Why The Arkaba Walk is an Invitation to Learn and Feel the Real Australia

What does it mean to truly know a place? For many, it’s not enough to simply pass through a landscape, we want to understand it, to listen and learn, and to feel a genuine sense of connection. The Arkaba Walk in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges offers this kind of experience: a chance to walk in ancient footsteps, guided by those who know the land intimately, and to absorb stories that stay with you long after the journey ends.

Have you’ve found yourself searching for more than just breathtaking views, hoping for real insight, quiet wonder, and the comfort of being welcomed as part of something incredibly meaningful? The Arkaba Walk is an invitation to learn, to feel, and to remember why we travel in the first place.

Through guided walks, shared stories, and moments of quiet observation, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Australia’s ancient outback, its ecological challenges, and the personal histories woven through this vast landscape. The Arkaba Walk is an extraordinary opportunity to learn, from the land, its wildlife, and the passionate people who care for it. And you’ll find yourself changed – calmer, more connected, and genuinely moved.

Quick Summary

• The Arkaba Walk is more than a hike; it’s a deeply personal, educational experience in the Flinders Ranges.
• Learn first-hand from expert guides about geology, wildlife, and conservation efforts.
• Sensory moments – the colours at sunset and the hush of dawn – these moments stay with you long after the visit.
• Ideal for those seeking space, nature, peace, and perspective.

South Australia in Motion: From Vineyards to Red Ranges

Consider the journey itself as part of the Arkaba experience. Leaving Adelaide, the country opens gently, from vineyards and paddocks to saltbush plains and the first hint of ancient ridgelines ahead. There’s time to settle, to watch river red gums trace dry creek lines, to notice the changing light and the soft scent of eucalyptus through an open window. A relaxed picnic stop sets the outback pace, and the scenic drive home becomes a quiet debrief, with new views and small towns rolling by as you swap highlights with your driver. You might spot emus moving through the scrub or a wedge-tailed eagle riding a thermal, and when in season, roadside bloom adds a wash of colour. By the time you arrive, you’re already tuned to South Australia’s rhythm, and by the time you leave, you understand why the long road feels worth every kilometre.

What Makes the Arkaba Walk Different?

There are guided walks, and then there’s the Arkaba Walk. Here, learning is inseparable from every step. Fiona from Sydney said after her visit “It’s an extraordinarily special part of Australia. Having travelled extensively around the globe, Arkaba pulls on the heartstrings for many reasons – the expanse, the colours at sunset, the magnificent wildlife in moments both expected and unexpected, and the tireless effort of staff to deliver a profoundly Australian experience. For those living in cities craving space, nature, and peace, or for visitors from overseas, you’ll never feel quite the same again after having lived and experienced a stay at Arkaba.”

Walking with Purpose: Nature as Teacher

From the first crunch of dry earth under your boots, you’re learning. Not just about the Flinders Ranges’ dramatic geological history, incredible ancient seabeds and towering ridgelines, there is an extraordinary delicate balance between wildlife and environment.

Guides at Arkaba are storytellers as much as naturalists. You might find yourself tracing the path of a yellow-footed rock wallaby, pausing in silence while a wedge-tailed eagle glides overhead. The guides share insights into conservation, pointing out where regeneration projects are bringing the land back to life after years of overgrazing.

Walking at Arkaba isn’t rushed. There’s time to stop and notice the scent of eucalyptus warming in the sun, to listen to the distant call of corellas, and to feel the shifting texture of the earth beneath your feet. Dusk brings a hush that invites reflection. It’s peace many city dwellers realise they’ve been missing.

Real Stories, Real People

What sets Arkaba apart is the human element. Staff are passionate and generous with their hospitality and their stories, whether its explaining which wildflowers have returned thanks to conservation, or sharing a favourite spot for stargazing. Every meal is an opportunity to ask questions, swap impressions, and learn from others’ experiences.

Many travellers mention how staying here feels like reconnecting to nature, to community, and to themselves. This is a place where notes are scribbled in travel journals, and where conversations linger over good food and local wine.

Opportunities to Learn and Grow

• Geology: Learn how the Flinders Ranges were formed, and spot ancient fossils.
• Wildlife: Identify kangaroos, emus, and elusive rock wallabies.
• Conservation: Understand the ongoing projects to restore native habitat and reduce introduced species.
• Culture: Hear about the deep connection Aboriginal peoples have with this land, honouring thousands of years of wisdom.
• Personal Reflection: The landscape’s scale and silence invite your own thoughts. What matters most, what you want to remember.

A Walk that Stays with You

Many guests say the real gift of the Arkaba Walk comes later. It’s in the memory of light changing on ancient stone, a surprising animal encounter, or the feeling of belonging to a bigger story. As Fiona from Sydney shared after her visit “You’ll never feel quite the same again after having lived and experienced a stay at Arkaba.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How challenging is the Arkaba Walk?
A: The walk is moderate, covering about 45km over four days with plenty of breaks and support. Guides adapt the pace to suit the group.

