to Alice Springs. It is now mostly used for livestock transport and travellers wanting to experience the real Outback.

At Coward Springs, there is an old railway siding and a campground that offers shaded sites and the chance of a relaxing soak in a natural hot pool. Continue along the Oodnadatta Track to William Creek, which boasts the world's most isolated pub. Spend the evening here, in basic cabin or hotel accommodation.

Arkaroola - William Creek: 450km, 7 hours
 

Day 6
Travel from William Creek to Coober Pedy, Australia's unique 'underground town'.  Opal was discovered here in 1915, and Coober Pedy now produces 95 per cent of Australia's opal. Miners who flocked to the area quickly discovered that living underground gave a cool escape from the scorching summer. Visitors can share the experience by choosing from a wide range of accommodation, some offering underground rooms. There are several good restaurants and cafés.

This afternoon, take a tour of the town and get a fascinating insight into a completely different lifestyle. Tours visit underground churches, homes and shops, and the spectacular landscapes of the Breakaways and Moon Plain.

Other tours available in Coober Pedy include the Down and Dirty tour where you can fossick for your own fortune, or help the local mail man as he delivers the post and supplies to outback stations and remote towns as part of the Outback Mail Run.

William Creek - Coober Pedy: 166km, 2 hours

Day 7
Depart Coober Pedy and travel along the Stuart Highway today to Alice Springs. Just over 150km north of Coober Pedy is Cadney Roadhouse, which has good facilities and essential services for visitors. Time permitting, take a detour east from here to the stunning Copper Hills, Arckaringa Hills - the Painted Desert (allow an additional three hours for this experience). Once back on the Stuart Highway, drive through Marla (also recommended for a fuel stop) and begin the last section of the drive, which takes you into the Northern Territory and Alice Springs, the heart of the red centre of Australia.

Coober Pedy - Alice Springs: 680km, 7 hours