5-Day Outback Adventure
Step into the stunning Australian Outback on a 5-day outback adventure. Wake up to soul-nurturing sunrises, explore breathtaking landscapes, and unwind by the campfire under the shimmering Milky Way. Whether you choose to ride, walk, or immerse yourself as a cameleer, this journey promises unforgettable memories.
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Three Booking Options
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Riding Seat (Full Fare): Enjoy the adventure of riding atop a camel—a mentally restorative experience.
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Bushwalking Option (Discounted Rate): Walk alongside camels and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
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The Cameleer Experience: A hands-on, immersive option where you’ll learn camel handling and join the trek crew.
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Secure your spot today for this one-of-a-kind journey with Camel Treks Australia!
Arrive at your camel trek to a fully prepared campsite—dinner cooked, billy boiled, and the fire crackling under a star-filled sky. Relax in our premium Darche Eco Dee swags, designed for ultimate comfort with a high-density 70mm foam mattress, large entry doors for stunning views, and super-fine mesh for ventilation. Freestanding, hassle-free and over 7ft in length, these swags offer plenty of space to sit upright, making your Outback nights as comfortable as they are unforgettable.​
A typical day on our camel trek unfolds with a serene rhythm:
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Morning Delights: Begin with hot tea or coffee 1 hour after sunrise
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Breakfast Bounty: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast amid the picturesque surroundings.
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Camel Moments: Capture the beauty of camels browsing in the morning light.
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Saddling Up: Observe or participate as cameleers prepare camels for the day's journey.
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Scenic Walk: Set out for a walk with camels, cameleers, and fellow guests.
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Midday Pause: Take a break for lunch halfway to the next campsite.
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Camp Arrival: Reach a new campsite in the late afternoon.
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Unsaddling Ritual: Join the process of removing saddles and blankets from camels.
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Evening Atmosphere: Experience the magic of evenings with campfires, stories, and new friendships.
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Guest Participation: Choose your level of involvement, from observing to hands-on engagement.
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Hot Soak: At certain campsites a relaxing wash in the hot Artesian Basin waters is possible.​​
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With an average daily trek of 10-15kms, there's ample time for exploration, relaxation, and enjoying the natural beauty of the Outback. Cameleers morning activities commence at sunrise, allowing early rising guests company and to appreciate the tranquil light, whilst others might best enjoy a leisurely start to their day.
Whether you're an early riser or prefer a bit more sleep, our camel trek accommodates your pace for an enriching and memorable experience.
DAY 1. Transfer Day and Arrival at the Clayton Station Wetlands Campground
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If you have opted for the additional service departing Adelaide at 8:25 am on Friday with the Stateliner Premier Coach Service from the Adelaide Central Bus Station, our Cameleers will welcome you at the Port Augusta Regional City, specifically at the Port Augusta East - Catex Service Station, at 12:54 noon.
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Our goal is to depart promptly, and along the journey, we break at the Flinders Food Co. Cafe in Hawker township for refreshments and lunch. We'll provide frequent bathroom breaks and pauses at notable locations en-route, taking you through the picturesque Flinders Ranges and into the Outback.
​​​​​Day 2. Cameleers Rise Early for Your First Day of Trekking
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Early in the morning, our Cameleers rise to prepare hot coffee and tea, setting up the breakfast/lunch tent with an array of options to cater to all tastes. As a group, we pack up and transfer to locate the camels deeper on Clayton Station. Observe as we muster the camels, halter them, apply lead ropes, and feel free to become as hands-on as you'd like, brushing, blanketing, and saddling the camels before we embark on a full day's trek, covering typically between 10-15kms before setting up camp along the Clayton Creek.
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The trees along the creek-line are home to varied birdlife, dingoes are regularly spotted, and the colours of the sunset never fail to disappoint. Once our Cameleers have completed their camel tasks, they set about lighting the evening campfire, boiling the billy, and preparing the evening meal, which frequently includes making damper breads with main meals and sweet puddings for dessert.
DAY 3: Parallel sand dunes of Clayton and the Tirari Desert
We journey into the parallel sand dunes of the Tirari Desert, observing their increasing height as we venture northward. There are varying distances between the dunes, separated by the inter-dune flats. The dune ridge-tops stretch across hundreds of kilometers, punctuated by playpens, salt lakes and immense sand formations running from north to south. Situated in the eastern reaches of South Australia's Far North, the Tirari Desert encompasses part of the Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, with Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre North to its west.
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Clayton and the Tirari Desert hosts a diverse range of flora and fauna. Sandhill canegrass and sandhill wattle dominate the dune crests and mobile slopes, while varied grasses thrives on stable slopes and sandy corridors. Sparse shrublands of acacia, and eremophila are common on dune flanks, with saltbush and bluebush found in swales and interdune flats.
