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'.

COOBER PEDYAustralia's underground city is half way betweenAlice Springs and Adelaide, a mining communitywhere the people are as colourful as the town'sfamous opals. Taking its name from theAboriginal phrase 'Kupa Piti' (meaning 'whiteman's hole in the ground'), Coober Pedy is abizarrely fascinating town where many residentsescape the harsh desert climate by livingunderground: the soft opal-bearing earth is idealfor digging out your own des res. A tour of theopal mines is a good prelude to exploring thestunning and aptly named Painted Desert, butto get a real taste of the area join the OutbackMail Run that links Coober Pedy, Oodnadattaand a number of Outback stations. Coober Pedycan be reached by car, by train to Manguri orcombined with a tour of the Flinders Ranges. 64Desert Caves Hotel,Coober PedyContinuing the intriguing underground theme, thishotel offers you the chance to sample subterraneanliving. The guestrooms are both above and belowground and the usual hotel facilities are found hereamongst cool stone walls and soft lighting. Relax atthe underground café, enjoy a refreshing drink at theunderground bar or shop for exquisite rough or cutopals at a number of local shops. For those withoutvehicles the owner of the hotel will also collecttravellers arriving by rail at Manguri train station.ANDAMOOKAOn the edge of Lake Torrens National Park thesmall town of Andamooka was originally thehub of a thriving opal mining industry, a sparsewhite gravel landscape populated by beehivetype hillocks and scattered shacks. Andamookastill reflects its pioneering heritage and thetraditional Aussie pub here, Duke's BeehiveBottle House, is made from 10,000 brown glassempties and the High Street is lined with tinyclay houses preserved in their original state.Wirraminna Station,near Andamooka Close to the magnificent salt pan of Lake Hart is theworking sheep station of Wirraminna, where you cansample authentic Australian Outback living. Michaeland Julie are your hosts in a farm sprawling acrosssome 125,000 acres, where you can share theirhome and participate in station tasks. Take a peekinto the local schoolhouse for a glimpse of theinnovative 'school of the air' that provides aneducation to Outback children. Converted 'Jackaroo'quarters offer modern, comfortable accommodationclose to the main homestead: breakfast provisionsare supplied, while home-cooked dinners can beprepared on request.EYRE PENINSULAHills smothered in wild flowers edged by acraggy coast, the Eyre Peninsula stretches fromthe vast landscape of the South AustralianOutback to the ocean. To the north are theGawler Ranges, rich with wildlife, while at thenatural harbour of Port Lincoln sealions anddolphins roam. Overlooking the Great AustralianBight to the west, Baird Bay is abundant withsealions and from June to October, withmigrating southern right whales. Regular flightsfrom Adelaide arrive at Port Lincoln, the hub ofmany off-the-beaten track encounters on small-group 4WD vehicle tours.Baird Bay Lodge,Eyre PeninsulaOn the shallow western arm of Anxious Bay are tworammed-earth lodges that provide wonderfullyspacious accommodation. Each is equipped to thehighest standard with comfortable bedrooms, openplan lounge and fully equipped kitchen. Boatcharters are available for fishing expeditions and daytrips to swim with the sealions. Your hosts Alan andTrish have an infectious passion and sensitivity to thenatural environment which leaves a long lastingimpression on all those who visit.Desert Caves HotelThe 'Painted Desert', Coober PedySealions, Baird Bay