Mulpa Tours South Australia Australia

Mulpa Tours operate all inclusive or tag a long, self drive four wheel drive tours to the Outback, Flinders Ranges and Far North of South Australia. Experience first hand the traditions, history, culture and lifestyle of the Aboriginal people.

Touring Options

Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound 3 Days – MT09

Discover the Flinders Ranges on this three day all inclusive passenger or tag along (self drive) four wheel drive vehicle camping tour. Highlights include Melrose, Quorn, Wilpena Pound and the Parachilna Gorge.

. Day One – Depart Adelaide at 0730 and travel through the northern suburbs of Adelaide. After leaving the suburbs behind we travel through farming areas before reaching the Clare Valley wine district where we will stop for morning tea. Once again we travel through farming land before taking the Germein Gorge through the southern Flinders Ranges, then a four wheel drive vehicle track up to the top of the ranges stopping to view the gulf of St Vincent in the distance. A short drive and we stop in the historic township of Melrose. A short stopover in Quorn before crossing the Wllochra Plain to Death Rock, a significant Aboriginal site where we will take a short walk to a waterhole. Hawker which is recognised as one of the gateways to the Flinders Ranges is the last township we pass through before taking in the breathtaking beauty of the ranges to our accommodation at Wilpena Pound campground, nestled at the entrance to the pound. After settling in and a short break, take a drive out to see Aboriginal paintings, enjoy some great scenery of mountain ranges and native flora as we walk to view the art sites. The evening meal is a barbecue served under the stars with kangaroos for company.

. Day Two – Depart at 0800 for the Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges featuring magnificent red cliffs surrounding a creek bed studded with majestic Red gums where we will stop for morning tea. We return to the main highway, arriving at the Prairie Hotel, Parachilna. After a short stop depart through the Parachilna Gorge to Blinman, another historic town famous for copper mining. Return to our campsite at Wilpena Pound.

. Day Three – Depart at 0830 for Wilpena Pound where an optional scenic flight (own expense) may be taken over the pound and surrounding area. Alternatively, take a walk to the lookout (approximately two hours) or browse in the visitor centre. Depart at 1200 via Hawker, Quorn and Highway One for your return journey to Adelaide stopping at a scenic roadside stop for a picnic lunch, before arriving in Adelaide at approximately 1700.

. Operates:
. March to November, by arrangement at 0730 day one to 1700 day three.

Wangkangurru Lands and Birdsville 6 Days – MT01

Visit the traditional Aboriginal custodians in their homelands on the Wangkangurru Lands and Birdsville all inclusive six day passenger tour or six day tag along (self drive) four wheel drive vehicle tour. Experience traditional foods (when in season) and hear their stories, spend the nights under the stars and see the natural environment up close. All participants depart Adelaide and travel via Port Augusta to the famous Prairie Hotel for lunch, then on to our campsite for the night at the Marree campground. There will be time to explore the town before heading on to Birdsville. We will be taking time to look at the places of interest along the famous Birdsville Track. This is the route made famous by Tom Kruse in the days of the outback mail run, featured in the film Back of Beyond. You will be able to see this film at the Birdsville Information Centre along with a visit to the very interesting Birdsville working museum. Meet your Aboriginal guides Don, Lyn and Jimmy who will be looking after you during this section of the tour. Your guides will take you on a full days expedition to the Simpson Desert to see the Diamantina River floodplains, Sturt Stony Desert gibber country, the Lake Lands, Eyre Creek and the Big Red – the largest sand hill in the Simpson Desert and hear the stories of their traditional land. Finish the day with your evening meal at the Birdsville Hotel. Return back down the Birdsville Track to Adelaide.

. Operates:
. By arrangement.

Oodnadatta Track and Lake Eyre 4 Days – MT18

Follow the historic Oodnadatta Track, spend the nights under the stars and see the natural environment up close on an all inclusive four day passenger tour.

