Arkaba’s Outback Walking, Wilderness & Wine Exclusive Package
Wild Bush Luxury has teamed up with fellow Luxury Lodges of Australia member, The Louise, to offer an incredible four-night package of outback walking, wilderness and wine.
The Louise, Barossa Valley
Beginning your journey at Arkaba in South Australia’s ancient Flinders Ranges with a 4 day walk through the majestic Wilpena Pound and the Elder Range, a quintessential Australian outback landscape, your adventure will be rounded out with a complimentary stay surrounded by vineyards at The Louise in the Barossa Valley.
On your final night at The Louise, you will also be treated to a four course dinner at the award winning Appellation, one of Australia’s finest regional dining experiences.
Secure your Arkaba Walking Wilderness and Wine Package today to receive:
- a one way flight from Adelaide to the Flinders Ranges
- a fully hosted and fully guided 4 day Arkaba Walk experience with two nights’ swag camping under the stars
- one night in the comfort of the luxurious Arkaba Homestead
- all gourmet meals and beverages
- one scenic transfer to the Barossa Valley wine country
- a complimentary night at The Louise and a four course dinner at Appellation, and
- return transfer on to Adelaide city or airport
This limited and exclusive package is priced at $2,400 per person*, (offering a saving of $1,155 per couple) and is available to guests booking the Arkaba Walk for departures on 1 or 15 June, 2017.
View the full itinerary of the Arkaba Walk and booking availability here
For information and exclusive package bookings, contact arkabawalk@wildbushluxury.com
*Terms and conditions apply.
The first snaps are in from the Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort walk for season 2017 and there’s no doubt these trekkers had a picture perfect hike.
Image: Fearless campsite near Mount Sonder
Walking the high ridgelines of the West MacDonnell Ranges, the group traveled up to 16 kilometers a day for 6 days and 5 nights to the delight of the nature lovers and confident walkers, as they passed over remote ridges and canyons and met some intriguing creatures including a little skink sunning himself and an army of hairy caterpillars.
Retiring to the semi-permanent wilderness eco-campsites, exclusive to Australian Walking Holidays, guests were impressed by the professional support crew preparing delicious three course dinners as the trekkers were left to gaze at the star studded sky in a truly tranquil and magical experience.
Images above left to right: 1) Skink sunning on a rock, 2) Mt Sonder in the distance 3) trekkers enjoing the trail 4) exotic hairy caterpillars 5) The sunrise from Mt Sonder
All photos taken by expert guide Alice Homan
If you’re considering walking the Larapinta Trail this season, why not view the full itinerary or start booking your Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort today
We’re off and walking on the Larapinta Trail for season 2017, so here’s a few things we thought you might like to know while you’re making your plans to head out-back…
The Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort hikes through the West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory, a stunningly beautiful desert environment, completely isolated but providing all the luxury comforts one could dream of walking in such a remote location. And whilst prime walking conditions are considered to be during the winter months, with such a vast array of nature’s finest treasures on this trail here’s a quick guide to help you decide when to walk, depending on what’s on the top of your list to discover…
Star Gazers – Walk late May – August
The Australian outback is one of the best places in the world to explore the galaxies in the night sky. While star gazing along the Larapinta Trail is able to be done all year round, if you want to see the very best of the starry nights, the winter months are less humid with clearer skies, giving a very sharp view of the stars, including the Milky Way as it passes overhead.
Flower Fanatics – Walk in May or August – September
With 767 species of flora, including the Mulla Mulla, Curry Wattle and Bush Tomato, the Larapinta Trail comes alive with colour at certain times of the year. However, with the erratic nature of rainfall in Central Australia, depending on the rain throughout the season, spotting a mass of wildflowers can’t be guaranteed. If you plan to trek in May, you will have the greatest chance of seeing a large array of colour. From August – September the wildflowers will also be in their prime again as they tend to have a resurgence coming out of winter season.
Bird Enthusiasts – Walk July – October
If your interests lie in birdwatching, then the months between July – October are the best as birds are in full breeding plumage. Ensure to bring your binoculars to spot Western Bowerbirds, Whistling Kites or Wedge Tailed Eagles soaring overhead.
Keen Swimmers – Walk in April, May or September
If you’re looking for a refreshing dip whilst on the Larapinta Trail you’re in luck as the trail is abundant with gorges, waterholes and rivers. While it’s not uncommon for it to rain in Central Australia at any time of the year, it typically rains more frequently between December – March. This can flood the rivers and creek lines, which means that trekkers who visit in April and May can expect ‘wet crossings’ of waterholes, creeks and gorges. The water during these earlier months is also slightly warmer than in the winter months of June – August, when water temperatures can be surprisingly chilly.
Fly Avoiders – Walk late May – mid August
While to some people flies are a quintessential part of Australia and the outback experience, for others they are a hindrance. Whilst walking you can wear a head net to keep flys at bay, however they do not like the colder weather, and when nighttime temperatures fall below 10 degrees Celsius the flies are nowhere to be seen. If you would prefer to avoid the flies whilst walking the trail, choosing a departure during the winter months would be more suitable.
