Clare ValleyMURRAY RIVERThe Murray River is Australia's Mississippi, withpaddle-steamers passing riverside towns such asSwan Reach, with its clifftop views, andMannun, with its relics of the pioneer days. Thefirst river crossing was made at Murray Bridge,which is where many cruises start. Aboriginallegends surround this treasured water supply,which attracts a wealth of wildlife includingyellow-billed spoonbills, fat-tailed dunnarts andpossums. Walking trails line the banks anddisappear deep in to the bush. An array ofcruising options - from cruises to rentalhouseboats - enable you to meander along theriver amongst the red gums which line its banks. Odyssey Murray RiverCruisingCruise the river in style onboard a delightful smallcraft where a friendly and knowledgeable crewentertain a maximum of eight guests on three orfour day cruises, or longer private charters. This is acomfortable way to get upstream to explore ancientlimestone cliffs, deep lagoons and the prolific arrayof wildlife that inhabits the area. Sunset and sunrisepresents nature at its best, and frequent stops allowyou to delve into the bush in the company of a crewmember, scratching the surface of the tranquilAustralian bush at a relaxed, gentle pace.62Kangaroos at the edge of the Murray RiverBAROSSA VALLEYSet in a gentle hollow amidst rolling wheatfields and vines, the Barossa Valley was originallysettled by German Lutherans whose smalltownships and church spires still survive today.Vineyards, often with names such as 'KaiserStuhl', are set amongst delicatessens whoseshelves groan under Germanic delicacies. Wineis showcased in more than 50 local cellars, butthe valley holds a special appeal that extendsinto stately homes, seasoned by meals inrestaurants where European traditions areleavened with modern-day cuisine. Less than anhour's drive from Adelaide, the Barossa Valleycan be explored on a tour or in your own car.Abbotsford Country HouseAbbotsford Country House,Barossa Valley In the corner of the valley surrounded by acres offarmland this colonial Georgian-style homestead isblessed with magnificent views of the vineyards,framed by sun-baked ranges. Eight guest suitesreflect Australian country style, uniquely decoratedand furnished with antiques, where each is asindividual as its prominent Barossa family namesake.Owners Jane and Julian are excellent hosts, andidyllic days end with a game of croquet on thesunken lawn, a glass of wine on the veranda andsupper, beautifully prepared from local produce.CLARE VALLEYCombining Australian bush and well-keptcharming vineyards, Clare is a lesser-knownwine region but perhaps the most beautiful ofall. Sevenhill is an excellent place to start yourexploration: established by the three Jesuitpriests who fled here in 1851 this is the region'soldest winery, and much of the original stonearchitecture remains today. The Riesling Trail is apicturesque route ideal for walkers and cycliststhat leads to the small town of Auburn, wherethe vines are complemented by fragments ofmining and settler history. Clare is within easyrange of Adelaide or an excellent place to breakyour journey on the way to the Flinders Ranges. Thorn Park,Clare ValleyThis gracious 1850s homestead with mellow stonewalls and shady verandas is set in lovely landscapedgardens amidst acres of majestic countryside -elegant country living at its best. Your hosts, Michaeland David, have a nationwide reputation for lavishbreakfasts and exquisite dinners, accompanied by awonderful selection of fine local wines. The warm,spacious, ensuite guestrooms continue the traditionof charm and if you are looking for privacy, twosuites are available in the converted 'Old Barn' andthe 'Coachhouse'.Thorn ParkOdyssey River Cruise

SOUTH AUSTRALIA63Wilpena Pound, Flinders RangesNorth Bundaleer, Jamestown Just forty minutes past the vines of Clare is NorthBundaleer, secluded amongst olive groves andfarmland. Lovingly restored by owners Marianne andMalcolm, the property has undergone a dramatictransformation from a ramshackle homestead into agrand, gracious property that still retains its settlerroots. Baltic pine floors and period furnishingscombine with sublime meals and samples from thecellar to create a relaxed, yet luxurious stay. Thelibrary and elegant drawing room are surrounded byshady verandas, ideal for drinking in the views. tailor-made travelAll our travel arrangements are on a private,individual basis to offer you complete freedom ofchoice. The itineraries and accommodation optionsthroughout the brochure are designed to give you aflavour of what is possible and can be tailor-made tosuit your preferences. Prices vary according toselected accommodation and season. Please callour Australia specialists on 01869 276 345 todiscuss your individual requirements.FLINDERS RANGESSpectacular gorges, abundant wildlife andAboriginal art - the Flinders Ranges sheltersome of the world's oldest landscapes andcapture the essence of Australia. The flat,barren plains and undulating ranges include theMount Remarkable National Park and stretchfrom Crystal Brook just north of the Clare Valleyfar into the Outback, an area renowned forwildflowers, wildlife and walking trails. The trailat Brachina Gorge uncovers millions of years ofevolution, where the changing terrain unveils atangible geological history, while the WilpenaPound, encased by quartzite hills, is a naturalamphitheatre created by nature at its mostambitious. The Flinders Ranges are best seen by4WD tour or on foot in the company of aguide: this is Australia at its pristine best.North BundaleerWooland WineSome Australian sheep stations are superblycomfortable, with fine wine and cuisine anunexpected flourish in remote, spectacular Outbackhomes. This itinerary explores Adelaide's famedvineyards and continues to experience Outback lifeon a working sheep station on the rugged edges ofthe Flinders Ranges.Day 1:Leave Adelaide today and enter the ClareValley, whose rolling hills and lowlandsare home to many boutique wineries.Day 2:Spend the day exploring little villages andenjoying the fine Rieslings which havemade Clare famous.Day 3:Continue on to Angorichina Station in theheart of the remarkable Flinders Ranges.Day 4:Join Ian Fargher on his light aircraft for atour of the property or try your hand atstation activities.Day 5:Venture out to see some of the world'soldest landscapes in the company of oneof the local Aboriginal people. Day 6:Leaving Angorichina Station head forNorth Bundaleer in the farming town ofJamestown.Day 7:Continue on to Adelaide.EXTENSIONSFor those whose sense of adventure is limited bytime, a privately chartered light aircraft fromAdelaide can drop you directly at Angorichina andcollect you when required.Angorichina Station guestroomIan Fargher of Angorichina StationAngorichina Station,Flinders RangesAngorichina Station offers a unique opportunity totaste Outback life on a working sheep farm, one ofthe earliest pastoral properties to be established inAustralia. Set amongst sandstone mountain rangeshundreds of miles from their nearest neighbour, yourhosts here are Ian and Di Fargher, fourth-generationowners with a wealth of local knowledge, colourfullyexpressed in countless spellbinding anecdotes thataccompany guided excursions by 4WD or air, andDi's delicious meals. Mustering here is by motorbikeand light aircraft, with the daily 'water run' givingyou a chance to appreciate the sheer size of thefarm. For a quieter insight, Arthur Coulthard, acharismatic member of the local Adnyamathanhapeople, will take you on an interpretive journeythrough the surrounding bush. Guestrooms areeither in the main homestead or in the charmingconverted school house, where the family's childrenonce learnt via the 'school of the air'.