Lake Eyre & East Macdonnell Ranges
14 Day Itinerary - East Macdonnell Ranges, Chamber’s Pillar, Dalhousie Springs, Oodnadatta, Lake Eyre
This tour starts in the spectacular East MacDonnell Ranges, studded with sheer quartzite cliffs and gum lined waterholes. Exploring this area on foot is a great way to absorb its natural beauty. We also visit Mt Chambers, seen by explorer John McDouall Stuart in 1860 on his first attempt at crossing the continent. Then we pass old Andado Station on the edge of the Simpson Desert, to visit a rare stand of Acacia Peuce. Further south is Mt Dare and Witjira NP, home to Dalhousie hot springs, then Oodnadatta. We look at the history of the Ghan railway and the overland telegraph line all through this region. We visit the vast expanse of Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest lake & visit ancient mound springs which are an oasis for wildlife.
Day 1 - Departing Alice Springs we head for Ruby Gap nature reseve. (2 night camp)
Day 2 - We walk and explore Glen Annie Gorge.
Day 3 - A day exploring the Arltunga Historic area on our way to Ross River. (2 night camp)
Day 4 -A day walk from John Hayes rockhole to Trephina Gorge including the Chain of Ponds walk. (12km)
Day 6 - We explore around the Chamber’s Pillar area.
Day 5 - We travel to Chamber’s Pillar Historic reserve. (2 night camp)
Day 7 - We travel to Old Andado homestead and visit the Mac Clark Conservation Reserve.
Day 8 - We continue to Mt Dare and Witjira NP stopping at Dalhousie Hot Springs. (2 night camp)
Day 9 - We explore and relax at Dalhousie Hot Springs.
Day 10 - South to Oodnadatta before spending the night at Peake. We explore the Peake Historic Site in the afternoon.
Day 11 - From Peake to William Creek (extra - the chance of a Lake Eyre flight) before heading on out to the edge of Lake Eyre.
Day 12 -An easy drive to Coward Springs then a day birding and relaxing with a visit to some Ancient Mound Springs.
Day 13 - We travel further south to Marree then on to explore the old ghost town of Farina.
Day 14 -We travel back to Adelaide arriving late in the afternoon/evening.
Itineraries may change depending on local circumstances such as NP access, weather or road conditions
Gallery
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