Destination: South Australia, Australia

Small group tours South Australia, Australia

Odyssey offers secure, authentic, SA outback small group tours in the cooler months, March-October. The company est. in 1983 is confident, reliable and an Odyssey Australian outback tour always prioritises the need to travel in comfort and safety into the Australian outback. Each tour is limited to a maximum 15 like minded people and a conscientious relaxed senior program leader

Occupying Australia ‘s central and southern regions, South Australia is Australia ‘s fourth largest, and fifth most populous state. Covering an area roughly 5 times the size of the U.K, or about one and a half times larger than Texas, South Australia has a small population and is home to approximately 1.7 million people. Over three quarters of this population live in Adelaide, the state’s capital city. South Australia plays host to a variety of landscapes and climates, and is in the unique position of bordering every other mainland state, though not The Australian Capital territory.

South Australia has a deep Aboriginal history with many ancient intersecting trade routes running through the state. A cluster of historic colonial towns, such as Peterborough, Clare and Burra can be found close to each other in the south of the state between the Flinders Ranges National park and Adelaide.

The south eastern coastline has a warm Mediterranean climate around Yorke and Eyre peninsulas , and houses much of the state’s inhabited region. The climate transitions to a hotter desert landscape as you head further north or west into the Australian outback. One of the main geographic features of the state includes the limestone coast of the Great Australian Bight which can be found along the state’s south coast on the Southern Ocean. This provides the traveller with stunning coastal scenery. The sparse Nullarbor Plain (from the Latin for no trees) lies in the state’s west, while the great Murray River in the east, flows through some of the more temperate and fertile parts of the state. The Eyre Peninsula tour highlights the wildlife of the area, such as the Australian sea lion. South Australia is also well known as an important Australian wine region, with areas such as the Barossa Valley , Clare Valley , and the Adelaide Hills all producing some of the most notable Australian wines. These regions also provide an opportunity for those wishing to experience a wine tasting on a wine tour .

South Australia is also famous for the opal mining town of Coober Pedy with its active opal field and opal mines. The interest of the opal mines is supplemented by curiosities such as the underground hotel, designed to combat the often excessive summer heat of outback South Australia. It is common to visit Coober Pedy on the road to Alice Springs . To the east of South Australia is Oodnadatta and Lake Eyre. Lake Eyre has a massive catchment area, but is often dry. It is home to abundant wildlife, but only after a wet year. The magnificent Flinders Ranges with Wilpena Pound, north of Adelaide, is a renowned tourist attraction.

History

South Australia‘s earliest history traces back to its Indigenous people , with a history that predates European colonization in the region by at least 40,000 years. Aboriginal settlement is thought to have begun on the continent as early as 125,000 years ago, making its way gradually south. The arrival of Aboriginal people in South Australia 49,000 years ago was confirmed by the discovery of artefacts and fossils 2016 at Warratyi, in the Flinders ranges. These finds place the arrival of Aboriginal people much earlier than had previously been thought.

The first European contact in the region came in the year 1624, with Dutch explorer François Thijssen coming across Australia’s southern shore after straying off course on his route to Batavia in the Dutch East Indies. He made it as far as Nuyts Archipelago, just north of the Eyre Peninsula, before eventually heading back. Despite this early contact, more prolonged European contact would not come about until 1836, a full 212 years later. Building on Matthew Flinders ‘ legacy, namely the mapping and circumnavigation of the Australian Continent, the colonization of South Australia began, with the passage of the South Australia Act in British Parliament in the year 1834. Unlike other Australian colonies, such as those in New South Wales, and Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania), the South Australia Act specifically forbade the transportation of convicts and use of convict labour in establishing the colony, instead touting the colony as one embodying humanist values, and promoting political, religious, and economic freedoms.

In 1836, after an eight month voyage across the globe, the first settlers, in nine ships, reached Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia. Kangaroo Island was used by the settlers as an initial base while surveys of the mainland were conducted, searching to find a suitable location to establish the colony. Eventually the land around the Adelaide plains was decided as the site, and settlement of the mainland began in earnest. Following a tumultuous few decades, characterized by land speculation, bankruptcy, and a labour shortage caused by gold rushes in other states, South Australia eventually became a self governing colony in the year 1856. The new state had its own constitution, one that was for the time, very progressive, guaranteeing the male right to vote, as well as suffrage for propertied women.

South Australia grew economically in the ensuing years, developing thriving industries in wool, wheat, copper and wine, with immigrants coming from across Europe, particularly Germany, bringing with them their skills and expertise. South Australia joined with the rest of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901, when the country officially became a Federation, and from then continued to grow, with its mining sector, in particular, thriving with discoveries of gold, silver, and uranium. Though South Australia has grown at a slower rate than most other Australian states, it remains a progressive and forward thinking state, historically adopting social justice legislation years before other states, as well as currently being Australia‘s leader in renewable energy.

