Flinders Ranges and Arkaroola Tour

Flinders Ranges and Arkaroola

Monday 12 May 2025 – Saturday 24 May 2025

Day 01 (D) HOME TO COONABARABRAN                                                                                                         Monday 12 May 2025

Welcome to our 13-day tour discovering the South Australia outback featuring the majestic Flinders Ranges and Arkaroola. We meet our fellow travellers as we board our luxury touring coach for an incredible adventure. We have a travel day as we stop for convenience breaks and to purchase lunch before arriving at Coonabarabran for the night.

Lunch at own expense | dinner in motel

Matthew Flinders Motor Inn, Coonabarabran | 1 night

Day 02 (BD) COONABARABRAN TO COBAR                                                                                                            Tuesday 13 May2025

Following breakfast, we travel through Biddon to Gilgandra.  From here we head to Nyngan for our lunch break.  After time to stretch our legs and purchase lunch we make our way to Cobar, a modern and highly productive mining town; however, it also has an earlier history as evidenced by its old buildings like the Great Western Hotel with its endless stretch of iron lace-work decorating the verandah.

Breakfast and dinner in motel | lunch at own arrangements and cost

Copper City Motel, Cobar | 1 night

Day 03 (BLD) COBAR TO WHITE CLIFFS                                      

Wednesday 14 May2025

This morning, we visit the Great Cobar Heritage Centre the former administration building (circa 1910) of the exhibits which date from the early 1870s to the present day. Inside the amazing collection of artefacts reveals the extraordinarily diverse local heritage of Cobar. Through the exhibits the rich history inherent in the everyday life of Cobar's pioneers, and the culture of making do, becomes apparent. From here we travel on the Barrier Highway to Wilcannia, which was once known as Queen City of the West. We stop for lunch before heading off the main highway to our destination of White Cliffs. On arrival we can check into our hotel and have time to freshen up before dinner.

Breakfast and dinner in hotel | lunch at Warrawong on the Darling

White Cliffs Hotel Motel | 1 night

Day 04 (BLD) WHITE CLIFFS TO BROKEN HILL                                                                                Thursday 15 May 2025

People have been drawn to White Cliffs since the late eighteen hundred in search of opals and it’s one of just a few places in the world where white opal and rare ‘pineapple’ opal are found. Joined by our local guide, we are taken on a fascinating tour of this unique place, discovering the hardy souls and tough early days to the now opal mining industry. Enjoy lunch before perusing the Red Earth Opal showroom where, if you wish, purchases can be made of this stunning Australian stone! Now it’s off to experience the adventure of going underground to learn all about the day in the life of a miner. This afternoon, we continue to Broken Hill - “beyond the Darling River, on the edge of the sundown.” Dominating the town is the “Line of Lode” which sits side by side with the Miners Memorial.

Breakfast and dinner in hotel | lunch at Red Earth Opal

Silver Haven Motel, Broken Hill | 1 night

Day 05 (BLD) BROKEN HILL TO FLINDERS RANGES                                                                                               Friday 16 May 2025

After breakfast we travel to Peterborough, which was once a vast rail operation, where over 100 steam locomotives passed through each day before heading to all corners of Australia. After lunch here, we make our way to Rawnsley Park Station, set below the magnificent Rawnsley Bluff. Dinner tonight will be in the Woolshed Restaurant, where the ever-changing menu makes the best of local produce.

Breakfast and dinner in hotel | lunch at 229 on Main Cafe

Rawnsley Park Station | 2 nights

Day 06 (BD) FLINDERS RANGES                                                                                                                         Saturday 17 May2025

This morning a local expert joins us for an insider’s tour of this stunning National Park. The Flinders Ranges are well known for their wildflowers but it’s the dramatic gorges and spectacular peaks that are the real highlights. We enjoy a packed lunch along the way then return to Rawnsley mid-afternoon. Wrap up warmly as late afternoon we’ll drive to Pugilist Lookout for Sundowners – nibbles and drinks as we watch the sun set.  

Breakfast and dinner at the motel | picnic lunch included

Day 07 (BLD) FLINDERS TO ARKAROOLA                                                                                                              Sunday 18 May 2025

We tour further into the Flinders today on our way to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the Gammon Ranges National Park, one of Australia’s true tourist gems. Not surprisingly the sanctuary is colloquially known as “The Ark” which is quite fitting as the steep mountains and deep gorges provide shelter and a diversity of habitats which support amazing species.  On arrival lunch awaits us with time to take in the spectacular scenery.  Later today we watch the rare Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby come in to feed in its natural environment close to where we sit to observe. Following dinner, we are in for another treat this time under the stars. There is nothing like an evening under a stunning tapestry of stars, taking in the amazing sight of the night sky in the dark Flinders Ranges. View the moon, stars, Milky Way and other celestial bodies up close through astronomy binoculars. The arid environment and elevation at Arkaroola, with the backdrop of the Flinders, provides the perfect environment for stargazing. There’s little to no cloud cover, and the nearest town is over 100km away – that means virtually no light pollution. A truly memorable experience.

