Ancient Earth - Geology Tour

Arrive in Adelaide and settle into EOS by SkyCity, a luxurious city retreat offering the perfect balance of sophistication and relaxation before the adventure begins. This journey starts with exclusive access to South Australia’s leading scientific minds, diving into groundbreaking marine biology and palaeontology research at Flinders University. Step into laboratories and research spaces where discoveries are unfolding, from the mesmerising behaviour of cuttlefish to the secrets locked within ancient fossils. 

Venture into McLaren Vale for a deep dive into biodynamic viticulture, where the land tells a story millions of years old. Walk through the vineyards of Gemtree and Oliver’s Taranga with expert viticulturalists, feeling the connection between geology, sustainability, and the wine in your glass. Taste exceptional vintages crafted from some of the most mineral-rich soils on the planet while gaining insight into the future of regenerative farming. 

Destination 1: Adelaide has accommodation for two nights at EOS by SkyCity.

Soar over the ochre-hued landscapes of the Flinders Ranges before touching down in one of the oldest geological sites on Earth. Meet an Adnyamathanha guide for an immersive cultural experience, following ancient pathways to a sacred petroglyph site where stories are etched into the rock, dating back tens of thousands of years. 

Step into deep time at Brachina Gorge, standing at the famed Golden Spike, a globally significant marker in Earth’s geological history. See stromatolites, the earliest evidence of life, and learn how these landscapes have shaped our planet’s evolution. Hike through breathtaking terrain, hearing stories of pastoralism, native flora, and the ever-changing forces that have shaped this region. 

The journey reaches its pinnacle at Nilpena Station, home to the extraordinary Ediacara fossil fields. Gain exclusive access to one of the most important fossil sites in the world, where perfectly preserved remnants of ancient life are embedded in the rock. As the sun sets, gather around a crackling campfire beneath the vast outback sky, swapping stories with conservationists and scientists pushing the boundaries of discovery. 

Accommodation: Prairie Hotel & Outback Lodge, 3 nights.

Kangaroo Island is a sanctuary for both wildlife and geological wonders, offering unparalleled encounters with nature. Walk alongside a senior researcher at Seal Bay, stepping into an active conservation project where rare Australian sea lions bask on the sand. Observe their behaviour up close and contribute to ongoing research that is shaping the future of this endangered species. 

Venture deep into the limestone caverns of Kelly Hill Caves, exploring a geological masterpiece formed over 500 million years. Then, trek through wild landscapes with conservationists working to protect some of the island’s most fragile species. Get hands-on with research efforts that safeguard the Glossy Black Cockatoo and the elusive Kangaroo Island Dunnart, making a real contribution to vital conservation work. 

Evenings are spent in complete serenity at Oceanview Eco Villas, where the rhythm of nature is uninterrupted. Fireside conversations with leading researchers offer rare insights into the intricate balance of island ecosystems, while stargazing from a private deck provides a quiet moment to reflect on the day’s discoveries. 

Accommodation: Oceanview Eco Villas, 4 nights 

The adventure takes an exhilarating turn on the Limestone Coast, where land and water meet in extraordinary ways. Descend into Kilsby Sinkhole, a submerged world of crystal-clear water, and snorkel through an ancient geological formation that has drawn divers from around the world. Float weightlessly as shafts of sunlight cut through the water, illuminating limestone walls shaped over millennia. 

Step behind the scenes at Naracoorte Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage fossil site, for an exclusive hands-on fossil excavation. Dig into history alongside senior researchers, uncovering bones and remnants of megafauna that roamed Australia thousands of years ago. This rare opportunity offers a deeper understanding of the region’s prehistoric past in a way few ever experience. 

As the journey winds down, an unexpected highlight awaits. Join a former royal chef for an intimate, hands-on cooking experience, preparing a three-course meal that showcases the best of the region’s seasonal produce. Later, visit a fourth-generation family farm to see sustainability in action before an exclusive tasting with a geologist and viticulturalist at Penley Estate Winery. Here, the famed Terra Rossa soil tells its own story through the wines produced from its rich, mineral-packed layers. 

By night, step into another world on a private Ghost Mushroom Tour, trekking into a darkened pine forest where the ground comes alive with an eerie green glow. This surreal natural phenomenon, caused by phosphorescent fungi, is a final reminder of the wonders hidden beneath the surface. 

Accommodation: Merlot Verdelho Private Residence, 4 nights