On the Arkaba Walk you’ll enjoy three full-days of guided walking with approximately 12 to 15 kilometres (or six to seven hours) each day.

4-night itinerary inclusions

• Expert field guides
• Three full days of guided walking
• Two nights at Arkaba Homestead, member of Luxury Lodges of Australia
• Two nights swag camping
• All meals & beverages including trail snacks
• Backpack with hydration reservoir & plenty of room for personal items
• Sock protectors
• Light Wild Rambler walking poles
• Toiletries
• Your overnight gear transported from camp to camp
• Arkaba Conservation Levy

Moderate with some challenging sections.

The Arkaba Walk is graded as moderate, covering between 12 and 15kms per day for three walking days.

It’s not a race to the finish, rather an experience that encourages you to take your time, soak in the outback and listen to stories passionately shared by our field guides.

There are two sections that some will find more challenging: A steep descent from the lip of Wilpena Pound at the end of Day 1, and a steep ascent to the summit of the Red Range at the end of Day 2. The reward more than makes up for these short, sharp sections with incredible photo opportunities.

One of the best aspects of our Arkaba Walks is that the style is exploratory, you don’t follow a fixed trail and we have the flexibility to change up the route according to the fitness levels and interests of your collective group.

‘One man’s stroll is another man’s expedition.’

You’ll be crossing some of the most ancient landscapes in the world. Each day, new vistas showcase sandstone bluffs, dry creek beds dotted with River Red Gums or rocky gorges hiding timid wildlife.

The route follows some thick vegetation, up hillsides and rocky surfaces. You can be walking up to 7 hours per day over hilly terrain with plenty of ascents and descents and across uneven ground.

Whilst you do not need previous trekking experience, a good level of fitness is required.

We always recommend to get as fit as possible to maximise your enjoyment of the walk. As you are in the Flinders Ranges, there are hills to climb and descend. If you have a reasonable level of fitness and spend some time exercising most days, you are in a great position to really enjoy the experience.

It’s helpful for our guides to be aware of any pre-existing medical conditions or previous walking experience that may affect your ability to walk 12 to 14km each day.

Preparation
The best preparation for a walking holiday is to walk. It is a good idea to start conditioning a couple of months before your walking holiday, depending on your existing fitness level. A combination of short and long walks as well as hill climbs and stairs will help to prepare you to walk over varied terrain. You should be physically active for at least 1-2 hours three times per week.

Enjoy some day hikes at your local national park as this can help you get used to walking on uneven surfaces and break in your walking boots. It is essential that the boots you wear on any walking holiday are well broken in. You will carry a daypack (provided by us!) during your Arkaba Walk filled with only the items you will need access to during the day – water, camera, snacks, lunch, binoculars etc. Walking with a day pack weighing between 4-5 kg will also assist with your preparation.

Only a day pack with your packed lunch and water for the day.

We will provide you with a soft carry bag to put your overnight gear into and this will be transported for you between camps. You may store your other luggage (such as suitcases) back at our Homestead.

The Arkaba Walk operates to a minimum of four and maximum of ten guests.

Sleeping accommodation is based on twin share (single beds) and single travellers may be required to share accommodation with another single walker of the same gender.

For guests who prefer not to share a room, the single occupancy rate applies.

• Hiking boots offering good ankle support and are well worn in
• Light long pants – eg zip-off leg types or shorts
• Light wicking shirts (with SPF recommended) or light cotton shirts, preferably long-sleeved
• Camera and spare batteries (no charging facility available until you reach Arkaba Homestead)
• Wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Small personal first aid kit including blister protection and insect repellant
• Casual attire for your evening at Arkaba Homestead
• Warm clothing including a hat, thermals, scarf, gloves and fleece
• Wind cheater / waterproof jacket
• Binoculars optional for wildlife and bird viewing
• Swimming costume to use outdoor pool (in season)
• Re-useable water bottle*

Your guide will carry:

• Satellite phone and navigation aid for emergency use
• Hand held UHF radio for communication
• First Aid kit
• Flora and fauna identification guides

Download the Packing Guide

*Due to COVID health guidelines we are no longer able to provide you with a water bottle, so please do bring your own. Each day our guides carry at least 10L of additional water and encourage you to keep hydrated. A container with 1L minimum is recommended.

