Explore the Australian Outback from Adelaide to Alice Springs

Heading Bush 4WD Adventures (headingbush.com) offers visitors the opportunity to explore the Australian Outback on a small group, 10-day, four-wheel drive expedition from Adelaide to Alice Springs.

Itinerary highlights include camping in the bush and sleeping under the stars, exploring rarely visited regions including the Painted and Simpson Deserts, learning about Aboriginal history and culture with the Iga Warte community, and seeing Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata-Tjuta (The Olgas).

Heading Bush 4WD Adventures, established in 1989, is still run by original owner Mick Murdoch, who represents the fifth generation of two outback pioneering families. Using his unique knowledge and insight into this part of Australia, Mick was one of the first to operate Outback tours from Adelaide to Alice Springs and offers travellers a chance to see the genuine Australian Outback.

This eco-accredited company which at its inception established guidelines for responsible travel, supporting Aboriginal communities and Outback businesses, boasts guides who are both professional “bushmen” and accredited tour guides happy to share their extensive knowledge of the Outback’s wildlife and history.

Itinerary highlights include visiting one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges - the magnificent Flinders Ranges; travelling along the famous Oodnadatta track and following the historic cameleer route and old Ghan railway; visiting the opal mining town of Coober Pedy, the Painted and Simpsons Deserts, Dalhousie Hot Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), Kings Canyon and the Western MacDonnell Ranges.

En route activities include hiking and bushwalking, bathing in the natural hot springs at Dalhousie (winter only), swimming in desert billabongs and wildlife spotting, seeing Australia’s geographical centre at Lamberts Centre and enjoying a cool Aussie beer at a real Outback pub at William Creek - population eight!

Some trips also offer the additional opportunity of delivering mail and provisions to remote cattle stations.

At the end of every day a bush camp is set up in some of Australia’s most remote and beautiful locations where guests are treated to delicious food, great campfire stories and a peaceful night’s sleep under the stars listening to the sounds of the Outback.

This guided 10-day expedition starts from A$1,470 (approx. £673) per person and includes camping, food and entrance fees.

Other touring options include:

Australis Oz Tours Adelaide: Alice Springs 5 day fully accommodated Outback bus tour.

Travellers who prefer a bit of extra comfort can take a five-day trip from Adelaide to Alice Springs that includes cabin-style accommodation (upgrades available) and travel in a 21-seater tour bus. The tour includes all the main en route highlights like the Flinders Ranges and an optional flight over Wilpena Pound, Coober Pedy, Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon. Prices start from A$995 (approx. £455) per person including bed and breakfast accommodation, one lunch and three dinners.

For further information on South Australia, visit Southaustralia.com.