Journey through the ancient Flinders Ranges and take in the iconic Australian outback
Starting in the South Australian capital Adelaide, this intimate journey through the ancient Flinders Ranges takes in iconic Australian outback landscapes, a private wildlife conservancy, prolific animal and bird life as well as the impressive Wilpena Pound.
Enjoy two nights in Adelaide at the either the Mayfair Hotel or Adabco Boutique Hotel exploring the city and its surrounds before heading to the remote Arkaba Homestead. Spend two nights slumbering in deluxe swags set up on signature star beds before returning to Arkaba Homestead for your final night sleeping in a beautifully restored 19th century guest room. Your luggage is conveniently delivered by support vehicle between rest stops, while gourmet meals, beverages and snacks are supplied throughout the walk, including three-course dinners served with premium South Australian wines.
The Arkaba Walk provides a close-up view of South Australia’s prolific wildlife with minimal compromise on comfort, and can be easily incorporated into your travel itinerary.
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Tour Details
- 2 nights accommodation in Adelaide
- 2 nights under the stars swag camping
- 2 nights at the renowned Arkaba Homestead
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Luggage transfer between camps
- Return road transfers ex Adelaide
- An intimate journey into the South Australian outback
- Visit a wonderful private wildlife conservancy
- See impressive Wilpena Pound
- Spend two nights sleeping beneath the stars
- Enjoy two nights in a beautiful heritage homestead
- Carry nothing more than a day pack each day
- Gourmet meals and premium beverages throughout
- Hot water bucket showers at camp
- Inspiring scenery amid pristine wilderness
- Plentiful native wildlife including kangaroos and wallabies
Adelaide city centre is conveniently just 6 kilometres from Adelaide Airport. The airport is serviced by regular flights from all major cities in Australia. Regular flights also arrive from destinations including Doha, Singapore and Hong Kong. This walking tour commences from Arkaba Homestead, 400 kilometres north of Adelaide. It is possible to self-drive or alternatively, arrange transfers from Adelaide/Adelaide airport to the homestead. Contact our consultants for more details.
The Barossa Valley is the perfect spot to relax after your walking tour, providing the opportunity to taste world-renowned wines at their source. You could also continue south to magnificent Kangaroo Island while Victoria’s mountainous, wildlife rich Grampians provide an excellent stop en route if self-driving to Melbourne.
Itinerary
Arkaba Lodge Based Walk
7 days/6 nights
Days 1-2
Adelaide
Your South Australian guided walking adventure begins with a short stay in Adelaide. The city centre is surrounded by parklands, whilst there are a number of peaceful beachside suburbs to explore boasting a superb cafe and restaurant scene.
Day 3
Arkaba
Transfer this morning from Adelaide to Arkaba Homestead, enjoying lunch enrolee on the banks of Bumbunga Lake. Arriving in the late afternoon, take a short guided walk around the reserve. L D
Day 4
Wilpena Pound to Black’s Gap Camp
(Walking distance approx. 13km/5-6h)
After breakfast, take a short 35 minute drive to the starting point of your walk. Today’s walk heads through the flat interior of Wilpena Pound before a gradual ascent to the rim. From here, its about a 1 kilometre descent to Black’s Gap Swag Camp. Enjoy a hot bush shower and pre-dinner drinks before a fabulous three-course meal under the stars. B L D
Day 5
Black’s Gap Camp to Elder Camp
(Walking distance approx. 14-15km/6-7h)
Cross gurgling creeks and traverse undulating landscapes – today’s challenging terrain offers the most scenic views. The first 2 kilometres follows the famous Heysen Trail through Black Gap itself. The last leg follows rolling hills before a sharp 1 kilometre climb to the summit of the Red Range, where you’ll be rewarded with sensational panoramic views of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. You might uncover common native species such as emu and kangaroo along the way to your second comfortable campsite. B L D
Day 6
Elder Camp to Arkaba
(walking distance approx. 14-15km/6-7h)
The final leg of your journey takes you along the foot of the Elder Range through Mallee and native pine forests. Ascend the Red Range before following the picturesque gum-fringed Arkaba Creek all the way back to the heritage homestead, arriving by mid-afternoon. You will have time relax or perhaps enjoy a massage or scenic flight (extra cost) over the ancient landscape before a celebratory dinner. B L D
Day 7
Tour Ends
After one last delicious breakfast depart Arkaba for your transfer back to Adelaide. Travel by 4WD through charming outback towns stopping for lunch and a wine tasting in the Clare Valley. Arrive Adelaide in the late afternoon. B L
B= Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner
Optional Add On:
After a multi-day hike there’s no better way to rest and relax than sipping a glass of wine in the countryside. The Louise in the state’s renowned Barossa Valley is the ideal spot to explore on the way back to Adelaide after your walk. With just 15 peaceful suites, this intimate property has plenty of quiet spaces. Fill your days visiting boutique winemakers, the Barossa Valley is home to over 80 cellar doors and more than 50 artisan producers. For a relaxing afternoon spend a few hours playing a round or two of boules or try your hand at a game of chess using the giant outdoor board. Boasting an evolving menu using only the freshest produce, no stay is complete without a meal at the highly acclaimed Appellation restaurant.
Arkaba Homestead
A member of the revered Luxury lodges of Australia collection, Arkaba is one of the country’s most exclusive outback experiences. Lovingly restored, the original layout of the homestead has been retained and accommodates 10 guests in five beautiful guestrooms. Each guestroom is named after an early settler, explorer or property owner and has its own unique character. Each room has ensuite facilities and opens onto a shaded verandah with superb views of the surrounding ranges. The hand-fashioned décor reflects the homestead’s setting, with intricate details such as the recycled fence post bedheads and gumnut tassels that tie back the curtains adding character to each room. Though the rooms do not have Wi-Fi or televisions (which would take away from the incredible natural setting), they do have 21st century comforts including air-conditioning, premium mattresses and hot water showers. The homestead itself has a comfortable library fitted with deep leather armchairs and a large stone fireplace, outdoor terrace used for dining and a sensational swimming pool overlooking the Arkaba Creek.
Fancy a more relaxed walk through the Flinders Ranges?
Discover our 7 day/6 night Arkaba Lodge Based Walk
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Places to stay in South Australia
Below are some of our most popular places to stay in South Australia. Please contact us for more information.
Arkaba Homestead
Some of Australia’s best bush walking can be found at historic Arkaba, a 19th century homestead situated in South Australia’s remarkable Flinders Ranges.
Ecopia Retreat
Situated in the heart of South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, Ecopia Retreat is located on a 150 acre pocket of natural wilderness.
Mayfair Hotel
The boutique Mayfair Hotel is a fantastic option for travellers seeking a relaxed, comfortable setting and personalised service in the heart of the city.
The Louise
A brilliant place to begin your explorations of the Barossa Valley, The Louise is all about exquisite accommodation and to-die-for epicurean experiences.
More Australia Walking Tours
Below are some of our most popular walking tours around Australia. Please contact us for more information.
Arkaba Lodge Based Walk
Experience the Flinders Ranges from the comforts of a luxury homestead, taking in the Australian outback, a private conservancy and wildlife.
Maria Island Walk
Maria Island is a pristine untouched wilderness, home to rare wildlife, fascinating history and crystal-clear waters.
Scenic Rim Trail
Take in the tranquillity of Queensland’s Scenic Rim on this moderately challenging 6 day accommodated walking adventure.
The Arkaba Walk
Journey through the Flinders Ranges taking in iconic Australian outback. Stay at Arkaba Homestead, Wilpena Pound, Black's Camp and Elder Camp
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