Why Nature-Loving Travellers Are Drawn to the Arkaba Walk and Maria Island Walk

Australia’s premium walking tourism landscape entered a new chapter on 1 May 2026, with global adventure travel company Intrepid Travel officially completing its acquisition of Wild Bush Luxury.

For guests dreaming about walking holidays in Australia, very little changes where it matters most.

The same extraordinary landscapes.
The same small-group guided experiences.
The same deep connection to nature, conservation and storytelling.

The Arkaba Walk in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges and the Maria Island Walk off Tasmania’s east coast continue operating as Wild Bush Luxury, an Intrepid company, with the same spirit and philosophy that have made them two of Australia’s most respected guided walking experiences.

Yet the transition does mark an exciting evolution, bringing these experiences into a broader global family known for responsible, experience-led adventure travel and sustainability-focused tourism.

For travellers seeking meaningful connection with nature, that’s reassuring news.

Because these walks have never simply been about hiking from one point to another. They’re about slowing down enough to notice the details – the crunch of red earth beneath your boots, the sound of waves rolling onto an empty beach, the quiet thrill of spotting wildlife in its natural environment, and the conversations shared around the table at day’s end.

Summary

• Intrepid Travel officially completed its acquisition of Wild Bush Luxury on 1 May 2026.
• Wild Bush Luxury continues operating under its established brand as “Wild Bush Luxury, an Intrepid company”.
• The transition includes The Arkaba Walk and The Maria Island Walk, both members of Great Walks of Australia.
• Guests can continue expecting the same premium, small-group guided walking experiences grounded in conservation, comfort and meaningful connection to place.
• The acquisition reflects growing global interest in immersive, sustainability-focused walking and nature tourism experiences.

Walking Into Australia’s Wild Heart

There’s something grounding about waking to the sounds of nature rather than notifications.

On The Arkaba Walk, mornings begin beneath the dramatic ridgelines of the Flinders Ranges, one of the oldest landscapes on Earth. Kangaroos move quietly across open country. Wedge-tailed eagles circle overhead. The scent of native bush hangs lightly in the crisp air as guides lead walkers through landscapes shaped over millions of years.

The experience is intentionally intimate. Small groups allow space not only for storytelling and interpretation, yet also for stillness – moments where the landscape quietly speaks for itself.

Days unfold at a steady rhythm. Dry creek beds, rocky ridgelines, native wildlife and enormous skies become part of the experience rather than simply scenery passing by. The walk challenges people in places, however it’s never only about the physical achievement. It’s equally about perspective, presence and connection.

Evenings bring another layer to the experience. Long-table dinners, warm hospitality and conversations that naturally unfold after a day outdoors. There’s comfort here, however not in a polished or overdone sense. Rather, it’s the comfort that comes from feeling genuinely looked after while immersed in the wild.

As part of the Intrepid Travel family, that philosophy remains firmly intact – continuing a strong commitment to conservation-led, low-impact tourism experiences designed to help protect these places for generations to come.

The Island Where Wildlife Outnumbers People

If Arkaba is painted in rugged ochres and ancient ranges, the Maria Island Walk offers something entirely different – coastal wilderness, empty beaches and an abundance of wildlife that often feels wonderfully close.

Located off Tasmania’s east coast, Maria Island National Park has a gentler rhythm. Wombats graze unconcerned beside walking tracks. Wallabies emerge in the late afternoon light. Cape Barren geese wander across open grasslands as walkers move between beaches, forests and dramatic cliffs.

There’s a sense of peacefulness here that many travellers don’t realise they’ve been craving until they arrive.

Days are immersive without feeling rushed. Guides share stories about the island’s ecology, history and conservation while allowing plenty of space for walkers simply to absorb the experience around them. Some moments are filled with conversation and laughter. Others are quietly reflective, shaped more by birdsong, ocean breeze and the sound of footsteps along the track.

Accommodation remains intentionally connected to the environment. Eco-sensitive camps and lodge stays balance comfort with simplicity, allowing nature to remain the hero of the experience.

Why These Walks Resonate So Deeply

For many travellers, the true impact of experiences like The Arkaba Walk and Maria Island Walk isn’t measured by kilometres walked or photos captured.

It’s the feeling of being immersed in landscapes that encourage you to slow down and notice more.

It’s reconnecting with nature in a way that feels genuine rather than curated.

It’s sharing stories with people who were strangers only days earlier.

And increasingly, it’s knowing your travel choices are supporting experiences that value conservation, sustainability and responsible tourism practices.

The growing global interest in guided walking experiences reflects a broader shift in how people want to travel – seeking depth over speed, connection over crowds, and experiences that leave a positive impact on both travellers and the places they visit.

A New Chapter for Nature-Based Travel

Wild Bush Luxury becoming part of the Intrepid Travel family reflects the growing importance of premium, sustainability-focused travel experiences within the global tourism landscape.

For Great Walks of Australia, it also reinforces the strength and international appeal of Australia’s guided walking experiences – journeys that combine extraordinary landscapes with storytelling, hospitality, conservation and human connection.

For future guests, the essence of these walks remains beautifully unchanged.

Wide open landscapes.
Small groups.
Expert guides.
Wildlife encounters.
Meaningful moments.

And the simple reminder that sometimes the best journeys happen at walking pace.

FAQs

How long are the walks?

The Arkaba Walk covers approximately 45km over four days in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges. The Maria Island Walk also runs across four days and explores around 33km of Tasmania’s Maria Island National Park.

What is included in the experience?

Both walks are fully guided and include accommodation, meals and experienced local guides who share insights into the landscapes, wildlife and stories of each region.

Has the guest experience changed under Intrepid ownership?

Wild Bush Luxury continues operating under its established brand and philosophy, now as “Wild Bush Luxury, an Intrepid company”. Guests can continue expecting the same premium guided walking experiences with strong conservation and sustainability values.

Is wildlife commonly seen?

Yes. Wildlife encounters are one of the highlights of both walks. Maria Island is particularly well known for wombats, wallabies and birdlife, while Arkaba’s conservation area is home to kangaroos, emus and native birds.

Do I need to be an experienced hiker?

Not necessarily. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended, however these experiences are designed for moderately active to active travellers rather than elite hikers. Guides support walkers throughout the journey.