South Australia’s Arkaba Walk (ex-Flinders Ranges)

Welcome to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8 am at Arkaba Homestead, followed by a ride to the Arkaba Walk starting point. From here, you’ll walk the mostly flat interior of the Wilpena Pound basin, then cross into Arkaba’s private wildlife conservancy. Today’s walk is your introduction to the species and sights of the ancient mountain range within Flinders Ranges National Park. Arrive at Black’s Gap bush camp around 5:30 pm, where you’ll be shown to your swags (traditional Australian sleeping bag made of canvas). Take time to relax and rinse off in a bush shower before joining your group for aperitivo to watch the sunset over Wilpena Pound. Tonight’s South Australian-inspired camp dinner will be prepared by your field guide and accompanied by local wines. Head to your custom-built outdoor rooms where you’ll rest under the Outback sky.

Rise and shine for another leg of the Arkaba Walk. Depart from Black Gap on the Heysen Trail – Australia’s longest walking track. Today, you won’t be walking the entire trail but through the rolling hills and pastoral remains of the Flinders Ranges. While on the walk, you’ll hear about Arkaba’s 500-million-year history, learning about current-day protection and conservation work while you wander past old shepherds’ camps and mustering yards. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as kangaroos and emus that have been sighted along the trail. Today’s trek concludes with a final leg that involves a steep 1 km climb of around 100 m in elevation to reach the summit of Red Range. From here, enjoy the well-earned view of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, then continue your walk to the foot of the Elder Range, passing through groves of native cypress trees and arriving at your second swag camp. A hot bush rinse shower, a freshly prepared meal and another evening of outdoor sleeping awaits at Elder Camp.

Wake up to the fresh morning air and orange-hued tones of Elder Range before leaving camp and heading southeast. Wander through mallee and native pine forests at the base of Elder Range before rising out of hill country into the Red Range. Enjoy the scenery from up high before travelling down to the red gum-lined riverbank of Arkaba Creek. Slowly make your way along the trail with plenty of time to spot any lurking galahs, parrots or honeyeaters who frequent the area. Soak up the last stretch of the Outback trail before you return to Arkaba Homestead mid-afternoon. The rest of the day is free to spend however you choose, with options including a pre-booked sunset flight over Wilpena Pound or simply relaxing at the lodge. Dinner tonight will begin with a glass of wine by the firepit followed by another dinner made and prepared by your in-house chefs.

Wake up to your last day in Arkaba with a final breakfast with your hiking group. You’re free to enjoy a dip in the pool, lounge by the fireplace or get in a final walk on the Arkaba Creek trail until checkout at 11 am.