Luxury Outback, River to Coast Walking Safari

Flinders Ranges - Arkaba Walk

Day 1: Adelaide. On arrival in Adelaide, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your downtown accommodation. 

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

The Arkaba Walk runs weekly from March to October, accommodating up to 10 guests. This three-day guided walk is rated moderate, featuring some steep inclines and uneven terrain, covering about 10 to 15 kilometres daily. Enjoy a fully hosted experience with expert guides, inclusive of all meals, unlimited beverages, two nights of swag camping at Arkaba's signature walking camps, and a stay at the beautifully restored 1850s Arkaba Homestead.

Day 2: Arkaba Homestead. Depart the city of Adelaide via transfer, arriving at Arkaba Homestead from 2 pm for check-in and to settle into your guest room. You'll have time to freshen up before embarking on a guided "lay of the land" afternoon safari, followed by a welcome meal at the lodge, prepared by the in-house chef team.

Accommodation: Arkaba Homestead

Day 3: Wilpena Pound to Black's Gap. Today, journey through the basin of Wilpena Pound and into Arkaba's private wildlife conservancy. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to The Arkaba Walk starting point, where you'll trek the flat interior of Wilpena Pound, followed by a 1.5km ascent to its rim. Arrive at Black's Gap bush camp around 5:30 pm, where you can settle in, enjoy a rinse shower, and savour an aperitif as the sun sets behind Wilpena Pound's ancient ramparts. A three-course dinner, prepared by your field guide and camp assistant, will be served with local South Australian wines. End the day by retiring to your swag bed for a memorable night under the stars.

Accommodation: Black's Gap Bush Camp | Walk length: approximately 13km, allowing 5 – 6 hours.

Flinders Ranges - Arkaba Walk

Day 4: Elder Camp. Immerse yourself in one of the world's oldest landscapes as you explore Arkaba's 500-million-year history and efforts to restore natural processes. Today's journey is the most scenic, beginning with a trek through rolling hills along the Heysen Trail, offering insights into the region's pastoral past. Along the way, encounter old shepherds' camps, mustering yards, kangaroos, and emus. The day's final stretch includes a steep 1km climb to the summit of the Red Range, rewarding you with panoramic views of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Continue westward, passing native Cypress trees, before arriving at Elder Camp, your second night's swag camp. Here, enjoy a hot bush shower and another unforgettable night under the stars.

Accommodation: Elder Bush Camp | Walk length: approximately 14-15km, taking 6-7 hours. 

Day 5: Return to Arkaba Homestead. Journey back to Arkaba Homestead through diverse terrain, including mallee and cypress forests, before ascending the Red Range. After a leisurely walk along the shady banks of Arkaba Creek, arrive at the homestead by mid-afternoon, with time to relax or take a pre-booked sunset scenic flight over Wilpena Pound. As evening falls, enjoy a glass of wine by the firepit, followed by a gourmet dinner prepared by the in-house chef team. Wake up to the morning light illuminating the Elder Range and savour your last night at Arkaba with a hosted feast. The pace of the day is unhurried, allowing ample time for wildlife viewing, photography, and soaking in the beauty of the outback.

Accommodation: Arkaba Homestead | Walk length: approximately 14 – 15km, 6 – 7 hours

Day 6: Arkaba to Renmark. Depart Arkaba Homestead after breakfast at 08:30 for a scenic transfer through gorgeous outback towns with wine tasting and lunch in the Clare Valley. After lunch continue onwards to the Hotel Renmark, your accommodation for the night, with dinner at the Nanya Bistro that evening.

Accommodation: Hotel Renmark

Renmark: Murray River Walk - Departs Monday

Day 7: Renmark to Headings Cliff. After meeting your expert guides and fellow walkers in Renmark, embark on a 14-kilometre cruise along the Murray River to the start of your walk. During the private cruise, spot a variety of bird species, including Australian Pelicans, Black Swans, and a colony of wild Koalas. Learn about the history of the World War II Japanese internment camp and cross creeks feeding the River Red Gum forests. A gentle climb through ochre cliffs offers stunning views of the vast Murray River floodplain. Look out for Wedge-tailed Eagles, Red-capped Robins, and various parrots. After enjoying these vistas, take a short transfer across the river to your houseboat, where you can relax with a cool foot dip in the river or a hot spa, followed by a three-course dinner paired with local wines.

