Overview
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.
If you’re in the Northern Territory, you can do this trip in reverse on our Alice Springs to Adelaide tour with accommodation.
See the Know Before You Book information below to learn about exciting optional extra experiences available on this tour.
Untamed Moments
- 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)
Inclusions
- Accommodation — 5 x nights twin-share room and 1 x night multi-share dorm
- All activities and experiences
- All national park and entrance fees
- Storyteller Guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation: Quorn Great Northern Lodge | Twin-shared ensuite room
Distance Travelled: Approx. 400 km
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.
Accommodation: Coober Pedy Experience Motel | Underground twin-shared ensuite room
Distance Travelled: Approx. 660 km
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.
Accommodation: Erldunda Desert Oaks Resort | Twin-share ensuite room
Distance Travelled: Approx. 510 km
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.
Accommodation: Kings Canyon Resort | Quad lodge multi-share dorm (shared facilities)
Distance Travelled: Approx. 300 km
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.
Accommodation: Outback Hotel | Twin-share ensuite room
Distance Travelled: Approx. 350 km
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.
Accommodation: Outback Hotel | Twin-share ensuite room
Distance Travelled: Minimal
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: None
Distance Travelled: Approx. 60 km or 500km to Alice Springs
Optional Extras
Enhance your experience with optional add-ons available during your tour. These experiences are limited and can book out, so we recommend adding them at the time of booking to avoid missing out.
Scenic Flights at Uluru
Gain a new perspective with an optional helicopter flight departing from Yulara, operated by Professional Helicopter Services. Flights range from approximately 15 to 35 minutes, with prices starting from A$205 per person (subject to change).
From above, Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the vast desert plains reveal their full scale. Ancient formations, shifting colours and immense geometry laid out beneath you.
Minimum booking: 2 people. Solo travellers will be paired where possible; otherwise, a full refund will be provided.
Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner – from $310 per person
As the sun lowers over the desert horizon, Wintjiri Wiru offers a powerful way to experience Uluru after dark. Set within an open-air desert theatre, this immersive experience combines storytelling, choreographed drones, light and sound to share ancient Aṉangu creation stories as the sky shifts from gold to deep indigo.
The evening begins with sunset drinks and canapés, followed by a curated dinner inspired by native ingredients, served beneath a canopy of desert stars. A moving fusion of culture, technology and cuisine, unlike anything else in Australia.
Field of Light (Uluru) – from $50 per person
As darkness settles over the desert, over 50,000 slender stems of light illuminate the earth in a breathtaking display known as Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku — “looking at lots of beautiful lights.”
Created by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, Field of Light transforms the landscape into a shifting tapestry of colour beneath the vast outback sky.
General admission includes return transfers from Ayers Rock Resort and entry into the illuminated installation, allowing time to wander the pathways at your own pace and take in the scale of this extraordinary artwork.
An immersive desert experience that runs for about 90 minutes and must be seen to be truly understood.
Discovery Parks Alice Springs Accommodation – $212 per cabin (1-2 pax)
Ease into or out of your adventure with an overnight stay at Discovery Parks – Alice Springs. A private twin cabin offers a comfortable and convenient base, with easy access to town and excellent facilities to relax and reset before onward travel.
Add this option at the time of booking for a seamless finish to your Explorers Way experience.
Know Before You Go
For our Adelaide to Alice Springs Accommodated Tour
General Information
- Tour timing: This tour starts in Adelaide on Day 1 at approximately 8.00 am and finishes in either Yulara (Uluru) around midday or in Alice Springs around 7 pm.
- Luggage limits: Each guest is allowed one soft travel bag or backpack (max 15 kg) plus a small daypack or piece of hand luggage.
- Minimum numbers: This tour requires a minimum of four travellers to run. If we need to cancel due to low numbers, we’ll offer a transfer to a future date or a full refund.
- Before you book: Please read the information below and our full Booking Terms & Conditions to ensure this experience is right for you.
Meals & Food Options
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.
Accommodation
Accommodation Style:
This is a comfortable, budget-conscious, accommodated tour featuring motel-style twin-share rooms with private en-suites, plus one night in a mixed shared quad room at Kings Canyon Resort (shared bathroom facilities).
Room Sharing:
Solo travellers are paired in twin-share rooms. We aim to room guests thoughtfully and respectfully. If you have specific preferences or requirements, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Single Room Upgrade:
Prefer your own space? A Single Room Upgrade is available at checkout for an additional $615 per person (subject to availability).
