Planning your Flinders Ranges adventure is made easy with responses to some common questions below.
We’d love to help you further if you don’t find what you need.
Arkaba is more than just a hotel room or a place to stay. At Arkaba, your time with us includes twice-daily guided safari-style experiences on our property. At night, one of our guides will often join you for dinner.
Included in a stay at Arkaba are up to seven hours of guided experiences each day which will incorporate walks and 4WD safaris. Our new wildlife hide is a wonderful way to view native wildlife undisturbed, and is often included earlier in the morning when wildlife is more active. For guests on stays of three nights or more, some experiences may take place off-Arkaba – in Wilpena Pound, visiting Arkaroo Rock or perhaps a day spent exploring Brachina Gorge and enjoying lunch at the iconic Prairie Hotel.
When you are not out on Safari your downtime is spent at your leisure, whether that be relaxing in the Homestead’s library, playing board games, cooling off by the pool, or even out in the garden trying your hand at painting the incredible landscape. The choice is yours.
Optional scenic flights can be arranged in a fixed wing aircraft or a helicopter.
We recommend stays of three nights or more. This will allow you to relax and settle in as well as making the most of your time in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Longer stays allow time for exploration further afield or the opportunity for a full day Lake Eyre experience.
Proudly without Wi-Fi or phone signal, we aim to reconnect you to the bush, without distraction and the constant ‘buzz’ of today’s world. It is incredible how easily and quickly you will adjust to life without the beep of a phone or a multiplying email inbox. Arkaba provides a true escape from the busy world, however we do have a land line that can be reached for emergencies.
Please leave our land-line number with friends or family and business partners to reach you in the the unlikely event of an emergency.
Each of Arkaba’s distinct seasons bring an abundance of flora and fauna at various life-cycle stages. From the mating season to baby animals, wild flowers blooming to migrating birds, the cycle of nature is always on show at Arkaba. Take a look at our Nature Calendar to pick a time that suits your interests.
No matter when you go, our expert field guides will bring the environment to life.
Between December and March, temperatures can get hot, whilst in winter it can get quite cold. Throughout the year, we mostly experience beautiful, clear blue skies with no more than about three or four days of rain per month.
Our daily guided activities will be curated based on the time of year, the weather and what the wildlife are doing. Typically in the hotter months, the activities are done early morning and later afternoon to avoid being out in the heat of the day.
Below are the monthly average highs and lows in °C.
January 34° / 18°
February 34° / 18°
March 30° / 15°
April 25° / 11°2
May 20° / 7°
June 16° / 5°
July 16° / 4°
August 18° / 4°
September 22° / 7°
October 26° / 10°
November 29° / 14°
December 32° / 16°
For up to date weather predictions, use Hawker South Australia as the nearest location.
Yes we have both air-conditioning for the summer months and heating for the cooler months. We also have a swimming pool to cool off during the heat of the day in summer and a roaring fire at night in the lodge during winter.
Yes there is an outdoor swimming pool which is the perfect place to cool off during the heat of the day in summer months and watch the wildlife hop by.
We have just five guest rooms, accommodating a maximum of ten guests.
We liken a stay at Arkaba to staying at a friend’s country home, rather than a luxury hotel.
Whilst out on safari, we recommend lighter fabrics that allow your skin to breathe and protect you from the sun, such as long, loose cottons and linens. For summer months long sleeves will offer better protection against the sun. Hats that offer good sun protection, sunglasses as well as sun screen are essential.
In winter you’ll want warm jumpers and jackets to rug up during safari drives.
Closed toe footwear is required to participate in some experiences, however hiking boots are not necessary.
Our pool and the comfortable day beds offer a wonderful way to unwind and spot passing wildlife, so you will need a swimming costume, pool towels are provided.
Dining at Arkaba is an experience and while lunch is a more relaxed occasion, guests are encouraged to dress smart casual for dinner.
Arkaba provides soap, shampoo, conditioner, robes and towels. Laundry facilities are not available.
Packing list
Your field guide will carry:
No. There is no laundry service or facilities available at Arkaba.
No sorry. As much as we also love to travel with our pets, Arkaba is a wildlife conservancy and as such we don’t allow domesticated animals.
Our remote location is blessed with an abundance of nature and a spectacular setting, its very remoteness also brings challenges, one of which is power generation. Our environmental principles extend to how we generate and use power. At least 30% of our power comes from a renewable source.
Australia operates on 240V and uses a 2 or 3-pin plug.
It is not possible to charge electric vehicles at Arkaba. The nearest Electric Vehicle Charging Station is at Hawker, a 20-minute drive from Arkaba. You’ll find more information here.
Twice daily guided wilderness safaris may include 4WD safari in an open top vehicle, guided walks, a visit to our wildlife hide. For longer stays, off-site activities may also occur.
No. It is not possible to pre-select shared experiences. Just like on a safari in Africa, no two days are the same, and wildlife movements change with the seasons.
Our lodge manager and field guides carefully plan experiences based on the duration of a stay and to provide the best possible chance of experiencing Arkaba’s variety of environments and wildlife. Upon your arrival our field guides will explain the experiences occurring during your stay.
If you do have an experience preference, please advise at time of booking and our reservations team will gladly note it.
For serious birders and photographers we highly recommend booking private experiences (at additional cost) to ensure the full attention to your individual interests.
