Ranges to River

WITH TRANSFERS FROM ADELAIDE

Meet and greet Adelaide airport or city located hotel before we hit the open road for our direct journey to the Flinders Ranges and your guided safari experience on arrival at Arkaba which will familiarise you with the area.

SELF DRIVE ITINERARY

Make your way to Arkaba Homestead from 2pm for check-in to your Homestead Guestroom. There will be time to freshen up before your guided ‘Welcome to Arkaba’ safari experience.

13km walking

Traverse the basin of Wilpena Pound before crossing onto Arkaba’s private wildlife conservancy and descend to Black’s Gap Signature Swag Camp. Glorious diversity meets big outback space and starry skies.

15km walking

Today is arguably the most scenic, as we move out from Black’s Gap meandering riverbeds into the rolling hills more suited to the sheep farming activities previously carried out across the property. The first 2km will follow the famous Heysen Trail through Black’s Gap with the last leg of the day will heading slightly west into rolling hills culminating in a sharp 1km climb of about 100m in elevation to the summit of the Red Range where we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges before moving on to the foot of Elder Range passing through beautiful stands of native Cypress trees.

Your luggage and swags will have been transported by vehicle to our new signature swag camp, the Elder Camp. You can expect to arrive around 5.30 pm in time for a hot bush shower with a view, a 3 course dinner and another beautiful night under the stars.

14-15km walking

Walk across varying terrain through Mallee and cypress forests before ascending the Red Range. Immerse yourself in our ancient Arkaba Creek line alive with glorious diversity enroute to Arkaba Homestead.

WITH TRANSFERS 

Depart Arkaba Homestead after breakfast at 08:30 for a scenic transfer through gorgeous outback towns with wine tasting and lunch in the Clare Valley. After lunch continue onwards to the Hotel Renmark, your accommodation for the night, with dinner at the Nanya Bistro that evening.

SELF DRIVE ITINERARY

Morning at leisure to relax fireside, take an optional scenic flight over the ancient ramparts of Wilpena Pound or perhaps retreat into nature from Arkaba’s wildlife viewing hide or historic woolshed. Check out by 11am and set off for Renmark via the Clare Valley wine country. Take your pick of wineries for a beautiful lunch. From the Clare Valley head east through Robertson and Cadell before arriving at the Hotel Renmark, your accommodation for the night, with dinner at the Nanya Bistro that evening.

12km walking  |  12km cruising

Meet your guides and fellow walkers at 8:00 am at the Hotel Renmark for a pre-walk briefing before we board the pontoon “cruiser” boat for a 14 km cruise along the Murray River to the start of the walking route.

Discover the lagoons that are havens for waterbirds, learn about the site of a World War II Japanese internment camp and cross creeks that feed the red gum forests and box woodlands. A gentle climb through the cliffs reveals a magnificent view of the vast Murray River floodplain that will surround you over the next 3 days. A short transfer across the river in the cruiser and you have arrived at your destination.

You will be welcomed aboard the houseboat with time to settle in with a cool foot dip in the river or a hot spa followed by a 3-course dinner paired with local wines.

14km walking  |  12km cruising

Rise before the sun and walk a gentle slope to the rim of the Murray River valley for a spectacular sunrise. See colours appear and marvel at the journey route below before returning to the houseboat for a cooked breakfast. Depart again for the daily walk discovering Aboriginal canoe trees, giant red gum forests and small islands along leafy Amazon Creek.

Arriving at your floating home you’ll enjoy a local tasting plate as you dip your feet in the cool waters of the Murray River.

10km walking  |  18km cruising

Awake to the mists on the water and enjoy a great coffee, local navel oranges and tasty breakfast followed by a briefing on the Murray Darling Basin and the management of its network of rivers which drain 14% of Australia. Today we cruise to the Chowilla Creek Environmental Regulator to learn about environmental watering and new stewardship for the river, before setting off on our walk.

You’ll walk along Chowilla Creek, restored wetlands and visit the proposed site of the 1960’s Chowilla Dam.

In the afternoon we celebrate completing our walking journey from Queens Bend Cliffs before cruising to the houseboat as the late afternoon sun illuminates the red cliffs.

Optional 2km walking  |  23km cruising

After breakfast take a self-guided 2 km walk along the river, before cruising in the pontoon boat through Lock 6. Experience a gentle drop in the water level of 3 metres.

Rejoining the houseboat downstream, you will cruise for 2 hours on the houseboat to the innovative Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery, set in a 100 year old shearing shed on the banks of the river.

Enjoy a tour with the head brewer before sitting down with your guides to a fine barbecue, prepared by your guides before saying your farewells.

You will depart for Renmark by bus and arrive at the Renmark Hotel at 2.00 pm.

WITH TRANSFERS

Depart Renmark at 2.00pm for your transfer back to Adelaide airport or city located hotel. Estimated time of arrival in Adelaide is 5.00pm.

SELF DRIVE ITINERARY

Make your way onto your next destination, considering an extra night in Renmark (at your own leisure) and dine out at one of the many great restaurants and visit the Riverland’s unique cellar doors the following day.