Outback Encounter South Australia Australia

Outback Encounter is a very special travel company providing specialised custom designed itineraries to our favourite undiscovered private destinations throughout the outback and wilderness of Australia. We utilize private air charter to make the best use of your time in this vast country.

Touring Options

Outback and Kangaroo Island 10 Day Tour – OE01

The Southern Outback and Kangaroo Island 10 Day South Australian Adventure tour covers the rugged southern outback through to the unique and special Kangaroo Island. Discover the awe-inspiring region of the rocky outback ranges dotted with intimate lodges surrounded by gorges and soaring peaks. Kangaroo Island is the most un-spoilt wilderness where you can see Australian wildlife up close and enjoy local fresh produce in the lodges, known for their gourmet food. We also visit the wild western coast of South Australia and beautiful Baird Bay.

. Day One – You are collected from your hotel and transferred by private vehicle to the Parafield Airport for your charter flight to the Flinders Ranges. Stretching north from Port Augusta into the sun seared wilderness of South Australia’s deserts, the Flinders Ranges is one of the country’s most extraordinary outback parks. Ian Fargher who owns Angorichina Station with his wife Di, is the fourth generation of his family to run sheep on this station covering some 554 square kilometres. This evening enjoy outback cuisine at its best accompanied by fine Australian wines. Overnight accommodation at Angorichina Station.

. Day Two – Following a leisurely breakfast on the outback verandah you may tour the nearby Oratunga Track with your hosts. Enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the Flinders Ranges. Marvel at the diversity of land formations, take note of the different vegetation that occurs on the original seabed and search for ancient fossils. Have your lunch in a creek bed enroute amongst the towering river red gums. Wildlife in the area includes the Western Grey and Red kangaroos, euros, emus and the endangered Yellow-footed rock wallabies. Later, climb Patawarta Hill, some 1,015 metres, for one of the most rewarding panoramas of the Flinders Ranges and explore the old copper mining ruins of Artimore. Overnight accommodation at Angorichina Station.

. Day Three – Today you could take an optional scenic flight over the station and ranges or perhaps help out with the various activities on the station such as checking the stock waters. You may choose instead to take a flight over Wilpena Pound to understand the prehistoric saga that took place, to produce South Australia’s natural wonder – the massive earth movements and cataclysmic erosion known as the Adelaide Geosyncline. Once airborne you realise what a geological wonder Wilpena is. This is all that remains of a huge dome of rock that was pushed up from the ocean bed 650 million years ago – a collection of cracked, split and weathered peaks whose colours change chameleon-like with the sun. An Aboriginal perspective on this landscape is essential. Arthur, a member of the local Adnyamathanha people and a ranger at the national park will take you out on a private tour this afternoon, deciphering the local Aboriginal rock art, introducing you to some of the local fauna and encouraging you to try some of the steps of a traditional Aboriginal dance, often to hilarious effect. Overnight accommodation at Angorichina Station.

. Day Four – Following breakfast today you fly via private charter to the wild western coast of South Australia and beautiful Baird Bay. Hosts, Alan and Trish Payne today with their customised 12 metre vessel, Investigator, give you the opportunity to experience one of the worlds most truly unique marine adventures, a rare and unforgettable swim with Australian sea lions and Bottlenose dolphins. Enjoy a beautiful seafood or barbecue lunch on board and later return to our overnight accommodation at Baird Bay.

. Day Five – Engage in a scenic coastal drive in a custom designed Oka four wheel drive vehicle to secluded remote beaches, local national parks with virgin bushland. Observe kangaroos, euros and the rare and very recently re-established bettong. Have fun and safe fishing in sheltered Baird Bay using lures, catch Australian herring and try sushi straight from the sea. This afternoon you may like to try your luck with some fishing. Hopefully this evening dinner will be Fish of the Day. Relax with the Payne’s overlooking this remarkable coastline in an untainted and isolated part of the world. Overnight accommodation at Baird Bay.

. Day Six – After a leisurely rise, enjoy a refreshing swim with ocean locals and then choose from many activities on offer here at Baird Bay. Bring along the binoculars and take a hike from your unit through the bush, or on the beach and wonder at the amount of bird life in the area. Ask your chef to pack a picnic lunch and secure a secluded spot – not hard to find. Take a boat trip across the bay and hike to the top of Cape Radstock with a guide – some 540 feet above sea level. The views from here are spectacular. You have almost a complete 360 degree view of the ocean even though you are still on the mainland. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a picturesque setting before taking the two-hour hike down again. Overnight accommodation at Baird Bay.

. Day Seven – Regrettably you farewell your hosts as you venture to another exceptional location. You journey to Kangaroo Island by way of private charter – enjoy the views as you cross the Eyre Peninsula and parts of Spencer Gulf. You are met on arrival at Kingscote Airport and then transported via the scenic route to Stranraer Homestead. The historic homestead is owned and operated by Lyn and Graham Wheaton and is set on over 3,000 acres of working property in the centre of the island. Enjoy one of Lyn’s delectable lunches, before you are whisked away with Graham to discover the facets and flora and fauna this location has hidden away. This evening after your gourmet meal in the elegant dining room you may choose to do a nocturnal tour – many of the elusive Australian mammals are nocturnal. At the evening’s conclusion, retire to your beautifully appointed room to get a good nights rest. Overnight accommodation at Stranraer Homestead.

. Day Eight – Today explore the unique island with your professional naturalist guide. Travel in four wheel drive vehicle comfort while visiting traditional destinations and remote places only a local can show you. At Seal Bay watch adult sea lions snooze only metres away and pups play in the surf. Walk through a red gum forest at Cygnet River, smell the Eucalyptus and seek out koalas sleeping in the forks of trees. Break for lunch and enjoy a crisp South Australian wine as your guide cooks a gourmet lunch. Visit D’Estrees Bay where Ospreys nest and kangaroos come out to graze. Stand on a cliff top watching waves crashing onto rocks – the first land they have encountered all the way from the Antarctica. This evening return to the peaceful Stranraer Homestead for another delicious home-cooked meal. Overnight accommodation at Stranraer Homestead.

. Day Nine – Continue your exploration of Kangaroo Island with your guide today. Visit Flinders Chase National Park, a 185,000 acre wilderness that is home to kangaroos, possums, wallabies, goannas, echidnas, koalas, platypus and many birds including rare Cape Barren geese. Lunch is again cooked in the bush for you before you move on to visit Cape du Couedic. See the Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Admirals Arch and Remarkable Rocks. At the end of the day you will be returned to your accommodation and the wonderful hospitality of the Wheatons. Overnight accommodation at Stranraer Homestead.

. Day Ten – Upon devouring another fine Australian breakfast, you bid your wonderful hosts farewell as you depart for Kingscote and board your scheduled flight to Adelaide.

. Operates:
. By arrangement, details on application.

Website: www.outbackencounter.com