Explore Nature

Not Just Travel

Ancient Land Tours is built on decades of field exploration, scientific curiosity, and deep respect for Country.
This is not sightseeing. This is guided discovery.
Our tours are designed for people who value learning in the field — where landscapes, caves, coastlines and ecosystems are interpreted as part of a larger story shaped by water, time and life.

What sets us apart:

• Field leadership, not commentary. Tours are led by an experienced field scientist, not scripted guides.
• Systems thinking. We interpret how geology, subterranean systems, flora, fauna and climate interact, above and below ground.
• Small groups, genuine depth. Fewer people, more engagement, more time to observe and understand.
• Ethical, respectful exploration. Cultural respect, scientific integrity and environmental care are non-negotiable.

Our Stewardship of Country

Ethics, Care and Responsibility - Ancient Land Tours operates within clear ethical boundaries. We:

• Prioritise environmental care and minimal impact
• Respect Aboriginal cultural authority without appropriation
• Focus on scientific understanding rather than spectacle
• Support local economies and small regional businesses

Our approach ensures that exploration deepens understanding — without compromising the places we visit.

Insights from the Field

Discoveries, Observations and Reflections - From subterranean species discoveries to insights gained through long-term fieldwork, our work continually informs how we guide and interpret the landscape. Guests are invited into this ongoing process of learning and discovery.

If you’re curious about how the Nullarbor and Far West truly work — above and below ground — we invite you to join a small-group exploration led by experience, science and respect for Country.

Meet Your Guide

Ancient Land Tours is led by Dr Steve Milner, an experienced field scientist and speleologist with over three decades of exploration across the Far West and Nullarbor.

Steve’s work spans geology, palaeontology, subterranean ecosystems and landscape interpretation. His approach is grounded in direct observation, long-term engagement with researchers, and a deep curiosity about how natural systems function over deep time.

Steve has an Honorary position at the University of Adelaide.

On every tour, Steve leads interpretation in the field — helping guests move beyond what they can see, to understand why the landscape is the way it is.

This depth of leadership and knowledge underpins every Ancient Land Tours experience.

Testimonials

"We had a fantastic day out with Steve ... there was only us and nature, no other cars on our day out." 5-stars TM

"Our 9 hour day tour with Steve was one of the highlights of our trip up the Eyre Peninsula ... the two meals provided had high quality and delicious offerings in generous helpings." 5-stars CL

"We had never travelled over sand dunes and were intrigued with his driving skills as he took us to lovely waterside spots." 5-stars PG

"We did three different tours and each one took us to places that we could never go without being on these tours. Areas are remote, stunning and memorable." 5-stars PS

Private Bespoke Tours

Design your own tour ... your guide has deep knowledge of the Nullarbor, the Far West of SA, and the Flinders Ranges and Outback. We will work together to develop a tailored tour that will focus on the natural environment that interests you. Depending on destinations, your tour can be luxurious or be simple bush camping. Ideal for independent explorers seeking that unreachable experience.

Plan your tour with Dr Steve Milner on 0438 034 158 for more information.

Day Tours

These are focused journeys that reveal the hidden structure of coastal, mallee and inland landscapes. Perfect for travellers seeking depth and insight within a single day.

Seasonal experiences that combine land-based interpretation with optional sea and air components. Observe wildlife within its broader ecological and geological context.

Custom and Specialist Expeditions

Extended journeys for scientists, film makers, and other specialists into remote country for deeper engagement with landscape systems, subterranean environments and ecological processes.

Tailored field support for activities requiring experienced leadership and logistics in remote environments.

Discuss your requirements with Dr Steve Milner on 0438 034 158.

Book your experiences here ...

Our Policy
We work hard to break down barriers in travel. We reject the stereotypes that dictate who can travel and when, and who gets to tap into the economic benefits of travel.

We want everyone to feel comfortable, cared for, and included, regardless of their ability, background, sexuality or age. We try to provide everything you will need. Our goal is to make everyone safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

We demonstrate gender equality, and inclusiveness in those we employ. Our accredited drivers and guides demonstrate the highest level of assurance that our guests will receive the best quality travel experience.

Accessibility
We care for everyone who travels with us. Please get in touch if you have any requirements prior to your stay, so we can have everything you need ready to go for when you arrive.

4WD tours can be exciting and fun, but not always comfortable all the time. We have worked hard to increase accessibility across our business in the following ways.

• Integrated accessibility into our mission, policies, and procurement practices.
• Incorporated accessibility into our booking system.
• Provide ongoing accessibility training for our staff.
• Tailor each experience for guests with access needs.
• Include grab handles and rails, and steps to get in and out of the vehicle.
• Ability to modify each tour to include a choice of route to minimise vibration, and route variations to access toilets.
• Our vehicles have the capacity to carry various collapsible strollers, or other collapsible mobility aids as required.

Accessibility Limitations
We are aware that due to the very nature of a 4WD tour which are away from facilities, it is hard to make a tour accessible to everyone. Some limitations are difficult to overcome, these include:

• The vehicle and the places we visit are often sandy and stony, and unsuitable for wheelchairs.
• The places we visit are wild places with little infrastructure or paths, further limiting access.

Should you wish to discuss your needs, we encourage you to contact us on 0438 034 158.

24 January 2026 - End of Visitor Services Contract

After three years of delivering strong outcomes for Ceduna and the wider Far West tourism region, Ancient Land Tours will cease operations at the Ceduna Visitor Information Centre in February, following the conclusion of its professional services management contract with the District Council of Ceduna.
Under Ancient Land Tours’ management, the Visitor Information Centre forged stronger partnerships across the Eyre Peninsula, enhanced Ceduna’s profile within the regional tourism network, and delivered new initiatives showcasing environmental values and responsible travel opportunities throughout the Far West. 24 January 2026 - Press Release - Visitor Services

3 December 2025 - ENTF Grant Awardee

We’re excited to announce that Ancient Land Tours has been awarded a grant under the Experience Nature Tourism Fund! This support will help us bring our signature remote-area adventures further into South Australia’s Far West and the Nullarbor — with a new expedition trailer, expanded itineraries and improved marketing so more people can explore wild landscapes, discover cave systems, spot native wildlife and experience the remote beauty of the Outback. Our mission remains: Transforming the remote into reachable. Stay tuned, big things ahead! 3 Dec 2025 - Press Release - ENTF Award

31 October 2025 - New blind species discovered beneath the Nullarbor

This year’s subterranean surveys have revealed remarkable new species of blind Troglodiplura and Tartarus spiders — along with a previously unknown blind predatory cave wasp.

“These discoveries show just how much life has evolved in the darkness beneath the Nullarbor,” says Dr Steve Milner of Ancient Land Tours. “They’re extraordinary examples of resilience — and reminders that these fragile cave systems need protection.”

Formal species descriptions are now underway. 31 October 2025 - Blind Cave Predators