Perth to Fitzgerald River National Park
Your Perth to Adelaide camping tour begins traveling east from the city over the Darling Ranges, stopping for coffee at Western Australia’s oldest inland town, York. A bit more driving, and you’ll be eating lunch in the shadow of Wave Rock and, by late afternoon, setting up camp in Fitzgerald River National Park. This is one of Australia’s largest and most botanically significant national parks, renowned for its rugged hinterland, coastal scenery and more than 1,800 beautiful and rare plant species.
Fitzgerald River to Cape Le Grand National Park
Begin the morning with a brisk hike up East Mt. Baron for breathtaking views, then take the coastal route into Esperance, an iconic oceanic wonderland. This part of Western Australia has no less than nine national parks where you’ll find some of the best beaches in the world. Set up camp where the bush meets the beach at Cape Le Grand, your base for two nights. Spend the afternoon hiking, swimming in turquoise waters, or simply just soaking up the serenity.
Cape Le Grand National Park
Sunrise is a sacred time here, and it’s also when the friendly western grey kangaroos are most active. Wander onto the beach to say hello before strapping on your hiking boots to embark on one of the best hikes of the tour, climbing Frenchman Peak for sweeping views across Cape Le Grand and Recherche Archipelago. Spend the remainder of the day unearthing this incredible park. Traverse through lush bushland, swim at fantastic bays and coves and learn about its abundant flora and fauna.
The Nullarbor
Rise with the sun and hit the road. By nightfall, we’ll be falling asleep under the star-filled outback skies of the Nullarbor. En route, stop at the quintessential outback town of Norseman for breakfast before we traverse the Eyre Highway eastbound, taking in Australia’s longest straight road, 90 Mile Straight. Watch the ever-changing landscapes from your window as your guide regales the history and stories that make this land unique. Tonight, gaze up at distant galaxies on a real bush camping experience on the Nullarbor.
The Nullarbor and the Great Australian Bight
Today we continue crossing the outback of the mighty Nullarbor. Make a stop at Eucla, an old telegraph township now mostly buried beneath dunes. Classic Australian sights stretch out before us on the road today. Keep your cameras at the ready for iconic photo opportunities at the famous camels, kangaroos and wombats crossing road sign and the edge of Australia, where the outback drops dramatically into the Southern Ocean. Stretching approximately 200 kilometres along the Great Australian Bight, Bunda Cliffs are the world’s longest continuous line of sea cliffs.
Further on, unearth a piece of Australian history as we cross the Dingo Fence. At 5,614 kilometres, it is the world’s longest fence and marks the entry point to the Yalata Aboriginal lands. Finally, in the afternoon, arrive at Fowlers Bay.Eyre’s
Eyre's Peninsula's West Coast
This morning, unearth some pristine coastal sights, including a legendary surf break and the iconic pink lake, Lake Macdonnell. Visit the Ceduna Arts and Cultural Centre to hear about the styles and meanings of Indigenous artwork. After stocking up on supplies in Streaky Bay, test out your sand boarding skills in some massive dunes. Come late afternoon, arrive at Coodlie Park Farm Retreat to enjoy a barbecue feast and roll out your swag in a unique outdoor hut.
Baird Bay and Mikkira Station
Today, dive into glassy waters and swim with wild sea lions and dolphins on a 3-hour cruise in the sheltered waters of Baird Bay. This optional experience is an outsourced adventure operated by Baird Bay Eco Tours. Those who choose to stay on land will travel to Point Labatt Conservation Park, the only place on the mainland where you can see Australian seal pups playing and resting on the beach.
After lunch, travel to Elliston for a short coastal drive, then onto Mikkira Station to set up camp for two nights. This private property is home to the Eyre Peninsula’s only wild koala population, with around 170 koalas and lots of kangaroos and emus calling Mikkira home. Head to a nearby beach for a swim and soak in the sunset before dinner at the campsite. Tonight, fall asleep under koala-filled gum trees.
Port Lincoln and Mikkira Station
Unearth the natural highlights of Port Lincoln and its surroundings, including the rugged Whalers Way and white sandy beaches of Coffin Bay National Park. You’ll also have time to explore Australia’s Seafood Capital, Port Lincoln.
After a full day of exploring, return back to your new koala friends at Mikkira Station for a camp dinner and rest.
Alternative Itinerary
Those coming to Port Lincoln to get up close and personal with the aquatic wildlife can opt to have a Great White Shark experience. This is an outsourced activity not included in the itinerary and needs to be booked directly with Calypso Star Charters. Please see ‘Optional Extras’ for more information.
Port Lincoln to Flinders Ranges
Surfing is a way of life in Australia, so today, pull on a wetsuit for a two-hour learn-to-surf lesson. The turquoise and calm water of Fisheries Bay are the perfect place for beginners to perfect their skills. Those not wanting to surf will be able to relax on the beach or swim. Then, onwards to the ancient Southern Flinders Ranges to set up camp in Mt. Remarkable National Park.
Today travel approximately 400km (4 hours) and camp at Mt Remarkable, which has a toilet and shower facilities.
Flinders Ranges to Adelaide
On the last morning of the tour, embark on a hike at Davey’s Gully before we begin the final leg of our tour back to Adelaide. South Australia is well known for its world-class wine, and the last stop of the tour takes full advantage of this. Pull up in the Clare Valley wine region, world-renowned for its Riesling, for lunch and a wine tasting and cheers to your adventure before finally arriving in Adelaide around 5 pm.