. Travel north from Adelaide through the farming districts of the southern Flinders Ranges stopping at Port Augusta and the Wadlata Visitor Centre’s Tunnel of Time display. We then head north to Woomera taking the Borefield Road to Roxby Downs and connect with the famous Oodnadatta Track, before long we see Lake Eyre South. Following the Oodnadatta Track we stop at the Mound Springs and numerous historic Ghan railway siding before reaching the William Creek Hotel.

. Take a run out to Lake Eyre North to experience the wonder of the natural environment, alternatively a scenic flight over the lake can be arranged (own expense). We take the road out to Coober Pedy famous for exquisite opals, allowing time to explore the town, we depart via the Breakaways on our return to Adelaide.

. Operates:
. By arrangement.

3 Day Southern Flinders Bendleby Ranges Four Wheel Drive Adventure Plus – MT20

We travel through the farming districts of Mallala, Balaklava and Blyth to Clare. Continue north to Jamestown turning into the Pekina Ranges at Black Rock.

. Stop at Magnetic Hill and watch the phenomenon of the vehicle rolling uphill. A short drive to the four-wheel drive vehicle track where we will stop for lunch.

. After leaving Pekina we travel through Orroroo to our campsite for the next two nights at Bendleby. Set up camp in the secluded Gum Creek and enjoy a barbecue tea. Next morning we wake to the sounds of the bush, after breakfast follow the course of the creek bed to the north-south ridge where we will stop to take in the views across the valleys. Continuing our drive down and back up the hillside and finish up the ridge road to Quarry Springs where we will stop for morning tea and a short walk along the gorge.

. Depart to the more challenging Hungry Range, stop for lunch along the track and stop at the lookout once again for spectacular views of the surrounding plains. Drive along the ridge tops and the rocky descents to the plains, cross the foothills before making the steep rugged ascent back over the ranges to return to camp for another night around the campfire.

. On our last days drive we take the pretty pine drive before leaving the Bendleby Ranges to Orroroo and Melrose where we will stop for lunch. Cross the ranges via the Bridle four wheel drive vehicle track with its views of Spencer Gulf before returning via Port Wakefield to Adelaide mid-late afternoon.

. Note: This tour is the pick of the packages for its four wheel driving and first class scenery. It can also be tailored to a weekend trip by meeting at the Orroroo Caravan Park on Friday night or meet at the caravan park 0900 sharp on Saturday morning. This package can be upgraded to accommodation, details on application.

. Operates:
. By arrangement.

Southern Flinders Ranges 2 Day Tour – MT07

Southern Flinders Ranges two day all inclusive passenger or tag along (self drive) four wheel drive vehicle adventure tour.

. Day One – We head out through Gawler passing farming land and the Clare Valley, a boutique wine producing area, where we will stop for morning tea. The tour follows the valley north through picturesque farmland before arriving at the Bridle Track, this was one of South Australia’s first Bullock train tracks, established during the early European settlement of South Australia and accessible by four wheel drive vehicle. At the top of the mountain track enjoy panoramic views over the Spencer Gulf. From here we head towards Melrose for lunch. Arriving at Yapoona Springs, you will be escorted on a four wheel drive vehicle drive through the Yapoona Springs property. See some great Australian countryside as we climb towards the summit of Mount Horrocks, where you will be able to spend time looking out over spectacular views of the surrounding ranges. Featuring Wilpena Pound to the north and Spencer Gulf and Port Augusta to the west, with Highway One and the main rail link in the foreground, to the east is the patchwork farmlands of the Willochra Plains. Taste some Aboriginal bush tucker and spend the evening under a star filled sky in the company of our fellow traveller’s reminiscing about the day’s journey over a glass of red or white wine. Topping the night off with fresh cooked damper (bread).

. Day Two – After waking to the sounds of the bush we leave the seclusion of our campsite to cross over to the Pekina Ranges, 15 kilometres south of Orroroo. Once again we are on private property undisturbed by heavy traffic. The four wheel drive vehicle track winds its way through Blue gum scrub and Sheoak groves before climbing through rocky outcrops and extensive Yakka stands, some of which are thought to be over 600 years old. The panoramic view from the summit features Melrose and Mount Remarkable from the reverse to day one. The Bluff, Caltowie, the Hogshead and Black Rock Peak. Lunch is taken at the base of the ranges under the shade of Sheoak trees with the ranges behind and scrub bounding with kangaroos and many species of birds in front. We depart through farm tracks and formed gravel roads passing Magnetic Hill, a phenomenon not to be missed. Heading south we pass through Jamestown with Bundaleer Forest one of the first plantation forests in South Australia on the outskirts. Return to Adelaide late afternoon.

. Operates:
. March to November, by arrangement.

Arkaroola and Willow Springs 6 Day Tour – MT15

Arkaroola and Flinders Ranges all inclusive six day passenger tour. Features rugged mountains and breathtaking scenery teamed with a four wheel drive vehicle tour of Willow Springs pastoral property.

. Take the turn off into the lower Flinders Ranges through the Pichi Richi Pass following the old railway line to Quorn, before we head towards Hawker. Continue along the plains in the shadow of the ranges to Copley. Tour the magnificent Arkaroola area, marvel at the beauty of the ancient ranges, rugged mountain outcrops, ravines and rock pools. At night view the stars through a private telescope (own expense). Ridgetop tour can also be arranged (own expense).

. Early departure for the historic copper mining town of Blinman and the rugged Parachilna Gorge, which leads us to Parachilna and the Prairie Hotel, famous for native foods. Follow the geological trail through Brachina Gorge with its ancient rock formations cut by the Red gum studded creek bed. If we are lucky we will see the wallaby that inhabit the gorge, as well as the kangaroos and emus abundant in the area.

. Enjoy a four wheel drive vehicle tour of the Willow Springs property. You can explore natural springs, view Aboriginal rock carvings, drive through wide stony creek beds lined with towering Red gums. Your driver will serve lunch in a secluded scenic stop. The pinnacle of the drive is the 360 degree view from Mount Canaervon.

. Stop at Wilpena where a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound may be taken (own expense) with dinner at Wilpena Pound Bistro. Return to Adelaide via the Moralana scenic drive, Melrose, a quaint village nestled at the base of Mount Remarkable and the Clare Valley, famous for its boutique wineries.

. Operates:
. By arrangement.

Flinders Ranges 4 Day Tour – MT08

Spend four days discovering the Flinders Ranges on an all inclusive passenger or tag along (self drive) four wheel drive vehicle tour. Highlights include Germein Gorge, Willow Springs sheep station, Rawnsley Park, Blinman and Wilpena Pound.

. Day One – Depart Adelaide at 0730 and travel through the northern suburbs of Adelaide, after leaving the suburbs behind we travel through farming areas before reaching the Clare Valley wine district where we stop for morning tea. Once again we travel through farming land before taking the Germein Gorge through the southern Flinders Ranges, stopping to view the gulf of St Vincent in the distance. Followed by a short drive to the historic township of Melrose for lunch (all inclusive passengers only). Continue to Quorn for a short stopover before crossing the Willochra Plain to Death Rock, a significant Aboriginal site where we will take a short walk to a waterhole. Hawker which is recognised as one of the gateways to the Flinders Ranges is the last township we pass through before taking in the breathtaking beauty of the ranges en route to our campsite at Willow Springs, a working sheep station. In the evening enjoy an Aussie style barbecue prepared by your driver/guide (all inclusive passengers only).

. Day Two – After a cooked breakfast (all inclusive passengers only) depart on a four wheel drive tour of the Willow Springs property. You can explore natural springs, view Aboriginal rock carvings and drive through wide stony creek beds lined with towering Red gums. Lunch will be served by your driver/guide in a secluded scenic stop (all inclusive passengers only). The pinnacle of the drive is the 360 degree views from Mount Canaervon before returning to your accommodation. Your evening meal will be at Rawnsley Park served in the restaurant overlooking the ranges (all inclusive and tag along passengers) and adjoining the shearing shed. A guided tour of the shearing shed is available. Return to campsite.

