An Unforgettable South Australian Adventure with Fun Over 50
My husband and I just returned from an 8-day Cooper Pedy/Lake Eyre/Wilpena Pound bus tour with Fun Over 50, and it was incredible. The journey was made even more enjoyable by our knowledgeable and humorous driver and tour host. We felt lucky to experience the region after record rainfall since 1974, which transformed the landscape into lush greenery—quite unexpected for a desert.
Each day brought its own highlight, from underground accommodations to scenic flights over the stunning terrain. Many of the region's wonders are best seen from the air, and this tour captured the breathtaking Painted Hills, Lake Eyre, and Flinders Ranges beautifully. Alongside these aerial views, visits to historic towns and landmarks added another layer of fascination—it truly completed the experience.
A delightful bonus was a complimentary visit to the Monet to Matisse art exhibition at the Adelaide Art Gallery—such an unexpected treat, thank you Fun Over 50! On our way to Port Augusta, we stopped at the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, where enthusiastic volunteers led an enlightening tour about efforts to preserve and rejuvenate the outback's flora and fauna.
In Coober Pedy, we enjoyed an engaging town tour, including a visit to the fascinating Umoona Opal Mine & Museum. Our first flight took us from Coober Pedy to William Creek via Painted Hills, where we had a guided walking tour and capped off the day with sunset drinks and canapés provided by the knowledgeable Wrightsair pilots. The flights over Lake Eyre, the Flinders Ranges, and Wilpena Pound were simply unforgettable.
The accommodations and meals throughout our trip were exceptional. Considering how remote these locations are, it was impressive how well-catered and welcoming everything felt. A big thank-you to Fun Over 50 and everyone who made our journey so special. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment and highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking an extraordinary adventure.