What to Expect

The Arkaba Walk operates weekly from April to October with a maximum group size of 10. The three day guided walk is graded moderate (some steep inclines, uneven surfaces) and covers approximately 10 to 15 kilometres each day.

Experience a fully hosted and expertly guided walk which includes all meals, unlimited beverages, two nights swag camping at Arkaba’s signature walking camps and accommodation in the beautifully restored 1850's Arkaba Homestead.

Gourmet Wine & Dine

Indulge in freshly-prepared meals at each of the off-grid walking camps complemented by beverages including water, beer and top-notch South Australian wines.

Dining on the Arkaba Walk is typically al fresco, allowing you to savour your meals in the great outdoors. Campsites are nestled within the environment so you can enjoy your food and wine with breathtaking views of the Flinders Ranges as your backdrop.

What is Included?

• Expert field guides
• Deluxe swags with all the comforts
• All meals including trail snacks
• All drinks including premium South Australian wines
• Large overnight duffle bag for transporting your main luggage between camps via a support vehicle 
• Backpack with hydration reservoir and room for personal items to walk with during the day
• Walking essentials (Sock guard gaiters, walking poles, head torch, fly net)
• Amenities at camp – body wash, handwash, shampoo and conditioner
• Bath towel
• Composting toilets and forest bathing showers at each star camp
• Ikara-Flinders National Park entry fees
• Arkaba Conservation Levy of at least 2% to go towards conservation projects

Disconnect to Re-Connect

Mobile service coverage is not available at Arkaba Conservancy. Guides have satellite phones and radios that can be used in an emergency. There is no power at the bush camps so please make sure cameras are fully charged and spare batteries packed if necessary. We recommend bringing your own solar power bank.

At first, it might be confronting to not have easy accessible to technology – though over the few days, it becomes the aspect that our walkers love the most. A complete disconnection from the everyday, reconnecting with themselves and nature.

5-Day / 4-Night Itinerary:

Day One - Welcome to Arkaba

Arrive at Arkaba Homestead from 2pm to check in and be shown to your guest room. There will be time to freshen up before your guided lay of the land afternoon safari experience, followed by a 3-course meal in the lodge prepared in our lovely kitchen.

Day Two - Wilpena Pound to Black’s Gap Bush Camp

Today, traverse the basin of Wilpena Pound before crossing into Arkaba’s private wildlife conservancy. Descend to our private Black’s Gap bush camp for tonight’s accommodation in signature swags.

Following breakfast, our team will transfer you via vehicle to The Arkaba Walk starting point. This morning, we will walk the largely flat interior of Wilpena Pound with a gradual 1.5km ascent to the rim of the Pound.

Walk into Black’s Gap bush camp, at around 5:30pm to settle in, take a rinse shower and enjoy an evening aperitivo as the sun sets behind the ancient ramparts of Wilpena Pound.

Our field guide and camp assistant will prepare a South Australian inspired Camp Dinner, accompanied by local South Australian wines. Retire to your swag bed for an unforgettable night under a canopy of outback stars.

Walk length: approximately 13km, allowing 5 – 6 hours

Day Three - To Elder Camp We Go

Stretch out in one of the world’s oldest landscapes, learn about Arkaba’s 500 million year journey and how we are protecting and allowing natural processes to reassert themselves in this country.

Today is arguably the most scenic, as we head out into the rolling hills. The morning is spent following the famous Heysen Trail revealing a fascinating insight into the pastoral history of the region, pausing at old shepherds’ camps and mustering yards, with kangaroos and emus roaming the land.

The last leg of the day will take us slightly west, ending with a steep 1km climb of about 100m in elevation to the summit of the Red Range where we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Continue on to the foot of the Elder Range passing through postcard-pretty native Cypress trees, before making our way into the second night’s signature swag camp, the Elder Camp. A hot bush rinse shower awaits, with another memorable night sleeping under the stars.

Walk length: approximately 14 - 15km, 6 - 7 hours

Day Four - A Return to Arkaba Homestead

Walk across varying terrain through mallee and cypress forests before ascending the Red Range, en route to Arkaba Homestead. Return for a luxurious night back at the lodge, with a glass of wine by the firepit, followed by a dinner to savour prepared by our in-house chef team.

Wake to the glorious morning light creeping across the Elder Range, lighting it up in red and orange hues. As we move south east, the first few kilometres will be amongst hill country at the foot of the Elder Range walking through mallee and native pine forests, before ascending the Red Range and down onto the shady banks of the Arkaba Creek, lined with river red gum trees. There are plenty of opportunities to spot birds that commune in the canopy, including galahs, parrots and honeyeater species. The pace is unhurried with time to stop and breathe in the outback, view wildlife and take photographs.

Arrive at Arkaba Homestead mid-afternoon, with time to relax. Or, perhaps you’d like to take a pre-booked sunset scenic flight over the ancient ramparts of Wilpena Pound. This evening enjoy a feast at Arkaba Homestead, your last memorable night at Arkaba.

Walk length: approximately 14 – 15km, 6 – 7 hours

Day Five - A morning at Leisure

Enjoy a relaxing morning at leisure to relax poolside, take an optional scenic flight over the ancient ramparts of Wilpena Pound. Check out from 11am.

Enjoy your last meal with your fellow hikers at Arkaba Homestead, with a morning of leisure. You might like to head poolside or recline by the stone fireplace with a book. If still feeling active, enjoy a self-guided stroll along Arkaba Creek.

Scenic flights are available, if you would like to pre-book to enjoy an experience from the air this morning. The Arkaba team will bid farewell as you depart Arkaba by 11am for check out.  

April - October 2025 Pricing:

• AUD$4,400 Twin Share
• AUD$6,400 Single Occupancy