. Day Three – Depart at 0800 for the Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges featuring magnificent red cliffs surrounding a creek bed studded with majestic Red gums where we will stop for morning tea. Return to the main highway north arriving at the Prairie Hotel, Parachilna for lunch (all inclusive passengers only). Choose from an extensive bush tucker menu or for those not so adventurous traditional Australian cuisine is available. Continue through the Parachilna Gorge to Blinman, another historic town famous for copper mining. Returning to our campsite at Willow Springs Station. Your evening meal will be prepared by your driver/guide (all inclusive passengers only) then relax with the sounds of nature to entertain you.

. Day Four – Depart at 0830 for Wilpena Pound where an optional scenic flight may be taken over the pound and surrounding area (own expense). Alternatively, take a walk to the lookout (approximately two hours) or browse in the visitor centre. Depart via Hawker, Quorn and Highway One on your return to Adelaide, stopping at a scenic roadside location for a picnic lunch before arriving back in Adelaide at 1700 to 1800 approximately.

. Operates:
. March to November, by arrangement at 0730 day one to 1700 day four.

Nganguraku People 1 Day 1 Night Tour – MT16

Nganguraku People Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park one day and one night Aboriginal cultural package on the River Murray at Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park. Visit the traditional custodians the Nganguraku People, hear dreaming stories, see wildlife and ancient art along the river cliffs and spend the night under the stars on a nocturnal tour. The tour takes you through the Mount Lofty Ranges featuring native vegetation surrounding the Milbrook Reservoir and quiet country hamlets. Stop for morning tea at the Big Rocking Horse Tearooms, perfect for a browse through the wooden handcrafts produced locally. Continue across the ranges, through the mallee to the River Murray, which we will cross by ferry. Meet your Aboriginal guides, custodians of Ngaut Ngaut, Wumbulgal Purka Bindi or Black Duck Dreaming, the ancestral home of the Nganguraku people. Follow a path where bare feet trod as you climb the boardwalk as it meanders up the majestic cliffs of a seabed laid down eons ago.

. Hear of the customs and lifestyle of the people as you visit an art site with engravings and archaeological dig and view a canoe tree. Follow along the river to Swan Reach to your accommodation for the night either camping or accommodated in the well-appointed Swan Reach Hotel. Dinner can be enjoyed on the balcony overlooking the tranquil sunset on the River Murray. Don’t become too comfortable for the evening as we have a nocturnal tour on the old Sunnydale Station with an opportunity to see the wombat in its natural habitat and large mobs of Grey and Red kangaroos. Enjoy the adventure on an open wagon behind a four-wheel motor bike, return to your accommodation for a late night coffee and chat. In the morning enjoy a cooked breakfast before our return to Adelaide mid to late morning.

. Operates:
. Thursday and Saturday from 0730.

Flinders Ranges Explorer 6 Day Tour – MT23

Adventure is waiting for you on our six day accommodated Flinders Ranges Explorer tour.

. Day One – 0730 depart Adelaide via Port Augusta and the southern Flinders Ranges to Hawker the gateway to the Flinders. Continue on in the shadows of the ranges with a short stop at Copley before turning into the rugged red ranges of the Flinders, pass through the ranges cut by creek beds studded with ancient red gum trees. Accommodation will be cabin style at Iga Warta Aboriginal Community. In the evening join in story telling and a sing along around the campfire.

. Day Two – Spend the day with the people of Iga Warta, learn the dreaming stories, view rock art and taste bush tucker. This is personal interaction with your Aboriginal guide, no large groups.

. Day Three – Depart to tour the magnificent Arkaroola area, marvel at the beauty of the ancient ranges, rugged mountain outcrops, ravines and rock pools. At night view the stars through a private telescope, Ridge Top tour can be arranged (both at own expense).

. Day Four – Continue your discovery of Arkaroola.

. Day Five – Early departure to the historic copper mining town of Blinman followed by the rugged Parachilna Gorge which leads us to the Prairie Hotel for lunch, famous for native foods, or Australian cuisine. Follow the geological trail through Brachina Gorge with its ancient rock formations. If we are lucky we may see the wallabies that inhabit the gorge as well as kangaroos and emus abundant in the area. Arrive Wilpena late afternoon. Accommodation and dinner for the night will be at Wilpena Resort.

