Flinders Ranges to the Fleurieu

Today, meet your knowledgeable guide in Adelaide before hitting the open road to Arkaba. Keep an eye out for the imaginative collection of large sculptures along the highway, before you stop for lunch on the banks of Bumbunga Lake. Your journey will take you past the infamous Snowtown, Redhill, Port Pirie and Port Germein before a short stop in the historic railway town of Quorn. From here, Arkaba is about an hour away, and you will arrive to Arkaba Homestead in time to freshen up before your guided lay of the land experience and a three-course meal hosted by one of Arkaba’s field guides.

Arkaba Homestead | LD

Today the rugged Outback comes to life. Traverse the basin of Wilpena Pound, hiking to the rim of this natural amphitheatre, before descending into the Arkaba Wilderness and a walk in to camp late afternoon. Savour a three-course alfresco camp dinner and settle into your deluxe swag for a night under a canopy of stars (Walking approx 13km, 5-6 hours).

Black’s Gap Camp | BLD

Today is arguably the most scenic, as you move out from Black’s Gap through meandering riverbeds into the rolling hills. Follow the famous Heysen Trail for a while through Black’s Gap. Red and grey kangaroos and emus are regularly sighted. The last leg takes you into the hills, culminating in a sharp climb to the summit of the Red Range for panoramic views. Carry on to the foot of the Elder Range and arrive at camp early evening (Walking approx 14-15km, 6–7 hours).

Elder Camp | BLD

Plenty of time today to stop for photographs, bird watching, botanising and discussion. Move southeast through mallee and native pine forests before crossing Slaty Creek. Ascend the Red Range ridge and down to the banks of Arkaba Creek, home to hundreds of magnificent river red gums. Arrive at Arkaba Homestead for a quintessential Outback experience and an evening spent in the elegant 1850s homestead enjoying a beautifully-prepared meal and some excellent South Australian wines (Walking approx 14-15km, 6–7 hours).

Arkaba Homestead | BLD

Transfer from Arkaba to Adelaide, enjoying lunch in the beautiful Clare Valley along the way. Relax at your hotel for the evening, preparing for your exploration of the majestic Fleurieu Peninsula that kicks off tomorrow.

Mayfair Hotel | BL

Start your day with a visit to Hickinbotham’s privately owned château, the “White House”, where you will gain greater understanding of the vineyard and its history in Australian wine production supplying fruit for many of the country’s greatest wines, including Penfolds Grange. With very limited quantities, Hickinbotham wines are regarded as some of the best single estate wines in Australia and you’ll soon understand why at a private tasting over lunch in the château.

After lunch you’ll head across to Yangarra Estate to visit the High Sands Grenache vineyard, winner of Halliday’s Wine of the Year in 2020. The Yangarra philosophy centres on producing wines solely from their single-vineyard estate, where bush-vine Grenache is the keystone variety. With no less than three 99-point scores in Halliday’s recent Wine Companion, Yangarra is at the top of its game and you'll enjoy a visit to the vineyard plus a private tasting in their VIP lounge.

Later this afternoon, drive to your boutique accommodation at Coastal Lodge admiring spectacular views of Gulf St Vincent en route.

Coastal Lodge | BLD

Today, walk into Onkaparinga Gorge to see indigenous history, native animals and geology that dates back 600 million years. Enjoy a tour of the d’Arenberg Cube, a unique cube-shaped complex built to excite the senses with its wine sensory room, Alternate Realities Museum, virtual fermenter and tasting room. Finish your day dozing as you drive along the tranquil Silver Sands Beach back to your accommodation.

Coastal Lodge | BLD

Admire the beauty of the Southern Ocean on a 4WD beach trip that offers an opportunity to walk amongst the dunes. Visit Goolwa, where the mighty Murray River verges into the Southern Ocean then enjoy a beachfront, seafood lunch. Your tour concludes in Adelaide this afternoon.

BL