Our
team
Arkaba was taken on by Wild Bush Luxury and opened to guests in 2009.
By joining one of our fully-hosted, all-inclusive walking experiences on our private wildlife conservancy, you’re not only witnessing an environment in recovery, you’re actively participating in its revival with our team. You’ll see and hear the results of active conservation as you walk through the landscape and meet the wildlife in the company of passionate field guides.
Passionate arkaba team
Lead by our experienced and friendly General Manager Tiarna Spiteri, our passionate Arkaba team are looking forward to hosting your stay and immersing you in our private wildlife conservancy.
Arkaba’s Field Guides are carefully selected for their extensive knowledge, expertise, and enthusiasm for the natural world. They are not only skilled interpreters of the flora and fauna but also storytellers who will bring the rich history and cultural significance of the region to life. Beyond their knowledge and expertise, our guides also embody the spirit of conservation and sustainability.
Our Homestead team include Head chef, their team of experienced chefs and guest services ensuring your stay is fully catered and looked after. We are fortunate to also have a dedicated Conservation Manager, Bruce Lawson, who leads the initiatives on the property year round.
Join our team
Passionate about conservation and an experience field guide, chef or looking for a new adventure? Find out more about current roles we have available via our parent company, Experience Co or email your resume directly to arkaba@wildbushluxury.com.
Charles Carlow
our founder
Charlies’s goal was to create a conservation sanctuary that would showcase the remarkable natural beauty of the Flinders Ranges while also contributing to the preservation of its biodiversity.
What should guests expect from a Wild Bush Luxury experience?
“Rather than staying in a typical luxury lodge, we’re showcasing Australia’s unique habitat in a style that is genuine, down to earth and understated in its luxury. This means getting off the beaten track, escaping the mainstream tourists and spending time with people – field guides in particular – who have a real love and knowledge for the country, and the passion to share that with guests.”
What five words best describe Wild Bush Luxury?
“Understated, natural, down-to-earth, passionate and contributive.”
What does the “luxury” in Wild Bush Luxury mean to you?
“True luxury is the unique position of being able to switch off from the outside world – literally. With no mobile reception, wi-fi or telephones in rooms, you cannot be stressed by events in the outside world. With no check-in, an open bar to help yourself at any time, and meals around the dinner table with other guests and members of our team, it feels more like staying with friends in the country rather than a formal hotel or lodge experience. This in turn allows you to immerse yourself in the stories of the bush, free of the distractions of the outside world.”
General Manager, Arkaba
Tiarna Spiteri
Tiarna first joined a Luxury Lodge of Australia in 2018 and has since developed a deep passion for creating unforgettable, personalised guest experiences at the highest luxury standards. Before joining Arkaba, Tiarna held a range of roles at Voyages Indigenous Tourism, Longitude 131, Spicers Peak Lodge and the much-loved Kingsford Homestead in the Barossa Valley.
Tiarna has purposefully worked across every department within a luxury lodge, honing skills and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the entire experience. This journey has included experiential roles including Tour Guide Manager and extends across managing Restaurants, Front Office, and Housekeeping, all of which have shaped Tiarna into a hands-on General Manager.
Tiarna is passionate about local food and wine, a love that is reflected in Arkaba’s curated offerings. She also has a strong connection to the outdoors and outback Australia, and deeply admires the conservation efforts at Arkaba.
Conservation Manager, Arkaba
Bruce Lawson
Few guides embody the spirit of wilderness trails quite like Bruce Lawson. With thousands of hours spent navigating some of the world’s most wildlife-rich regions, Bruce has gained unparalleled knowledge of the bush.
Since joining Arkaba in 2021, Bruce has been a driving force in conservation efforts, sharing his deep passion and expertise while guiding guests through the Arkaba Conservancy.
Inspired by his ornithologist father, Bruce began exploring Africa’s wild landscapes in 1992. His love for the natural world led him to a career as a field and wilderness guide in South Africa’s northern Kruger National Park. Determined to inspire others, he later became an instructor at a wildlife guide training school, mentoring aspiring rangers and conservationists from around the world to join the fight against poaching.
Now, as Arkaba Conservancy’s Conservation Manager, Bruce plays a key role in restoring and protecting the property’s 63,000 acres in the Flinders Ranges. He recently celebrated his 30th Arkaba Walk, leading guests through the rugged landscape while mentoring new team members.
A proud South African, Bruce has found a second home in the Flinders Ranges, where his dedication to conservation continues to shape Arkaba’s future.
Head Chef, Arkaba
Joel Cugley
Joel Cugley is a passionate chef from the Southern Flinders Ranges, South Australia, with over 28 years of culinary experience. After starting his career at just 14, Joel worked in top restaurants, hotels, and resorts across Australia, including a key role at Quay in Sydney and as executive chef at Morphettville Racecourse and Kingsford in the Barossa.
Now returning home to the Flinders Ranges, Joel is excited to join the Wild Bush Luxury family as Head Chef at Arkaba. His mission is to showcase the incredible local produce and native ingredients of South Australia, forging strong relationships with local farmers and artisans to tell the region’s story through food.
Joel is committed to sustainability, using initiatives such as onsite composting and sourcing produce locally to reduce waste and the carbon footprint. His passion for native Australian ingredients stems from his early experiences in Central Australia, where he learned to incorporate unique flavours into his dishes, introducing them to guests in innovative ways.
At Arkaba, Joel is thrilled to blend his love for the region with his culinary expertise, offering guests an authentic taste of South Australia’s rich food culture.
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Our Partners
Arkaba Walk acknowledges the Aboriginal Communities and Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and we recognise their continued connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Elders past and present, as we seek to understand their history and learn from their knowledge.