4 days Flinders Ranges Adventure – Arkaroola and the Outback

The Flinders Ranges is South Australia’s largest mountain range and stretches over 400 kilometres. It is home to an amazing variety of plant and animal life such as the Red Kangaroo and the Western Grey Kangaroo, not commonly found elsewhere in Australia. The topography of the region is fascinating with gorges and ancient sea beds with fossils that are millions of years old. Sunrise and sunsets are unforgettably spectacular in these mountains. Arkaroola Village has a backdrop of the rugged and spectacular northern Flinders Ranges. The region features towering granite peaks, magnificent gorges and mysterious waterholes and is home to over 160 species of birds and the rare yellow-footed Rock Wallaby.

The biggest attraction in the Flinders Ranges is the Wilpena Pound, a large natural amphitheatre covering an area of almost 80 square kilometres. The area is very popular with bush walkers and nature lovers.

Download the tour route map

Itinerary

Day 1: Adelaide-Wilpena Pound You will be picked up from you hotel in Adelaide and will travel in a 4WD accompanied by an English-speaking guide on this tour. Travel north into the wine regions of the Clare Valley. Here you will have the opportunity to visit one of the boutique wineries and maybe taste some wine. The legendary lilac haze of the Flinders Ranges looms even closer in the distance. This area is famous for wildlife - not only kangaroos and emus live here in abundance but also many species of birds and reptiles.

Continue through typical Australian sheep stations and you will have the opportunity to visit one of the ‘Ghost Towns’ which were once inhabited. You will soon reach Wilpena Pound which lies in the heart of the north Flinders Ranges and is a remarkable natural amphitheatre spread over a vast region. It is a huge flat plain covered in scrub and trees and totally surrounded by jagged hills which form a rim. Check into the Wilpena Pound Resort. The resort has 60 rooms of which 34 are motel style and 26 are deluxe suites. There is a restaurant, bar and heated swimming pool. Internet access is available in the store and also the bar. All rooms are air-conditioned and have ensuite bathroom facilities. Depending on the option you have selected, you will stay in an economy or standard room.

Your package includes breakfast and lunch throughout your stay. Enjoy dinner (payable direct) and spend the night at the resort. Day 2: Wilpena Pound and Flinders Ranges After breakfast, board the 4 WD and travel into the heart of the Flinders Ranges. Driving through tree lined Bunyeroo Gorge then onto Brachina Gorge where you may spot the rare and beautiful yellow-footed Rock Wallabies. See fossils more than 600 million years old and continue along the scenic path till you reach the Outback Prairie Hotel where you will stop for lunch. This historic Outback pub situated along the original Old Ghan Railway Line is very famous for its cuisine, especially the ‘The Feral Mixed Grill’.

After lunch, continue to the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary at the northernmost end of these ranges. Arkaroola is renowned for its 4WD tracks, some of which you will explore with your guide. Depending on the option you have selected, you will be accommodated in a standard or economy room. The sanctuary has various types of accommodation: motel accommodation, cottages, bunkhouses and camps. All the accommodation is comfortably furnished, with ensuite bathroom facilities. There is a formal dining area, heated swimming pool, barbeque area and a basic shop should you need any essentials. Day 3: Blinman After breakfast, board your vehicle and proceed for the famous Ridgetop Tour which will give you some of the most breathtaking views imaginable of rugged peaks towering above Outback plains.

There will be a break for lunch at a suitable place then.

After lunch you will travel south through sheep and cattle stations spread over a vast area of Mt Chambers and Mt Frome area rich in aboriginal history. Continue through some more spectacular gorges to the quiet old copper mining town of Blinman the highest town in South Australia. Check into Blinman Hotel which dates back to 1869 and still retains many of its old features including slate floors and dominating fireplaces. The hotel offers 17 ensuite hotel and motel style rooms with satellite television, air conditioning, heating and all have queen size beds. The hotel has a bar and a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves dishes using Kangaroo meat and native fruits and herbs.

Enjoy dinner (payable direct) and spend the night at the hotel. Day 4: Outback-Adelaide After breakfast, board your vehicle and travel south through the stunning Outback scenery with its red sand and great salt lakes. Continue down the more gentle slopes of the Southern Flinders Ranges and visit the quaint historic towns of Melrose at the foot of Mt. Remarkable. Continue to Clare Valley which is home to some famous wineries. Explore this beautiful green region before continuing on to Adelaide. You will be dropped back to your hotel where the tour ends.

Description Show on Map

The Flinders Ranges is South Australia’s largest mountain range and stretches over 400 kilometres. It is home to an amazing variety of plant and animal life such as the Red Kangaroo and the Western Grey Kangaroo, not commonly found elsewhere in Australia. The topography of the region is fascinating with gorges and ancient sea beds with fossils that are millions of years old. Sunrise and sunsets are unforgettably spectacular in these mountains. Arkaroola Village has a backdrop of the rugged and spectacular northern Flinders Ranges. The region features towering granite peaks, magnificent gorges and mysterious waterholes and is home to over 160 species of birds and the rare yellow-footed Rock Wallaby.

The biggest attraction in the Flinders Ranges is the Wilpena Pound, a large natural amphitheatre covering an area of almost 80 square kilometres. The area is very popular with bush walkers and nature lovers.

Hotel and Room Amenities