Explore the outback in South Australia

Established in 1989 and still run by original owner Mick Murdoch, Heading Bush Outback Adventures is offering a new three-day Mountain Safari into South Australia’s Flinders Ranges and Outback.

The new itinerary is packed with highlights. From the moment participants head in to Alligator Gorge National Park for lunch on the first day, there is so much to see and experience.

The journey takes groups to:

- the picturesque Pichi Pichi Pass into the deserted Willochra Plain
- Aboriginal art sites at Yourambulla Caves and the Flinders Ranges National Park
- walking in awe inspiring Wilpena Pound
- Brachina Gorge, also known as the Corridors of Time
- wine tasting in the Clare Valley wine district

Whatever type of accommodation selected at Rawnsley Park Station, guests will wake up to the call of the kookaburra and enjoy glorious morning views of South Australia’s iconic Wilpena Pound and the surrounding area home to elusive yellow-footed rock wallabies, as well as kangaroos, emus and bold wedge-tailed eagles.

Prices for this small group, three-day Flinders Ranges & Outback Mountain Safari start from AU$445 (approx £250) per person based on camping accommodation, going up to AU$1,155 (approx. £645) per person for an eco villa. Prices include all touring, plus main meals.

Heading Bush Outback Adventures is an 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.

Heading Bush, which specialises in small group tours of the Australian Outback in comfortable off-road vehicles, features a number of South Australia’s most important highlights in the new tour, including Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park, Aboriginal art sites and wine tasting in the Clare Valley.

Aiming to target the new tour at a wide audience, Heading Bush is offering a range of different types of accommodation, with prices to suit all budgets. Camping, bunkhouse, deluxe ensuite cabins and eco villas are among the options available at Rawnsley Park, the former sheep grazing station in the heart of the Ranges, so there’s something for everyone.

Other touring options include:

Adelaide to Alice Springs - 10-day, four-wheel drive expedition:

Mick Murdoch was one of the first people to operate Outback tours between Adelaide and Alice Springs, offering travellers the chance to see the genuine Australian Outback taking small group, eco-accredited 4wd expeditions and exploring remote areas with a focus on Aboriginal culture.

Itinerary highlights include:

- camping in the bush and sleeping under the stars
- hiking, bushwalking, wildlife spotting and swimming in desert springs
- the Flinders Ranges including Wilpena Pound
- camel safari into a mountain camp
- meeting local Aboriginal elders to hear about their culture and history
- enjoying a cool Aussie beer at a real Outback pub in William Creek - population eight!
- exploring the famous underground opal mining town of Coober Pedy
- travelling on the famous Oodnadatta track
- exploring rarely visited regions including the Painted and Simpson Deserts
- bathing in natural hot springs at Dalhousie (winter only)
- 4WD to Australia’s geographical centre at Lambert’s Pole
- experiencing Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata-Tjuta (The Olgas), King Canyon and the
Western MacDonnell Ranges

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$1,540 (approx. £850) per person plus A$120 for land content fees which are paid to the National Parks, Aboriginal Communities and outback businesses that Heading Bush visit and support. This cost includes all meals, camping equipment and fees.

Alice Springs to Adelaide - 2-day Express:

Travellers on a budget can take a two-day express trip from Alice Springs to Adelaide that includes free pick up from accommodation in Alice, free overnight underground stay in Coober Pedy, and one free continental breakfast. Prices start from A$169 (approx. £95) per person.

For more information and bookings, visit headingbush.com and southaustralia.com.