Arkaba
Arkaba
Flinders Ranges, South Australia, Australia
At a Glance
Arkaba is especially good for wildlife, exploring the unique Flinders Ranges and amazing sunsets
Arkaba is the Aboriginal name of the tribe that inhabited the area – it means land of abundance
A scenic flight over the rock ramparts of Wilpena Pound is the best way to appreciate this extraordinary geological formation
Explore the gorges and valleys of the Flinders Ranges and spot some of the wildlife - Red Kangaroos, Emus, Euros, Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies
The perfect place for wildlife watching, bush-walking, photography, Aboriginal rock art or just soaking up the sights and sounds of outback Australia
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
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.
Insider's View
Make sure you get up early one morning and enjoy the incredible changing colors of the striking Flinders Ranges.
For the more adventurous, try a fantastic walking safari – seeing the outback at its best with your guide and stopping at 4 different fixed structure camps to swag out under the stars in style.
Call us on 858 345 1762 to start planning your vacation to Arkaba or take a look at our itineraries to Australia
Description
Arkaba is an archetypal Australian homestead, set in the beautiful Flinders Ranges of the South Australian outback.
A truly ancient landscape moulded by hundreds of millions of years of geological activity, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges offer some of Australia’s most spectacular outback scenery. Galahs, wallabies, craggy sandstone bluffs, dry creek beds lined with river gums – Arkaba is surrounded by quintessential Australian scenery and offers welcoming homestead hospitality.
Dating from the 1850’s, the Arkaba Homestead offers guests a taste of classic Australian country hospitality, while a few ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ touches ensure comfort and style. With over 60,00 acres being shared by just 10 guests, Arkaba showcases true Australian hospitality. 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 property 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 cuisine with a modern twist and is served on the terrace overlooking the ranges.
Without doubt one of the most beautiful outback properties in Australia, the beauty of Arkaba is in its intimacy. With just five rooms, guests get the chance to immerse themselves in the story of the bush - its ancient geology, diverse wildlife and the chance to get ‘hands on’ with the conservation programs on the property.
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 Ikara-Flinders is in a class of its own. Learn about the ongoing conservation efforts Arkaba is famous for, tackle the foothills of the Elder Range 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.
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 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, bush walking and wildlife trails. If trekking is a particular interest, ask our Travel Consultants about The Arkaba Walk, a four-day walking experience which immerses guests in the story of this fascinating landscape. Scenic flights provide an all encompassing view of the topography of the ranges including the salt pans of Lake Torrens.
Reviews
Amy Welfare (Staff)
What an incredible experience…if you are looking for a truly unique, quintessentially outback experience, but in true style, then this is the place for you. One way of accessing Arkaba is by taking a really scenic 5 hour drive from Adelaide up through the many wine regions until you reach the stunning Flinders range, with its almost unbelievable moonscape of rolling hills and endless horizons. Or if time is more of a constraint, take the private plane for 90 minutes, giving you a spectacular view during your journey. On arrival you are met by the welcoming hosts Pat and Sally who will show you to your very comfortable accommodation. Food is delicious, as are the wines which are mostly from the local regions - but anything can be catered for. Whilst here enjoy the amazing wildlife safaris, walks through the beautiful landscapes or maybe even a trip to the sheep shearing - as this is still a working sheep station. After a full day’s activities, relax in the gorgeous pool with a glass of bubbly and soak up the outback atmosphere. This is great for couples or families, with children getting the most out of it if they are over around 5. You can either just take a room, or if your party is large, take over the whole place for a truly memorable addition to your vacation.
Experiences
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Arkaba - Heli Sundowner over the Flinders Ranges
Take in the compelling geology and ever-changing palette of the Flinders Ranges on a scenic helicopter flight before enjoying delectable canapes and sundowners as the sun sets over the endless landscape before you.
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Heli-Swag Experience at Arkaba
Departing the Arkaba Homestead, fly over the stunning outback scenery of the Flinders Ranges to your exclusive swag camp, enjoying a three-course bush dinner before bedding down under the stars for an unforgettable night in the wilderness.
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Kangaroo Island Explorer Day Tour
Enjoy a full day tour of Kangaroo Island, a truly unique island with distinct flora and fauna, with your local and expert guide.
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Your Free Time at Arkaba - Scott Dunn Suggests
Located out in the Flinders Ranges, Arkaba has some fantastic outback experiences on offer. Guests can enjoy safari drives; the chance to see native kangaroos, wallabies and emus; sundowners in the outback and tours of local aboriginal rock art.
Vacation Ideas
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Highlights of South Australia
Barossa Valley, Flinders Ranges, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island
from $8100 pp 9 nights
- The perfect snapshot of one of our favorite states, South Australia
- Make sure you spend an evening in the much lauded restaurant at The Louise, Appellation, regarded as one of Australia's finest dining destinations
- Whilst staying at Lifetime Private Retreats encounter abundant wildlife in a 'zoo without fences' and discover the Island's unique natural treasures.
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Southern Australia in Style
Flinders Ranges, Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island, Sydney & Lord Howe Island
from $18200 pp 15 nights
- The ultimate way to see the highlights of New South Wales and South Australia
- Perfect for couples or families with a sense of adventure
- The southern half of Australia is at its best during our winter, so this is the perfect Christmas vacation
Location & directions
Flinders Ranges, South Australia, Australia
The Flinders Ranges offer one of the most accessible outback destinations in Australia - just 4.5-hours drive or 1-hour flight from Adelaide. Arkaba is situated on the southern edge of Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges National Park.
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator