ITINERARY - BOOMERANG TOUR   ADELAIDE - ADELAIDE                         Back

Pre Tour Meeting                               
Your guide will meet you at your hotel on the eve of the tour start for a welcome drink and pre tour information.

Day 1
Welcome to a fascinating tour through the Outback and along the magnificent southern coastline. Your guide will pick you up at the pre-arranged time at your hotel.
Our journey first leads us out of the city of Adelaide into the Barrossa Valley, famous for its vineyards and the wines produced. We stop at some of the wineries for tasting before heading further north. We drive through the hilly landscape and reach our first destination, Burra. This was once a booming copper mining town. Remnants of that era can be seen on the old mine sites, which we will visit in time to watch a beautiful sunset. We stay at the old miner’s cottages overnight.

Accommodation Paxton Square Cottages    D

Day 2
Plenty of time to enjoy our breakfast before we depart from Burra and continue our journey further north towards the Flinders Ranges. We cruise through a constantly changing landscape, passing endless wheat fields and sheep farms. Our destination today is Quorn, a historic Steam Railway town nestled in amongst the hills of the Southern Flinders Ranges. We stay at the beautiful Endiloe Lodge, only a short drive from the town centre.

Accommodation Endiloe Lodge     B/D

Day 3

No need to pack up today. We will stay another night at the lodge. We depart as early as possible for our excursion to the Flinders Ranges National Park. Via Hawker we reach this magnificent mountain range. We follow the western slopes to the Brachina Gorge where the many different rock formations reveal the ancient geological past of this area. The drive through Bunyeroo Gorge and the views from the various lookouts are simply breathtaking. A short stroll into Sacred Canyon brings us to some ancient aboriginal rock carvings. Later in the afternoon we return to Quorn and once more enjoy our accommodation at Endiloe Lodge.


Accommodation Endiloe Lodge     B//LD

 

Day 4
Today we leave South Australia. Via Orroroo and Peterborough we reach the Barrier Highway and follow it to Broken Hill a large mining town in Western NSW. In Broken Hill Silver and other metals have been mined for over 120 years. Tonight we stay at a comfortable motel. We enjoy the pool before heading to town for dinner at a restaurant (dinner not included)
 

Accommodation Broken Hill Motel     B

 

Day 5
We leave Broken Hill in the morning and are soon on track towards White Cliffs. We reach White Cliffs early afternoon. White Cliffs, the oldest opal mining town in Australia, still produces high quality opal, only at a smaller scale then elsewhere. Here we stay overnight at PJ’s Underground, a luxury underground bed & breakfast accommodation. We have time to explore the minefields and get an insight into the history and present day life of the place. Here in White Cliffs (providing he is mining) we have the chance to meet Ron Foord, a professional and the most experienced miner on the field. His wife Donna Lee will also show as their finds over the years and you have a chance to buy opal mined by Ron in White Cliffs.

Tonight we enjoy a delicious dinner at PJ’s Underground. Joanne our host is a marvellous cook and we won’t be disappointed. (Dinner not included)

Accommodation PJ’s Underground Bed & Breakfast    B/L

Day  6
It will be hard to leave all this luxury and our friendly hosts at PJ's behind but after breakfast we depart for another day of touring. 
We depart from White Cliffs and follow the road to Willcannia and from there further to the Menindee Lakes, following the dirt track along the famous Darling River. We stop at the lakes, an astonishing sight in the middle of this arid landscape. Waterbirds, including pelicans often congregate at these lakes. From there we drive past Menindee and reach BindaraStation where we will stay tonight. Bindara is a historic Darling River Stations with an interesting history dating back to the early pioneer’s days.

Accommodation Bindara Station     B/L/D

Day 7
Before we continue our journey we will get an insight into Bindara’s history and present day operation. Afterwards we will head south and reach Mildura around lunchtime. Time for exploring this modern rural town on the Murray River. Dinner at a restaurant (Dinner not included)

Accommodation Apartment or Motel    B

Day 8
We continue our journey and travel via Horsham to the Grampians National Park. In Red Cliffs we stop briefly to view the “Big Lizzie”, an amazing kind of tractor built back in 1907. In the Grampians a totally different world awaits us. Mountains, green forests, streams, waterfalls and lakes are, together with an abundance of wildlife, the main features of this park. From today onwards we will not camp out anymore, rather stay overnight in selected cottages, cabins etc. which all are situated in a natural environment. We check in at today's Cottage and start exploring this magnificent area afterwards.

