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8 Days Adelaide/Tarntanya & Ikara-Flinders Ranges Road Trip

Experience Adelaide/Tarntanya’s vibrant culture, savour world-class wines in the Barossa Valley, and delve into Adnyamathanha culture at Wilpena Pound amidst the rugged beauty of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park where ancient landscapes tell timeless stories.

Southern Cultural Immersion © South Australian Tourism Commission

Southern Cultural Immersion © South Australian Tourism Commission

DAY 1

Make your way to the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, approximately 20 mins south of Adelaide/Tarntanya’s city centre, and embark on a Southern Cultural Immersion Warriparinga Tour.

Experience an interactive tour of the beautiful Warriparinga grounds and wetlands with an Aboriginal guide. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of this location firsthand.

After the tour, head over to Glenelg for beachside brunch at Fourth, then visit the shops on Jetty Road before catching the free tram back to Adelaide/Tarntanya.

In the early evening, proceed to the Adelaide Oval for a RoofClimb Twilight experience. Watch the sun set over Adelaide's/Tarntanya’s coastline and discover the city's unique stories from the icon's rooftop.

Grab a late dinner at Bespoke Wine Bar & Kitchen located within the Oval Hotel – your accommodation for the next 2 nights.

Highlights:

  • Take an immersive journey with an Aboriginal guide to uncover the deep cultural significance of Warriparinga's wetlands.

  • Experience Glenelg's stunning beach and vibrant atmosphere while enjoying an alfresco brunch.

  • Hear Adelaide’s/Tarntanya’s captivating tales from the Oval’s iconic rooftop, while the sun sets over the city.

D'Arenberg Cube, McLaren Vale, South Australia © Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia

D'Arenberg Cube, McLaren Vale, South Australia © Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia

DAY 2

Uncover the essence of McLaren Vale at three unique wineries on Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia’s Icons of McLaren Vale*.

First up, explore the illustrious history of Thomas Hardy's wine empire on a Hardys Tintara Hidden Secrets Tour. Delve into captivating tales of the Hardy family's legacy and enjoy a tasting of four iconic Hardys wines paired with locally sourced delights.

Next, immerse yourself in the magic of Gemtree Wines’ biodynamic wines on a Being Biodynamic experience. Tour the vineyards then indulge in a tutored tasting of certified organic wines with a regional platter, overlooking breathtaking vineyard views.

On D'Arenberg’s Dead Arm Distinction, you’ll indulge in the surreal at d'Arenberg's Cube, where art and wine meet. Enjoy the acclaimed Dead Arm Shiraz and explore the Salvador Dalí exhibition with 25 sculptures and graphics valued at around $20 million.

Return to Adelaide/Tarntanya and dine at the Red Ochre Barrel and Grill, a floating pavilion on the River Torrens showcasing Indigenous Australian ingredients.

*This experience is self-driven. Transfers can be booked for those who prefer not to drive.

Highlights:

  • Explore the rich history of Thomas Hardy and his wine empire on an intimate guided tour.

  • Enjoy an organic wine tasting with regional platter and Gemtree’s stunning vineyard views.

  • Explore a surrealist exhibition of authentic Salvador Dali bronze sculptures and graphic artworks.

Yalumba, The Barossa, South Australia © Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia

Yalumba, The Barossa, South Australia © Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia

DAY 3

Depart Adelaide/Tarntanya and head to the stunning Barossa Valley, home to over 150 wineries, graceful heritage towns, century-old cellars, and some of the world's oldest Shiraz vineyards.

In Angaston, head to Yalumba for an Yalumba Estate Picnic experience. Join a Wine Ambassador for a private Best of Barossa tasting to discover Yalumba’s Distinguished Sites wines, then select your lunch wine and enjoy a picnic with lawn games and local produce.

Head on over to Jacob’s Creek for a Double Barrel Experience where you’ll discover the uniqueness of Jacob's Creek Double Barrel wines, matured in traditional wine barrels and finished in second-use spirits barrels like whiskey, cognac, rum, and tequila.

Stop in at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop and take the opportunity to taste Maggie Beer and Pheasant Farm products, before continuing to The Louise, your luxury hotel for the next 2 nights.

Enjoy the elegant atmosphere of at Appellation, The Louise’s fine dining restaurant.

Highlights:

  • Savour a gourmet produce picnic and wine amidst the picturesque Yalumba grounds.

  • Taste the exclusive limited release Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Rare 50YO Shiraz.

  • Discover the ultimate in luxury, relaxation and fine dining at The Louise.

The Louise © Luxury Lodges of Australia

The Louise © Luxury Lodges of Australia

Day 4

It’s an early start this morning for The Louise’s Breakfast with the Kangaroos experience. Explore Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park's Stringy Bark Loop trail with a conservation guide where you’ll encounter kangaroos in their natural habitat and enjoy a gourmet picnic breakfast.