Fitness & Mobility
The 7-Day Explorers Way tour is best suited to travellers who enjoy time outdoors, meaningful walks and shared group experiences across diverse landscapes.
To get the most from your experience, please consider the following:
- Fitness requirements: An easy to moderate level of fitness is recommended. Walks range between 3–10 km and may include uneven terrain, steps and warm conditions. Key hikes such as Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta are rewarding but manageable, and shorter options are available where possible.
- Medical conditions: If you have any pre-existing health conditions, we strongly recommend speaking with your doctor before booking. Please also inform our Customer Service Team and Guides of any relevant conditions prior to travel, so we can offer the right support.
- Fit for Travel declaration: All travellers must complete an online check-in, including a mandatory ‘Fit for Travel’ declaration, at least 24 hours before departure. This confirms you are free from illness and physically able to join the tour.
If you’re unsure whether this trip is the right fit for you, please reach out, we’re here to help.
Itinerary Changes
At Untamed Escapes, your safety and experience are our top priorities. Our guides are trained to adapt plans when needed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Please keep the following in mind:
- Experienced guidance: Our storyteller guides continuously assess local conditions such as weather and traffic to deliver the best possible experience.
- Dynamic weather: The Australian outback is known for sudden and dramatic weather changes. Our team remains informed and responsive to these conditions.
- Adjustments for safety and comfort:
– Itinerary changes may occur to improve the overall experience or respond to unexpected circumstances.
– For example, during the hotter months (October to April), hike times may be adjusted to earlier in the day to avoid high temperatures. - Clear communication: Any itinerary changes will be communicated to the group in advance whenever possible.
-
3-Day Kangaroo Island Adventure Tours
-
7-Day Adelaide to Uluru Tour
-
7-Day Explorers Way Alice Springs to Adelaide Accommodated Tour
What our customers say
Untamed Escapes
135 Waymouth Street, Adelaide
-
The 10 days of Adelaide to Perth will remain an unforgettable experience to me.
This had everything - swag camping , star studded night skies, beautiful beaches, scenic drives, spectacular hikes, picnic lunches & a lot of wildlife … More ( yes, Kangaroos wake you up in the morning - I am not kidding !! ).
The selected camping parks and the facilities available were impressive, can't complain. Enough time to explore and enjoy places.
Have to mention - Brendon and Jackson - they were the best guides , really appreciate their hard work, effort and patience to give all of us a wonderful tour experience. The food was delicious, in-plenty and always on-time, never felt disappointed 🙂 .
The group was a bunch of wonderful humans who were very friendly and full of energy, there was never a boring moment !!
Highly recommended to anyone who is looking for a tour across Nullarbor !!
Thanks for the experience, and looking forward to the next adventure with Untamed Escapes!! -
My husband and I just returned back to Qld after experiencing the 6 Day Eyre Peninsula & Flinders Ranges Adventure Tour. We had a fabulous time with Steve the tour guide and the great people we met who travelled with us. You get to … More see and experience so much in a small amount of time. We had no idea South Australia is so beautiful and has many beautiful walks, views, food and wine. It really has it all. It's definitely a trip we will remember forever.
-
When my friend told me about this trip, I thought she’s crazy or gonna be crazy during to trip. It was the wildest adventure of my life. I’ve been to many beautiful places but what I saw on this trip was exceptionally beautiful. Brendan … More and Michel always gave us positive energy. Their passion for Australian bushes and geology was a bonus. I can't understand how they maintain so much energy from early morning until nighttime. Happy days! When my friend told me about this trip, I thought she’s crazy or gonna be crazy during to trip. It was the wildest adventure of my life. I’ve been many beautiful place but what i saw in this trip was exceptionally beautiful. Brendan and Michel always gave us positive energy. Their passion for Australian bushes and geology was a bonus. I can't understand how they maintain so much energy from early morning until nighttime. Happy days
-
We very much enjoyed our trip from Perth to Adelaide! It was a unforgettable experience whit lots of highlights. The tourguide Jakson was very professional and did a great job! - Thank you very much for the great Time!!
-
I had an amazing 10 day tour from Perth to Adelaide! Saw the most wonderful places. Everything was well organised. Swag sleeping was a nice experience. We had an amazing group of people ! Lots of respect for Jackson! He’ s such an amazing … More tour guide and person. He knows so much and shared his knowledge with us. And I liked his ideas for lunch and dinner very much.
