10 Day Perth to Adelaide Adventure Tour

OVERVIEW

Escape to secluded beaches where the white sand squeaks and the sunburnt outback country is dusted with vivid ochre dirt on the ultimate Perth to Adelaide camping tour. The epic crossing from west to the south is lined with ‘why didn’t I get here sooner’, landscapes, from the pristine coastline of Esperance to the expansive plains of the Nullarbor and towering peaks of the Flinders Ranges. As you traverse from coast to coast, fill your days swimming at Australia’s best beaches, surfing epic dunes, hiking ancient mountain ranges and getting to know the local wildlife. Swimming with wild sea lions and dolphins on the Eyre Peninsula and lounging on the sand with the local beach bums – Lucky Bay’s resident kangaroos – are just some of the unforgettable encounters that await on this nature-roaming journey. Come nightfall, gaze up at the clearest night skies in Australia and wake to milky sunrises across the untamed country before you embark on another adventure-filled day.

UNTAMED MOMENTS

·       Marvel at the ancient Wave Rock

·       Unearth Esperance and Cape Le Grand National Park with its friendly kangaroos

·       Traverse the vast expanses of the Nullarbor Plain

·       Plunge into the ocean environment on a surfing lesson

·       Witness abundant native wildlife from the land, sea and sky 

·       Taste world-famous seafood of the Eyre Peninsula

·       Swim with wild sea lions and dolphins or come face-to-tooth with a white shark (OE)

·       Roam the towering landscapes of the Flinders Ranges 

INCLUSIONS

·       All National Park and entry fees

·       All activities unless stated as an optional extra (OE)

·       Meals – 9 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners

·       Accommodation – Swag camping with basic facilities (8 nights), and bush camp with no facilities (1 night)

·       Transport – Air-conditioned coaster bus (max 20 people)

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Perth to Fitzgerald River National Park

Your Perth to Adelaide camping tour begins travelling east from the city over the Darling Ranges, stopping for coffee at Western Australia’s oldest inland town, York. A bit more driving, and you’ll be eating lunch in the shadow of Wave Rock and, by late afternoon, setting up camp in Fitzgerald River National Park. This is one of Australia’s largest and most botanically significant national parks, renowned for its rugged hinterland, coastal scenery and more than 1,800 beautiful and rare plant species.

Today travel around 600 km (10 hours) and camp at Fitzgerald River National Park, which has toilet and shower facilities.

Day 2: Fitzgerald River to Cape Le Grand National Park

Begin the morning with a brisk hike up East Mt. Baron for breathtaking views, then take the coastal route into Esperance, an iconic oceanic wonderland. This part of Western Australia has no less than nine national parks where you’ll find some of the best beaches in the world. Set up camp where the bush meets the beach at Cape Le Grand, your base, for two nights. Spend the afternoon hiking, swimming in turquoise waters, or simply just soaking up the serenity.

Travel about 250km (2.5 hours) today and camp at Cape Le Grand, which has toilet and shower facilities. 

Day 3: Cape Le Grand National Park

Sunrise is a sacred time here, and it’s also when the friendly western grey kangaroos are most active. Wander onto the beach to say hello before strapping on your hiking boots to embark on one of the best hikes of the tour, climbing Frenchman Peak for sweeping views across Cape Le Grand and Recherche Archipelago. Spend the remainder of the day unearthing this incredible park. Traverse through lush bushland, swim at fantastic bays and coves and learn about its abundant flora and fauna.

We drive only 10 minutes today, and walks will vary from 2-4 hours. Stay a second night in Cape Le Grand. 

Day 4: The Nullarbor

Rise with the sun and hit the road. By nightfall, we’ll be falling asleep under the star-filled outback skies of the Nullarbor. En route, stop at the quintessential outback town of Norseman for breakfast before we traverse the Eyre Highway eastbound, taking in Australia’s longest straight road, 90 Mile Straight. Watch the ever-changing landscapes from your window as your guide regales the history and stories that make this land unique. Tonight, gaze up at distant galaxies on a real bush camping experience on the Nullarbor.

Today’s driving time is about 10 hours, and tonight, bushcamp on the Nullarbor (no facilities).

Day 5: The Nullarbor and the Great Australian Bight

Today we continue crossing the outback of the mighty Nullarbor. Make a stop at Eucla, an old telegraph township now mostly buried beneath dunes. Classic Australian sights stretch out before us on the road today. Keep your cameras at the ready for iconic photo opportunities at the famous camels, kangaroos and wombats crossing road sign and the edge of Australia, where the outback drops dramatically into the Southern Ocean. Stretching approximately 200 kilometres along the Great Australian Bight, Bunda Cliffs are the world’s longest continuous line of sea cliffs. 