It is essential that you have footwear that are broken in and have ankle support, as the creeks beds in particular can be unsteady underfoot.

If you don’t have time to break in a new pair of hiking boots, and feel confident in your existing walking shoes, then comfortable trainers would be suitable.

While not necessary, we do provide walking poles for your use. They’re lightweight, easily adjustable and ideal for taking weight off your knees as you descend off the lip of Wilpena Pound, the jewel in the crown of the Flinders Ranges.

You are welcome to use your own but we do provide you with a 30L day pack with ridged lumbar support, which includes a hydration bladder holding up to two litres of water.

If you have a preferred water bottle instead of the bladder provided, you are most welcome to bring this with you.

The Arkaba Walk operates between March and October with each month offering different flavours, as South Australia is a very seasonal destination. The wildlife is incredible all year round, as is the ever inspiring natural environment. The best time to walk will depend when you can get away and your preferred walking weather.

Autumn:
March to May provides warm days, and moderate nights. The earth can still be quite dry.

Winter:
June to August usually sees the earth start to green up with a bit of rain. The days are perfect for walking and the nights are cold.  We do recommend to pack your woollies.

Spring:
During September and October the rain dependent wildflowers are out and new animals are born. Nights are still quite moderate, though the days will begin to heat up significantly towards the end of September into October.

The walk takes place in all conditions, excluding extreme weather.

With the right clothing, there is no bad weather and we recommend walkers keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology weather forecast leading up to the walk.

It is useful to pack a light waterproof jacket in most cases.

All sleeping and meal areas at the swag camps are undercover and protected from any rainfall.

The arrival of the wildflowers is very dependent on rainfall, however we have found in previous years that late August to September seems the time most likely to see the delicate, vibrant petals popping out from the ancient earth.

Green and red rough-leaved grevillea, the bright purple vanilla lily and soft silver mulla mulla welcome spring to the Flinders and our guides know just the places to find them!

There are instances where new departure dates can be added, usually only for an exclusive group and this is subject to availability.

Please enquire with our reservations consultants who would be happy to look into opening up new dedicated departure dates for your group.

Unfortunately the Arkaba Walk cannot be split into parts.

If you enjoy walking but just not too much, we recommend booking a stay at the Arkaba Homestead instead. Your all-inclusive stay can include smaller walks across the property.

Subject to availability, it is possible to spend additional nights at Arkaba Homestead following the walk. This is a great way to linger a little longer in the Flinders Ranges and experience the different flavour of the Homestead experience.

The boundary of Arkaba’s vast 60,000 acre property are the walls of Wilpena Pound.

On Day 1 of the walk, not only will you see it, you will walk into, across and over it.

There’s no better way to see how much ground you covered than with a scenic flight over Wilpena Pound.

For walkers booked with transfers, the only available time to book a scenic flight is on the afternoon of Day 4, after completing the walk around 3pm.

For self-drive walkers, we suggest a scenic flight following your check-out from Arkaba, to maximise your last morning at the Homestead.

Sleeping out under the stars at our two Signature Swag Camps will be one of the highlights of your trip.

One of five timber swag decks will be your room for the night. Each are slightly elevated with a half metre corrugated iron screen around three sides to give privacy, the fourth side is left open to the views over the countryside, while above you is the night sky and a canopy of stars.

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.

Each deck has a sheltered area where your swag beds will be placed in the event of wind or rain.

Back at the Arkaba Homestead you will be in one of five ensuite Guestrooms

No. There are shared facilities at the camps.

