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calendar_month7 days - 6 nights

7-Day Explorers Way Adelaide to Alice Springs Accommodated Tour

location_on Alice Springs
Uluru location_on
calendar_monthMulti-day Tour
FROM
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$2,499
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Multi-day Tour

Follow the legendary Explorers Way from Adelaide to Alice Springs on this 7-day small-group overland adventure through the heart of Australia. Travellers may also choose to finish in Yulara (Uluru). Tracing the route once taken by early explorers, this crossing moves through some of the country’s most remote and culturally significant landscapes. From ranges to the underground world of Coober Pedy, across salt lakes and vast desert plains, the scale is unmistakable. Walk the rim of Kings Canyon. Move among the powerful domes of Kata Tjuta. Circle Uluru on foot as your Storyteller Guide shares the cultural depth woven into this land. This is the Australian outback done properly. Long horizons, big skies, meaningful walks, and shared moments in extraordinary places, with comfortable accommodation at the end of each remarkable day. 

Highlights

  • Sleep underground in Coober Pedy and uncover the grit of Australia’s opal frontier 

  • Walk the rim of Kings Canyon as sheer sandstone walls rise around you 

  • Watch Uluru ignite at sunrise or sunset in deep reds and gold 

  • Move between the towering domes of Kata Tjuta, where silence holds scale 

  • Circle Uluru on foot and hear the living stories of this sacred land 

  • Cross an immense desert country where distance resets perspective 

  • Add the magical Field of Light or an aerial view for a new perspective (OE) 

Minimum Age: 12
Maximum Age: 65
Fitness Requirement: moderate
Age Restriction: 12-65
Group Size: 4 - 20
Dietary Requirements: Please advise of any special dietary requirements when you book.
Luggage Limit: bags are restricted to 1 × 15 kg backpack/soft travel bag per person, plus a small piece of day pack
What To Bring: Weather-appropriate clothing, Waterproof rain jacket, Water bottle &/or Camelbak (2L minimum), Comfortable walking or hiking shoes, Swimmers and beach towel , Hand sanitiser and insect repellent, Hat and sunscreen, Snacks for the bus in your day bag

Day 1:

Adelaide to Quorn (Southern Flinders Rangers)

Leave Adelaide and head north into South Australia’s vast interior as the landscape shifts from coastline to open country and rugged ranges. Stop in the Clare Valley for a coffee before continuing past the striking Wirrabara silo art and into Melrose, the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges. By early afternoon, we arrive in Quorn, a historic railway town framed by wide skies and raw peaks. Settle into your twin-share accommodation before stretching your legs on a short walk through Warren Gorge, where ochre cliffs rise sharply. This is the perfect setting for spotting wildlife, and if we’re lucky, we might see yellow-footed rock wallabies, which have bounced back from near extinction. The outback begins here.

Day 2:

Quorn to Coober Pedy

Today, move deeper into outback South Australia. Visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden. A living showcase of survival. Saltbush, desert blooms and twisted gums thrive where conditions are harsh and rainfall is scarce. Resilience defines this landscape. By afternoon, arrive in Coober Pedy. From the highway, it appears sparse and exposed. Beneath the surface lies another world. Explore the opal capital before settling into underground accommodation carved directly into the earth. Cool, quiet and completely unique, this is outback living, reimagined.

Day 3:

Coober Pedy to Erldunda

This morning, go deeper into Coober Pedy’s underground world with a guided visit to the Old Timers Mine. Walk through hand-dug tunnels and uncover what it took to chase opals in one of Australia’s harshest environments. Next, visit Josephine’s Gallery & Kangaroo Orphanage. Meet rescued joeys being cared for by passionate locals and explore a world-class Aboriginal art collection featuring significant works by leading Aboriginal artists. Heading north, stop at Kanku–Breakaways Conservation Park for a photo, where layered mesas rise from the desert in striking bands of colour, shaped over millions of years. By late afternoon, arrive at Erldunda, a remote outpost at the crossroads of the Red Centre. Settle into your accommodation and rest up, Uluru country lies ahead.

