Flinders and Outback Tour 2026

This highly successful tour is being run for a second time in 2026 to take advantage of the filling of Lake Eyre. Read a report on the recent 2025 trip.

The Royal Geographical Society SA is offering an exclusive seven-day exploration of the Flinders Ranges to the edge of Lake Eyre South. Joc Schmiechen, Head of Travel for the RGSSA has spent over 50 years walking, exploring, working with the Adnyamathanha people and conducting expeditions to this region. This is a specially curated tour using a high clearance coach with highly experienced tour operator Peter Crettenden, for a small group of fellow adventurers. We will take in the quintessential aspects of the South Australian outback and Flinders Ranges, one of the great arid mountain ranges in Australia. 

Our journey will start at Rawnsley Park Station on the edge of the dramatic Wilpena Pound, entry to one of the most ancient geological landscapes in the world. A key feature will be a guided tour of the Ediacara Fossil Reserve at Nilpena Station. These 650-million-year ancient life forms, discovered by the legendary Reg Sprigg have now been recognised as a distinct geological period. 

On our journey we look at the early mining history at Blinman, the resurrected ghost town of Farina and Andamooka, one of the opal mining centres of Australia, now adjoining one of the worlds largest copper uranium mines at Olympic Dam. A highlight will be a two-night stay at the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary hosted by Doug Sprigg, whose family have fought a long battle to preserve this outstanding and most rugged of the Flinders landscapes from future mining development. The night sky Observatory and the famous Ridge Top tour will be memorable highlights. This is the land of the Arkurra, the great creation serpent of the Adnyamathanha people and we will visit some of the rock art and creation sites to learn of aspects of first nations culture from the Flinders Ranges and Lake Eyre. 

The great desert rivers of the Lake Eyre Basin, the Cooper and Georgina/Diamantina have been in full flow promising partially filling as Lake Eyre creating an amazing colour palette as the salt and mineral layers mingle with the receding waters. We will have an opportunity for a scenic flight to see from the air this amazing phenomenon as the desert goes into its boom cycle. We will visit some of key mound springs along the Oodnadatta Track. These were pivotal in one of Australia’s most extensive first nations trade routes, the pathway for the successful transect of the continent by John McDougal Stuart and followed by the Overland Telegraph Line and the Great Northern Railway to Alice Springs. 

Key Details at a Glance - Tuesday 10 March - Monday 16 March 2026

• Members and Fellow Societies - Cost $2,800/person Twin Share- Single Supplement $300
• Non-Members $ 2,900/person
• To secure your place requires a $100 deposit. Numbers are limited and bookings will be opened to Qld and Vic Societies.
• Final Payment Friday 30 January 2026.
• Detailed Itinerary to be available soon.
• Optional Scenic 1.5 hr Flight over Lake Eyre in flood at own expense $495.

The tour is inclusive of travel, accommodation, tours, and most meals.

It will require reasonable mobility as some of the locations will involve short walks over uneven terrain.

Please Direct any enquiries to Joc Schmiechen Head of Travel Royal Geographical Society South Australia M 0409200450