5 Days – Thursday 1st to Monday 5th July 2027
Accommodation: Leigh Creek Outback Resort, Standpipe Motel Port Augusta, Roundhouse Motel Peterborough
The Far North of South Australia presents a vast, arid landscape defined by early railway infrastructure, pastoral history, and remote mining outposts. The five-day journey charts a course from the agricultural centres of teh Mid North through the rugged expanse of the Flinders Ranges, reaching the edge if the outback at Marree. The itinerary highlights the engineering and cultural heritage of the region, featuring a journey on the historic Pichi Richi Railway and an evening experiencing the industrial history of Peterborough’s Steamtown.
Participants will explore abandoned and semi-abandoned settlements that once served as critical transport hubs, including Farina, with it’s restored underground bakery, and the historic township of Beltana. The route also traces the legacy of outback pioneers, evidenced by the Tom Kruse Museum in Marree and the remnants of the old railway alignments. Returning south, the tour traverses the Clare Valley, concluding with visits to St Aloysius’ Church in Sevenhill and regional silo art. Designed to provide a comprehensive overview of South Australia’s northern interior, this tour combined historical insight with the stark, defining geography of the state’s outback.
Highlights of the tour:
- «The tour heads north into South Australia’s agricultural heartland. The morning route passes through the Mid North with an initial pause for morning tea in the the town of Tarlee
- «Continuing along the highway, we arrive in Orroroo for a main course lunch.
- «Arrive in Leigh Creek by late afternoon.
- «Visit the historic ruins of Farina. Once a thriving railhead, Farina was largely abandoned in the 1980’s but has seen recent restoration efforts, notably it’s underground bakery. The restored and working bakery opens only 8 weeks each year and will be open for us to explore and optionally purchase items baked in the 130+ years old wood-fired Scotch Oven.
- «Spend the morning exploring the stone ruins in Farina and the babery before travelling further up the track to Marree.
- «Situated at the junction of the Oodnadatta and Birdsville Tracks, Marree holds significant transport history. Here, participants will view the Tom Kruse Musuem, which chronicles the life of the famous outback mailman, before enjoying a barbecue or burger lunch at the Marree Hotel.
- «Stop in Lyndhurst to visit ‘Talc Alf’, a local outback artist know for his talc stone carvings and unique bush philosophy.
- «Enjoy a brief driving tour around the perimeter of Leigh Creek, allowing you to observe the remnants of the former mining town.
- «The tour then proceeds to Beltana, a town established in the 1870s that is now recognized as a State Heritage Area. You will view the township and homestead before having a light lunch at the Royal Victorian Hotel.
- «Leaving Beltana for Port Augusta we pass Parachilna, a small outpost on the old railway alignment.
- «Be treated to a ride on the iconic Pichi Richi Railway. Travel on half-day Pichi Richi Explorer from Quorn to Woolshed Flat and return, passing by scenic landscape and stopping at Woolshed Flat whilst the train turns around. You may purchase light refreshments here, but it is cash only.
- «Return to Quorn where you will have time to wander and purchase your own lunch. Maybe check out the Quandong Cafe for their signature Quandong waffle.
- «Visit Flinders Gin Distillery and you may wish to taste or purchase some of their excellent products.
- The tour then travels east across the agricultural plains to the railway town of Peterborough, checking into the Roundhouse Motel.
- «Arrive in Peterborough in time for an early dinner thus enabling us to see the “Sound & Light Show” at Steamtown. A great way to hear about the story of this once bustling railway town. See the statue of “Bob the Railway Dog” in the main street.
- «Board the coach for a short journey to Terowie. See the railway siding where General McArthur made his famous “I shall return” speech.
- «Continue to Farrell Flat to view the town’s large scale painted silo.
- «Enter Clare and head to Bentley’s Hotel for a midday lunch.
- «In the afternoon, the itinerary explores the region’s early settlement history with a visit to St Aloysius’ Church in Sevenhill, established by the Jesuits.
- «The final leg of the journey includes a stop in the town of Owen to observe local murals, silo art and perhaps catch a glimpse of ‘Fergie the camel’.
Inclusions
- « Morning tea provided on Day 1
- « Fully cooked or continental breakfast on Day 2, 3, 4 and 5
- « Lunch on Day 1, 2, 3 and 5
- « Two course dinner on Day 1, 2, 3 and 4
- « Entrance to Museums/attractions listed
- « Fully escorted with a tour host.
- « Deluxe bus travel.