Day 4:

Erldunda to Watarrka/Kings Canyon

Today, move deeper into the Red Centre. As the road cuts west, desert plains stretch wide before low ranges begin to rise from the earth. A quiet shift that signals canyon country ahead. This afternoon, ease into Watarrka National Park with the Kings Canyon Creek Walk. Following the canyon floor, towering sandstone walls rise high above, river red gums line the sandy creek bed, and the scale of the landscape becomes clear. It’s an accessible introduction to one of Central Australia’s most striking natural formations. Later, arrive at Kings Canyon Resort. Cool off in the pool, grab a drink, or take a moment to absorb the stillness as the light softens across the desert.

Day 5:

Watarrka/Kings Canyon to Uluru

Rise early for the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, one of Central Australia’s most jaw-dropping hikes. Climb steadily to the top and follow the 6 km loop along towering sandstone walls, passing weathered domes, narrow crevices and wide desert views. Shorter options are available for those wanting a gentler pace. After time to reset, travel south toward Uluru. Gradually, the monolith rises from the desert, unmistakable and immense. Arrive in Yulara and visit the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to gain deeper insight into Aṉangu culture and the significance of this sacred landscape. Art, stories and language provide context for what lies ahead. Check into the Outback Hotel, your base for the next two nights. As the afternoon cools, head out for sunset at Uluru. Watch this World Heritage-listed landmark shift through deep reds and glowing gold as the desert light softens. A quiet, grounding moment that lingers long after the sun disappears.

Day 6:

Kata Tjuta & Yulara

Begin the day early at Kata Tjuta, arriving as first light moves across the desert. The 36 domes glow in deep reds and muted oranges, rising from the earth with quiet strength. Set out on the Valley of the Winds walk, moving between towering formations shaped over millions of years. Rocky pathways and shaded valleys reveal the scale and presence of this sacred place. Walk at a steady pace, taking time to absorb the stillness and power of the landscape. The afternoon is yours to experience Yulara at your own rhythm. Ayers Rock Resort offers a range of cultural activities from bush food experiences and bush yarns to guided garden walks. A Didgeridoo Workshop (men only, in line with cultural customs) shares the history and significance of this iconic instrument. For a different perspective, optional helicopter flights reveal Uluru and Kata Tjuta from above, highlighting the immense scale of the Red Centre. In the evening, consider Wintjiri Wiru — an immersive outdoor experience combining storytelling, light and sound beneath the desert sky.

Day 7:

Uluru (To Alice Springs)

Begin the final day of your epic adventure with sunrise at Uluru. As first light moves across the desert, the rock shifts through deep reds and warm gold. A powerful and steady presence against the open sky. Set out on the Uluru Base Walk, circling this sacred monolith on foot along the full 10.6 km track. At ground level, caves, waterholes and ancient rock art sites reveal layers of meaning often missed from a distance. The terrain is mostly flat and steady, making it immersive rather than rushed. Shorter sections are available for those who prefer a reduced distance while still experiencing the scale and presence of this extraordinary place. By late morning, return to Yulara. For those concluding their time here, farewell your travel companions and be dropped off around midday, allowing plenty of time to prepare for onward travel to Alice Springs. For travellers continuing north, arrival in Alice Springs is around 7 pm. An overnight cabin at Discovery Parks – Alice Springs can be added at check-out. A comfortable option to rest and ease out of the adventure after a full final day on the road. Australia’s heart leaves its mark — unmistakably Untamed.

