Ancient Flinders Ranges

Depart for the magnificent Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Before landing, your pilot will dip down for a scenic flight over the awe-inspiring Wilpena Pound.

Learn about life on a commercial sheep station on an afternoon station tour. Rawnsley Park runs approximately 2,000 Dohne sheep. Tour the shearing shed to see how the wool is sorted and baled before visiting the water points.

Watch a brilliant Flinders Ranges sunset overlooking the ramparts of Wilpena Pound and the stunning Chace Range, a glass of sparkling and gourmet canapé in hand.

Overnight: Rawnsley Park Station

A late start this morning allows you to go for an early walk on one of Rawnsley’s marked walking trails to check out the native flora and fauna or maybe sit on your veranda and relax in the tranquility of the Australian bush.

Fly north to Balcanoona and Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the ruggedly spectacular 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, culminating at Sillers Peak.

After dinner, when the skies light up, head to the Dodwell Observatory with Doug for a dark-sky tour of the universe from a location that provides some of the best viewing conditions in Australia, subject to weather conditions.

Overnight: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

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

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.