Q: What will I learn about wildlife and conservation?
A: Guides share insights into local species, the challenges they face, and practical conservation work happening on the property. You’ll see signs of rewilding and habitat restoration first-hand.

Q: Is this suitable for solo travellers or those over 50?
A: Absolutely. Many guests are solo or in the 50+ age group, valuing the social and reflective aspects of the experience.

Q: What is the accommodation like?
A: Accommodation blends comfort with connection to nature: think swag beds under the stars or a rustic homestead with heartfelt hospitality.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Return road transfers are included in the 4-night Arkaba Walk itinerary. The journey from Adelaide takes around 5 hours with a relaxed picnic lunch enroute. The return follows a scenic route of about 7 hours, with lunch included. Many travellers find the road time becomes part of the Arkaba experience. It’s unhurried time to take in South Australia’s wide skies and changing colours, to shift out of city pace, and to let the outback come gently into focus. Think of it as a soft arrival and a slow, grateful farewell.

Picture the glow on the ranges at day’s end, the hush before dawn, and stories shared over a simple, good meal. Start dreaming about your next adventure. To learn more visit the Arkaba Walk and our Frequently Asked Questions about all of our Great Walks of Australia.

Have you ever pictured yourself on a beautiful trail, wondering quietly, “Could I really do a multi-day walk? Or is that just for the super-fit?” If you’re feeling curious yet also a little unsure, you’re not alone, and you’re exactly who these journeys are made for.

Most first-timers ask the same honest questions:

• Will I keep up?
• What if I get tired?
• Will I feel out of place?

The answers might surprise you. Great Walks of Australia are designed for real people. People with busy lives, a range of fitness levels, and a genuine desire to connect with nature (and each other) at a human pace. You don’t need to prove anything here. What you’ll find is gentle encouragement, good company, and a space to walk your own path with comfort and confidence.

Walking Together: Real Companionship, No Pressure

Every walk is different, and the people you share it with matter just as much as the scenery. Some come as couples or friends, looking to reconnect. Others join solo, seeking new friendships or a bit of quiet. The magic often happens in the in-between moments. Someone sharing a story over a snack break, a guide offering a quiet word of encouragement, or an easy silence where you simply walk together.

There’s no race, and nobody’s left behind. Experienced guides keep an eye on everyone, checking in and supporting you without fuss. You’re free to find your pace, take a break, or simply soak up the landscape whenever you need. It’s not about endurance. It’s about enjoying the journey.

Gentle Transformation: What Really Changes

You might start your walk with doubts. Most do! But by the end, those worries tend to soften. Not because you suddenly turn into a hard-core adventurer. Instead because you find pride in your own quiet achievements, you notice how capable you really are, and realise you’re warmly welcome just as you are.

The landscape itself does half the work: the hush of morning mist, birds calling through the trees, breath-taking views, the comfort of a warm shower and good meal at day’s end. The real reward is how you feel.

More present, more connected, and more confident in yourself.

What To Expect: Support Every Step of the Way

• Choose the walk that fits you: Explore our range of walks here on Great Walks of Australia website helping you to understand and compare different trails, from gentle coastal paths to more adventurous routes.
• Comfort is built in: Some walks offer solo or twin-share rooms, hot showers, and nourishing meals are part of the experience.
• Pace is gentle: Guides adapt to suit the group. Breaks are encouraged. No one is left behind.
• You are heard: Whether it’s dietary needs or a little extra reassurance, you’re welcome to ask.

FAQs

What if I need to slow down?
Everyone is supported. The group moves together. Rest when you need to. No pressure.

Will I have privacy?
Some walks offer single supplement for private or twin-share rooms. Check your chosen walk itinerary for details.

Can I find quiet moments?
Absolutely. There’s plenty of space for solitude and reflection, as well as gentle company.

Special diet?
Most operators are happy to accommodate. Just let them know in advance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re drawn to the idea of a Great Walk yet feel a little nervous, that’s natural. All you need to bring is curiosity and a willingness to try. The comfort and confidence you build along the way will surprise you. As will the incredible warmth and care from those you travel with. Real comfort, genuine encouragement, and a place where you’re truly welcome are waiting for you, every step of the way.

When you think about the highlights of an extraordinary walking holiday, you might picture the breathtaking landscapes, the gourmet dining, or the sense of achievement after a big day on the trail. Yet, for many travellers, what stays in their hearts long after the journey ends are the people — the warm welcome, the personal touches, and the friendly faces who make every moment special.

