Ancient Flinders Ranges

Tour Duration:

4 Days

The Flinders Ranges in South Australia offer an experience unlike any other. With their towering ancient cliffs, deep craters and magnificent red river gums, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into another world, lost in time. The stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, breathtaking starry nights, rich fossil heritage and warm, welcoming locals are just a few reasons why we believe this region is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets.

Australian Air Safaris tours offer unique itineraries flying around Australia. We explore our vast nation in our private planes, meaning we are always small groups, and everyone has a window seat. We have over 45 years of air touring experience, creating unforgettable experiences that will last a lifetime. Our all-inclusive tours are hosted by our knowledgeable pilots and assisted by local guides who share our passion for this country, ensuring you're never short of stories to tell when you get home.

We take care of all of the planning and logistics. All you have to do is meet us at the airport, ready for an adventure of a lifetime. We will whisk you away to places near and far, exploring the hard to get to and the unique.

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Ediaracan Fossils Nilpena Station

Ridgetop Tour Arkaroola

Wilpena Pound - SATC

Tour Highlights

The spectacular beauty of Wilpena Pound
Station life on Rawnsley Park Station
Thrilling 4WD Ridgetop Tour
Stunning Flinders Range sunset drinks
Dark Sky stargazing at Arkaroola
Ancient Ediacaran fossil site tour
Fabulous food at The Prairie Hotel
Rich traditions of the Adnyamanthanha cultural experience

Prices and bookings

For prices and to make a booking please select the departure city. If no availability send us an email or call us on 1300 206 130.

Great experience and memories

"This is our second tour with AAS and it’s been a wonderful experience again and a great way to see Australia by air. Highly recommend travelling with Australian Air Safaris. We did the Great Southern Islands tour this time and it was fantastic. land tours organised were great. Our pilot Keith was took care of everyone and ensuring everyone had a great time. Thank you AAS for great memories"

What is included?

All-inclusive tour (unless stated on itinerary)
Well-appointed private aircraft by Kirkhope Aviation
Every seat a window seat
Premium small group touring, maximum 11 passengers, fully escorted
Private departure lounge, fast access, no crowds.
Free on street parking
All meals and beverages with evening meals In-flight snacks and refreshments
All stopover ground transfers, tours, activities and entry fees
Ensuited accommodation

Touring route

Click to open full map for best experience.

Tour Itinerary: Ancient Flinders Ranges

B,L,D: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 1: Depart for Rawnsley Park Station (L,D)

Depart for the magnificent Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Take in the majestic views as you descend for a scenic flight over the awe-inspiring Wilpena Pound.

Experience life on a commercial sheep station during an afternoon tour at Rawnsley Park, home to 2,000 sheep. Witness the shearing process and visit the water points.

Conclude the day with a spectacular sunset over Wilpena Pound and the Chace Range, accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine and gourmet canapés.

Overnight: Rawnsley Park Station

Day 2: Rawnsley Park Station to Arkaroola (B,L,D)

You can start your morning with a peaceful walk on one of Rawnsley's walking trails or relax on your veranda and enjoy the tranquillity of the Australian bush.

Then, fly north to Balcanoona and Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the northern Flinders Ranges.

Following lunch, join Arkaroola's signature Ridgetop tour, travelling in a specially constructed open-top 4WD vehicle. Enjoy breathtaking views as the 4WD travels along the ridgetop track, ultimately leading to Sillers Peak.

After dinner, experience an educational evening under the vast expanse of Arkaroola's starlit International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Gaze upwards and find yourself mesmerized by the pristine clarity of the moon, stars, Milky Way and other celestial wonders. These can be viewed in intimate detail using state-of-the-art astronomy binoculars while reclining in a comfortable camp chair (subject to weather conditions).

Overnight: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, Callitris room

Day 3: Arkaroola to Ediacaran Fossils to Parachilna (B,L,D)

On the fascinating 'Written in the Rocks' guided drive and walk tour, take a trip back in time and head to the southern part of the sanctuary, stopping at Ochre Wall, Lively's Gold Find, the Welcome Mine, the Jasper Twins and Stubbs Waterhole. The history of this region has been exposed at the surface, revealing hundreds of millions of years of sedimentary and glacial activity.

Fly from Arkaroola to Leigh Creek in the heart of the Flinders Ranges. A local guide will meet you as your pilot refuels and moves the aircraft. Tour the excellent fossil site at Nilpena Ediacaran National Park on the former Nilpena Pastoral Station grounds. This is one of the most significant fossil sites in the world. The Ediacaran fossils preserve entire ecosystems of half-a-billion-year-old lifeforms, enabling scientists to gain an unparalleled glimpse into the origins of life on Earth.

On to Parachilna and the historic Prairie Hotel, built in 1876, an icon of the Flinders Ranges, renowned for its extraordinary food.

Overnight: Prairie Outback Lodge, deluxe room

Day 4: Wadna, Parachilna to home city (B,L)

Travel through Parachilna Gorge to Wadna to meet local Adnymanthanha guide Kristian Coulthard. Discover a secluded site of Adnyamathanha heritage, the Glass Gorge Cultural Art Site. Explore picturesque creek beds and a remarkable display of Petroglyphs – ancient rock etchings that tell timeless tales. Scar trees, bush tucker and ancient artefacts offer a unique glimpse into the traditional practices and daily life of the Adnyamanthanha ancestors.

Back at the Prairie, take a signature grazing lunch before your flight home.