Arkaba Walk

Welcome to Adelaide. Your South Australian walking adventure begins this morning as you meet your trip leader and fellow walkers before departing for the spectacular Arkaba Conservancy in the Flinders Ranges. Along the way, enjoy a leisurely lunch in the charming heritage town of Watervale. Arrive at the beautifully restored Arkaba Homestead in the afternoon, where you’ll have time to settle in before embarking on an exciting 4WD wildlife safari led by an expert field guide. As the sun begins to set over the rugged Outback landscape, return to the homestead to enjoy a delicious three-course dinner showcasing fresh, locally sourced South Australian produce.

Pick up this morning is from your nominated hotel in Adelaide’s CBD between 9:30am and 10:00am. It’s very important that you are on time as we will leave Adelaide straight away this morning.

Speak to your RAW Travel Destination Specialist if you would like us to book a pre night stay in Adelaide for you.

Meals: L, D

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.  Accomodation tonight will be Arkaba Homestead

After a hearty breakfast at the homestead, transfer to the starting point of the Arkaba Walk and begin your journey into the heart of the Flinders Ranges. Today’s walk follows mostly gentle terrain through the expansive Wilpena Pound basin before crossing into the privately protected Arkaba Conservancy. Along the way, your guides will introduce you to the region’s remarkable landscapes, native wildlife and rich conservation story as you traverse one of Australia’s oldest mountain ranges. By late afternoon, arrive at Black’s Gap Bush Camp, where your traditional canvas swag will be ready for the night. Freshen up with a refreshing bush shower before gathering with your fellow walkers for sunset drinks overlooking the spectacular Wilpena Pound. As dusk settles across the Outback, enjoy a delicious campfire dinner inspired by local South Australian flavours and paired with regional wines, before settling into your swag for an unforgettable night beneath a sky filled with countless stars.

Meals: B, L, D

Swag Camping

Wake to the peaceful sounds of the Outback and enjoy breakfast before setting off on another memorable day of the Arkaba Walk. Departing Black’s Gap, you’ll join a section of the iconic Heysen Trail, Australia’s longest walking track, as it winds through the rolling hills and pastoral landscapes of the Flinders Ranges. Along the way, your guides will share the fascinating 500-million-year story of this ancient landscape, from its geological origins and pastoral heritage to the ongoing conservation efforts that are restoring the region’s native ecosystems. Pass the remnants of old shepherds’ camps and mustering yards while keeping an eye out for kangaroos, emus and other wildlife that call Arkaba home. The day’s highlight is a rewarding 1 km climb, gaining around 100 metres in elevation to the summit of Red Range, where spectacular panoramic views stretch across Ikara–Flinders Ranges National Park. From here, descend through groves of native cypress pines to Elder Camp at the foot of the Elder Range. Unwind with a refreshing bush shower, savour another delicious campfire meal and settle into your swag for a second unforgettable night beneath the brilliant Outback sky.

Meals: B, L, D

Swag Camping

Wake to the crisp morning air and the warm golden glow of the Elder Range before setting off on the final day of your Arkaba Walk. Today’s trail winds through mallee scrub and native cypress pine woodlands at the base of the range before climbing gently into the rugged Red Range. Pause to take in sweeping views across the surrounding Outback before descending to the river red gum-lined banks of Arkaba Creek. As you follow the tranquil creek, keep watch for colourful galahs, parrots, honeyeaters and other native birdlife that thrive in this unique landscape. By mid-afternoon, you’ll return to the beautifully restored Arkaba Homestead, where the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy. You may choose to relax and soak up the peaceful surroundings. This evening, celebrate the completion of your walk with a glass of South Australian wine by the fire-pit before sitting down to a delicious dinner prepared by the homestead’s talented chefs.

Meals: B, L, D

Accomodation tonight will be the Arkaba Homestead

Enjoy one final morning at Arkaba with a leisurely breakfast alongside your fellow walkers before making the most of your last hours in this remarkable Outback setting. Take a refreshing dip in the homestead pool, relax by the fireplace, or explore one of the self-guided walking trails that follow the tranquil banks of Arkaba Creek.