In tune with our sustainability principles, each camp has two waterless composting toilets that require no use of chemicals and have no polluting discharge.

You will enjoy ‘bush showers’ – essentially buckets that our camp assistants will fill by hand with water warmed over the fire and equipped with taps to regulate the flow. Strategically located to enjoy the best of the views, whilst remaining discreet, these showers will be a feature of your trip.

Shampoo, conditioner, hand and body soap are provided at each campsite as well as the Arkaba Homestead.

With conservation at the heart of everything we do, products are carefully selected and are Australian made, biodegradable and designed to genuinely minimise our environmental footprint.

No. We recommend bringing a portable battery pack to recharge your device during the walk, particularly if you plan on taking plenty of photos!

One you are back at the Homestead you will have electricity to recharge your devices.

Yes 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 reservations team at time of booking.

Arkaba has adopted a ‘buy local’ principle and our 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.

Our 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.

No – lunch is not provided on arrival or departure days.

Check-in is at 2pm. (We recommend arriving in time for an afternoon safari experience that departs around 3.30pm). Check-out before 11am.

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.

Please visit our Getting to Arkaba page for details.

Yes absolutely. We recommend a twin-engine. In the case of bad weather, occasionally the single engines get cancelled.

You’ll need to provide clothed body-weights at time of booking.
Luggage allowance is typically 12 kgs in soft bags.

Visit our Getting to Arkaba page for more details.

Check-in is from 2pm. We recommend arriving by about 3.30 so you can join our afternoon safari experience.

Check-out is by 11am following a morning safari experience.

Please note: As a small property with just five guestrooms we have no ‘check-in’ desk. As such, we are unable to accommodate earlier arrivals without prior arrangement. No lunch is provided on day of arrival.

Deposit –  A 20% deposit within 24hours
Balance due: 60 days from departure date
Booking within 60 days from departure: Balance due within 48 hours

As a small regional property, our business depends on maximising occupancy and cancellations often result in empty rooms due to long booking lead times. Therefore, cancellations must be advised by email to bamurru@wildbushluxury.com, and the following penalties will take effect from the date received.

Cancellation Policy
90 days or more: Deposit will be refunded less a $50 admin fee and any credit card charges.
61-89 days: Loss of deposit.
60 days or less: 100% of total contracted package will be retained

• No shows or premature departures will incur 100% cancellation fee as will any unused services or unused nights due to flight / weather disruption.
• Final rooming list, arrival and departure details, meal and tour requirements are due 30 days prior to arrival

The Arkaba Walk welcomes children from 12 years old
• For families with children under 12 years old, a dedicated ‘family friendly’ departure
may be operated. Subject to availability.
• Please note that there are no modifications made to the price, itinerary or food for
younger guests.
• All accommodation is twin share.

Arkaba is more than just a hotel room or a place to stay. At Arkaba, your time with us includes twice-daily guided safari-style experiences on our property. At night, one of our guides will often join you for dinner.

• Exclusivity – you are sharing Arkaba’s 60,000 acres with just a handful of other guests
• Twice-daily guided safari experiences. Immersive bush walks and safari drives showcase the abundance of wildlife & Arkaba’s conservation mission to protect it.
• Bush-inspired meals throughout
• South Australia beverages from an open bar
• Stay in one of only five Homestead Guestrooms
• Ensuite bathroom
• Wi-fi available at request in the communal areas
• Rates for all stays at Arkaba include a Conservation Levy with at least 2% of your all-inclusive experience at Arkaba going back into conservation projects. It does not increase the package price, it is simply a guarantee that a minimum amount goes directly to initiatives in protecting Arkaba’s biodiversity.

Included in a stay at Arkaba are up to seven hours of guided experiences each day which will incorporate walks and 4WD safaris. Our new wildlife hide is a wonderful way to view native wildlife undisturbed, and is often included earlier in the morning when wildlife is more active. For guests on stays of three nights or more, some experiences may take place off-Arkaba – in Wilpena Pound, visiting Arkaroo Rock or perhaps a day spent exploring Brachina Gorge and enjoying lunch at the iconic Prairie Hotel.