This season at Pinetrees Lodge, home of the award-winning Seven Peaks Walk on Lord Howe Island, was one to remember. Guests and guides alike enjoyed a season filled with laughter, adventure, incredible food, and plenty of heartfelt moments — right down to the hugs (and yes, a few tears) at the airport farewells.

A Season of Highlights

Across the season, Pinetrees hosted:

• 14 Seven Peaks Walks – showcasing the island’s spectacular peaks, pristine beaches, and unique wildlife.
• Two Ocean Swim Weeks with Australian Ironman legend Trevor Hendy.
• The indulgent Food & Wine Week with renowned chef Tom Kime to close the season.

Each event brought together guests from across Australia and around the world, united by a shared love of nature, active adventures, and exceptional hospitality.

Farewell to a Legendary Duo

This season also marked a significant chapter in the Pinetrees story, as the team bid a fond farewell to Denis and Lara, who, for the past 10 years, have been an integral part of creating the Pinetrees experience. Their unwavering dedication, enthusiasm, and attention to detail (including Denis’ much-loved “nerdy perfectionism”) have played a huge role in Pinetrees being voted Best Hotel in Australia on TripAdvisor for multiple years.

Tourism is about places, and it’s also about people. The genuine care and professionalism of staff can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one. Denis and Lara have done exactly that for countless guests, and their legacy will continue to shape the lodge for years to come. As they set off to travel the world with their family, the entire Seven Peaks Walk and Pinetrees community wishes them well on this exciting next chapter.

A Warm Welcome Back

While farewells are never easy, there’s excitement for the future too. The upcoming season will see the return of Deb Townsend, bringing her own unique blend of warmth, drive, and humour to the role. Guests can look forward to the same high standard of hospitality, with new energy and ideas to keep the Seven Peaks Walk and Pinetrees experience as exceptional as ever.

Plan Your Lord Howe Island Adventure

Whether you’re chasing winter sunshine, craving a springtime escape, or dreaming of a summer holiday with a difference, now’s the perfect time to plan your visit. Pinetrees Lodge has a special offer for September, October, and November stays, along with limited availability over the summer holiday season.

The Seven Peaks Walk is one of Australia’s most unique and breathtaking multi-day guided walks — and with the incredible team at Pinetrees Lodge looking after you, it’s an experience that combines world-class walking with warm, personal hospitality.

The mighty Murray River is home to one of Australia’s most iconic freshwater fish – the Murray Cod. Once abundant, this legendary species is now listed as vulnerable in South Australia. Habitat loss, overfishing, altered river flows, and the removal of millions of fallen logs (“snags”) during the paddle steamer era have left the Murray Cod without the safe breeding and feeding grounds they once relied on.

Murray River Trails, operator of the Murray River Walk, has launched an inspiring regenerative tourism project to help change that story – building “fish hotels” to restore essential habitat and give Murray Cod populations a fighting chance.

Why It Matters

From the Millennium Drought to climate change and river regulation, the Murray’s ecosystem has faced decades of pressure. Re-snagging the river helps:

• Increase Murray Cod populations
• Boost numbers of other native species
• Reduce invasive carp through natural predation
• Enhance the benefits of small and medium floods that trigger breeding

This is regenerative tourism in action – going beyond low impact to actively restore river health.

What’s a Fish Hotel?

A fish hotel is a large, purpose-built structure made from Murray River red gum logs, designed to mimic the natural snags that native fish use for shelter and breeding. Each hotel:

• Weighs around 1.4 tonnes
• Is built to last for over a century
• Includes a concrete breeding pipe to protect Murray Cod eggs from predators
• Provides safe shelter for other native fish like Golden Perch and small-bodied species

Within months of installation, fish hotels can be buzzing with life – offering food, shelter, and breeding habitat in sections of the river where natural snags are scarce.

The Project Plan

Working with conservation partner OzFish, Murray River Trails will install 10 fish hotels between Lock 5 and Lock 6 in 2025–2026. Experienced local fish habitat expert Kym Manning will lead construction and installation, drawing on more than 15 years of fish habitat restoration experience.

First Nations Connection

The Murray Cod, or Pondi, is central to the Dreamtime creation story of the river. Local First Nations people have supported the project and continue to work with OzFish on fish monitoring programs, ensuring cultural heritage and environmental restoration go hand in hand.

See It for Yourself

Guests on the Murray River Walk may have the chance to cruise above the fish hotels, using a side-scan sonar to spot their new “residents” and learn about the project directly from guides. To experience this remarkable stretch of river and learn more about the Fish Hotel project in person, join the Murray River Walk – one of Australia’s signature guided walking experiences.

Having walked miles with my dad as a young kid, it’s in my DNA. Throughout my twenties and thirties, friends and I were always out on trails, walking, exploring, and talking. Always talking — a lot!