Cottage Accommodation     B/D

Day 9
Again today’s activities depend on the weather conditions. We explore the park by car and on foot. We walk to one of the mountaintops for another spectacular view. In warm conditions we also have time for a swim in the nearby lake. (Laundry facilities)

Cottage Accommodation     B/L/D

Day 10
A short drive brings us to today’s destination. We reach Ballart before lunchtime and check in at our accommodation, the Sovereign Hill Lodge, which is part of the Sovereign Hill Museum. We step back 150 years and have all afternoon to freely explore the outdoor museum. Try your luck at gold panning, go underground and enjoy the many attractions. A true insight into life on the rich goldfields back in the 19. Century.
Dinner is included and also at the museum and afterwards the show “Blood on the Southern Cross” features the highlight of the day.

Accommodation Sovereign Hill Lodge   B/D

Day 11
Via Cressy and Colac, past ancient volcanic crater lakes we join the famous Great Ocean Road at Lavers Hill, where we briefly stop for morning tea. From there we soon reach the coast. We stop at many of the scenic look outs along this magnificent coast line, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, Bay of Island to name a few. We stop for a late lunch in Port Cambbell along the way. Today we stay at Warrnambool, a modern seaside town. We stay near the beach and weather permitting we have time for a swim. We enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in town. (Dinner not included)

Cottage Accommodation    B/D

Day 12
We follow the coast via Port Fairy to Portland where we stop for lunch and a chance to stock up on fresh supplies. After lunch we drive to the nearby Cape Bridgewater where we undertake a very scenic coastal walk. Along the way we can view a seal colony at the bottom of the cliffs. By mid afternoon we are on the way again and via Nelson reach the Lower Glenelg National Park. Tonight we stay in cabins in a nice secluded forest setting.

Princess Margaret Rose Cabins   B/D

Day 13
The calls of the many birds will wake us in the morning. After breakfast we pack up and then visit the wonderful limestone cave nearby. After that we drive back to Nelson and to the endlessly stretching sandy coastline. After a stroll on the beach or even a swim (weather permitting), we continue our trip and via Mt Gambier and Kingston reach the Coorong National Park.

Accommodation Gemini Downs cabins    B/D

Day 14
Today we depart early as today’s stage again includes many highlights.  Via Meningie we reach Wellington where a ferry brings us to the other side of the Murray River. We continue on to Victor Harbour where your guide will  take on fresh supplies for the last few days while you enjoy a walk out to Granite Island. Later in the afternoon we drive along this magnificent coastline and then reach the Deep Creek Conservation Park. We stay at a beautiful homestead right at the edge of the park. The natural surrounding is home to lots of kangaroos and many colourful birds.

Accommodation Deep Creek Homestead     B/D

Day 15
Waking up in this beautiful valley, the luxury homestead to enjoy, a wonderful way to start the day. After breakfast we set out to explore the Deep Creek Conservation Park by car and on some of the walks. Wild coastal scenery, lush green forests and plenty of wildlife are the highlights of the day.

Accommodation Deep Creek Homestead      B/L/D

Day 16
An early start is necessary today. We do not want to miss the ferry to Kangaroo Island. We depart the homestead at around 8.00 am for the ferry which departs from nearby Cape Jervis. It takes about 50 minutes to reach the island. We have time for a coffee before our exploration of this natural wonder begins. We first drive to seal bay for another highlight. We visit the Australian Sea-lion colony where we are able to walk amongst them right on their own beach. After that we climb some white sand dunes at the nearby Little Sahara before continuing on to the Flinders Chase National Park. We drive right to the south-western tip of the Island and spend the following 2 nights at one of the historic lighthouse keeper's cottage.

Cottage  Accommodation Cape de Couedic     B/L/D

Day 17
We spend our last few days on this magnificent Island. We explore the Flinders Chase National Park by car and on walks. There is so much to see. Wild coast lines, the Remarkable Rocks formation, forests, seal colonies, koalas and an abundance of other wildlife. Surely an appropriate finale for this remarkable tour.
 

Cottage  Accommodation Cape de Couedic     B/L/D

 

Day 18

Another day to further explore the natural wonders of Kangaroo Island. We cross the Island back to Penneshaw for our last overnight stay. Time to reflect on our wonderful journey together.


Cottage Accommodation      B/D

Day 19
Our last day on the tour has arrived. After breakfast we catch the ferry at 10.30 am and sail back to the mainland. We stop for lunch on the way back to Adelaide where the tour ends with the transfer to your hotel.

Clients who wish to travel to their next destination on the day of arrival in Adelaide should seek advise from Terra Australis Safaris or their Travel Agent. Terra Australis Safaris cannot guarantee exact departure/arrival times and cannot be held responsible for missed connections etc.