When you are not out on Safari your downtime is spent at your leisure, whether that be relaxing in the Homestead’s library, playing board games, cooling off by the pool, or even out in the garden trying your hand at painting the incredible landscape. The choice is yours.

Optional scenic flights can be arranged in a fixed wing aircraft or a helicopter.

We recommend stays of three nights or more. This will allow you to relax and settle in as well as making the most of your time in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Longer stays allow time for exploration further afield or the opportunity for a full day Lake Eyre experience.

The Arkaba Homestead does not have cell reception on site but we do provide complimentary wifi on request but ask that you use it with discretion for the comfort of other guests.

We aim to reconnect you to the bush, without distraction and the constant ‘buzz’ of today’s world. It is incredible how easily and quickly you will adjust to life without the beep of a phone or a multiplying email inbox. Arkaba provides a true escape from the busy world, however we do have a land line that can be reached for emergencies.

Please leave our land-line number with friends or family and business partners to reach you in the the unlikely event of an emergency.

+61 (8) 8648 4195

Each of Arkaba’s distinct seasons bring an abundance of flora and fauna at various life-cycle stages. From the mating season to baby animals, wild flowers blooming to migrating birds, the cycle of nature is always on show at Arkaba. Take a look at our Nature Calendar to pick a time that suits your interests.

No matter when you go, our expert field guides will bring the environment to life.

Between December and March, temperatures can get hot, whilst in winter it can get quite cold. Throughout the year, we mostly experience beautiful, clear blue skies with no more than about three or four days of rain per month.

Our daily guided activities will be curated based on the time of year, the weather and what the wildlife are doing. Typically in the hotter months, the activities are done early morning and later afternoon to avoid being out in the heat of the day.

Below are the monthly average highs and lows in °C.

January 34° / 18°
February 34° / 18°
March 30° / 15°
April 25° / 11°2
May 20° / 7°
June 16° / 5°
July 16° / 4°
August 18° / 4°
September 22° / 7°
October 26° / 10°
November 29° / 14°
December 32° / 16°

For up to date weather predictions, use Hawker South Australia as the nearest location.

Yes we have both air-conditioning for the summer months and heating for the cooler months. We also have a swimming pool to cool off during the heat of the day in summer and a roaring fire at night in the lodge during winter.

Yes there is an outdoor swimming pool which is the perfect place to cool off during the heat of the day in summer months and watch the wildlife hop by.

We have just five guest rooms, accommodating a maximum of ten guests.

We liken a stay at Arkaba to staying at a friend’s country home, rather than a luxury hotel.

Whilst out on safari, we recommend lighter fabrics that allow your skin to breathe and protect you from the sun, such as long, loose cottons and linens. For summer months long sleeves will offer better protection against the sun. Hats that offer good sun protection, sunglasses as well as sun screen are essential.

In winter you’ll want warm jumpers and jackets to rug up during safari drives.

Closed toe footwear is required to participate in some experiences, however hiking boots are not necessary.

Our pool and the comfortable day beds offer a wonderful way to unwind and spot passing wildlife, so you will need a swimming costume, pool towels are provided.

Dining at Arkaba is an experience and while lunch is a more relaxed occasion, guests are encouraged to dress smart casual for dinner.

Arkaba provides soap, shampoo, conditioner, robes and towels. Laundry facilities are not available.

Download the Packing Guide here

Packing list

• Sense of adventure!
• Camera
• Comfortable covered walking shoes
• Wide Brimmed Hat
• Light wicking shirts or light cotton shirts, preferably long sleeved
• Swimming costume
• Light long pants
• Fleece for evenings
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellant

Your field guide will carry:

• Satellite phone & navigation aid
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• First aid kit
• Flora & fauna identification guides
• Expert knowledge & passion!