Breakfast and dinner in hotel | lunch Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary | 1 night

Day 08 (BLD) ARKAROOLA TO LEIGH CREEK                                                                                                            Monday 19 May 2025

This morning, we take the incredible 4WD ‘Ridge Top Tour’ driving along mine tracks winding through rugged mountains. Visit ‘Crystal Candy Mountain’, Mt Painter Yudanamutana Gorge and Sillers Lookout with awe-inspiring viewing extending more than 80km over Lake Frome. We return to Arkaroola for lunch before our afternoon takes us to Leigh Creek, where we will be staying tonight.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner in hotel

Leigh Creek Outback Resort | 1 night

Day 09 (BD) LEIGH CREEK TO PETERBOROUGH                                                                                        Tuesday 20 May 2025

After a leisurely breakfast we make our way south through the delightful little township of Orroroo, said to  have the widest street in Australia. Orroroo is also very close to Goyder's Line which, when surveyed in 1865, was deemed the limit of productive land in South Australia. Continuing onto Peterborough. Peterborough’s history is all about rail. The railways officially arrived in town on January 17, 1881 when the line from Jamestown opened. Soon Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Adelaide and the Silverton Mines (Broken Hill area) were all connected by rail tracks that passed through Peterborough. The town forged ahead in leaps and bounds with the railways playing a major part in the development of it. We have some free time this afternoon before our evening out. Dinner is prepared for us at our motel and after we head to Steamtown Rail Heritage Centre for their Sound and light show. We find our seats in a comfortably restored 1916 historic rail carriage placed on a 3-gauge turntable.  We spend an hour moving through the tunnels of time to learn about Peterborough, railways in South Australia and the many fascinating personal stories associated with it. The experience propels us into being part of the last two centuries and will top off our day perfectly.

Breakfast and dinner in motel | lunch own arrangements and cost

Roundhouse Motel Peterborough | 1 Night

Day 10 (BD) PETERBOROUGH TO WILCANNIA                                                                            Wednesday 21 May2025

This morning, we enjoy some of Peterborough’s other major attraction such as the Burg Mural. The Burg is part of the Peterborough Newsagency which contains a 19metre long mural depicting the history of Peterborough plus a working N Gauge Model railway based on Peterborough as it was in c1968. Of course, a stop at the statue of Bob the Railway Dog tells the story of Bob who had graduated from travelling the rail line with his owner, to a free spirit, jumping on and off trains as the mood took him, making a number of interstate journeys and short suburban trips on both trains and trams.  We return to Steamtown, for a tour through the museum before continuing our journey to Wilcannia for the night.  Legends were made along the Darling. Literary myths were created by Henry Lawson, Will Ogilvie and Breaker Morant. Kidman, Tyson and McCaughey created pastoral kingdoms of unparalleled proportions. The Light Horsemen of World War 1 were bred on the se vast planes. Wilcannia was once known as Queen City of the West and the site of the original Resches Brewery. Breakfast and dinner in motel | lunch own arrangements and cost

Warrawong on the Darling Wilcannia | 1 night

Day 11 (BLD) WILCANNIA TO BOURKE                                                                                           Thursday 22 May2025

Today we have a travel day to get to Bourke – road and weather conditions will determine the route we take! We do make stops along the way including one to enjoy our picnic lunch. Situated on the banks of the Darling River is Bourke, we arrive early afternoon with time to relax after all our exploring days.

Breakfast and dinner in hotel | picnic lunches included

Darling River Motel | 1 night

Day 12 (BD) BOURKE TO DUBBO                                                                                                                             Friday 23 May2025

This morning, we head to Walgett, where we see the Walgett Water Tower which depicts Jimmy Little, a celebrated and beloved Australian Aboriginal musician, actor and advocate whose career spanned six decades. We make our way to Coonamble, a town brimming with cultural significance. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the Coonamble Water Tower, an impressive structure adorned with vibrant artwork that tells the tales of the town's history and celebrates its diverse culture. Marvel at the colors and imagery that reflect the vibrant spirit and rich heritage of Coonamble. Each stroke of the brush on the tower's surface shares a story, connecting visitors to the town's past and present. After an enjoyable artist day, we head to Dubbo for our final night on tour.

Breakfast and dinner in hotel | lunch own arrangements and cost

The Oxley Motel Dubbo | 1 night

Day 13 (BL) DUBBO TO HOME                                                                                                             Saturday 24 May2025

What an amazing and extensive getaway we have had, discovering the stunning outback with many wonderful photos taken along the way.  It is now time to depart this part of Australia, stopping at Club Singleton for lunch. This afternoon sit back and relax as we express through travelling home with everlasting memories and fond new friends.

Breakfast at Hotel | Lunch at Club Singleton

Tour Inclusions

•             12 night’s motel accommodation

•             11 breakfasts and 1 out at Morrall's Bakery, Bourke

•             12 dinners and 1 out at the Bourke Bowling Club

•             9 included lunches – see below

•             Two picnic lunches

•             Entry to museum and guided walking tour at The Great Cobar Museum

•             Lunch at the Warrawong on the Darling Wilcannia

•             Locally guided tour of White Cliffs

•             Lunch and mine tour and demonstration at the Red Earth Opal Café, White Cliffs

•             Lunch at 229 on Main Café, Peterborough

•             Entry fee to Flinders Ranges National Park

•             Step on guide sundowners including nibbles from Rawnsley Park Station

•             Full day guided tour – hop on coach including picnic lunch from Rawnsley Park Station

•             Lunch at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

•             Explore the Cosmos at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

•             Ridgetop Tour from Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

•             Lunch at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

•             Sound and Light Show at the Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre

•             Visit the Burg Mural, Peterborough

•             Visit Bob the railway dog, Peterborough

•             Guided tour at the Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre, Peterborough

•             Picnic Lunch from Warrawong on the Darling Wilcannia

•             Dinner at the Bourke Bowling Club

•             Breakfast at Morrall's Bakery, Bourke

•             Lunch at Club Singleton

$5,551 pp twin share | $1,231 pp single sup | $800 deposit pp

Please Note

•             Travel Insurance is not included

•             The price is based on a minimum of 25 paying passengers. If numbers fall below 25 paying passengers, this price may need to be recosted.

•             Morning teas or afternoon teas are not included unless specified.

The itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided. Port Bus reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Port Bus will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at the venue’s discretion..