The Great Outback. An otherworldly landscape where the earth is painted red and ochre, horizons seem endless, and craggy mountain ranges beckon the intrepid explorer. The vast expanse becomes an adventurer’s playground, teeming with native wildlife and rich with history. Here, travellers can disconnect with the real world and immerse themselves in the rugged, natural beauty of the Australian wilderness. Arkaba Conservancy allows guests to experience the magic of the Outback firsthand, blending luxury with adventure to create the ultimate Australian Outback experience.

Arkaba Conservancy is a 60,000-acre private wildlife conservancy located in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia. Here, guests gain a true Australian Outback experience, unplugged from the rest of the world. Walks through the rugged bushland unveil geological wonders such as the Ikara/Wilpena Pound basin and Arkaba Creek, where guests are likely to encounter the region’s spectacular native wildlife. Guests can immerse themselves in the conservancy’s magic by embarking on the Arkaba Walk, a three-day guided walk through the remote wilderness where guests are offered first-hand insight into the region’s wildlife, conservation efforts, and cultural heritage. At the heart of the Conservancy lies the ultra-exclusive Arkaba Homestead, a luxury lodge that allows you to balance immersive wildlife experiences with indulgent comfort.

What sets Arkaba apart is its unwavering commitment to conservation. Having previously operated as a sheep station, it now strives to create a symbiotic relationship between conservation and tourism, where every stay contributes to the restoration and preservation of the ecosystem. In 2009, Arkaba became part of the Wild Bush Luxury Collective, endeavouring to reverse the impact of 150 years of pastoral activity on the landscape and ‘rewild’ the region through a number of conservation projects. This includes habitat restoration, waste management, and hands-on guest engagement.

Blending wilderness adventure with indulgence, the Arkaba Walk is a three-day Australian Outback experience that epitomises their ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ philosophy. The journey takes explorers through a vast range of terrains, journeying across majestic Wilpena Pound, the rolling hills along the Heysen Trail, and through the Cypress trees of the Elder Range. Expert guides will take guests along some of the landscape’s most stunning features, stopping at old shepherds’ camps and mustering yards along the way to give insight into the region’s pastoral heritage.

Though the Arkaba Walk is all about immersing oneself in the great outdoors, the comfort of guests remains a priority. The walk includes two nights in deluxe bush camps. The camps have been designed to seamlessly blend in with the environment, with hot showers and three-course evening feasts ensuring guests sleep under the stars in comfort. The final night of the expedition sees guests return to the Arkaba Homestead, where they will be met with a glass of wine by the firepit, and a dinner prepared by the lodge’s in-house chef team. Guests can then spend the following day at their leisure – either taking in the landscape from the lodge’s pool or enjoying a scenic flight over the ancient ramparts of Wilpena Pound.

The Arkaba Homestead is the haven of the Arkaba Conservancy, nestled deep within the ancient landscape of the Flinders Ranges. The 1950s homestead was once a working sheep station but has now been transformed into an exclusive retreat with only five ensuite guestrooms, ensuring a wholly private and intimate experience. The homestead has retained its original layout, with four traditional-style bedrooms inside the homestead itself having their own unique charm. The fifth bedroom is located in the coachman’s cottage, a private cottage located in the homestead’s garden that offers an even greater sense of solitude and comfort. Each room boasts its own shaded veranda, where guests can take in the surrounding ranges in their own time.

In line with their conservation efforts, the dining options at Arkaba Homestead focus on the use of local produce. Head chef Calvin Von Niebel uses the very best of South Australia’s produce to craft a dining experience that celebrates the best parts of the region’s cuisine. Guests can look forward to dishes such as Crispy Murraylands pork with sticky quandong sauce and fennel or Spencer Gulf kingfish and coconut ceviche. Their championing of local cuisine extends beyond the food, however. The open bar is stocked with all-Australian wines, beers, and spirits, and their vast wine-cellar holds purely South Australian wines, making it a uniquely Australian experience.

There are several experiences included in a stay at Arkaba Conservancy. To learn more about the site’s heritage, tours of the Arkaba Woolshed will transport guest back to the 1850s, where they can explore the original depot building and even see the names of shearers etched into the walls. Guests seeking adventure can also embark on a wildlife-viewing safari drive through the Arkaba landscape, where they may spot some Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies, Echidnas, or perhaps even a Red Kangaroo. This safari drive is topped off with a sundowner drink and canapés, where guests can experience a 360-degree view of the surrounding ranges as the sun sets beyond.

Arkaba Conservancy allows you to reconnect as you disconnect, unplugging you from the outside world and allowing you to take in the breathtaking nature of the Outback. Days filled with guided walks through rolling hills and vast mountain ranges and nights of Australian cuisine among the stars make the Australian Outback experience at Arkaba a harmonious blend of adventure, relaxation, and conservation.