. Day Six – Return to Adelaide via Hawker, Quorn and Melrose, a quaint village nestled at the base of Mount Remarkable. The afternoon takes us through the Clare Valley famous for its boutique wineries. Return to Adelaide at approximately 1700.

. Operates:
. By arrangement.

Clare Valley Day Tour – MT13

Your tour starts with a 0730 pick up from your accommodation before heading towards the Clare Valley. Our first stop will be morning tea at Tarlee tearooms combined with an antique shop, after your Devonshire tea you will have time to look through the very interesting collection. From here we head out to Mintaro Garden Maze (Thursday-Sunday only). A unique experience for the young at heart, or a romantic stroll for two. After which it is time to go back in time and visit the historic Martindale Hall circa 1841, followed by John Smith’s Cafe for lunch (except Wednesday, hotel meal instead). With the morning out of the way we start visiting local wineries. First stop Paulett Wines located in the beautiful Polish Hill River district featuring great views of the plains over which we travel to the next stop, Pikes Winery established in 1984, tastings are offered in a 110-year-old stone cellar. Take the scenic back roads to Sevenhill Cellars, the oldest existing winery in the Clare Valley established by Jesuit Monks in 1851. To finish off our days outing in the Clare Valley we enjoy a cheese platter and a glass of wine on the well looked after lawns of Sevenhill Cellars. Relax and reflect over the days outing. You will arrive back at your accommodation at approximately 1730.

. Operates:
. By arrangement.

Oodnadatta Track and Lake Eyre 7 Days – MT06

Follow the historic Oodnadatta Track, spend the nights under the stars and see the natural environment up close on an all inclusive seven day passenger tour or seven day tag along (self drive) four wheel drive vehicle tour. Travel north from Adelaide through the farming districts of the southern Flinders Ranges stopping at Quorn, Death Rock, Kanyaka Ruins and Hawker. Camp in the Parachilna Gorge of the Flinders Ranges. Follow the Oodnadatta Track from Marree to Oodnadatta stopping at Lake Eyre, normally a dry salt pan, historic railway sidings, telegraph stations and natural artesian waterholes, the Mound Springs and Coward Springs complete with natural spa. Enjoy a stopover at the famous William Creek Hotel with its interesting bar. An optional scenic flight over Lake Eyre can be arranged here (own expense). Stop at Coober Pedy after detouring through the Breakaways, a colourful desert landscape. Camp underground and take an opal mine tour before returning to Adelaide.

. Operates:
. By arrangement.

Arkaroola and Aboriginal Culture 6 Days – MT14

Arkaroola and Flinders Ranges all inclusive six day passenger tour. Features rugged mountains and breathtaking scenery teamed with an Adnyamanthnya Aboriginal culture experience. Take the turn off into the lower Flinders Ranges through the Pichi Richi Pass following the old railway line to Quorn, before we head towards Hawker, stopping at Aboriginal sites along the way where you will hear the Dreaming stories of the site. Continue along the plains in the shadow of the ranges to Copley where we turn into the rugged red ranges and Iga Warta our destination where you will join in storytelling and a sing-a-long around the campfire in the evening. Spend the day with the people of Iga Warta, learn the Dreaming stores, view rock art and taste bush tucker. This is personal interaction with your Aboriginal guide, no large groups.

. Tour the magnificent Arkaroola area, marvel at the beauty of the ancient ranges, rugged mountain outcrops, ravines and rock pools. At night view the stars through a private telescope (own expense). Ridgetop tour can also be arranged (own expense).

. Early departure for the historic copper mining town of Blinman and the rugged Parachilna Gorge, which leads us to Parachilna and the Prairie Hotel, famous for native foods. Follow the geological trail through Brachina Gorge with its ancient rock formations cut by the Red gum studded creek bed. If we are lucky we will see the wallaby that inhabit the gorge, as well as the kangaroos and emus abundant in the area.

. Stop at Wilpena where a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound may be taken (own expense) with dinner at Wilpena Pound Bistro. Return to Adelaide via the Moralana scenic drive, Melrose, a quaint village nestled at the base of Mount Remarkable and the Clare Valley, famous for its boutique wineries.

