About this tour
Saturday expeditions into South Australia's Painted Desert with the Outback Mail Man, covering 10 hours of remote terrain north of Coober Pedy. You'll cross the Moon Plains and pastoral stretches to reach the Arckaringa Hills, where layered geology—sculpted by ancient seas and millennia of weathering—displays striking reds, ochres, and earth tones. Walking tracks let you move through this untouched country while guides explain the landscape's formation. A picnic lunch breaks the day in the hills, followed by the return journey past the Breakaways' jagged formations.
Highlights
- Walk among the Arckaringa Hills' vivid mineral-stained slopes
- Cross Moon Plains and pastoral outback on sealed road
- Picnic lunch surrounded by layered geological formations
- Return route through Breakaways' dramatic ridgelines
- Live geological and ecological commentary from guides
- Air-conditioned vehicle with water refills throughout
What to expect
The day begins early as you leave Coober Pedy heading north on Kempe Road. The landscape shifts from pastoral country through increasingly barren terrain to the Arckaringa Hills, where you'll step out for guided walks among the coloured slopes. The geological story is visible in the rock faces—ancient seabeds and erosion patterns create natural colour banding. Midday, you'll eat lunch in the hills with time to explore further. The return leg introduces the Breakaways, a sharper, more dramatic country with jagged formations cutting across the horizon. Expect dust, heat, and distances; the terrain is remote but vehicle-based rather than strenuous.
Good to know
Bring your own water bottle; refills available in the vehicle. Not suitable for pregnant travellers, those with spinal injuries, or poor cardiovascular health. Saturday departures only. Service animals permitted. Light evening snacks provided on return. Sunscreen, hat, and comfortable walking shoes essential.
Frequently asked
- How long does Full day The Painted Desert Tour in Outback South Australia take?
- Full day The Painted Desert Tour in Outback South Australia runs for approximately 10 hours.
- How much does Full day The Painted Desert Tour in Outback South Australia cost?
- Prices start from AUD $320 per person. Final pricing varies by date, group size and any add-ons — confirmed at checkout via Viator.
- Where does Full day The Painted Desert Tour in Outback South Australia run?
- This tour operates around Australia. Specific meeting points and pickup options are listed by the operator at checkout.
- Who runs Full day The Painted Desert Tour in Outback South Australia?
- The tour is sold and operated by its supplier through Viator. The Australian Explorer earns a small commission on bookings made via the link, which keeps this site free for travellers.
- Is the tour confirmed at the listed price?
- The price shown is the operator's "from" price as of our last sync. Final price, currency conversion, group discounts and cancellation policy are confirmed at checkout — always review before paying.
Tour sold and operated by its supplier via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original The Australian Explorer summaries, not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.