South Australia Outback & Wine Tour

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Depart Adelaide and follow the National Highway 1 up along the Fleurieu Peninsula and past the renowned Clare Valley wine region, stop along the way to check out the striking pink Bumbunga Lake mined for its salt. Pass the stunning beaches and stop for a picnic lunch at beautiful Mount Remarkable National Park, before arriving at Port Augusta at the head of the Spencer Gulf.

Port Augusta can be surprisingly rewarding with plenty of things to see and do. Start by exploring the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, just a short drive from town. This expansive garden features walking trails through native desert plants and offers great opportunities for birdwatching and photography, all with stunning views of the Flinders Ranges in the background. Next, head into town and climb the Water Tower Lookout for panoramic views over the Spencer Gulf and surrounding landscapes. It's a great way to get your bearings and snap some scenic photos. Nearby, the Port Augusta Cultural Centre; Yarta Purtli and Curdnatta Artists’ Platform Gallery showcase works by local artists and are both free to visit. You can also take a self-guided Heritage Walk through the town centre, with maps available at the Wadlata Outback Centre, guiding you past historic buildings and points of interest. Finally, unwind along the foreshore, where a peaceful walk by the gulf or a quiet moment on a bench lets you soak in the relaxed pace and natural beauty of this outback town by the sea.

The drive from Port Augusta to Rawnsley Park Station takes you through the changing landscapes of South Australia's outback. Leaving Port Augusta, the flat plains give way to the rolling hills of the Flinders Ranges. A stop in Quorn offers the chance to ride the historic Pichi Richi Railway and explore the charming town. Further along, Hawker is a great place to refuel and visit the Jeff Morgan Gallery, which features stunning panoramic artwork of Wilpena Pound. The final stretch to Rawnsley Park reveals rugged ranges and, if conditions allow, the scenic Moralana Drive, a detour with sweeping views and frequent wildlife sightings. At Rawnsley Park Station, you can relax or explore with 4WD tours, walking trails, or a sunset lookout over the Chace Range. The nearby Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park offers even more adventures, making this drive a perfect introduction to the beauty of the Australian outback.

Step back in time aboard the Pichi Richi Railway, a heritage steam and diesel train journey through South Australia's stunning Flinders Ranges. Travel along the original Ghan route in beautifully restored carriages, winding past rugged landscapes, historic bridges, and charming outback towns. A nostalgic experience for all ages! The service operates on some Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sundays between Port Augusta and Quorn. See the Pichi Richi Timetable for best information. 

South Australia has more than 360 national parks and some parks require a valid park pass for entry. You can purchase a park pass online at parks.sa.gov.au/booking.
We recommend researching the parks that you intend to go to before you arrive, as well as once you are in Australia as the pricing and information for each park is provided by the Australian Government and is subject to change.

Begin your day early for a guided walk through Wilpena Pound. From Rawnsley Park Station, enjoy a short drive to Wilpena Pound Resort, where you'll begin walking along the Heysen Trail across the floor of Wilpena Pound before a gentle climb to Bridle Gap. Along the way, learn about the extraordinary history of the early pastoralists and discover the ruins left behind. Marvel at the spectacular views from Bridle Gap, as you make your way back to Wilpena Pound Resort via Wangarra Lookout. Enjoy morning tea, lunch and 4WD transfers on this magnificent 15km moderate walk. 

Discover two of the most spectacular gorges in the Flinders Ranges – Bunyeroo and Brachina - on this 4WD tour which highlights the best of the scenery in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Enjoy breathtaking views of the landscape as you are taken back in time through Bunyeroo Gorge. Your guide will explain the remarkable geology of the area, including 600 million-year-old sea beds preserved in the rock formations. Brachina Gorge presents a unique opportunity to see some of the oldest preserved fossils in the world, which can only be found here, in the Flinders Ranges. Likely to spot the elusive yellow-footed rock wallaby throughout your travels, be sure to keep your camera handy.

Depart Rawnsley Park Station this morning after breakfast and head south through Hawker, and then onto RM Williams Way, named for the entrepreneurial bushman who rose to fame developing an outback clothing company of the same name. The town of Orroroo makes for a nice coffee break and to sit under the shade of its resident 500-year-old red gum tree.
Reach your halfway point in Peterborough and spend some time exploring the Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre. Once the busiest regional railway hub in South Australia, you can now take a guided tour of the historic Roundhouse, home to Australia's only triple gauge turntable.
From here, continue south towards the town of Burra, through the stunning Clare Valley pastoral and wine region and onto your destination of Tanunda nestled in the Barossa Valley.

Barossa Sculpture Park is located at the base of Mengler Hill Lookout. You will have nice views of the sweeping landscape of rustic vineyards, wineries, and traditional farm houses. Art lovers will enjoy a collection of interesting sculptures created by local as well as international sculptors. Dating back to 1988, the sculptures were originally created as part of the Barossa International Sculpture Symposium, and they can now be seen for free against a backdrop of rolling hills. The artists lived alongside local residents to capture a better taste of the Barossa Valley and its spirit in the artwork. You can wander around the trail, admire the sculptures made from local marble and granite, or have a picnic on one of the grassy spots that surround the hills and the lookout area. 