• Body wash, shampoo & conditioner
• Bathrobes
• Pillow menu – a choice of soft, medium or hard
• Organic cotton sheets
• Premium mattress
• Air-conditioner and heater
• Ensuite with hot showers
• Insect repellant
• Filtered drinking water

No. There is no laundry service or facilities available at Arkaba.

No sorry. As much as we also love to travel with our pets, Arkaba is a wildlife conservancy and as such we don’t allow domesticated animals.

Our remote location is blessed with an abundance of nature and a spectacular setting, its very remoteness also brings challenges, one of which is power generation. Our environmental principles extend to how we generate and use power. At least 30% of our power comes from a renewable source.

Australia operates on 240V and uses a 2 or 3-pin plug.

It is not possible to charge electric vehicles at Arkaba. The nearest Electric Vehicle Charging Station is at Hawker, a 20-minute drive from Arkaba.

Twice daily guided wilderness safaris may include 4WD safari in an open top vehicle, guided walks, a visit to our wildlife hide. For longer stays, off-site activities may also occur.

No. It is not possible to pre-select shared experiences.  Just like on a safari in Africa, no two days are the same, and wildlife movements change with the seasons.

Our lodge manager and field guides carefully plan experiences based on the duration of a stay and to provide the best possible chance of experiencing Arkaba’s variety of environments and wildlife. Upon your arrival our field guides will explain the experiences occurring during your stay.

If you do have an experience preference, please advise at time of booking and our reservations team will gladly note it.

For serious birders and photographers we highly recommend booking private experiences (at additional cost) to ensure the full attention to your individual interests.

Experiences usually last between 1.5 to 3.5 hours. Much like on safari in Africa, for best wildlife viewing chances you will have an early morning activity (often before breakfast) and one later in the afternoon around 4pm.

Note that whilst on safari there are no bathrooms.

Unfortunately not. Arkaba is a wildlife conservatory with activities such as revegetation in progress. Sensitive areas may get damaged by guests unwittingly walking over them. Our goal is to re-wild the majority of the property with as few roads and tracks as possible and we also don’t want guests getting lost.

Should you wish to walk further afield, upon arrival ask your guide to include a guided walk as one of  your daily experiences.

Arkaba is in the Flinders Ranges so by staying at Arkaba and participating in our guided activities you are already exploring them. Our property’s northern boundary is the wall of Wilpena Pound.

If you wish to self-drive offsite and visit places like Wilpena Pound, please talk to our team at check-in and they can advise some sites to visit based on your interests. We would suggest however that you save this for arrival or departure day to maximise your time at Arkaba.

If you are going offsite, we would be happy to put together a picnic lunch for you.

A scenic flight by helicopter or fixed wing over Wilpena Pound is a fantastic way to get a sense of the scale of the Flinders Ranges. Or during a longer stay, a day trip out to Lake Eyre or Arkaroola Station is brilliant (we recommend you book in advance). We can help organise this for you.

A visit to Wilpena Pound for some day walks. Note that to climb to St Mary’s Peak to view into the Pound is a challenging 19km and takes about nine hours return.

The Prairie Hotel in Parachilna serves up delicious ‘feral food’. Again, we can help organise this as part of day trip out of Arkaba for those staying on a little longer.

A drive through Brachina Gorge is one of the best places to see Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies. (4WD recommended)

Once a sheep station, Arkaba is now a wildlife conservatory. The conservation activities we have undertaken over the past decade improve the wildlife viewing year on year.

Your wildlife experience at Arkaba will differ with the seasons. Australia’s three largest macropods (Red Kangaroo, Western Grey Kangaroo & Common Wallaroo) and Emus are all regularly sighted.  Echidnas, Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies are possible sightings, also a variety of outback birdlife.

See our Nature Calendar by season here

Please visit our Getting to Arkaba page for details.

Arkaba has adopted a ‘buy local’ principle and our 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.

