Ancient Flinders Ranges

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

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

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.