After an eight month voyage across the globe, the first settlers reached Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia, which they used as an initial base while surveys of the mainland were conducted, searching to find a suitable location to establish the colony. Eventually the land around the Adelaide plains was decided as the site, and settlement of the mainland began in earnest. Following a tumultuous few decades, characterized by land speculation, bankruptcy, and a labour shortage caused by gold rushes in other states, South Australia eventually became a self governing colony in the year 1856, with its own constitution that was at the time very progressive, guaranteeing the male right to vote, as well as suffrage for propertied women. It also grew economically in the ensuing years, developing thriving industries in wool, wheat, copper and wine, with immigrants coming from across Europe, particularly Germany, bringing with them their skills and expertise. South Australia joined with the rest of Australia in the year 1901, when the country officially became a Federation, and continued to grow, with its mining sector in particular thriving with discoveries of gold, silver, and uranium. Though South Australia has grown at a slower rate than most other Australian states, it remains a progressive and forward thinking state, historically adopting social justice legislation years before other states, as well as currently being Australia‘s leader in renewable energy.

Travelling to South Australia

A guided tour of South Australia as part of an South Australian outback tour can offer an experience that is rich in the states natural, and gastronomic heritage, with travellers on a South Australian tour able to enjoy the iconic limestone coast , the rugged outback beauty, and the verdant wine country that give southern Australia its distinctive character. Odyssey has developed a number of tours to South Australia, suitable for seniors, whether couples or solo travellers, that provide an itinerary for the traveller to see and learn about the deep Aboriginal history and the more recent colonial history while experiencing the dramatic landscape and culture that has shaped South Australia .

A good place to begin a tour to South Australia would be the state’s capital, Adelaide . Adelaide is home to more than three-quarters of the state’s population, this quasi city-state is the hub of commercial and cultural life in the state, bustling with theatres, museums , cafes and restaurants. While in Adelaide travellers might like to include the South Australian Art Gallery, which houses one the largest art museum collections in Australia. You can take a tour with an experienced guide, attend an artist talk or plot your own course. An unusual feature of the gallery is the William Morris Adelaide collection, the world’s second largest Morris collection after London’s V&A. This is an arts and crafts collection of William Morris‘ wallpaper, stained glass windows, furniture, textiles and ceramics. These excellent, iconic works reflect handmade craftsmanship of decorative art from the nineteenth century. The South Australian Museum and the Royal Botanic gardens are also well worth a visit. If you come at the right time of year you may even be able to catch the Royal Adelaide Show, which is held annually and features an agricultural show as well as shops, fun fairs, and rides. For those looking for a short trip from the city, an ideal spot for a day tour is to the beautiful Adelaide Hills. The Adelaide Hills is a cool wine region just 20 minutes drive from the capital, growing predominantly Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Shiraz varieties. Its altitude, ranging between 150-700m above sea level, gives the region a cooler and wetter climate than the surrounding region, making it ideal for viticulture and wine tasting while just a stone’s throw from Adelaide city.

Continuing on the theme of a wine tour , some other popular South Australian wine regions include the McLaren Vale , found on the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula , the Clare Valley , and of course the most famous among them, the historic Barossa Valley. The Barossa Valley , in particular, is synonymous internationally with Australian wine, with some of the country’s most famous, and prolific producers having their homes in the region. The history of the Barossa Valley goes back to the period of German settlement in the mid 19th century, the legacy of which can still be seen in the historic architecture of many of the region’s Lutheran style churches, as well as the towns’ names such as Langmeil and Krondorf. The settlers, often escaping religious persecution in their home countries, were mostly from the fertile Silesian region and brought with them vine clippings with which to begin production, thus bringing centuries of accumulated wisdom and viticulture knowledge to Australian shores. With such a rich and storied heritage, a day tour or visit to the Barossa Valley, or some of South Australia ‘s other winery‘s and regions, is both a fantastic way to learn about the heritage of the state, as well as a thoroughly enjoyable wine tasting experience .

For a more rugged experience of outback South Australia suitable for older travellers, heading south to Kangaroo Island , or venturing north through the Flinders Range into the deep outback, is a great way to fully experience the scale and brutal beauty the larger part of the state has to offer. While not as quintessentially ‘ outback ‘ as the Flinders and beyond, Kangaroo Island is a good place to start for a delve into the natural heritage of South Australia. Kangaroo Island is the third largest island in Australia , after Tasmania and Melville Island, and is home to numerous conservation parks for its endemic wildlife, and rich marine ecosystem. A popular destination for travellers to Kangaroo Island is Flinders Chase National Park , where you can spot much of the island‘s wildlife, as well as its remarkable rocks, shaped by the unique environmental conditions on the island .

