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South Australian Highlights: Four highlight regions are
shown on this page. |
Coober Pedy is a colourful Outback mining community that produces most of the world’s precious opals. Tour through an opal mine, with the chance to see an opal being cut.
This mining town is located in the harsh Outback of South Australia, Australia, some 850 kilometres north of Adelaide and 690 kilometres south of Alice Springs. Coober Pedy is recognised as the largest producer of opal in the world with an estimated 70% of the world's precious opal being mined in the opal fields of the area.
The
Coober Pedy Precious Stones Field, from which the opal is mined, covers an area of
4,954 square kilometres of which it is estimated that approximately 10% of the total area
has been worked. Although opal had been discovered elsewhere in Australia around the late
1800's and early 1900's, it was first discovered in this area by Willie Hutchinson, aged
15 years, in February 1915. Following this discovery settlement began and subsequently
developed into the modern town of Coober Pedy.
After World War 1, returning soldiers started to drift here and introduced the unusual and unique method of living underground in "dugouts", as many had done in the trenches of France. Whilst living conditions were harsh with water and provisions being carted great distances, today the town water supply comes from an underground source 24 kilometres north of town. The water is pumped through an underground pipeline to the water works where it is treated by reverse osmosis. The quality is excellent and people should hold no fears about drinking it.
Today with a population of approximately 3,500, Coober Pedy has one of the most multicultural communities in Australia with an estimated 45 nationalities. The new Stuart Highway was completed in 1987 and now allows a comfortable yet lengthy drive through Central Australia. Coober Pedy is serviced daily by air in addition to daily coach services travelling north and south of the town. Tourism and mining are the driving economic forces in the town. The District Council of Coober Pedy has undertaken the development of building a "Coober Pedy - Opal Capital of the World" Web Site. Tours are available. Many of the town’s facilities, including homes and an international-standard motel, are built underground to escape the heat.
Go to www.opalcapitaloftheworld
You can explore on foot, by car, coach, four-wheel drive vehicle, train or aircraft. There are many tracks, walking trails, national parks and sanctuaries to choose from. Explore them at your own pace, meet the locals - as colourful as the land itself - and discover your next adventure.
The Pichi Richi steam adventure is lots of fun. Scale a mountain peak for a breathtaking view... Fly over the ranges on a special scenic flight... Steam through the passes and plains on an old railway... Fossick for rainbow-coloured opals in desert towns... Walk with the Dreamtime legends... Uncover the colourful past of the pioneers... There’s something for all ages. It’s a natural playground for children, away from TV and computer games... Come face to face with a great red kangaroo... or a handful of precious opals – you’ll see what we mean. Simple things can also surprise… like multi-coloured rocks and stones, an eagle soaring overhead or tadpoles found in the creek. Older visitors love the easy pace and freedom of travel.
Pichi Richi Railway at Quorn
Flinders Ranges rambling on horseback. For those seeking an escape from life’s noise and stress… the silence, space and sheer beauty of the Outback will surprise and seduce you. A sea of wildflowers... a flash of feathers across a bright blue sky... a dragonfly darting over still waterholes… a great red roo bounding through the bush... and at the end of the day, a dip in the swimming pool, springs or waterhole perhaps... a warm welcome at your accommodation... lots of stories and tour ideas to consider, over a hearty meal – matched with famous South Australian wines or beers. Coach tours from Adelaide or self drive. Country hotel, motel, caravan, apartment or camping available.
One of Australia's better known wine regions is McLaren Vale, located in the Northern sector of the Fleurieu. With over 50 wineries, some very close to the ocean, McLaren Vale is an ideal starting point for experiencing this destination. Langhorne Creek, also in the Fleurieu, produces some outstanding red wines, and is a short drive from McLaren Vale.
The Heysen Trail is the premier hiking trail in South Australia. Named after the famed landscape artist, Sir Hans Heysen, this trail stretches north from Cape Jervis for almost one thousand miles. Year-round hikes can be experienced in much of the Fleurieu Peninsula, ranging from short strolls to guided hikes for multiple days.
Victor Harbour is a popular seaside town 90 minutes south of Adelaide. Established as an early whaling port, it is now home to a whale interpretive center, and boasts one of the best areas to view Southern Right Whales between June and September. It is also home to Australia's first railway line, which was built in 1854, and runs from Victor Harbour to Goolwa. Known as the "Cockle Train", this majestic old steam train still runs today along the coast. Granite Island is a very small island connected to Victor Harbour by a wooden causeway. You can take a leisurely stroll across, or catch the tram drawn by a Clydesdale. In the evenings you can take a tour and try to spot one of the 1,500 little penguins, which inhabit the island.
Goolwa is another historic township close to the River Murray mouth. It is the last port prior to the river meeting the Southern Ocean, and has abundant bird life. A place of immense history and character, it also offers some intriguing river cruises. Many types of accommodations available in the Peninsula.
Golf at Victor Harbour. Go to Adelaide & Regional Golf for South Australian golf.
Go to the Fleurieu Peninsula. Also see the Yorke Peninsula
Kangaroo Island is one of Australia's great scenic treasures and a must for anyone interested in travel to wilderness destinations. Located 110 km (70 miles) south-west of Adelaide and easily accessible by Ferry or Plane. A mix of attractive small townships and fascinating wilderness; Kangaroo Island is Australia's third largest island.
Due to its size and the number of things to do and discover, it is impossible to see it all in a day or even 2 days. If you only have one or two days available on your itinerary, choose places from the things that interest you most. Kangaroo Island statistics: 155 km (96 miles) from east to west 55 km (34.5 miles) at its widest point 1 km (.6 miles) at its narrowest point. Area about 4350 square km (1680 square miles) making it the second largest of the southern Australian system of islands after Tasmania Approximately 1600 km (1000 miles) of sealed and unsealed roads
Population about 4500. To this day Kangaroo Island's numerous natural wonders, beaches, Conservation Parks and wildlife sanctuaries are visited by tens of thousands of people each year. See kangaroos, koalas and a permanent sanctuary of sea lions. Hotel/motel/backpacker accommodation available.
Go to www.kangaroo-island-au.com and/or Tour Kangaroo Island
Getting about
Adelaide: Coach tours operate from your hotel door to Coober Pedy, The Flinders Ranges, Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island that is also accessible by air and boat from Adelaide and vehicular ferry from the Fleurieu Peninsula. If you prefer self drive, Vacation Australia provides rental cars and 4wd Toyota Landcruiser (4 person) and 4wd Troopcarrier (8 person) vehicles.
Budget Rental Car - Used and
recommended by Vacation Australia.
Climate: Warm to hot summers and cool to cold winters. Mild Spring/autumn.
Vacation Australia provides custom planned, competitively priced tours & packages
Vacation Australia's "Kangaroo Kelly" has comprehensively golf and travelled all States in Australia over a period of 44 years. He not only knows the popular tourist regions but also knows the favourite places of the crafty locals.
Groups 8 or more persons
His assistant, "Wallaby Wendy," is an experienced travel buyer who individually negotiates the lowest possible price for your group. We assure you that your itinerary price will be the most competitive possible.
Go to Enquiries & Quotations for your custom planned, competitively priced itinerary