2025 Flinders Ranges & Arkaroola
Embark on an unforgettable expedition to discover the natural amphitheaters and
2 billion year old forged landscapes of the awe-inspiring South Australian Outback
12 Days
Sept 28 > Oct 9 – 2025
From $6,300*
12 days
Twin / Double $6300 + air (TBA)
Single $7435 + air (TBA)
Deposit $500.00
PLUS – Return Airfare – Brisbane > Adelaide > Brisbane
Inc – Home p/up & return*
*Brisbane > Sunshine Coast Regions
Itinerary
Join us as we discover the South Australian outback featuring the majestic Ikara-Flinders Ranges and the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Over 11 days we’ll take an unforgettable journey of immersive exploration of some of South Australia’s most iconic destinations. Along the way we’ll uncover hidden gems and create memories to last a lifetime. So, pack your sense of adventure and join us to see the beauty and diversity of South Australia together. Today, we fly to Adelaide in anticipation of the tour ahead. On arrival our coach captain will be there to greet us and make the trip into the city to our overnight accommodation.
1 night | Adelaide Rockford
Lunch at own cost | Dinner at Hotel
After breakfast we embark on the day’s expedition, taking us through the picturesque Adelaide Hills into the renowned Barossa Valley. Arriving at Mengler Hill Lookout, we have an incredible vantage point with panoramic vistas and quirky sculpture park. After a break, we head further north to Anlaby Station to experience the grandeur and glamour of times gone by. We’ll see extensive gardens and historic buildings that make Anlaby one of the finest homesteads in country South Australia. The early 1800s buildings sit on 10 acres of Edwardian gardens amongst the stables, workers cottages and sheds. We’re welcomed with a tour and lunch by the hosts. Farewelling the station, we enter Clare Valley and travel through Saddleworth and Auburn to our destination of Clare. We’ll settle into the Clare Country Club for the next two nights and freshen up for dinner.
2 nights | Clare Country Club
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at Anlaby Station
We visit a different kind of station today. On the outskirts of Clare is Bungaree Station, established in 1841 as the headquarters of an extensive merino sheep enterprise. Today it is an efficient mixed farm run by the descendants of the original founder, G.C. Hawker. Unlike a traditional museum, Bungaree Station offers a firsthand glimpse into the ongoing legacy of rural Australia. Following morning tea and a tour, our adventure continues to the historic township of Mintaro. Here we enjoy a delightful lunch at Martindale Hall, immersing ourselves in the elegance of bygone days on a grand pastoral estate. Our day concludes with a visit to the enchanting Mintaro Maze, where we lose ourselves amidst the living hedge conifer maze. Wander through its winding pathways, discovering hidden points of interest along the way before we return to Clare.
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at Martindale Hall
With Clare in our rearview mirror, we drive into the Southern Flinders Ranges travelling via Horrocks Pass into Port Augusta, located at the top of the Spencer Gulf. Upon arrival, the Wadlata Outback Centre beckons us for a light lunch and a visit. Through hands-on displays and audio-visual presentations we learn about the outback culture, its history and the incredible achievements of both the Aboriginal and European people through graphic displays. Our afternoon visit is to the Australian Arid Lands Botanical Gardens. It’s a stunning story of survival – how the thousands of highly evolved plant communities have specially adapted to thrive in extreme temperatures and decade lasting droughts.
Checking into our accommodation, we have an early dinner before setting off to Quorn for the nightly Silo Light Show. Once the sun goes down, an audio-visual display projects onto the local silo celebrating the Flinders Ranges, the Pichi Richi Railway and local heritage.
1 night | Standpipe Golf Motor Inn
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at Wadlata Centre
Departing Port Augusta, our path leads us towards Wilpena Pound. As we head north, we traverse the famed Goyders Line that was marked on the map in 1865 by Surveyor General George Woodroffe Goyder to delineate country affected by drought. The line played a pivotal role in settlement planning, indicating areas deemed suitable for agricultural development. However, signs of early settlers disregarding this advice is evident in the numerous ruins scattered across the Wilochra Plain, with Kanyaka Homestead serving as a poignant reminder just south of Hawker. Upon reaching Hawker, we have time to explore the renowned Jeff Morgan Art Gallery. Jeff has a superb reputation in the art world and standing in front of his Wilpena Panorama promises to be a truly impressive experience. Following lunch at a nearby café, we drive deeper into the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Arriving at Wilpena Pound Resort, we check in and enjoy the Welcome to Country ceremony hosted by the Adnyamathanha staff. This ceremonial event offers insight into the landscape’s significance through traditional song and stories.
2 nights | Wilpena Pound Resort
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch in Hawker
Today is all about discovering the beauty of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges as we venture into its dramatic gorges and spectacular peaks. Accompanied by our knowledgeable local guide, we embark on an exclusive insider’s tour of this stunning national park. Prepare to be captivated by sweeping views of Bunyeroo Valley and the majestic eastern wall of Wilpena Pound. Delve into the ancient history of this landscape where we’ll encounter some of the oldest fossils on earth. As late afternoon descends, wrap up warmly as we journey to Stokes Hill Lookout for Sundowners. Whilst enjoying nibbles and drinks, we’ll witness the mesmerising sunset against a backdrop of spectacular beauty, creating unforgettable memories of our adventures today.
