Enjoy the ultimate Flinders Ranges experience based at Arkaba Homestead, plus a unique outback stay at the iconic Prairie Hotel

South Australia

From A$8,535 pp

7 Day Private Journey

Elder & Flinders Ranges

Nilpena Ediacara Fossil Fields

Enquire about this journey

5 Luxury Accommodation

6 Itinerary

7 Season & Departure Dates

8 Featured Experiences

1Overview

Overview

Immerse yourself in outback South Australia, exploring the unique Ikara/Flinders Ranges and Nilpena Ediacara, Australia's newest national park. This private self-drive journey begins with a night of luxury at the new Oval Hotel in Adelaide, before travelling through the South Australian outback the next morning to historic Arkaba Homestead. Nestled in the heart of the Flinders Ranges, you'll enjoy all-inclusive luxury lodge accommodation with gourmet dining and wine showcasing South Australia's best producers. Here you'll have the opportunity to discover the wildlife and ancient landscape of the Arkaba Conservancy and Elders and Flinders Ranges through a range of guided walks and safari tours. On Day 4 you'll drive to Parachilna for a stay at the iconic outback pub, the Prairie Hotel. Renowned for its Australian 'bush tucker' featuring indigenous, and native ingredients, a dinner here is an experience and exclusive to Prairie Hotel guests. The following day, explore the remarkable Nilpena Ediacara National Park - Australia's newest - and the Nilpena Fossil Fields on a unique guided tour with the station owner who first discovered them. You'll then return to Arkaba Homestead for two more nights of outback hospitality, walks, sundowners and outback sunsets. Your luxury outback journey ends back in Adelaide, perhaps with a scenic lunch stop in the Clare Valley en route. This is a truly unique journey.

View Gallery

2Trip Highlights

Highlights

Hike the Ikara-Flinders Ranges and Elder Ranges

All-inclusive luxury lodge, Arkaba Homestead

The Prairie Hotel's Hallmark Regional Dinner

Parachilna's iconic Prairie Hotel & Outback Lodge

Discover the Nilpena fossil beds at Australia's newest national park

Car hire included so you can self-drive at your own pace

3Inclusions

What's Included

Car hire for the duration of the journey, commencing and ending in Adelaide
One night of luxury Adelaide accommodation at the new Oval Hotel, in the premier Cathedral Suite
Four nights of luxury lodge accommodation at Arkaba Homestead in the Flinders Ranges (split into two separate stays of two nights each)
One night at The Prairie Hotel and Outback Lodge in Parachilna
Guided walking, safari tours and sundowner drinks in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges and Arkaba Conservancy
All-inclusive food, wine and spirits at Arkaba Homestead
Daily breakfast throughout your journey
Gourmet dinner at the Prairie Hotel
Exclusive Guided tour of Nilpena Ediacara National Park & Fossil Fields
Option to upgrade or extend your Adelaide stay

4Location & Access

Location & Access

This journey commences and finishes in Adelaide, South Australia, and includes 7 days car hire. Our Journey Designers will be happy to make recommendations for pre and post-tour extensions based on your preferences.

5Luxury Accommodation

Where You'll Sleep

South Australia

Arkaba Homestead, Flinders Ranges

Explore More

South Australia

Prairie Hotel and Outback Lodge, Parachilna

Explore More

South Australia

Oval Hotel, Adelaide

Explore More

6Itinerary

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Upon arrival in Adelaide, collect your car at the airport or in the CBD. After settling into the very unique Oval Hotel, explore the Adelaide Oval precinct, stroll along the Torrens River and explore Adelaide's vibrant city centre. Tonight, dine out or relax with drinks and dinner at one of the wonderful onsite dining venues.

Day 2

Depart Adelaide this morning after breakfast for the scenic five-hour drive to the Flinders Ranges. We recommend a lunch stop in the Clare Valley en route. You'll arrive at Arkaba Homestead in time for an afternoon safari drive taking in views of the Elder and Flinders Ranges, and the 60,000 acres of this nature conservancy. Spot emus and kangaroos as you take in the sunset with a sundowner drink on top of the ranges with your Arkaba hosts. Later enjoy a three-course dinner and your favourite South Australian wines at the Homestead.

Included: B - D

Your Arkaba activities are recommended and may be tailored to your preferences on request; please advise your Journey Designer in advance so we can customise your experience.

Day 3

Start the day with a hearty country breakfast served at the Homestead this morning. For today's adventure, we recommend a guided walk exploring shady Arkaba Creek, where you'll witness how the ancient creek lines carve their way through Arkaba’s landscape and spot plentiful birdlife, including galahs, honeyeaters and parrots. After lunch, enjoy the undulating hills of the ancient alluvial soil as you continue along Elder Range ridge tops before climbing Arkaba Hill and finally descending back to the comfort of the Homestead. Today's suggested walk covers approximately 14 km (5-6 hours).

Included: B - L - D

Day 4

Enjoy a leisurely lie-in this morning before heading to the dining room for another delicious breakfast prepared by Arkaba’s chef. Departing Arkaba in the late morning, head north to Parachilna for the next part of your journey. After just over an hour's drive, you'll arrive at the iconic Prairie Hotel and Outback Lodge. We recommend a grazing-style lunch in the restaurant, or some light bites and a fresh brew from the onsite microbrewery at the front bar. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing in the exclusive guest lounge, or simply admire the countryside views from the hotel terrace. Tonight, enjoy an iconic Prairie Hallmark Dinner, featuring Australian native ingredients and "Flinders Feral" dishes such as smoked kangaroo, camel sausage and emu pâté.

Included: B - D

Day 5

After breakfast, meet your guide at the Nilpena Station Entrance Gate for your tour of the Nilpena Ediacara National Park and Fossil Fields, home to the earliest evidence of complex, multicellular life on Earth. On this three-hour tour with Nilpena Station pastoralist Ross Fargher - who discovered the fossils in 1986 - you'll learn about the area's Indigenous custodians, visit the site where the fossil discovery started and discover how the Ediacaran creatures evolved, moved, lived and reproduced. Following the tour, you'll return to Arkaba Homestead, where you may choose to relax at the lodge with a drink under the shady verandah, or with a refreshing afternoon dip in the pool. If you're still feeling active, consider a self-guided walk along the Arkaba Creek to the historic Arkaba Woolshed, or join fellow guests on a two-to-four-hour guided safari drive traversing the hills of Arkaba with stunning views beyond the vast property boundaries. Time permitting, Wilpena Pound is also an option this afternoon. Tonight enjoy another wonderful feast showcasing South Australia's abundant produce and wines.

Included: B - D

Wilpena Pound South Australian Tourism Commission

Day 6

Watch the sunrise over the ancient landscape as you enjoy an early breakfast at the Homestead. On today's suggested walk, your guides will lead you into the breathtaking valleys and ranges of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Passing the impressive Wilpena Pound on your way to Bunyeroo Valley, you'll explore some of the more remote sections of the national park and take in views of the ABC and Heysen Ranges on your walk. The wildlife viewing opportunities continue today with a chance to spot the rare yellow-footed rock wallaby that is endemic to this region. Today's suggested walk covers 11 km (about 4-5 hours).

After another delicious dinner, share stories with new friends around the bonfire as you celebrate the final evening of your outback adventure.

Included: B - L - D

Day 7

Take your time and enjoy a late breakfast this morning. After checking out and farewelling your Arkaba hosts once more, set off for the scenic drive back to Adelaide where your journey ends.

Included: B