  • Accommodation - 5 x nights twin-share room
  • Accommodation - 1 x night multi-share dorm
  • All activities and experiences
  • All national park and entrance fees
  • Storyteller Guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Departures & Pickups

Default Location: 91 Franklin Street (outside of the Adelaide Bus Station) at 5.30 AM

Meals

This tour does not include meals, giving you flexibility to choose where and what you’d like to eat. Across the Explorers Way route, dining options range from country cafés and classic outback roadhouses to resort restaurants and casual takeaway venues. While some locations are remote and choices may be limited, your Storyteller Guide will provide daily recommendations and timing guidance. Supermarkets are available in select towns (including Coober Pedy and Yulara) for those wishing to purchase snacks or supplies. Meal costs vary depending on personal preference, but guests should allow approximately $25–$40 for hotel breakfast or lunch and $30–$50 for dinner in most locations.

 

Optional Extras

Scenic Flights at Uluru

Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner

Field of Light

Discovery Parks Alice Springs Accommodation

Bookings Terms & Conditions

These booking terms and conditions apply to bookings you make with Peterpans Adventure Travel PTY LTD (ACN 673 404 389) trading as Peterpans Travel (whether over the phone or by email) as well as online bookings you make on our website. We will rely on the authority of the person making the booking to act on behalf of any other traveller on the booking and that person will bind all such travellers to these terms and conditions.

The ticket(s) (“voucher(s)”) for your travel or experience are booked by us on your behalf with various Service Providers. Each Service Provider may have their own terms and conditions applying to your travel. It is important that you read the relevant and corresponding brochure for each of your bookings in order to understand all applicable terms and conditions. If you require additional information to that contained in the brochure then we recommend that you contact the Service Provider for further clarification.

BOOKING CONFIRMATIONS

Your responsibilities: Open tickets: You must book your travel dates in advance with the individual Service Provider as per the details provided on your voucher.

Tickets with booked dates: It is your responsibility to ensure you redeem your vouchers on the dates booked. If you wish to change these dates you must organise it with the Service Provider directly, with adequate notice. You must reconfirm all booked dates 48 hours prior to travel (minimum guide only) or in the manner stated on your voucher. If applicable, dietary requirements should also be confirmed at this time.

CANCELLATIONS and REFUNDS

Credit card fees, and additional fees paid to us for deposits of accommodation, transport and luggage storage are not transferable or refundable.
Please note that deposits on bookings are also non-refundable but may be used as credit towards future bookings.

Cancellations by service providers

If a service provider cancels your booking for any reason you WILL NOT be charged any cancellation fee and will be entitled to a full refund (other than any amount we are charged on your behalf by the service provider). ALL TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION is NON-REFUNDABLE, in some cases it may be transferable.

Cancellations by you outside of 14 days from the date of travel

Where you provide us with at least 14 days’ notice that you wish to cancel your booking for any reason, you will be charged a 10% cancellation fee and will be entitled to a refund (in addition to any amount we are charged on your behalf by the service provider) or can transfer, with no fee, any balance (in addition to any amount we are charged as a cancellation fee on your behalf by the service provider) to a new booking or credit voucher. ALL TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION is NON-REFUNDABLE, in some cases it may be transferable.

Cancellations by you within 14 days of the date of travel

Where you provide us with less than 14 days notice that you wish to cancel your booking for any reason, you will be charged a 30% cancellation fee and will be entitled to a refund ( in addition to any amount we are charged on your behalf by the service provider) or can transfer, with a $30 per product transfer fee, any balance (in addition to any amount we are charged as a cancellation fee on your behalf by the service provider) to a new booking or credit voucher. ALL TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION is NON REFUNDABLE, in some cases they may be transferable.

In addition, if a Service Provider charges us for the cancelled travel you must also pay us the amount that we are charged on your behalf by the Service Provider. It is, therefore, possible your cancellation fees could be up to 100% of the cost of the booking, regardless of whether travel has commenced (for example cancellations made within 24hrs of travel or certain flight bookings). The Cancellation Fee will apply in all cases where a tour is able to run. For example, if you are unable to reach a tour due to an “act of God” (for example a road is cut off due to flooding) the normal Cancellation Fee will apply if the tour still runs in your absence or would have run but for your absence. If a tour or other travel service is cancelled by the Service Provider, we will refund you in full the amount paid for the tour or other travel service. This full refund is subject to a fully refundable amount being given to our agency from the supplier who is cancelling. We highlight here that all suppliers have different cancellation terms.

All refunds will occur in the local currency and will be refunded to the same card that payment was made with. If your credit card uses a different currency, the amount refunded may be different from the original amount paid due to exchange rate fluctuations. We are not liable for these fluctuations, or any fees your bank charges.

Please note that in the case of natural disasters (e.g. flood, fire, cyclone, etc.), many Service Providers do not offer refunds, and we may therefore be unable to provide a refund to you. We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover this situation.

The 10% or 30% agency cancellation fee does not apply to: Dive Courses where you fail a Dive Medical test; or Skydives cancelled by the Service Provider within 3 days of booking due to weather, in which case a full refund will apply.

Where a refund or other payment applies, you may choose to transfer the full cost of your booking to another tour. However, a transfer fee of $30 may apply. While we aim to process refunds swiftly, high-demand situations (such as natural disasters) may result in delays.

We strongly recommend purchasing a travel insurance policy at the time of booking to protect yourself against unexpected cancellations and changes. Depending on your policy, your insurance provider may cover up to 100% of cancellation fees and other costs incurred. Cancellation fees for tours and bus bookings can be up to 100%, so having appropriate coverage can help minimise financial risk.

Please act responsibly and with respect on your travels. All Service Providers reserve the right to cancel bookings based on recommendation from another provider due to misconduct/misbehaviour during another stage of their trip. We will treat this as any normal cancellation and charge the above-mentioned Cancellation Fee, plus any Service Provider fees.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We endorse the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that all travellers take out travel insurance. It is your personal responsibility to purchase your own travel insurance to cover any liability which may be incurred to us or a Service Provider and other travel misadventures that you wish to be insured against. We recommend that you source travel insurance with a low excess payment, to make claiming on cancelled tours worthwhile.

SERVICE PROVIDERS

We endeavour to package tours that will meet your expectations. However, we take no responsibility for any matters that arise with regard to or during individual tours or arrangements with individual Service Providers. We appreciate your feedback, whether complaints, compliments or suggestions. However, to the extent permitted by law we will not be responsible to you for any loss, expense or damage that you may suffer during any particular tour, accommodation or travel, no matter the cause. These matters are the responsibility of each individual Service Provider and you agree that you will not hold us liable in any such circumstance.

TOUR DETAILS

The inclusions, departure details and itinerary points of each tour and activity listed on our websites are current as of the last product update. We endeavour to reflect up-to-date information on all website pages but will not be held accountable for changes from suppliers which are yet to be reflected on site. Upon booking we ask that you review details listed in your vouchers as these will be the most reliable.

PRICES

We endeavour to package the best value tours available at the best prices. However, we take no responsibility for price fluctuations arising from changes in the prices charged by Service Providers occurring before final payment. The price of your travel is subject to change until such time as you pay for the travel in full.

EXTRA COSTS

Many tours have extra costs and you should be aware that there may be added expenses. These expenses will differ for each Service Provider but some of the more usual extras may include: EMC Tax, Stinger suit Hire, Luggage storage, Sleeping Bag Hire, Linen Hire, National Park Fee, Food, Insurance, Accommodation, Equipment Hire, Petrol Levy. We will alert you to extra costs to the extent reasonably practicable. However, you must also check with each individual Service Provider when you confirm your voucher.

PASSPORT and VISAS

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid passports, visas and re-entry permits which meet the requirements of immigration and other government authorities. Any fines, penalties, payments or expenditures incurred as a result of such documents not meeting the requirements of those authorities will be your sole responsibility. All travellers must have a valid passport for international travel and many countries require at least 6 months validity from the date of return and some countries require a machine-readable passport. Transfers between tours may incur a $30 administration fee.

By proceeding with a purchase via our Call Centre or Website you declare that you have read, understood, acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions of this booking and if your booking is accepted, you will be bound by these terms and conditions.

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