Arkaba

Destination

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Adnyamathanha people, the Traditional Custodians of the land upon which Arkaba stands. In sharing elements of their history, heritage and culture we acknowledge the Adnyamathanha people of Ikara (Flinders Ranges) and their connections to Country.

To walk at Arkaba is to take a journey through 500 million years of geological time, tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal history and two centuries of European occupation. And to see the Australian landscape with new eyes.

An ancient landscape moulded by millions of years of geological activity, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges offers some of Australia's most striking outback scenery.

The spectacular mountain range is the largest in South Australia, starting approximately 200km north-west of Adelaide and stretching over 430km. The region is vastly arid, giving way to a fractured and furrowed landscape of deep valleys covered with casuarinas and cypress pines which fall into creek beds lined with ancient river red gums and is home to a huge array of birds and animals.

Located in this ancient and awe-inspiring landscape, Arkaba is a genuine blend of conservation and tourism. Arkaba’s true luxury is delivered by the fact that its 60,000 acres are shared by just 10 guests, taking the definition of exclusivity to a new level in Australia. More about our commitment to conservation

“The Flinders Ranges is quite simply an epic outback road trip par excellence; filmic landscapes, cute bush towns that time almost forgot and one of the world’s most incredible land formations at its heart: Wilpena Pound”

Australian Traveller Magazine

Craggy sandstone bluffs and dry creek beds studded with huge river red gums set the scene for Aboriginal creation stories going back time immemorial and a geological history that dates some hundreds of millions of years.

It was in the Flinders Ranges that the very first soft bodied multi-celled organisms (the Ediacaran fauna) were first discovered. Today a walk on Arkaba is a walk through Australia’s geological history, with the exposed rock strata revealing Australia’s journey through time.

Arkaba’s wildlife is prolific – with Australia’s three largest macropods (red kangaroo, western grey kangaroo and common wallaroo) all regular sightings. The country’s most endangered macropod, the yellow-footed rock wallaby, and the western quoll have both returned to Arkaba’s range since the introduction of active conservation programs. You’ll be amazed at how a half day bush walk with a field guide and without the weight of the phone in your pocket can leave you as relaxed as a hot stone massage from a traditional resort spa. Things to do at Arkaba

Getting there

BY AIR
BY ROAD

Private charter flights can be arranged from Adelaide with a flight time of 90 minutes, or Kangaroo Island with a flight time of 120 minutes. Charter flights arrive to Hawker airstrip and guests are greeted by Arkaba hosts for the short drive to Arkaba Homestead. Flight bookings can be made with reservations and there are single or twin engine aircraft available.

The closest airport for commercial flights is Port Augusta which is located approximately 75 minutes away by road. Flights to Port Augusta operate with Rex Regional Express on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday each week. Whyalla is an alternative airport and located 150 minutes away with daily flights operated by Rex Regional Express and Qantas.

Nearest international airport is Adelaide.

By road, the Flinders Ranges offer one of the most accessible outback destinations in Australia, and self-driving is perfect for those looking to spend more time exploring all South Australia has to offer.

At just 4.5 hours’ drive from Adelaide or 3 to 5 hours’ drive from the Clare Valley, Barossa and Adelaide Hills wine regions. Arkaba is situated on the southern edge of Wilpena Pound and the lkara-Flinders Ranges National Park and is a 20-minute drive from the nearest town, Hawker.

For self-drivers, directions are provided on confirmation with tips on scenic spots to stop along the journey.

OUR LITTLE WHITE BOOK

The Luxury Lodges of Australia brochure has become a treasured and widely recognisable ‘go to’ for Australian experiential luxury, enjoyed both online and in printed form at our lodges. The brochure is available to view or download in eight languages below.