7-Day Explorers Way Adelaide to Alice Springs Accommodated Tour

Day 1 · Adelaide to Quorn (Southern Flinders Rangers)

1. 1

   Clare Valley

   6 hours

   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.

2. 2

   Flinders Ranges

   12 hours

   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.

Quorn Great Northern Lodge | Twin-shared ensuite room

Day 2 · Quorn to Coober Pedy

1. 1

   Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden

   4 hours Admission included

   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.

2. 2

   Coober Pedy

   12 hours

   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.

Coober Pedy Experience Motel | Underground twin-shared ensuite room

Day 3 · Coober Pedy to Erldunda

1. 1

   Old Timers Mine

   one hour Admission included

   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.

2. 2

   Josephine's Gallery and Kangaroo Orphanage

   one hour Admission included

   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.

3. 3

   Kanku - Breakaways Conservation Park

   2 hours Admission included

   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.

4. 4

   Erldunda

   12 hours

   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.

Erldunda Desert Oaks Resort | Twin-share ensuite room

Day 4 · Erldunda to Watarrka/Kings Canyon

1. 1

   Watarrka National Park

   6 hours Admission included

   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.

2. 2

   Kings Canyon

   12 hours

   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.

Kings Canyon Resort | Quad lodge multi-share dorm (shared facilities)

Day 5 · Watarrka/Kings Canyon to Uluru

1. 1

   Kings Canyon

   3 hours

   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.

2. 2

   Yulara

   2 hours

   After time to reset, travel south toward Uluru. Gradually, the monolith rises from the desert, unmistakable and immense.

3. 3

   Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre

   2 hours Admission included

   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.

4. 4

   Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

   10 hours

   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.

Outback Hotel | Twin-share ensuite room

Day 6 · Kata Tjuta & Yulara

1. 1

   Kata Tjuta - The Olgas

   3 hours Admission included

   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.

2. 2

   Yulara

   16 hours

   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.

Outback Hotel | Twin-share ensuite room

Day 7 · Uluru (To Alice Springs)

1. 1

   Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

   5 hours

   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.

2. 2

   Yulara

   one hour

   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.

3. 3

   Alice Springs

   5 hours

   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.