Our 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.

No – lunch is not provided on arrival or departure days.

Check-in is at 2pm. (We recommend arriving in time for an afternoon safari experience that departs around 3.30pm). Check-out before 11am.

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.

Yes 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 reservations team at time of booking.

Arkaba has adopted a ‘buy local’ principle and our 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.

Our 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.

SAMPLE DISHES
Please use as indication only of dishes we have served in the past. Our chefs will craft delicious meals based on what is in season.

Breakfasts

Freshly Baked Wild Berry & Wattle Seed Muffins
“Bush Eggs” any style on Sourdough Toast with Bacon, Tomato, Warrigal Green & Kutjera Relish
House Blend Bircher Muesli with Manuka Honey, Bush Apple and Rhubarb with Vanilla Bean Yoghurt
Bush Buttermilk Pancake Stack with Maple Syrup
Selection of Fresh Fruits, Cereal and Yoghurt
Lunches

Scallop Salad with Onion, Fennel, Citrus Dressing & Mixed Leaf
Buffalo Burger with Fried Egg, Buffalo Mozzarella, Caramelized Onion, Grilled Pancetta & Bush Tomato
Chutney with Homemade Kipfler Potato Chips
Lemon Myrtle Duck Salad with Pear Vinaigrette
Smoked Salmon Frittata with Spinach, Tomato & Cream Fraiche
Dinners

Entrees

Garlic Prawns with Wild Rocket & Lime Salad
Scallop and Chorizo on a Dried Leek Purée
Barramundi Pattie with Coriander and Sweet Chilli
Smoked Salmon and Cheese with a Green Leaf & Pear Salad
Kangaroo Skewers with Antipasto and Pepper. Marinated in Sweet Soy and Garlic Yoghurt
______________

Mains

Duck Confit Marinated in Lemon Myrtle & Mountain Pepper,
Caramelized Pear, Parsnip Purée & Broccolini
Barramundi with Finger Lime Salsa on Baked Green Bean
Rack of Lamb Marinated in Bush Spices, Sweet Potato Purée & Ratatouille and River Mint Yoghurt
Black Angus Eye Fillet, Potato Rosti, Roast Peppers and Vegetable with Mountain Pepper Juice
______________

Desserts

Tiramisu with Chocolate Ice Cream
Soufflé with Frozen Yoghurt
Lemon Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream
Vanilla Panacotta
Apple & Rhubarb Coconut Crumble with Ice Cream

Mealtimes will depend on the day’s activities but typically cooked breakfasts are usually served after an early morning activity.

Lunch will be served around 12.30pm and dinners around 7.30pm.

No – lunch is not provided on arrival or departure days.

Check-in is at 2pm. (We recommend arriving in time for an afternoon safari experience that departs around 3.30pm). Check-out before 11am.

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.

Deposit –  A 20% deposit within 24 hours
Balance due: 60 days from departure date
Booking within 60 days from departure: Balance due within 48 hours

As a small regional property, our business depends on maximising occupancy and cancellations often result in empty rooms due to long booking lead times. Therefore, cancellations must be advised by email to arkaba@wildbushluxury.com, and the following penalties will take effect from the date received.

Cancellation Policy
90 days or more: Deposit will be refunded less a $50 admin fee and any credit card charges
61-89 days: Loss of deposit
60 days or less: 100% of total contracted package will be retained

• No shows or premature departures will incur 100% cancellation fee as will any unused services or unused nights due to flight / weather disruption.
• Final rooming list, arrival and departure details, meal and tour requirements are due 30 days prior to arrival

The minimum stay is two nights.

We recommend you stay at least three nights to allow time for two full days and a chance to relax.

Arkaba is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. This is partly acknowledging the small size of the lodge; additionally there are several safety considerations.

If the lodge is booked exclusively and suitable supervision is arranged then children of any age will be permitted.

Please note there are no child minding facilities available at Arkaba. All guests dine together.