Explore the isolated waterholes, rolling hills, and high ranges of a sprawling, privately owned property on the four-day, three-night Arkaba Walk.
The tents and billy cans can stay at home because this outback experience provides everything needed for a memorable experience. From the nightly three-course dinners to comfortable sleepouts under the stars and complimentary luggage delivery to the overnight camps, the Arkaba Walk is one of the most immersive ways to experience the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges.
It's an easy start to day one of the program, with a four and a half-hour transfer or self-drive from Adelaide out to the Arkaba Homestead. Following check-in, join one of the tour guides on a familiarising safari experience through the property. Enjoy a scenic drive through the ranges, hills, gorges, and valleys, and cap off the day with a sundowner drink to a backdrop of outback South Australia.
A 35-minute drive gets walkers to the starting point of day two, the crater-like Wilpena Pound. Traverse the flat interior of the landform for 13kms, before beginning your ascent to the rim of the pound. On the other side is the first camp of the nature walk. Settle in and enjoy a hot bush shower before pre-dinner drinks and canapes with a view of the neighbouring creek. A three-course dinner made from local produce, and some star gazing from your swag, are the perfect end to the day.
Day three is arguably the most scenic day of all. Beginning on a section of the Heysen Trail, the 14km walk weaves through Black's Gap and rolling hills where the fascinating farming history of the area unfolds. There are great photo opportunities at the old shepherds' camps and mustering yards, and plenty of emus and kangaroos too. The last leg of the day involves a sharp 1km climb to the summit of Red Range, where you'll find panoramic views of Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Meet your luggage at the nearby Elder Camp and unwind with another round of sunset drinks and a three-course meal.
The first few kilometres of the final 14km day wind through the hills at the foot of Elder Range, before leading into the Mallee and native pine forests. At the crossing of Slaty Creek, avid birdwatchers can spy galahs, parrots, and honeyeaters in the canopies of the shady red river gums. Arrival back at the homestead is estimated around mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time to book in for a relaxing massage or scenic flight over the land you've spent the past few days exploring.
Wander further in South Australia
For more great nature walks, check out guide to the best walks near Adelaide or step up your step count on one of South Australia's best multi-day walks.