Uncork the historic Barossa, discovering boutique wineries that are big on character. With a flexible tour itinerary and a very small group of up to six guests, you'll avoid the crowds and taste the premium wines the region has become so well-known for. See, taste, smell and learn the difference between wine varieties like Shiraz and Grenache, or different styles of Riesling. Learn about the importance of winemaking techniques like oak aging or minimal intervention. Discover the history of the Barossa visiting world renowned wine destinations, and enjoy a stellar lunch at Harvest Kitchen, all part of one of the most sought after wine tours in Australia. No matter your level of expertise, your professionally trained wine guide will be sure to create a unique and intimate experience.

Begin your experience as you watch your pilot and crew launch the balloon to be ready for take-off! Experience a sunrise like no other, float in a hot air balloon over the gorgeous Barossa Valley as the sun is rising and the stunning light casts the colors across the sky to welcome in the day. Enjoy the mesmerising 360-degree views as you look out over the valley and countryside, sit back, and relax as you soak in the scenery for 1 hour in the air. Once you have landed, be greeted by the crew to pack up the balloon and head back to the office for a delicious breakfast, a glass of champagne, and the chance to chat with your pilot before receiving your 'Balloonatic Flying Certificate'.

Situated in the heart of Barossa Valley and nestled between acres of lush Barossa Vineyard sits St Hallett Cellar Door and Winery. Representing the spirit and soul of wine making in the Barossa, St Hallett has grown and changed to reinvent itself as one of Australia's most respected wine brands.Take your tasting to the next level with this intimate and premium experience that delves in the nuances of terroir. The tasting includes a Barossa Regional Platter, museum release single vineyard wines and their flagship icon, The Old Block Shiraz.

Two Hands Wines
This relaxed and intimate cellar door is located in a 19th century cellar door with an adjusting bakehouse and cellar. Book ahead of time to guarantee a spot to enjoy a tasting flight on the sun-filled deck or by the open fire.

Elderton Wines
Owned by a local family, Elderton Wines began over 40 years ago and uses sustainable practices to produce quality wines, including a selections of reds and whites. The cellar door, located in Nuriootpa, is surrounded by vineyards and offers a main tasting room and rooms for private tastings.                 

Penfolds Barossa
Recognised around the world, Penfolds Barossa offers tasting flights and unique experiences such as a Make Your Own Blend where you become a master winemarker for the day. Their Grange wine is a must-try before continuing your journey around the Barossa!

Barossa Distilling Company
Located within the Provenance Building, directly next to Penfolds, Barossa Distilling Co houses a wide selection of gin, all of which may be tasted neat or in a handcrafted cocktail mixed at the bar.

Saltram
This flagship cellar door is surrounded by lush grass and estate vineyards, full of experiences and an inviting atmosphere. Hosted in the original stone winery house, you may enjoy all day dining, classic wine tastings or a heritage tour of the estate.

Yalumba
Within Angaston, Yalumba has large grounds, with lawn games, outdoor seating and picturesque gardens to enjoy while tasting premier wine collections. You may choose to book ahead of time and enjoy a lunch or private tour of the wine rooms.

Depart Tanunda and head off along Gomersal Road, passing by the rolling fields of wheat and vineyards. If you haven't already, stop by the Pindarie Cellar Door to taste the multi-award-winning wines, and take in the 180-degree views of the vineyard estate. Continue on to the Sturt Highway and take the exit to the town of Gawler for lunch and a walk along the river. Travel for a further 45 minutes to reach your destination of Adelaide.

Pindarie - Situated on the western ridge of the Barossa Valley, this family-run vineyard and cellar door is located away from the hustle of the town, amidst sheep, pastures and vines. Enjoy views of rolling hills with a glass of Rose or Tempranillo.
Gomersal Wines - A boutique winery, Gomersal Wines is renowned for its traditional, rich, full-bodied Shiraz which may be enjoyed with a platter complete with local meats, cheese and chutney. For something different, taste their small batch gins, created in collaboration with a local distiller.
Rockford Wines - Sip and lounge in a cellar door made up of old stone buildings dating back to early settlement of Krondorf. Rockford is passionate about keeping its heritage alive, seen throughout the grounds and in the story telling of the wine. Bookings are recommended.
Grant Burge - Experience the ultimate wine and chocolate tasting with four premium Grant Burge wines alongside hand-made locally produced chocolate from Just Bliss. This unique pairing is enjoyed in the Meshach Cellar Door with impressive Barossa Valley views.
Jacob's Creek - Use a map of the grounds to choose your perfect picnic location before embarking on a culinary tourism experience with a bottle of wine and gourmet produce. If you are short on time, enjoying a tasting inside the cellar door is a welcome event and can be followed with a stroll along the Jacob's Creek walking trail.

This unique experience takes place in the Southern Hemisphere's largest open wine cellar, featuring wines from all around the country. In this tour, you will have the opportunity to browse the fine wine collection at the National Wine Centre, followed by a bespoke private dining experience with a four-course lunch or dinner, prepared and carefully curated by an Executive Chef. An expert Sommelier will match each dish to a wine, taking you on a memorable culinary journey catered to your preferences.

Drop your vehicle at the Adelaide Airport as stipulated in your itinerary.

Farewell Adelaide today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!