So with all this knowledge on hand, you may know when you want to go but need to find out more about the trail – view the Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort walk itinerary and a full image gallery now… or alternatively if you’re ready, why not book now.
The Maria Island Walk and Arkaba Walk are excited to announce they are two of the founding members of the Australian Wildlife Collection; a new organisation showcasing immersive wildlife encounters across natural habitats.
Up close an personal with an Australian Wombat on Maria Island
Through the Australian Wildlife Collection, tourists will be able to build travel itineraries that include seasonal wildlife events and maximise their interactions with Australia’s diverse environment.
Often described as Tasmania’s Noah’s Ark, Maria Island is renowned as one of Australia’s leading destinations to see wombats, Tasmanian Devils, Kangaroos and bird life, including the rare forty-spotted pardalote. The Maria Island Walk hikes through isolated areas of the island over 4 days and 3 nights, offering guests rare and up close interactions with Australian native animals. In addition to these encounters, guests are treated to candlelit three-course meals, comprising fresh local produce and overnight stays in eco-lux wilderness campsites a stone’s throw from sandy white beaches, providing the perfect place to retire at the end of days full of new experiences.
Kangaroos on The Arkaba Walk by Wild Bush Luxury
The Australian Wildlife Collection have also started assembling a portfolio of guest programs that assist in the regeneration of local ecosystems.
The Arkaba Walk, in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, offers a conservation management program that provides interested guests the chance to learn of the challenges that Australia faces in conserving its unique and diverse environment. The region is also home to Red and Western Grey kangaroos, wallaroos and emus, which guests encounter as they hike through the quintessential outback landscape of Wilpena Pound and the Elder Range. Evenings are then spent around the campfire, indulging in a three-course camp dinner, before retiring to your deluxe swag for a well-earned rest and the sounds of the bush all around you.
Along with the two Great Walks of Australia, the Australian Wildlife Collection includes an array of Australia’s landscapes, from coral reefs, coastal and alpine eucalypt woodlands, wet and dry rainforests, wetlands to desert sandplains.
For more details, and to start planning your close wildlife encounter, visit www.australianwildlifecollection.com or start planning your Great Walks of Australia adventure…
Find out more about Arkaba Walk
Find out more about Maria Island Walk
Experience Australia’s Best Hotel with the Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk when you book for April or May 2017… Walk into Luxury has limited places on its April and May departures and is offering a complimentary night at the COMO Treasury Hotel with the remaining places this 2017 season!
Strictly limited dates available – visit walkintoluxury.com.au for terms.
Crowned Australia’s Best Hotel soon after opening in 2016, the award-winning COMO Treasury Hotel is the perfect way to finish your Walk into Luxury adventure.
Find out more about the Cape to Cape Walk on the Margaret River
Book now at info@walkintoluxury.com.au.
The Arkaba Walk and Scenic Rim Trail have commenced their 2017 walking seasons. With the Arkaba Walk proudly in their seventh year, and the Scenic Rim Trail boasting some new specialist team members, it’s going to be another fantastic season on these trails.
The Arkaba Walk, Flinders Ranges, South Australia
The 23rd of March began the seventh season for the Arkaba Walk. With field guides dusting off their walking boots, signature star beds freshly dressed, delicious new season menus crafted and the bar well replenished with new local wines, the team at Wild Bush Luxury are all ready to ensure you have the best experience exploring the ancient lands of South Australia. And with Wild Bush Luxury now managing your transfers from Adelaide, you’ll be treated one way by air and the other by road, taking in the Clare Valley wine country, another of South Australia’s natural beauty’s.
So with departures occurring at least once a week until 15 October 2017, now is the time to plan your extraordinary outback experience…
View the Arkaba Walk’s full itinerary and image gallery and book today!
The Scenic Rim Trail, Main Range National Park, Queensland
Further north in Queensland’s Main Range National Park they’re also dusting off their hiking boots, as team at the Scenic Rim Trail start to embark on their 4 day guided hikes for 2017.
The team has had some changes recently with a new General Manager, Mr. Craig Arlidge. Craig previously held the position of General Manager, with his wife Gabrielle, at Moyyan House by the Sea Hotel, in Vanuatu. With a wealth of knowledge in managing lodges, tours and experiences, both Craig and Gabrielle bring a wealth of experience to the Scenic Rim Trail.
The Scenic Rim team have also appointed Mr. Harley England, one of their lead guides to the position of Chief Ecologist. Harley will be leading projects throughout the season to identify and document the local wildlife that inhabit the Spicers Peak Nature Refuge where the majority of our trails are located. This will provide invaluable data and knowledge about our local wildlife, that will be shared with walkers during the hike.
With the introduction of new departure dates for the four-day Scenic Rim Trail on both Saturdays and Tuesdays, there is now even more flexibility when organising your escape. The Scenic Rim Trail is open now until 28 November 2017.