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Picnic Lunch included
Setting out, we make our way to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, nestled within the hidden gem of the Gammon Ranges National Park. Aptly named, the sanctuary has rugged mountains and deep gorges offering refuge and diverse habitats for a plethora of remarkable species. On arrival lunch awaits us with time to take in the spectacular scenery. Later we have the privilege of observing the elusive Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby come in to feed in its natural environment. As night falls, we experience the enchanting night sky in darkness. There is nothing like viewing the stunning tapestry of stars in the dark expanse of the Flinders Ranges. With minimal light pollution, Arkaroola offers an ideal setting for stargazing. A truly magical evening.
2 nights | Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at Resort
This morning, we embark on the exhilarating 4WD Ridge Top Tour, navigating along tracks that wind through the rugged mountains. Along the journey we visit notable landmarks such as Crystal Candy Mountain, Mt Painter, Yudnamutana Gorge and Sillers Lookout. From our vantage point we’re treated to breathtaking views stretching over 80kms, encompassing Lake Frome. After our adventurous morning, we return to Arkaroola for lunch. The afternoon is ours to enjoy at leisure, providing the perfect opportunity to take an optional 35-minute scenic flight over the Gammon Ranges, offering a unique perspective of this remarkable landscape.
Breakfast & Dinner at Hotel | Lunch at Resort
After breakfast we head to Marree, the gateway to Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre Basin and is at the junction of the Birdsville and Oodnadatta tracks. Here we take to the skies on an incredible scenic flight to look at the spectacular Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre. Only from the air can you witness the multitude of colours and patterns as well as the remoteness of the area. Local operator Arid Air will be offering a scenic flight over Lake Eyre, the Marree Man and Painted Hills.
1 night | Marree Hotel Motel | 08 8675 8344
Breakfast, lunch and dinner at hotel
Feeling completely relaxed and in awe of the beauty that surrounds us we now make our way out of Ikara-Flinders Ranges and Outback SA region. Onward to our overnight destination of Peterborough. Peterborough’s history is all about rail. The railways officially arrived in town on January 17, 1881 when the line from Jamestown opened. Soon Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Adelaide and the Silverton Mines (Broken Hill area) were all connected by rail tracks that passed through Peterborough. The town forged ahead in leaps and bounds with the railways playing a major part in the development of it. As the sun descends, we arrive at the Steamtown Rail Heritage Centre for their Sound and Light Show. As the light begins to glow beneath a mighty steam train, there’s a hiss of a piston, a rush of steam and the cry of a guardsman as an incredible industrial legacy comes to life. Finding our seats in a comfortably restored 1916 historic rail carriage we spend an hour moving through the tunnels of time to learn about Peterborough, railways in South Australia and the many fascinating personal stories associated with it.
1 night | Roundhouse Motel Peterborough | 08 8651 2078 | subject to availability
Breakfast and dinner at hotel | Lunch at own cost
Before we leave town, we stop at the Town Carriage Museum where history comes to life. Step into the Commonwealth Carriage to find the information displays chronicling the events celebrating the town’s history and people of significance. We can’t leave town without paying homage to Bob the Railway Dog. A statue commemorating his adventures stands as a testament to his remarkable journey from loyal companion to a free-spirited traveller, hopping on and off trains at will. Our travel day now takes us via Riverton and Tarlee, stopping for comfort breaks along the way. Arriving in Adelaide, we check into our accommodation and have some leisure time to unwind. Later this evening, we gather for our final dinner together on tour, reminiscing about the memorable experiences shared throughout our journey.
1 night | Adelaide Rockford | 08 8211 8255 | subject to availability
Breakfast and dinner at hotel | Lunch at own cost
Our tour at an end, we board the coach for our transfer to Adelaide airport. Joining our homeward flight, we arrive back in Queensland with cherished memories and newfound friendships forged along the way.
Breakfast at hotel | Lunch at own cost
The itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, CT Travel reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. CT Travel will not be held responsible for weather-based cancellations, or those closures made at a venue’s discretion.
Tour Inclusions
- 11 nights motel accommodation
- 11 motel cooked breakfasts
- 11 motel two course dinners
- 8 included lunches
- Guided tour and lunch at Anlaby Station
- Guided tour and morning tea at Bungaree Station
- Entry to Mintaro Maze
- Guided tour and lunch at Martindale Hall
- Entry and lunch at Wadlata Outback Centre
- Entry and guided tour at Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens
- Visit to Quorn Silo Light Show
- Entry to Jeff Morgan Art Gallery
- Lunch at Flinders Food Co
- Guided tour of Flinders Ranges with a step on guide
- Packed lunch (day 6)
- Sunset Spectacular including step on guide, drinks and nibbles
- Lunch at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
- Explore the Cosmos tour at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
- Ridgetop Tour at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
- Lunch at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
- Lunch at Marree Hotel Motel
- Scenic flight with Arid Air (including Lake Eyre, Marree Man and Painted Hills)
- Sound and light show at Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre
- Entry to The Town Carriage Museum
Confirmed Accommodation
- Adelaide Rockford
- Clare Country Club
- Standpipe Golf Motor Inn, Port Augusta
- Wilpena Pound Resort, Flinders Ranges
- Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
- Marree Hotel Motel
- Roundhouse Motel Peterborough
- Adelaide Rockford
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Coolum Tours and Travel
Wpac Acc
BSB 034-198
Acc # 666873