The Arkaba Walk

Day 1: Welcome to Arkaba

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

Accommodation: Arkaba Homestead

Arkaba Homestead

Arkaba Homestead, a proud member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, welcomes guests year-round to an intimate outback retreat. With just five ensuite guestrooms, the property blends its 1850s pioneering heritage with Wild Bush Luxury's relaxed Australian style. The restored homestead retains its original character, with each room unique in layout and design. Four rooms are located within the main building, while the charming Coachman's Cottage offers a private hideaway in the garden. Shaded verandahs open to sweeping views of the surrounding ranges, providing a serene backdrop.

With limited capacity, Arkaba offers an exclusive, all-inclusive experience that feels more like staying with friends than at a hotel. Personalized service, warm hospitality, and a deep connection to nature make it truly unforgettable. All chef prepared gourmet meals, beverages (including premium South Australian wines and spirits) are included.

Day 2: Wilpena Pound to Black’s Gap Bush Camp (13 kilometres walking)

Arrive at Arkaba Homestead by 8am, for a transfer to the starting point of The Arkaba Walk. The journey begins with a gentle trek across the flat interior of Wilpena Pound, followed by a gradual 1.5km ascent to its rim, with sweeping views before crossing into Arkaba's Private Wildlife Conservancy. 

Along the way, spot native wildlife such as Red Kangaroos, Wallaroos, and Western Grey Kangaroos, Common bushbird sightings include Grey Butcherbirds, Laughing Kookaburras, Yellow-throated Miners, Red-capped Robins, Mistletoebirds, Inland Thornbills, Yellow-rumped Thornbills, Chest-rumped Thornbills, White-browed babblers, Spotted Pardalotes and Apostlebirds, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, White-eared Honeyeater, Galahs and Little Corellas.  

By late afternoon, arrive at Black's Gap Bush Camp to settle in, take a rinse shower and enjoy an evening aperitivo as the sun sets behind the ancient ramparts of Wilpena Pound. Enjoy a South Australian–inspired dinner with local wines, and retire to a swag bed beneath the stars.

Accommodation: Signature Swag Camp
Distance: Approximately 13km, allowing 5 – 6 hours

Day 3: Black’s Gap Bush Camp to Elder Bush Camp (14 kilometres walking)

From the first signature swag camp, walk through the rolling hills and grasslands, scattered with acacias, providing opportunities to spot Red Kangaroo, Western Grey Kangaroo, Common Wallaroo, Wedge-tailed Eagles, Nankeen Kestrels, Emus, Red-capped Robins, Little Corellas, Galahs, Inland Thornbills and Australian Pipits.

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. Pass through Madge’s Gully, a dry creek line running through a large gorge with permanent water springs. In addition to marsupials, Elegant, Red-rumped, Ring-necked and Mulga Parrots are all possible sightings.

The last leg of the day veers slightly west, ending with a steep 1km climb of about 100m in elevation to the summit of the Red Range where panoramic views of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges await, before arriving at the second night's signature swag camp, the Elder Camp. A hot bush rinse shower awaits, with another memorable night sleeping under the stars. The second night's camp is very similar in regards to accommodation and dining with gourmet food and wines, however it is nestled at the foot of the majestic Elder Range.

Accommodation: Signature Swag Camp
Distance: Approximately 14km, allowing 6 – 7 hours

Day 4: Elder Bush Camp to Arkaba Homestead (14 kilometres walking)

Wake to the glorious morning light creeping across the Elder Range to witness the colours change as the sunrise lights up different sedimentary layers, providing a magical start to the day.

Moving south east, the first few kilometers will be amongst hill country at the foot of the Elder Range walking through mallee and native pine forests, popular Red-capped Robins, Rufous Whistlers, White-Browed Babblers, Dusky Wood-swallows, Masked Wood-swallows, Spotted Pardalotes, White-eared Honeyeaters, Grey-fronted Honeyeaters and Emus.

After ascending the Red Range, reach the shady banks of the Arkaba Creek, lined with River Red Gum trees providing habitat for Galahs, parrots, tree martins, swallows, Sacred Kingfishers, Little Eagles, Laughing Kookaburras and Red-rumped parrots. Arrive at historic Arkaba Homestead mid-afternoon, with time to relax before a three-course dinner at Arkaba Homestead.

Accommodation: Arkaba Homestead
Distance: Approximately 14km, allowing 6 – 7 hours

Day 5: Arkaba Homestead

After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning at leisure, with options to relax poolside or  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 around 11am before the return back to Adelaide.

Accommodation

Signature Bush Camps

The Arkaba Walk includes two unforgettable nights camping in deluxe swags on one of our signature star beds. Set in some of the most breathtaking locations across Arkaba's 63,000-acre private conservancy, the bush camps are designed to blend seamlessly into the natural environment while offering stunning panoramic views. Each guest enjoys one of five slightly elevated timber swag decks, framed on three sides by corrugated iron screens for privacy, with the fourth side open to uninterrupted vistas of the countryside and, above, a brilliant canopy of outback stars.

For comfort in windy or wet weather, each deck includes a sheltered space where your swag bed can be placed. The swag itself – a traditional Australian pioneer bedding – is a waterproof canvas cocoon fitted with a warm all-seasons sleeping bag and liner. Guests also enjoy bush showers, offering privacy on three sides and open to the wild beauty beyond, as well as thoughtfully positioned waterless composting toilets. In true Arkaba style, these simple luxuries provide comfort while treading lightly on the land.

Tour details

Pricing: from AUD$4,275 per person twin share. 
Shared Group Size: Maximum of 10 guests, with two guides accompanying guests on this experience.
Pick-up and Drop Off Point: Transfers from Adelaide are included in the cost of the five day/four night walk, or you can self-drive (same price) for a more relaxed pace, taking in the sights and flavours of Clare Valley before arriving at the homestead.
Check-in and Check-out Time: 2pm (Day 1) and 11am (Day 5).

How you'll be making a positive impact

We have aligned our sustainability vision with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).