Delving deeper into the outback proper, head north from Adelaide city, past Port Augusta until you come upon the Flinders Ranges. The Flinders Ranges National Park marks the gateway into the real Australian outback, running all the way from the South Australian coast to Lake Eyre 600km north. The fascinating indigenous history of the Aboriginal people, impressive geological features, colossal scale, and abundant native wildlife, make the 95,000 hectare ‘Ikara’ Flinders Ranges National Park one of South Australia ‘s most popular tourist destinations, with locations such as Wilpena Pound being truly awe inspiring in their enormous scale. Past the Flinders you’ll eventually make your way to Lake Eyre National Park , surrounded by flat desert as far as the eye can see, Lake Eyre is a rare outback jewel. At 15.2m below sea level, Lake Eyre is the lowest point of the Australian mainland, as well as the largest saltwater lake in the country. Though it only ever fills completely about twice a century, it will often be at least partially filled, attracting birdlife from countless kilometres around and aweing the senses with the scale of this stark landscape. While on an outback tour of South Australia, there are plenty of towns and stops along the way that help give an outback tour with a tour guide, its distinct vibrancy and character. To this end, some towns to consider along your route could include Woomera , Coober Pedy , Oodnadatta , Maree , Burra , Farina, or Curdimurka . Stops along the way also provide a great introduction to some of South Australia‘s other outback adventures, such as the Strzelecki Track , or the Gawler Range.

South Australia‘s southern shore, and the limestone cliffs around the Great Australian Bight are as iconic an Australian landmark as the Sydney Opera House or Uluru, and a must see stop on any South Australian tour. To this end, one of the best places to take in Australia ‘s rich southern shores is on a guided tour to the Eyre Peninsula. Located due west of Adelaide on the other side of the Spencer Gulf, the Eyre Peninsula is home to some of South Australia‘s best coastal landscapes, and is particularly notable for its white sand beaches, and rich marine ecosystem. This marine abundance makes the Eyre Peninsula a popular destination for eco-tourism, with activities like cage diving with the infamous great white shark attracting the curious and daring alike. Aside from the occasional shark, you’ll also find Australian fur seals, dolphins, whales, and giant cuttlefish, the latter of which congregate in huge numbers to breed annually around the Spencer Gulf. Lincoln National Park is another great spot to take in the Peninsula ‘s natural beauty. Found just south of the town of Port Lincoln , the National Park has plentiful tracks ideal for a guided walking tour, as well as beaches, caves, and spectacular views of the cerulean blue seas. Heading about an hour away from Port Lincoln , you can also find Cummings Monument. Similar to the Twelve Apostles , this towering limestone stack rises majestically from the ocean, and makes for one of the best photo opportunities for travellers to the Eyre Peninsula .

Though Odyssey’s portfolio of small group tours for seniors will also take you into the Adelaide hills on the Adelaide tour, to experience Flinders Ranges attractions such as Wilpena pound, or to visit Marree , Lake Eyre, Oodnadatta, the Strzelecki Track or William Creek, you might like to take one of Odyssey’s longer tours into the outback of South Australia.

One of the best way to experience what South Australia has to offer is with a small group tour. Odyssey specialises in this kind of tour , offering an engaged and intimate tour of South Australia ideal for seniors, solo travellers, and couples heading to Australia and, particularly, South Australia.

A unique collection of small group outback tours of Australia Odyssey’s collection of Australia tour packages with a tour manager enable you to explore each state with Odyssey’s escorted tours Australia 2022 portfolio as a city based tour or a Australia holidays package into the Western Australian outback of the Kimberley or South Australia ‘s Flinders range or just spend a week on holiday in Hobart learning about a range of subjects on Odyssey’s Summer Schools tour package. This collection of some 70 scheduled small group holiday departures provides plenty of choice for an Australian holiday . You can make your booking direct for your Australia escorted tour with us or via your travel agent or travel consultant.

A small group tour of Australia is a journey between cities with up to 250 years of settlement history and an outback, which has some of the oldest known geologic material on earth. But importantly, it has one of the longest and truly fascinating known periods of human settlement. Indigenous Australians settled via a land bridge on the continent from Southeast Asia at least 85,000 years before the first Europeans from Portugal and Spain began exploration in the 17th century. For senior and mature travellers, a small group tour of Australia is a unique experience.

Responsible travel tips for Australia

• Before departing on any of these South Australia Outback tours, make sure you have a number of AU dollars in a range of denominations. You don’t want to be carrying around enormous amounts of cash, but take enough to make it easy to pay in locations that might not accept credit card. It will also help you avoid card transaction fees, and it makes tipping a breeze.
• Carry a card in your wallet or purse from your local hotel, to assist you with the return journey if you do become lost.
• As a senior traveler ensure that you are covered by travel insurance. If you need advice on this feel free to contact Odyssey and we’ll be able to help.
• Before departing on any of these South Australia holidays, make sure you have a number of AUD in a range of denominations. You don’t want to be carrying around enormous amounts of cash, but take enough to make it easy to pay in locations that might not accept credit card. It will also help you avoid card transaction fees, and it makes tipping a breeze.
• When travelling independently, make sure you check the opening hours of shops and museums so that you don’t miss out! Also be certain to check whether your trip coincides with any public holidays, so you can plan accordingly.
• Before departing on one of these South Australia holidays, contact your bank to inform them that you may be making purchases overseas. Otherwise, they may flag any activity on your account as suspicious. Also, check which ATMs and banks are compatible with your cards, to ensure you can withdraw cash with minimal fees.