Accommodation: High River Luxury Houseboat | Walk length: approximately 12km

Day 8: Headings Cliffs to Chowilla Creek. Rise early to walk to the rim of the Murray River valley and witness a stunning sunrise accompanied by the dawn chorus, a treat for birdwatchers with highlights like honeyeaters and Rufous and Gilbert's whistlers. After capturing photos and absorbing the geological beauty, return to the houseboat for a hearty breakfast. The day's walk leads to the historic Chowilla Station shearing shed, following an ancient river oxbow and exploring dense River Red Gum forests. Enjoy lunch by the riverbank near Aboriginal Canoe trees. Later, explore Amazon Creek and Little Hunchee Island, spotting Sacred Kingfishers, ducks, egrets, herons, and pelicans. The day concludes with a transfer to the houseboat, where a local tasting plate and a refreshing foot dip in the Murray River await.

Accommodation: High River Luxury Houseboat | Walk length: approximately 14km

Renmark: Murray River Walk

Day 9: Chowilla Creek to Bunyip Reach Cliffs. After enjoying a tasty breakfast, your guides will provide a briefing on the Murray Darling Basin and the management of its network of rivers which drain 14% of Australia's land mass. The group will then cruise to the Chowilla Creek Environmental Regulator, to learn about environmental watering and new stewardship for the river, before setting off on the day's walk.  The beautiful route along Chowilla Creek will provide access to restored wetlands and the proposed site of the 1960s Chowilla Dam. This is a prime opportunity to spot abundant birdlife before reaching the Queens Bend Cliffs lookout, before cruising to the houseboat as the late afternoon sun illuminates the red cliffs.

Accommodation: High River Luxury Houseboat | Walk length: approximately 10km

Day 10. Chowilla Creek to Bunyip Reach Cliffs.  Enjoy an optional two-kilometre walk along the river after breakfast, before cruising in a private pontoon boat through Lock 6. After rejoining the houseboat downstream, the group will cruise for two hours to the innovative Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery, set in a 100-year-old shearing shed on the banks of the river. Enjoy a tour with the head brewer before sitting down with guides to a fine barbecue before saying farewells to the group. Guests depart for Renmark by bus and arrive at the Renmark Hotel at 2.00 pm, before a transfer back to Adelaide.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Hobart & Maria Island

Day 11: Hobart. On arrival into Hobart, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your downtown accommodation with a day at leisure.

Accommodation: Flexible Options Available*

Day 12: Darlington. After pickup from your central Hobart accommodation, you will be driven to Triabunna to board a local ferry to Darlington on the island. Upon landing in the historic Darlington precinct, you can relax by the wood fires at Bernacchi House or take a walk to the stunning Painted Cliffs or Fossil Cliffs, where you'll witness a breathtaking sunset over the water. Explore the massive limestone cliffs that hold fossils from a 280-million-year-old seabed. While at Darlington, keep an eye out for Common Wombats, Forester Kangaroos, Bennett's Wallabies, Cape Barren Geese, and Flame Robins. Your guides will serve fresh Tasmanian produce and fine wines. Walking distances range from a short 2 km stroll to a more extended 12 km hike if you opt for one of the afternoon walks.

Accommodation: Bernacchi House

Day 13: Mt Maria or Bishop and Clerk. After a leisurely breakfast, take time to enjoy the surroundings before selecting your walking trail for the day. Adventurous options include climbing one of the island's two towering peaks, Mt Maria or Bishop and Clerk, which offer stunning views of Tasman Island, Freycinet, Schouten Island, and Ile Des Phoques. Near the summits, you'll encounter scree and dolerite boulders, remnants of the last glaciation period. For a more relaxed stroll, the Reservoir Circuit or Oast House Circuit provides ample opportunities to spot the island's marsupials. Returning to Bernacchi House in the afternoon, you can enjoy the company of native birds, Bennett's Wallabies, and Tasmanian Pademelons in the gardens. The day concludes with delicious local wines on the deck and a satisfying dinner. Walking distances range from 6 to 18 kilometres, depending on your chosen path. 

 Accommodation: Bernacchi House

Day 14: Mt Maria or Bishop and Clerk. After breakfast, explore Darlington, the convict settlement and industrial ruins of this World Heritage Listed site. The island's grasslands are one of Australia's best locations for viewing wombats, kangaroos and wallabies in a natural setting. Forester Kangaroos, Bennett's Wallabies, Cape Barren Geese, and Tasmanian Native Hens are commonly seen grazing in natural or historic clearings, whilst pairs of beautiful Flame Robins dart around. A farewell lunch will be served overlooking Darlington before you board the boat for Triabunna and the return trip to Hobart or the airport at approximately 6 pm.