. Operates:
. By arrangement.

Adnyamanthanya Aboriginal Lands 5 Days – MT03

Advance your knowledge of Aboriginal culture on the Adnyamanthanya Aboriginal Lands Iga Warta cultural all inclusive five day passenger tour or tag along (self drive) four wheel drive vehicle tour. Hear and see Aboriginal Dreaming stories, art, stories through music and experience damper cooked the traditional way. Travel through the lower Flinders Ranges via the Pichi Richi Pass to Quorn before heading towards Hawker, stopping at Aboriginal sites along the way where you will hear the Dreaming story of the site. Continue along the plains in the shadow of the ranges to Copley where we turn into the ranges and Iga Warta our destination. Meet your hosts the Adnyamanthanya People. Spend the days with your hosts who will guide you through their culture with a walk to an Aboriginal rock art site, Hear the Dreaming stories as you sit as one with your surroundings in the tranquillity of the shade of a gum tree next to a creek bed. Make music sticks and learn the stories through music as you sit around the campfire. Taste bush tucker including damper cooked in the campfire. Tour the Flinders Ranges, Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges camping for the night at Wilpena Pound, take a walk into the pound or a flight over the gorge (own expense).

. Operates:
. By arrangement.

Kangaroo Island 2 Day Tour – MT21

Join us on our two day Kangaroo Island accommodated tour for scenery and wildlife at its very best.

. Day One – Early departure 0600 from your accommodation, travel through the southern suburbs of Adelaide to the Fleurieu Peninsula featuring magnificent coastal vistas, small country hamlets and rolling hills. Board the Kangaroo Island Sealink and cross Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island arriving at Penneshaw, travel to Lashmar Conservation Park featuring spectacular views of the mainland and the Chapman River. Next stop the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, take a tour while your guide prepares a picnic lunch. Travel bush tracks to visit a honey farm featuring honey collected by Ligurian bees followed by a Eucalyptus distillery and display. Send the night at the Ozone Hotel Kingscote; at night take the penguin tour marvelling at penguins in their native habitat.

. Day Two – Early start 0700, travel to Admirals Arch and the New Zealand fur seal colony. Bathe in the history and admire the beauty of the environment as you travel along the south coast to Remarkable Rocks and Kelly Hill Caves. The climax of the day is a stop at Sea Bay to visit the regal sea lions in their natural environment. Enjoy an early dinner at the Penneshaw Hotel before boarding the Sealink ferry for the return journey to the mainland and Adelaide.

. Optional Day Three – (to be added between day one and two). Follow the north coast to Stokes Bay and walk through the cliffs to the pristine beach. Spend the afternoon at the Parndana Wildlife Park featuring many native animals and birds, return to accommodation.

. Operates:
. By arrangement.

Wilpena Pound 3 Day Tour – MT22

Visit the famous Wilpena Pound with its natural beauty and abundant wildlife, Aboriginal sites and ancient mountain scenery on our three day accommodated tour.

. Depart Adelaide at 0730 through the northern suburbs of Adelaide. After leaving the suburbs behind we travel through farming areas before the Clare Valley wine district where we will stop for morning tea and you will have a chance to sample the wine made in the area. From here we head through Melrose and on to Quorn our lunch stop, you will have time for a look through the township.

. Before we head off to Wilpena Pound, crossing the Willochra Plain to Death Rock, a significant Aboriginal site where we will take a short walk to a waterhole. From here we stop at Kanyaka Ruins for a look at the old sheep farming community. Then on to Hawker, which is recognized as the gateway to the Flinders Ranges, the last township we pass through before taking in the breathtaking beauty of the ranges to our accommodation at Wilpena Pound.

. While we are in the Wilpena Pound area we will be exploring the pound, the old homestead and take a walk back in time through superb scenery to the Aboriginal painting site. Hear and see what the paintings mean.

. On our last day we head back to Adelaide via Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges featuring magnificent red cliffs surrounding a creek bed studded with majestic red gums where we will stop for morning tea.

. Operates:
. By arrangement.

Website: www.mulpatours.com.au