Further on, unearth a piece of Australian history as we cross the Dingo Fence. At 5,614 kilometres, it is the world’s longest fence and marks the entry point to the Yalata Aboriginal lands. Finally, in the afternoon, arrive at Fowlers Bay.

Travel time today is about 7 hours, and camp at which provides toilets and showers.

Day 6: Eyre Peninsula’s West Coast

This morning, unearth some pristine coastal sights, including a legendary surf break and the iconic pink lake, Lake Macdonnell. Visit the Ceduna Arts and Cultural Centre to hear about the styles and meanings of Indigenous artwork. After stocking up on supplies in Streaky Bay, test out your sand boarding skills in some massive dunes. Come late afternoon, arrive at Coodlie Park Farm Retreat to enjoy a barbecue feast and roll out your swag in a unique outdoor hut. 

Today travel 600km (8 hours).

Day 7: Baird Bay and Mikkira Station

Today, dive into glassy waters and swim with wild sea lions and dolphins on a 3-hour cruise in the sheltered waters of Baird Bay. This optional experience is an outsourced adventure operated by Baird Bay Eco Tours. Those who choose to stay on land will travel to Point Labatt Conservation Park, the only place on the mainland where you can see Australian seal pups playing and resting on the beach.

After lunch, travel to Elliston for a short coastal drive, then onto Mikkira Station to set up camp for two nights. This private property is home to the Eyre Peninsula’s only wild koala population, with around 170 koalas and lots of kangaroos and emus calling Mikkira home. Head to a nearby beach for a swim and soak in the sunset before dinner at the campsite. Tonight, fall asleep under koala-filled gum trees. 

Travel 400kms today (4.5 hours) and stay at Mikkira Station which has shower and toilet facilities. 

Day 8: Port Lincoln and Mikkira Station

Unearth the natural highlights of Port Lincoln and its surroundings, including the rugged Whalers Way and white sandy beaches of Coffin Bay National Park. You’ll also have time to explore Australia’s Seafood Capital, Port Lincoln.

After a full day of exploring, return back to your new koala friends at Mikkira Station for a camp dinner and rest. 

Alternative Itinerary

Those coming to Port Lincoln to get up close and personal with the aquatic wildlife can opt to have a

Great White Shark experience. This is an outsourced activity not included in the itinerary. Please see ‘Optional Extras’ more information.

Drive time today is about 2.5 hours unless you are doing the sharks experience, in which case it is only 1 hour.

Day 9: Port Lincoln to Flinders Ranges 

Surfing is a way of life in Australia, so today, pull on a wetsuit for a two-hour learn-to-surf lesson. The turquoise and calm water of Fisheries Bay are the perfect places for beginners to perfect their skills. Those not wanting to surf will be able to relax on the beach or swim. Then, onwards to the ancient Southern Flinders Ranges to set up camp in Mt. Remarkable National Park. 

Today travel approximately 400km (4 hours) and camp at Mt Remarkable, which has a toilet and shower facilities.

Day 10: Flinders Ranges to Adelaide

On the last morning of the tour, we embark on a hike at Davey’s Gully before we begin the final leg of our tour back to Adelaide. South Australia is well known for its world-class wine, and the last stop of the tour takes full advantage of this. Pull up in the Clare Valley wine region, world-renowned for its Riesling, for lunch and a wine tasting and cheers to your adventure before finally arriving in Adelaide around 5 pm.

Drive time today is about 5 hours.

KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK

• Please advise of any special dietary requirements when you book. We offer plenty of variety and do our best to provide fresh products. Snacks, soft drinks and alcohol are not included.
• This is a camping tour, and involvement from the passengers is required. To get the most from this experience, you will need to enjoy the outdoors, hiking, and cope with extreme weather conditions. Camping on this tour is at a mixture of national parks and campgrounds. 
• When camping, we use single swags. Swags are ‘Aussie Bed Rolls’ made from sturdy canvas with a mattress built into the swag. Passengers need to provide a sleeping bag and pillow to insert into the swag. Our wet weather option is a 3-person dome tent shared by two people.
• A good fitness level is required on our adventure tours, and you need to be prepared for walks of between 3-9 kilometres on some days. This may involve rough ground and perhaps getting wet.
• If you would like to choose the sharks and sea lions optional extra experience with Calypso Star Charters, you can add this to your cart at check out.
• Bags are restricted to 1 × 15kg backpack/soft travel bag per person, plus one small piece of hand luggage.
• As part of our COVID-Safe protocols, all passengers must complete online check-in, including a ‘Fit for Travel’ self-declaration to confirm they are free from illness. This is mandatory and must be completed at the latest 24 hours before departure.
• This tour requires a minimum of six people to operate. In the unlikely event, your departure is cancelled because minimum numbers have not been met, we will transfer all monies paid onto another departure date in the future. If this is not suitable, we will refund your tour price in full.
• Please read our full Booking Terms & Conditions before booking.