Mid-morning, farewell the Arkaba team and begin the journey back to Adelaide, stopping in the picturesque township of Watervale for lunch and a chance to stretch your legs. You’ll arrive back at your Adelaide accommodation in the late afternoon or early evening, where your unforgettable South Australian walking adventure comes to an end.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Arrival in Adelaide will be sometime between late afternoon and early evening (estimated around 5pm), which should be factored in when booking onward travel.

Meals: B, L

• Two nights accommodation at Arkaba Homestead
• Two nights outdoor swag accomodation
• Experienced local leader with knowledge of the region and trails
• All guided walks and national park visits as per itinerary
• Private vehicle transfers throughout the trip
• Meals as listed, including daily breakfast, picnic lunches on walking days and selected dinners
• Local and Australian emergency contacts
• Carbon offset for your trip & a native tree planted

• Flights to and from Adelaide
• Travel insurance, which is required for all travellers
• Additional meals, snacks or drinks not listed in the itinerary
• Optional activities or sightseeing outside the included walking program
• Hiking gear and personal equipment required for the walks outside of what is provided

The Arkaba Walk is suitable for walkers with a good level of fitness who are comfortable hiking for 6–8 hours each day over varied natural terrain. Daily distances range from approximately 10–15 km, with a mix of station tracks, rocky hills, dry creek beds and uneven bush trails. There are some moderate ascents and descents, including a short but steep climb to the summit of Red Range, but the pace is relaxed with regular breaks to enjoy the scenery, learn about the region’s wildlife and conservation, and take in the spectacular views.

• Highest point: Red Range summit
• Elevation: Approximately 540 m above sea level
• Steepest climb: The final ascent to Red Range is around 1 km long, gaining approximately 100 metres in elevation.
• Views: From the summit, walkers are rewarded with panoramic views across Ikara–Flinders Ranges National Park, the Elder Range, and the Arkaba Conservancy.

• Well worn-in walking boots with good ankle support and good tread (sandshoes and trainers are not recommended for walking)
• Lightweight shoes/sandals for wear at the bush camps (when not walking) and at Arkaba Homestead
• Smart casual attire for your evenings at Arkaba Homestead
• Long pants (ideally from a quick dry material – not heavy denim)
• Shorts
• Light wicking shirts (with SPF recommended) or light cotton shirts, preferably long sleeve
• Socks and underwear
• Warm clothing, including beanie or woolly hat, gloves, thermals, scarf and fleece
• Waterproof windcheater
• Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Small personal aid kit including blister protection
• Camera and spare batteries
• Power bank – solar powered
• Binoculars optional for wildlife and bird viewing
• Swimming costume to use Arkaba Homestead’s outdoor pool
• Personal medications

For the two nights signature swag bush camping, the following items are provided:

• Canvas swag protector, mattress and pillow
• 65L duffle bag, to pack your overnight personal items each day – this will be transported between camps each day by vehicle
• 30L day pack, with 2L hydration reservoir and room for personal items – this is your day pack that you carry yourself throughout the day
• Sock guard gaiters
• Walking poles
• Essential toiletries, including body, hand wash, shampoo and conditioner
• Head torch
• Stainless steel water bottles
• Bath towel
• Fly nets

We undertake robust cleaning practices after each walk. If you’re not comfortable using shared equipment, you are welcome to bring your own items ie: water bottle, back pack, walking poles & gaiters.

The group size is capped at 10 people. This trip requires a minimum of four people before it is guaranteed to depart.

Travel insurance is required to book this trip.  

Arkaba has adopted a ‘buy local’ principle and the head chef uses the very best of South Australia’s produce to craft the food program with a few native elements to add a unique intrigue and interest. The meals are a communal affair, shared at a large table with other guests and often hosted by one of our guides. Throughout your stay, you will dine at a few different locations – sometimes indoors, sometimes outdoors.

Along the walk you’ll enjoy cooked breakfasts, a picnic lunch and a three-course dinner.

We have sourced a selection of South Australia red, white and sparkling wines as well as local beers and spirits. We have an open bar policy meaning that you can help yourself to a drink at any time of day that you please. At dinner, our chef will pair wines to match the meals.

With enough notice we can accommodate most dietary requirements. As we are a remote location we don’t have access to purchase last minute ingredients. Please give your dietary requirements to our team at time of booking.