AUSTRALIA
ROADTRIP

South Australia
Western Australia
& Northern Territory

Start Location Victoria

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FLINDERS RANGES, SOUTH AUSTRALIA END OF ROADTRIP

PARACHILNA

Driving past the small settlement of Leigh Creek, a former coal mining town, one approaches Parachilna.

Parachilna is sixty-five km south of Leigh Creek and is within a few hundred metres of the roadside turnoff from the sealed, 'The Outback Highway'. Parachilna consists just basically of the well-known Prairie Hotel. Celebrities have been known to frequent the hotel due to feature films made in the general area. Well-heeled patrons come from the cities to experience the outback atmosphere. Fine accommodation and dining is available, and there is an onsite microbrewery with beer on tap.

HAWKER

Hawker has a population of a few hundred. A very small town in the northern Flinders Ranges between Parachilna and Quorn along 'The Outback Highway' ninety km south from Parachilna.

KANYAKA RUINS

The ruins located approximately 30 km south of Hawker are a fascinating historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into the past. Accessible by both 4wd and 2wd vehicles, a short turn off The Outback Highway leads to these extensive ruins, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the area. The backdrop of brown hills surrounding the site not only enhances its visual appeal but also adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue that shrouds the ancient structures. As you wander through the ruins, you can't help but imagine what life was like for the people who once inhabited this place. This popular wayside stop serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that exists in the Australian Outback, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the stories of the past and appreciate the enduring legacy of this unique region.

QUORN IN THE FLINDERS RANGES

Is a Flinders Ranges town. On the edge of the Outback. The first reasonable-sized town south of Birdsville, Queensland 850 km north of Quorn. Quorn has all expected services found in regional towns. The Pichi Richi steam engine and several carriages often leave the Quorn Train Station with passengers for an experience of a bygone era. The steam train departs Quorn Train Station on most days for Port Augusta about 32 km return. The train meets and joins the Afghan Express from Woolshed Flat.

Quorn is 335 km distant from Adelaide.

Laura and C J Dennis

C J Dennis the poet spent his formative years in Laura.

In the small South Australian town of Laura's main street stands a monument dedicated to the renowned Australian poet. A literary figure whose influence on Australian culture transcends generations. C J Dennis played a pivotal role in shaping the Australian vernacular by popularizing the unique slang that has become synonymous with the country's identity. His works not only captured the essence of the Australian larrikin spirit but also celebrated the resilience and humor of the everyday person.

Fondly referred to as 'the laureate of the larrikin.'

C J Dennis's poetry resonated with audiences far and wide, earning him a lasting place in the hearts of Australians. The monument in Laura serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy, reminding visitors of the profound impact he had on the literary landscape of Australia and the preservation of its rich cultural heritage.

Laura to Adelaide is about 230 km via Clare in the Barossa Valley wine region.

DESERT SKY TOURS

The Desert Sky Tour finished in Adelaide, ending nine days and approximately 3,500 km of driving a 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser through the Outback. There were no incidents or problems. Howard, the tour operator and driver, was a very informative and friendly guide. All agreed that the tour was one of those once-in-a-lifetime road trips.

BIRDSVILLE TOURS & THE OUTBACK

Of course, Desert Sky Tours are not the only Outback small group tour operators. Other operators may be found with small group tours departing from Adelaide or Brisbane. Many use 4WDs or a high clearance bus. A few operate out of Victoria and New South Wales as well. Reputable tour operator's should be found with an affiliation with an established tourist body.

There is no need to own a 4WD vehicle, have driving experience, or Outback knowledge to undertake such a road trip. Meals, fuel, accommodation with a proper bed, and a toilet and shower are all included in the reasonable tour price. The providers do this for the traveller. This is great peace of mind in remote areas.

Those with mobility issues, travelling alone or as a couple, would find this mode of travel ideal.

Towing a large cumbersome van, camping in small tents or swags and a bush toilet doesn't have to be how an Outback road trip is done.

Visitors to Australia could easily do such a holiday. Two weeks is plenty of time to allow for flights, etc. Certainly for a nine day Outback adventure.

As an Australian, Traveldriven enjoyed the history and the quirky character of the Outback, as did others. People such as Jan, being a solo traveller of the world and of Australia. Thanks to Howard of Desert Sky Tours of Adelaide for his enthusiasm for the Outback, allowing a very few, the opportunity to experience the real Outback. An opportunity made available in safety and comfort. Such a road trip is possible to those many Australians who never venture too far away from the coastal cities.

Traveldriven

DRIVE MARREE, PARACHILNA

HAWKER, QUORN, LAURA