I HOPE THAT WITH THIS TOUR I WILL BE ABLE TO SHOW YOU THE UNIQUE BEAUTY OF THE AUSTRALIAN CONTINENT, ITS FAUNA AND FLORA AND THAT YOU WILL DEPART WITH MANY UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES - Peter Hasler

 

Services included

Touring and sightseeing in small groups, travelling in modern, air-conditioned 4WD vehicle. All entry fees and activities according to the itinerary.

Competent expert guiding by Peter Hasler
 

All accommodation in selected, Lodges, Cottages, Motels, B&B etc. Daily sumptuous and healthy breakfast and delicious dinner, except 2 dinners as per Itinerary.
Cold lunches are provided in remote areas or where daily activities such as walks are undertaken during the day. In more populated areas, where possible, we stop for lunch at roadhouses, cafes etc. for a light lunch (not included). Snacks in-between, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are NOT included.

 

On request, single accommodation is available (additional cost). However in 1-2 of the selected cottages single rooms may not be guaranteed, depending on the number of passengers travelling and rooms available. All cottages/lodges are used exclusively by the entire group. Bedrooms may be of variable size and differently furnished. Allocation of bedrooms depends on group composition (couples, singles) and may be rotated from cottage to cottage.

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Luggage requirements - Tips & advise

 

Luggage:
Luggage is limited to 14 kg per passenger, 1 piece of luggage (max. 14 kg), small backpack, camera bag and sleeping bag (can be hired). As space is limited we advise to use soft bags or backpacks only. We cannot accept suitcases or backpacks with stiff frames. If you travel with additional luggage, this can be stored at your hotel at no cost (round trips only) or can be forwarded to the destination where the tour ends at cost of $20-40 approx. Your guide will assist with this. Please note that Laundry facilities can be used at most caravan parks, motels etc. where we stay overnight. No need to carry detergent, pegs, washing line etc. This is all provided. Do not bring along unnecessary equipment as everything apart from your personal belongings is provided for. Please observe this luggage requirements, thank you!

 

Clothing:
Please bring along comfortable, practical clothing. warm jacket and jumper, jeans, track suit, shorts, T-shirts, etc. Please note that Laundry facilities can be accessed on every tour.

 

Hand luggage:
Small bag or small backpack to carry your personal belongings, camera/films, sun glasses, hat, sun lotion with high protection rating 15-30+, insect repellent, swimmers, notebook etc. (all these items are essential on these tours!)

 

Photography / Filming:
You will certainly have plenty of opportunities to record your experiences with your camera or video recorder. Years of experience have shown however that in regard to your equipment carried, "less" is often better. Take along only what you consider necessary to avoid carrying lots of unnecessary weight on walks etc. A lens with a good zoom range is best suited. Also a wide angle lens for landscape pictures etc. A tripod is not required unless you are used to do so for video recording. A small tripod is in the vehicle to be used if required. please note that in Australia days are generally very bright and high sensitive films are not required. Films with a 100 ASA rating and lower will give better result as the commonly used 200 ASA rated films. For shots in rain forests or when using long range lenses high sensitive films may be required.
Please have your camera checked and/or familiarize yourself with a new camera before departing. Check your batteries and carry a spare battery. In remote places it may be impossible to obtain a new battery for most modern cameras. Slide films are also often unavailable in remote areas, so carry enough film rolls for your requirements. Most people however use digital cameras.
Rechargeable batteries for digital cameras and video recorders can be recharged wherever power is available, caravan parks, motels, lodges, cottages etc. This is not possible in National Parks and at bush camps along the route. One or two batteries of reasonable capacity however will be adequate in most cases. Charging batteries via the 12 V system of the tour vehicle requires a 12 V charging adapter fitting into the cigarette lighter socket. However this method is only possible while driving longer distances as the car batteries capacity is primarily required to operate the vehicle safely and running the refrigerator.

 

"Boomerang Tour" - Important!
We would like to advise that very warm clothing to protect you from cold winds is absolutely essential on all scheduled tours. The tour does operate during the warm dry summer months only. However the itinerary leads through various climates (desert, mountains, sea) which means that in mountain areas such as the Grampians and along the southern coast line, cold winds sometimes prevail even in summer time and temperatures may drop. Please consider that after sunset  temperatures sometimes may drop.

 

Shoes:
Bring comfortable light-weight hiking boots (heavy boots not required) or sports shoes you feel comfortable walking in, sandals or like and a pair of light shoes you may want to wear when visiting restaurants etc.

 

Sleeping bag:
A sleeping bag is required on all camping tours. You may bring along your own personal sleeping bag (please note a warm sleeping bag is required) or you may hire a clean warm sleeping bag from us at Aus$60.-. Please inform us when booking, if you require a sleeping bag.