Description
A truly ancient landscape moulded by hundreds of millions of years of geological activity, the Flinders Ranges offer some of Australia’s most spectacular outback scenery. Galahs, wallabies, craggy sandstone bluffs, dry creek beds lined with river gums – Arkaba Station is surrounded by quintessential Australian scenery and offers stylish & welcoming homestead hospitality. At 60,000 acres, Arkaba is a 'medium' sized sheep station and home to an extraordinary variety of birdlife and wildlife.
Dating from the 1850’s, Arkaba Homestead offers guests a taste of classic Australian country hospitality, while a few ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ touches ensure comfort and style. The homestead is in a classic flinders building with thick stone walls, deep shady verandas and a corrugated roof. Four traditional style guest rooms, each with en suite bathrooms are housed in the homestead and there is also a Coachman's Cottage in the corner of the garden with a fifth bedroom. All of the rooms are air conditioned and have comfortable beds with the finest linens - with no telephones or televisions, there are no distractions at this beautiful properties with its world class views over the Elder Range.
The homestead has comfortable living areas, a peaceful library with open fire and deep leather armchairs and a pool overlooking Arkaba Creek. Dinner focuses on traditional station cuisine with a modern twist and is served on the terrace overlooking the ranges.
For taking in the sheer size and scale of Australia’s outback, bush-walking, photography, Aboriginal rock art or just soaking up the sights and sounds of the bush, the Flinders is in a class of its own. Learn about the workings of a sheep station, tackle the foothills of the Elder Range on a mountain bike, take a scenic flight over the salt pans or spend a day with an indigenous guide learning of the region's rich Aboriginal culture. On guided 4WD drives visit historic towns, enjoy an outback pub lunch and search for wildlife – Red and Grey Kangaroos, Euros, the rare Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby and more.
Your hosts at the Arkaba Station, Pat and Sally Kent, ensure a friendly and informal level of attention and fabulous attention to detail only possible in such an exclusive environment with so few guests.
Accommodation
Arkaba has four guest rooms within the homestead and one guest cottage. Each is air conditioned and traditionally and elegantly furnished. The four guest rooms have access to the homestead's veranda while the cottage has its own private living area and outdoor space. Traditional hotel amenities such as mini bars, televisions and telephones are not found at Arkaba which is anything but a typical hotel - instead a down to earth home from home has been created for a unique personal experience.
Childcare
Arkaba is very much a home and is very well suited to families with children from the personal attention and service, fabulous field guides who will be able to make outings fun and interesting for children and wealth of wildlife and adventures the area has to offer.
Facilities
Dining here is very much a communal experience, and with so few guests it is fun to share the day's adventures and compare stories. There is an open bar which you help yourself to and food is traditional with some contemporary and native elements thrown in. Arkaba Station has a pool with shady relaxation areas and a wonderful traditional library.
Activities
Arkaba Station has mountain bikes for guests to use for independent exploration although included in your stay here are guided 4WD trips, station tours, bush walking and wildlife trails. Hot air balloon rides with luxury breakfasts can be organised from April to the end of October and scenic flights provide an all encompassing view of the topography of the ranges including the salt pans of Lake Torrens.
When to travel
The climate in the Southern Outback is generally dry and sunny year round. Over the summer months (December to March) it can get very hot during the days and quite warm in the evenings. In winter months (June to August) the days are warm and nights are cold, often dropping below 0°C.
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Location and directions
Flinders Ranges, Australia
The Flinders Ranges offer one of the most accessible outback destinations in Australia - just 4.5-hours drive or 1-hour's flight from Adelaide. Arkaba Station is situated on the southern edge of Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges National Park.
How to get there
4.5-hours’ drive from central Adelaide. Arkaba Station offer a private guided road transfer hosted by a local guides passing through the Clare Valley and can include wine tastings and lunch. Alternatively, is a 65-minute flight by private charter aircraft from Adelaide or 1.5-hours’ drive from Port Augusta (scheduled flights operate between Adelaide and Port Augusta with Sharp Airlines from Monday to Friday).
