Accommodation
Your first two nights are spent at Arkaba's signature swag camps, located in some of the most scenic areas of the conservancy. Sleep under a canopy of stars on one of five 'star beds'. Each timber swag deck is slightly elevated with a half metre corrugated iron screen on two sides and a sheltered area at the back where your swags will be placed in the event of wind or rain.
Your bed itself is a 'swag' - the bedding of choice for generations of Australian pioneers, a canvas envelope that is comfortable and waterproof, protecting you from the elements. Inside each swag will be an all seasons sleeping bag with liner.
Luxury touches such as hot 'bush showers', cold drinks and cheese platters on arrival, three course chef prepared meals accompanied by fine South Australian wines, and a hot water bottle tucked into your swag, ensure this is a camping experience like no other!
Your final night will be spent in the comfort of Arkaba Homestead, a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia. Dating back to the 1850's, the homestead has been tastefully restored and renovated in understated Australian style. Each of the five guest rooms has its own ensuite bathroom and opens out onto a shaded verandah with private views of the surrounding ranges.
See accommodation image gallery below
Itinerary
Day 1: Wilpena Pound Resort to Black's Gap (12km; 4 – 5 hours)
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Set off on foot this morning across the basin of the incredible natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound.
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We then make a brief ascent to the rim of the pound from where we overlook Arkaba and our route for the next three days.
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Descend to Black's Gap Camp , located between Bunbinyana Range and Wilpena Pound.
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Enjoy a three-course dinner and fine wines before turning in to your deluxe swag under a blanket of stars.
Day 2: Black's Gap Camp to Elder Camp (10 – 14km; 6 – 7 hours)
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A more challenging, but arguably more scenic day today as we head out into the rolling hills.
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Today's walk provides a fascinating insight into the pastoral history of the region, passing through areas that once were cultivated for wheat, pausing at old shepherds camps and mustering yards with Red and Grey Kangaroos and Emus all regular sightings.
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The last leg of today's walk takes us slightly west into the hills and up to the base of the Elder Range, among beautiful stands of native Cypress trees where we reach Elder Camp.
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Enjoy a refreshing drink in front of the camp fire (weather dependent) before a bush shower followed by three-course dinner.
Day 3: Elder Camp to Arkaba Homestead (10 – 14km; 6 – 7 hours)
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Wake to the glorious morning light on the Elder Range directly ahead and above you and after a nourishing breakfast, set out on the next leg of your journey.
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Moving south east, we traverse mature Mallee and Native Pine forests in the hill country at the foot of the Elder Range across Slaty Creek. From here we progress up to the ridge top of the beautiful Red Range before beginning our descent to Arkaba Creek.
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From here we follow the creek up towards the beautiful Arkaba Homestead for our last evening, enjoying canapés and dinner overlooking Arkaba Creek.
Day 4: Arkaba Homestead
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Following a leisurely breakfast, the morning is yours to spend as you choose. You may like to walk along the creek to the historic Arkaba Woolshed (6km round trip), or take an optional scenic flight over Wilpena Pound (additional cost). Alternatively, you might like to simply relax on a sun lounger by the pool or in the library with a book.
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Check-out is at 11am.
Departure Dates
Every Thursday from 23 March to 12 October (plus every Friday during April, May, August and October).
Getting There
By Road: The drive from Adelaide takes 5 hours via Port Augusta or 6 hours via the Clare Valley wine region. The scenic route via the Clare is very pretty and we have some suggestions for lunch stops on route. The road is on sealed tarmac all the way through and 4WD is not necessary (unless preferred). It is possible to arrange road transfers (scenic or direct), or hire a car from Adelaide and self-drive to Arkaba.
By Air: Sharp Airlines offers a scheduled flight service between Adelaide and Port Augusta. Their flight schedule will enable you to reach us in time as the flight lands around 7am. Port Augusta is located 1 ½ hour’s drive from Arkaba Station. Car rental from Port Augusta can then be arranged. Unfortunately there is no service Port Augusta – Adelaide on Wednesdays or weekends.
Pre-Walk Accommodation: As you need to be at the Arkaba Homestead by 10am for the departure of the walk it is essential that you stay within easy reach the night prior to the walk, as it is too far from Adelaide to make the journey the morning of your walk departure. A great option is to stay at the Arkaba Homestead itself where they offer a special Dinner, Bed & Breakfast rate to walking guests at $350 per person per night, subject to availability. This rate is inclusive of one night in a Homestead Guestroom, chef-prepared dinner and breakfast as well as beverages from a select open bar.
Costs & Inclusions
From AUD2,200 per person, twin share
Single Suppplement:
Prices are based on twin share accommodation. Single travellers will be paired with another single traveller of the same sex at no additional charge. If a solo traveller would like to guarantee a single room then there is the option to pay a single supplement of $1,500.
Inclusions:
- Two nights camping in deluxe swags on one of Arkaba's signature 'star beds'
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One night double/twin share accommodation at Arkaba Homestead
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Expert naturalist guides
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Chef-prepared meals, including trail snacks
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All drinks, including premium South Australian wine
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Support vehicle for transporting luggage between camps
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National Park entry fees
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Donation to the Australian Wildlife Conservancy
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Use of a hydration backpack
FAQ's
When to Go:
The Arkaba Walk operates from 17 March to 16 October in 2016.
Autumn (March – May) offers warm days, with temperatures ranging between 15 – 25c, with the later part of the season being cooler. Evening temperatures are much cooler and warm clothing will be required. This is the end of the dry season, so there is the possibility of some early rains, though the land will still be mostly beautiful oranges, reds and browns. As the days cool, wildlife becomes more active during the middle parts of the day.
Winter (June – August) The Australian winter months are the perfect time to don the hiking boots and explore South Australia's remarkable landscapes of rugged browns and greens. This time of year offers a very comfortable walking temperature in this part of the country and the Australian endemic Rufous and Brown Songlark birds provide a beautiful walking soundtrack during July and August. After a day walking in the wilderness, a roaring fire will welcome you into camp each night, providing comfort and warmth while you enjoy a glass of South Australian red under the outback's twinkling night sky.
Spring (September – November) in the Flinders Ranges is spectacular, with the outback palette of brown and orange brightened with the reds, yellows, whites and purples of the native plants and wildflowers. Its a great time to spot emu chicks as they begin hatching and migratory birds also begin to appear. Day temperatures average between 20 – 25c, with the later part of the season getting warmer. The evening temperatures are cooler in the early part of the season so a warm layer of clothing will be required.
The Arkaba Walk does not operate during the hot Summer months, although you can book a stay at Arkaba Homestead and enjoy walks as part of your wilderness activities that are all-inclusive in your tariff.
Group Size:
Minimum 2 guests / Maximum 10 guests
Fitness Level:
We recommend a moderate level of fitness for this walk. With groups of 6 or more, two guides will accompany the group which means there is the possibility of variations to the walk to cater to those who feel they are less fit and would prefer the shortest route each day and those who would like a bit more of a challenge. There are a couple of short climbs and the downhill sections following these climbs can be a bit of a scramble. We recommend bringing walking poles to assist with these sections for those who may be a little tentative. These steeper sections can be taken as slowly as required with multiple stops if necessary. The majority of the rest of the walk is more moderate and will cross a wide variety of rolling hills, grassy areas, and walking along well-trodden goat tracks or along dry creek beds.
