Arkaba Walk – Trekking with charme

Overnight stay in Black’s GapCamp in luxury swag deck

Lunch included

Dinner included

Trek included: 12km, 4-5 hours

In the early morning departure by private flight from Adelaide to Port Augusta, from here transfer by off-road vehicle to Arkaba Station where you will meet your guide. Short information meeting before reaching Wilpena Pound off-road, the starting point of our trek. First, you will reach the upper edge of the rim and from here you will go into the Arkaba Wilderness until you reach the base of the crater. Wiulpena Pound is a huge basin formed by the drying up of the primordial seas and then of the remaining lake, sometimes it is traced back to a meteorite crater. Its appearance is spectacular. You arrive at the camp around 05:30 pm. Time to relax, have a drink, take a shower while your guides prepare the delicious dinner at the camp which will be accompanied by delicious wines. The sun sets leaving the field to the wonderful southern starry sky.

The two camps where you will stay is perfectly equipped and have 5 permanent swag decks (max 10 guests), two chemical toilets are available (mandatory regulations of the national park authority), and there are two showers with hot water. Meals are served in the appropriate area with rustic but elegant tables and the "mis en place" as well as the dishes served will surprise you.

What is a swag deck? The swag is the famous Australian sleeping bag which is more a bed than a sleeping bag, with cushions and sheets, therefore a real bed that is placed on a wooden structure elevated from the ground and closed on three sides while the 4th it is open to offer a spectacular view of the landscape and the starry sky.

Overnight stay in Semi-permanent equipped Bush Camp

Breakfast included

Lunch included

Dinner included

Trek included: 10-14 km - 6/7 hours

Today's program;

Today you will make a wonderful crossing, the route may also vary according to your level of physical preparation. From our field, you will reach the rolling hills of the Outback. The first 2 km will follow the path of the historic Heysen Trail used by the herdsmen (drozers) to bring the herds from the pastures to the collection areas. There are many stories to be learned about this epic, historic moment in the history of Australia and how it was explored and known thanks to these heroic herdsmen, sometimes not quite true gentlemen.

Today this vast area has been brought back to its primitive wild nature and right here you can observe the herds but the majestic gray kangaroos and the red giants. The last part of the day will finally take you to the base of the Elder ranges rich in woods composed of the native endemic species of the Cypress tree.

Accommodation at Elder Camp where your support vehicle will have transported your swag and your personal effects.

Overnight stay at the Homestead

Breakfast included

Lunch included

Dinner included

Trek included: 10-14 km 6/7 hours

Today's program;

We are confident that you will reluctantly leave your swag deck but today it is time to appreciate the rustic luxury of Arkaba Homestead !.

Today you will pass through different natural habitats where you can devote yourself to bird-watching, botanical observations, and taking photos/videos of truly unique panoramas. The first part of the day will spend at the base of the Elder Range through southern pine forests, and Mallee (Australian name indicating various types of arborescences). You pass the Slaty creek (among the few rivers that I keep cool even during the dry season), go up the gentle slopes of the magnificent Red Range, and then descend to Arkaba Creek with hundreds of red Eucalyptus. Your afternoon journey through other natural wonders will eventually take you to Arkaba Station in the mid-afternoon. Relax and enjoy the discreet rustic "luxury" of this residence dating back over 150 years ago. For this evening you will abandon the tasty "bush dinner" for our refined dinner at the Homestead !.

Overnight stay in a semi-permanent equipped Bush Camp

Breakfast included

Lunch included

Today's program;

After breakfast you begin our return to Adelaide. Your private guide vehicle will first take you to Clare Valley where you will stop for lunch (included). Clare Valley is one of South Australia's best kept little secrets, a place of production of excellent wines but also of excellent cheeses. A perfect ending for your trip in the Outback with charm !

Expected arrival in Adelaide in the late afternoon.