5 Day Flinders Ranges and Arkaroola Tour

Day 1 (L)

You will be collected from your Adelaide hotel at 7am this morning for your 5 day 4WD tour to the Flinders Ranges and Arkaroola.

We travel north, towards Port Augusta, with a stop en-route. In Port Augusta, we stop at the Wadlata Outback Centre, for you to take the "Tunnel of Time", an interactive experience where you'll learn about the creation of the Flinders Ranges and Outback, Aboriginal and European history of the area, local flora and fauna and outback life in general.

We now turn off to the Flinders Ranges, stopping en-route in historic Quorn and again just south of Hawker, where we'll visit the Kanyaka Ruins. The ruined farmhouse is all that remains of a farmers dream to provide for his family is this unforgiving landscape. It’s a harsh reminder of the hardships the first European settlers endured.

After stopping at one of the lookouts en-route, we continue into the Central Flinders Ranges. The Flinders Ranges are known for their unique beauty, indigenous history, ancient geological formations, rich colours and textures and abundant wildlife. Home to a huge array of plant species, birds, reptiles and mammals, the vibrant colours of the 800 million-year-old quartzite and limestone outcrop that is the Flinders, are truly spectacular.

Overnight accommodation- Wilpena Pound Resort- standard room with en-suite

Day 2 (B,L)

This morning we drive to the historic mining town of Blinman, which had a working copper mine between the years of 1862 and 1907. Here you'll take a 1 hour tour of the mine, transporting you back in time, to the lives of the miners and their families during the second half of the 19th century.

After the mine tour we drive west through the spectacular Parachilna Gorge. This is a slow drive, with changing scenery and several creek crossings and is considered to be one of the most scenic in Outback SA !

Heading north now, we drive through the Gammon Ranges, to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. The privately owned sanctuary was founded in 1969 by Reg Sprigg, Biologist, Oceanographer, Conservationist, Scientist and pioneer of eco-tourism.

Many minerals are found on Arkaroola, including gold, sapphires, rubies, amethyst, several forms of quartz, uraninite and malachite (among others) and evidence of early mining is scattered about Arkaroola and the Gammon Ranges.

Arkaroola is also famous for it's clear night skies and offers some of the best viewing conditions in Australia.

Overnight accommodation- motel rooms with en-suite, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

Day 3 (B,L)

This morning you'll take the famous Ridgetop tour, through some of the most spectacularly rugged country on earth. Your Arkaroola guide will share their knowledge of Arkaroola's 1600 million year geological history as they navigate the steep slopes and hair raising ascents of the famous Ridgetop Track. Inspiring images of red granite mountains and golden spinifex covered hillsides give way to a breath-taking view across the Freeling Heights, Lake Frome and the desert beyond.

Take in the 360 degree panorama as you enjoy morning tea at Sillers Lookout- a lofty pinnacle at the end of the track.

After lunch, we return to the Flinders Ranges via the scenic back road (conditions permitting) with a stop en-route.

Overnight accommodation- Wilpena Pound Resort- standard room with en-suite (2 night stay)

Day 4 (B,L)

This morning you have the option of taking a walk into Wilpena Pound or take a scenic flight (at own expense).  Walk along the beautiful Wilpena Creek, framed by huge river red gums, into Wilpena Pound and on to the Old Hills Homestead where you can learn about the hardships the Hills family had to face at the turn of the century. You also have the option of walking up to the Wangara lookout where you can see the mystical heart of the Ikara- Flinders Ranges with stunning views over Wilpena Pound. There is a shuttle available to shorten the walk.

After lunch we take the Moralana scenic drive, which connects the Wilpena and Leigh Creek roads and is known as one of the best drives through the Flinders Ranges.

We'll see stunning scenery featuring the southern wall of Wilpena Pound, Black Gap Lookout, Red Range, Elder Range and more.

We finish the day driving the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail,a trail that passes through 130 million years of earth history, including meteorite debris, stromatolites and fossilized plant and animal life. It offers an insight into past climates, the formation of the ranges and the evolution of early forms of life. It’s also an important refuge for the rare and endangered Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby. This leads to Bunyeroo Gorge and Razorback Lookout, where we stop for a fantastic photo opportunity.

Overnight accommodation- Wilpena Pound Resort- standard room with en-suite

Day 5 (B,L)

Departing the Flinders Ranges this morning, we stop in Hawker and then make our final run into Adelaide, via the Clare Valley, where we have lunch at a local bakery.

We arrive in Adelaide at approximately 2pm and you will be dropped off at your accommodation or to Adelaide Airport if you're flying home this afternoon.

END ITINERARY

B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner

5 Day Flinders Ranges and Arkaroola Tour

Contact us for pricing

Itinerary is exclusive to Sacred Earth Safaris and is subject to availability, road, weather and cultural conditions.

Inclusions:

• Sole use of 4WD tour vehicle, with professional driver guide
• Meals, as stated, including 4 breakfasts and 3 lunches
• Accommodation as listed

• Ridgetop tour at Arkaroola

• The "Tunnel of Time" at the Wadlata Outback Centre
• Entry fees and Permits

• Blinman Mine tour

Exclusions:

• Arrival / departure flights to Adelaide
• Travel insurance
• Alcohol
• Pre and post tour accommodation

• Optional activities such as Wilpena Pound scenic flight (Please request flight when booking, to avoid disappointment).