Today explore nature trails by bike or join the full day Butcher Baker Winemaker Trail for a gourmet tour of Barossa's producers - bookable via The Louise.

This evening, enjoy an Australian pub style dinner at The Louise’s Contour restaurant.

Highlights:

  • Get up close and personal with kangaroos in their natural environment.

  • Explore the Barossa by bike and sample delicacies from the very best of Barossa's food and wine producers.

Sunset Spectacular Tour, Wilpena Pound Resort, Flinder Ranges, South Australia © Tourism Australia

Sunset Spectacular Tour, Wilpena Pound Resort, Flinder Ranges, South Australia © Tourism Australia

Day 5

Check out of The Louise and drive to the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park where Wilpena Pound nestles amidst its scenic beauty. Wilpena Pound is an extraordinary 800-million-year-old natural amphitheatre that is part of the homeland of the Adnyamathanha, or Yura, people.

The only accommodation within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, Wilpena Pound Resort, is owned and operated by the Adnyamathanha people, which makes it a great place to explore Adnyamathanha culture.

En route to the Flinders Ranges, make a stop at Lake Bumbunga in Lochiel, known for its changing colours from pink to white to blue, due to the water's salinity throughout the year.

Continue to Crystal Brook for a selfie with the Big Goanna Tree, then onto Port Pirie – an ideal spot for lunch and a refreshing dip at Solomontown Beach.

Next stop is the Quandong Café at Quorn, for a slice of Quandong (wild peach) pie and a cuppa before the final stretch to Wilpena Pound Resort.

Check in to your glamping tent or resort room and refresh before embarking on a Sunset Spectacular Tour. Join a guide to witness the sunset over Wilpena Pound from one of the best vantage points in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Savour local-inspired sunset drinks and canapés while marvelling at the changing colours.

Relax over dinner at Wilpena Pound Resort’s restaurant.

Highlights:

  • Explore Lake Bumbunga when its waters shimmer in pink, blue, or white hues.

  • Taste Australia’s ‘native peach’, with a Quandong cheesecake, pie, or milkshake.

  • Witness Wilpena Pound’s stunning sunset at a prime vantage point with canapés and drinks.

A scenic flight over Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, SA © Wilpena Pound Resort

A scenic flight over Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, SA © Wilpena Pound Resort

DAY 6

This morning, embark on a Time Travel & Gorgeous Gorges Tour. Discover the gorges, hear stories from a guide, and explore 800 million years of geological history. Enjoy Bunyeroo Valley views, ancient fossils, and spot yellow-footed rock wallabies.

After lunch at the resort, embark on a 1-hour scenic flight over the Flinders Ranges, taking you beyond Wilpena Pound to explore Parachilna Township, Blinman Township, and more. Marvel at the diverse colours and textures of this ancient landscape from above.

In the early evening, gather on the lawn near reception for Adnyamathanha Yarta (Welcome to Country), where a Yura guide offers a welcome in the traditional Yura Ngawarla language, while sharing insights into the Adnyamathanha flag and traditional Yura Muda (Dreaming) stories.

Enjoy dinner at Wilpena Pound Resort’s restaurant.

Highlights:

  • Witness 800 million years of geological history with a visit to some of the oldest fossils on Earth.

  • Explore the diverse colours and textures of this ancient landscape from the air.

  • Experience a Welcome to Country led by a Yura guide, featuring captivating Dreaming stories.

Yura Malka Sacred Canyon Tour, Flinders Ranges, South Australia © Tourism Australia

Yura Malka Sacred Canyon Tour, Flinders Ranges, South Australia © Tourism Australia

DAY 7

This morning you will join a Yura guide for an insightful walk into Sacred Canyon on a Yura Malka Sacred Canyon tour. Discover its cultural significance, Creation stories, and ancient rock engravings from the perspective of the Yura people, as access to the site is exclusively available through Adnyamathanha-guided tours.

In the afternoon, hire a mountain bike from Reception. Discover the splendour of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, soaking in the beauty of the surrounding bushland, mountains, and gorges. Explore mountain biking trails around Wilpena Pound Resort for an unforgettable journey through Adnyamathanha Country. Cycle along the leisurely trail to Old Wilpena Station, winding through native bushland to reach the historical site, then explore the settlement on foot from there.

Reflect on your day over dinner at the Wilpena Pound Resort restaurant.

Highlights:

  • Gain exclusive access to the engraving sites of Sacred Canyon with an Adnyamathanha guide.

  • Uncover the rich history of Old Wilpena Station following a bike ride along a scenic native bushland trail.

Kilikanoon Wines, Clare Valley, South Australia © Tourism Australia

Kilikanoon Wines, Clare Valley, South Australia © Tourism Australia

DAY 8

Today, return to Adelaide/Tarntanya via the beautiful Clare Valley.

Make your first stop at the Flinders Food Co. in Hawker where you'll find city-quality dining in the heart of the Flinders Ranges, with native ingredients infused into the menu.

Discover the Clare Valley, where you can delve into the vibrant wine scene with 50 cellar doors scattered between Auburn and Clare. Renowned for its exceptional Riesling, the region boasts some of the state's oldest wineries and cellar doors.

Make a final pit stop at the award-winning Watervale Hotel before the final leg to Adelaide/Tarntanya to conclude your journey.

Highlights

  • Savour a glass of Riesling in the Clare Valley, renowned for its exceptional expression of this varietal.

  • Discover the farm-to-plate philosophy at Watervale Hotel with locally sourced produce.

Please note that Aboriginal guides are only available on the following tours and experiences: Welcome to Country - Ikara, Yura Undyu - Our Culture - Your Culture, Sacred Canyon - tura Mulka - Cultural Walk and Akarroo Adnya Adnyamathanha Rock Art Tour.

Please be aware that some tours, restaurants, and attractions are seasonal and may not operate daily. For the most up-to-date information, kindly refer to each operator's website.

bush-tucker-voyages-indigenous-tourism-queensland

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Discover Aboriginal Experiences?

Discover Aboriginal Experiences is a collective of quality, authentic Aboriginal guided tourism experiences showcasing the world’s oldest living cultures. 

This flagship suite of extraordinary Aboriginal experiences is part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences of Australia program that promotes outstanding and inspiring experiences that capture the very essence of Australia.

Why isn’t it called Discover Indigenous Experiences?

The name of the collective was informed by the strong international recognition of the term ‘Aboriginal’ and its association with Australia, though all references to Aboriginal peoples on the Discover Aboriginal Experiences website should be assumed to include Torres Strait Islander peoples where relevant.

If I’ve done an Aboriginal tour before, why book another?

Aboriginal Australia is made up of dozens of different 'Nations’, each with their own culture, customs, language and laws. This means that no two Aboriginal experiences are the same, so you’re guaranteed to learn something new on each and every tour, from ancient sustainability practices to cultural stories linked to the local landscape.  

There’s also an incredible diversity of Aboriginal experiences to choose from. Whether you prefer relaxed walking tours, or an exhilarating quad-biking adventure is more your style, Aboriginal tour options come in all shapes and sizes, and last from less than an hour to multiple days.

Do I need to go to the outback for an Aboriginal tour?

The Australian outback is well known for its Aboriginal experiences, but you don’t have to go bush, as we say in Australia, to get a taste of Aboriginal cultures. Aboriginal experiences are available all over the country, all year round, including in major cities.

Are Aboriginal experiences appropriate for kids?

Aboriginal experiences offer fantastic opportunities for families of all kinds to learn together and bond, with many experiences including hands-on activities young ones will love.  

Aboriginal guides are warm, welcoming and extremely generous of spirit. They are also incredible storytellers, with a knack for bringing landscapes to life through evocative tales bound to enthral kids big and small.

How can I be considerate of culture on an Aboriginal tour?

Cultural exchange is at the heart of Aboriginal experiences, with questions welcomed on all tours. Your guides may not always have the answers, but no questions are off-limits if posed respectfully.

Remember to ask permission before taking photographs of Aboriginal people or cultural sites.

How do I book an Aboriginal tour?

Simply search for tours on the Discover Aboriginal Experiences website, then click through to book directly with the operator.

Where can I find a travel agent to help me book an experience?

An Aussie Specialist has the knowledge and experience to help you plan and book an Aboriginal-guided tour as part of your trip to Australia. Search for a travel agent here .

I have restricted mobility or special needs. Can I still book a tour?

Many Aboriginal operators are equipped to cater to guests with restricted mobility and other special needs. Most companies also offer private tours that can be tailored to your needs; enquire directly with the operators.

Are all of the experiences listed on this website currently available?

Tours and experiences offered by Discover Aboriginal Experiences operators are continually evolving. Contact operators directly for more information about their current offerings.

What should I bring with me on a tour?

Check with your operator for specifics, but if your tour is outdoors, comfortable walking shoes, adequate drinking water and sun protection are essential. A willingness to listen, learn and have fun will serve you well on any Aboriginal tour.

Do I need to be vaccinated?

The Australian Government no longer requires international travellers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination status to enter Australia. Some Discover Aboriginal Experiences operators may have COVID-19 health requirements of their own; contact operators directly to check.

Burrawa-Indigenous-Climb-Sydney-New-South-Wales