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Among the threatened and vulnerable species on Clayton and in the Tirari Desert are the Crest-tailed mulgara, dusky hopping mouse, fawn hopping-mouse, grey falcon, and woma python. A night walk with head torch is worthwhile. Finally the Australian Dingo is at home here and it is not uncommon to see them and hear their unique howl. They pose us no threat, but do tuck your shoes away at night!
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Day 4: A Full Day of Desert Adventure​
Cameleers rise early to kindle the fire, boiling the eco billy for real plunger coffee and offering an assortment of teas. Inside the kitchen tent, they prepare provisions for breakfast and lunch, providing a diverse selection to choose from. Early risers are welcomed to join the Cameleers in preparing the camels for the day ahead.
Depending on the wind direction, our journey will take us either north, south, east or west ultimately leading us along the southern end of the Tirari Desert—a hidden gem only accessible on Clayton.
​Clayton and the Tirari Desert: Enigmatic Landscapes​​
The Tirari Desert, part of the Simpson–Strzelecki dune fields bioregion, lies within the complex desert country of northeastern South Australia, flanked by the Simpson Desert to the north and the Sturt Stony and Strzelecki deserts to the east. Covering 15,000 square kilometres entirely within South Australia, the Tirari Desert is a unique ecosystem.
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Clayton encompasses the southern Tirari Desert, showcasing salt lakes and north-to-south sand dunes dominate the landscape, covered with canegrass and sparse acacia shrubland. Sandhill canegrass and sandhill wattle grace the dune crests and slopes.
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Sparse, tall shrubland of acacia, eremophila, and grevillea dots the dune flanks, with saltbush and bluebush found in swales and interdune flats. Occasional crossings of floodplains and gibber plains—desert pavements covered with closely packed, interlocking rock fragments—add diversity to the terrain.
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After rainfall, Gibber plains transform into short-lived herb-fields of ephemeral grasses, chenopods, or daisies. The Tirari Desert, like the Simpson Desert, is characterised by predominantly north–south-oriented parallel longitudinal dunes. Smaller areas of transverse and reticulate dunes appear near river and creek systems.
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This day provides trekking guests with a genuine sense of Australia's arid desert environment, one that the camels effortlessly glide over with ease and enjoyment.
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Clayton is also a sanctuary for threatened and vulnerable species such as the Crest-tailed mulgara, dusky hopping mouse, fawn hopping mouse, grey falcon, and woma python. A nighttime stroll with a head torch might reward you with sightings of these elusive creatures. Additionally, the Australian dingo makes its presence known here—listen for their distinctive howl as the stars blanket the sky. While they pose no threat, be sure to store your shoes safely at night!
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Destinations You May Encounter:
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Peachawarina Wetlands: A lush oasis attracting abundant birdlife and wildlife, thanks to artesian basin water. Soak under the stars in mineral-rich waters for a rejuvenating night’s sleep.
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Kabeer Claypan: An ancient, fossil-laden claypan that resembles coral-like formations—a hidden marvel waiting to be explored.
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Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre: Witness the vast, otherworldly expanse of Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre. As we approach its edges enjoy the breathtaking sunset over this iconic landscape.
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Dicka Dickana & Coodlunga: Near the Clayton Creek, this area is home to a wide variety of birdlife and offers soft creek beds for restful nights. Curious dingoes often make an appearance, adding a touch of wilderness.
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Halfway Floodplain: Nestled at the southern end of the Tirari Dunes, this expansive floodplain greets the sunrise and holds remnants of Aboriginal life from generations past.
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CaneGrass Swamp: A gibber plain signals our arrival at this lush wetland. Home to the majestic Brolga, Australia’s largest crane, this area is a haven for desert birdlife. Permanent waterholes and lush vegetation make it an idyllic campsite.
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Illturina: Camp on a dune crest or near a serene wetland. Early risers can assist or photograph the morning’s activities as cameleers gather the camels for grooming and saddling.
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Day 5. Goodbye to Clayton, Camels, Cameleers and Return Transfers
The return journey to Port Augusta from Clayton Station, off the Birdsville Track, is an adventure in itself. We start our day early, after packing our bags and enjoying breakfast, we set out along the Birdsville Track, immersing ourselves in the picturesque landscapes of the Outback, Far North and Central Flinders Ranges.
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If time allows, we make a stop at The Marree Oasis Cafe, where you can purchase souvenirs to remember this unique region. We also visit the Aboriginal Ochre Pits before pausing for lunch at The Flinders Cafe in Hawker. Our journey continues via Quorn, winding our way back to Port Augusta.
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While goodbyes may be bittersweet, the memories we've shared will last a lifetime!