-
The incredible Adelaide to Perth 10 Day camping trip.
A review simply cannot sum up how amazing this trip was! If you are contemplating booking it, just do it! Home grown Aussie like myself, an expat or tourist, it's really an amazing … More experience for everyone.
The places you visit showcase some of the incredible beauty Australia has to offer and camping in a swag really lets you get in touch with nature. We really are a very lucky country!
Our guides Brendan and Jackson went above and beyond to make this trip over NYE extra special and memorable and we will all be forever grateful. Our eclectic group of people made for such real, heartwarming, genuine fun and laughs that will forever bring a smile to my face 😁😊
I cannot recommend this trip enough and look forward to planning my next adventure with UnTammed Escapes! -
TripADeal sub-contracted our 10 day Adelaide to Alice Springs adventure to Untamed Escapes and how lucky we were! Matt (our mini-bus driver and guide), was fantastic, a real legend! We felt very safe with his driving and he went above and … More beyond to make our road trip so memorable. Matt was friendly, professional and knowledgeable with a cheeky Aussie sense of humour. We would recommend that you give Untamed Adventures a go.
-
What an amazing way to see the Eyre Peninsula! Hassie has got to be the most informed person of the EP, and wow does he have some stories.
I will definitely be getting on an Adelaide Hills tour asap and maybe even one of their WA tours! … More -
We had a lovely day. It was so scenic and relaxing. we were not expecting to learn this much but so glad that we did.
-
We did a whole day tour of Port Lincoln and it was truly the highlight of our trip. Our tour guide, Ian, was just so friendly and knowledgably about the area. It was definitely worth it and we are so glad we did it to discover the best … More of Port Lincoln!
-
I had the 1-day Port Lincoln tour with Geoff. I must say I totally enjoyed the tour. I have been brought to places in PL that I thought I would never have gone to on my own. Geoff is very knowledgeable and an experienced ranger. The … More knowledge he provided about PL’s history and flora/fauna were something I have not learnt in school. He has so much experience and he cares for the environment. I was in awe at how he explained the ecosystems in the places we’ve been to. I felt like watching a documentary only I am part if it and experiencing things first hand. My fave spot would be Whaler’s Way with the Tortoise rock. It was nature at its best. I highly recommend this tour as I know you will have the best time of your life enjoying nature’s beauty in South Australia that is Port Lincoln.
-
In March 2021 four of us did the Best of Port Lincoln and Coffin Bay and we still talk about our experience when we catch up. From the minute we were greeted at the airport by our tour guide Ian the fun began. Ian was a fountain of information … More and he certainly made our experience memorable. He showed us many amazing sights, our hotel accommodation was A1 and our food was 10/10. Getting into our waders and sitting down at a semi-submerged water pavilion, shucking oysters washed down with some wine was an experience we will never forget. We will be back!!!
-
4 days of exploring and experiencing the Margaret River region. Wow wow wow, loved the visual delights, nutritional sensations, the slowness of yoga sessions, the workshops of sourdough making at One Table Farm; the education received from … More the Spice Mistress and her delightful food. The experience of tasting gin for the first time and walking an 8km section of the Cape to Cape. Thank you so much Jodie, Gem and Riley for making me feel so welcomed, you looked after us girls in every way. Glamping at Fair Harvest was a treat I’ll never forget 🤩🤩🤩
-
I absolutely loved my 10 day trip across the Nullarbor from Adelaide to Perth, there was not one thing I would change. The Nullarbor was on my bucket list of things to do and you can’t do it any better than living out of a swag. If you … More get the chance to swim with the seals and dolphins do it, it’s worth every cent. I just loved seeing the kangaroos on the beach over in WA and the huge trees and the bush walks we did. Don’t think about it just go ahead and do it.
-
We had a wonderful West Coast adventure - whale watching and more. We loved every minute and are looking forward to Untamed day trip Escapes around Coffin Bay and Port Lincoln coming up soon!
-
We recently were treated to a fully guided whale watching tour and have been raving about it ever since. We saw things we were in awe of, went to places that we can't wait to return, learned things about the area that were amazing … More and stayed in beds that were oh so comfortable. We would recommend Untamed Escapes to anyone who wants to get the best of the Eyre Peninsula and Nullarbor Plain during whale watching season!