One of my favourite things about multi-day hikes is the incredibly deep and long-lasting connections we make walking together across days.

The other very special factor? You never return home the same. Inside a little (or sometimes a lot) of you transforms. It shifts as you reconnect with the land, life, and love. With every footstep, we disconnect from the rush, hustle, and noise of everyday life.

That’s why I’m so excited to have stepped into this role — to advocate, educate, and invite both seasoned walkers and those new to the trail to experience the magic of multi-day walking. It’s time to discover the incredible offerings from our diverse and passionate group of walking operators.

About Great Walks of Australia

Great Walks of Australia is a collection of 13 of the country’s most exceptional multi-day guided walks. Each one is located in a spectacular and remote corner of the continent. From Tasmania’s windswept headlands and the ochre ridges of the outback, to tropical islands and rainforests brimming with life — these walks showcase Australia’s awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Why Walk? Why Now?

Walking is one of the most enriching ways to experience the best of what Australia has to offer.
Instead of rushing through destinations, we get to slow down.

With every step:

• We reconnect with the beauty that surrounds us
• We absorb stories of country, culture, and connection
• We build clarity, creativity, and calm
• We foster meaningful conversations and moments

There are many ways to see Australia by plane, train, caravan, coach or car however experiencing Australia on foot creates a deeper, more lasting connection with the places you visit, one self and those you walk with. It is a truly enriching and unforgettable life experience.

What Makes These Walks So Special?

Each walk is operated by trusted local businesses and led by expert guides, storytellers with deep knowledge of ecosystems, Indigenous culture, and the unique character of each location.

Because the experiences are fully supported and small-group, travellers feel safe and connected — while still getting close to nature and the heart of the landscape.

Spanning Australia, with departures scheduled across all seasons, year-round we’ve got something for every kind of explorer whether first-time walkers, seasoned hikers, solo travellers, couples or groups.

Our walks are ideally suited for those seeking comfort with their adventure — think eco-lux stays, incredible regional food and wine, and warm, seamless hospitality from start to finish.

Our Commitment to Walking Tourism

As part of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences, Great Walks of Australia is committed to growing walking tourism. Together with our member operators, we’re working to ensure Australia is recognised globally as a top-tier walking destination.

Now more than ever, travellers are seeking experiences that offer wellness, nature, and purpose. Multi-day walks deliver all three — with unforgettable scenery and life-changing perspective along the way.

Whether it’s coastal cliffs, ancient ranges, lush rainforest, or island trails – there’s a walk waiting for you.

If you’re ready to stretch your legs, breathe deeply, and discover a side of Australia that stays with you long after the boots come off, explore the full collection of walks at greatwalksofaustralia.com.au/our-walks and start planning your next extraordinary journey on foot.

Look forward to seeing you out on the trails or email me here: eo@greatwalksofaustralia.com.au

Happy Walking!
Genevieve

The Maria Island Walk, part of the Great Walks of Australia collection, has been officially named by Time Out as one of the 20 best hikes in the world. This four-day guided walk off Tasmania’s east coast blends pristine wilderness, rich history, and intimate luxury — creating an unforgettable Australian walking holiday.

Where Nature and History Unite

Maria Island is a short boat ride from Tasmania’s east coast, yet feels a world away. Known as “Tasmania’s Noah’s Ark,” the island is a sanctuary for wildlife including wombats, wallabies, Cape Barren geese, and rare bird species. The surrounding waters are home to dolphins, seals, and migrating whales.

Along the trail, walkers traverse 25–43 kilometres through diverse landscapes:

• White sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters
• Fossil-rich cliffs dating back millions of years
• Lush eucalypt forests alive with birdsong
• Rolling grasslands dotted with native animals

The walk also explores the island’s cultural history — from its deep First Nations heritage to its UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict-era settlement at Darlington.

Guided Comfort in the Wilderness

Over four days, expert guides lead small groups through ever-changing terrain. By day, walkers enjoy spectacular scenery and wildlife encounters; by night, they retreat to award-winning wilderness camps with comfortable beds, hot showers, and candlelit gourmet dinners prepared from fresh Tasmanian produce. The final night is spent in a beautifully restored heritage home, steeped in history.

Why Time Out Chose the Maria Island Walk

In May 2025, Time Out placed the Maria Island Walk alongside some of the world’s most iconic hiking trails, such as Spain’s Camino de Santiago and France’s Tour du Mont Blanc. The editors praised its unique combination of accessibility, biodiversity, and storytelling, making it a truly world-class walking experience.

Plan Your Adventure

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking for an immersive nature-based holiday in Australia, the Maria Island Walk offers the perfect balance of physical challenge and personal connection. It’s more than a walk — it’s a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Ready to experience one of the world’s best hikes? Learn more and book your Maria Island Walk here.