Experiences usually last between 1.5 to 3.5 hours. Much like on safari in Africa, for best wildlife viewing chances you will have an early morning activity (often before breakfast) and one later in the afternoon around 4pm.
Note that whilst on safari there are no bathrooms.
Unfortunately not. Arkaba is a wildlife conservatory with activities such as revegetation in progress. Sensitive areas may get damaged by guests unwittingly walking over them. Our goal is to re-wild the majority of the property with as few roads and tracks as possible and we also don’t want guests getting lost.
Should you wish to walk further afield, upon arrival ask your guide to include a guided walk as one of your daily experiences.
Arkaba is in the Flinders Ranges so by staying at Arkaba and participating in our guided activities you are already exploring them. Our property’s northern boundary is the wall of Wilpena Pound.
If you wish to self-drive offsite and visit places like Wilpena Pound, please talk to our team at check-in and they can advise some sites to visit based on your interests. We would suggest however that you save this for arrival or departure day to maximise your time at Arkaba.
If you are going offsite, we would be happy to put together a picnic lunch for you.
A scenic flight by helicopter or fixed wing over Wilpena Pound is a fantastic way to get a sense of the scale of the Flinders Ranges. Or during a longer stay, a day trip out to Lake Eyre or Arkaroola Station is brilliant (we recommend you book in advance). We can help organise this for you.
A visit to Wilpena Pound for some day walks. Note that to climb to St Mary’s Peak to view into the Pound is a challenging 19km and takes about nine hours return.
The Prairie Hotel in Parachilna serves up delicious ‘feral food’. Again, we can help organise this as part of day trip out of Arkaba for those staying on a little longer.
A drive through Brachina Gorge is one of the best places to see Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies. (4WD recommended)
Once a sheep station, Arkaba is now a wildlife conservatory. The conservation activities we have undertaken over the past decade improve the wildlife viewing year on year.
Your wildlife experience at Arkaba will differ with the seasons. You can view our nature calendar or download our species checklist >.
Australia’s three largest macropods (Red Kangaroo, Western Grey Kangaroo & Common Wallaroo) and Emus are all regularly sighted. Echidnas, Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies are possible sightings, also a variety of outback birdlife.
Please visit our Getting to Arkaba page for details.
Check-in is from 2pm. We recommend arriving by about 3.30 so you can join our afternoon safari experience.
Check-out is by 11am following a morning safari experience.
Please note: As a small property with just five guestrooms we have no ‘check-in’ desk. As such, we are unable to accommodate earlier arrivals without prior arrangement. No lunch is provided on day of arrival.
Yes absolutely. We recommend a twin-engine. In the case of bad weather, occasionally the single engines get cancelled.
You’ll need to provide clothed body-weights at time of booking.
Luggage allowance is typically 12 kgs in soft bags.
Visit our Getting to Arkaba page for more details.
Yes with enough notice we can accommodate most dietary requirements.
As we are a remote location we don’t have access to purchase last minute ingredients. Please give your dietary requirements to our reservations team at time of booking.
Arkaba has adopted a ‘buy local’ principle and our head chef uses the very best of South Australia’s produce to craft the food program with a few native elements to add a unique intrigue and interest.
Our meals are a communal affair, shared at a large table with other guests and often hosted by one of our guides. Throughout your stay, you will dine at a few different locations – sometimes indoors, sometimes outdoors.
SAMPLE DISHES
Please use as indication only of dishes we have served in the past. Our chefs will craft delicious meals based on what is in season.
Breakfasts
Lunches
Dinners
Entrees
______________
Mains
______________
Desserts
Mealtimes will depend on the day’s activities but typically cooked breakfasts are usually served after an early morning activity.
Lunch will be served around 12.30pm and dinners around 7.30pm.
No – lunch is not provided on arrival or departure days.
Check-in is at 2pm. (We recommend arriving in time for an afternoon safari experience that departs around 3.30pm). Check-out before 11am.
We have sourced a selection of South Australia red, white and sparkling wines as well as local beers and spirits.
We have an open bar policy meaning that you can help yourself to a drink at any time of day that you please. At dinner, our chef will pair wines to match the meals.
We understand now more than ever that, sometimes, plans change. We are pleased to set your mind at ease with our Covid Assurance Policy.
Deposit – A 20% deposit within 7 days
Balance due: 45 days from departure date
Booking within 45 days from departure: Balance due within 48 hours
As a small regional property, our business depends on maximising occupancy and cancellations often result in empty rooms due to long booking lead times. Therefore, cancellations must be advised by email to bamurru@wildbushluxury.com, and the following penalties will take effect from the date received.
Cancellation Policy
46 days or more: 20% deposit will be refunded less a $50 admin fee and any credit card charges
45 days or less: Any rooms cancelled will incur 100% cancellation fee.
• No shows or premature departures will incur 100% cancellation fee as will any unused services or unused nights due to flight / weather disruption.
• Final rooming list, arrival and departure details, meal and tour requirements are due 30 days prior to arrival
The minimum stay is two nights.
We recommend you stay at least three nights to allow time for two full days and a chance to relax.
The lodge is not suitable for children under 8 years of age. This is partly acknowledging the small size of the lodge; additionally there are several safety considerations.
If the lodge is booked exclusively and suitable supervision is arranged then children of any age will be permitted.
Please note there are no child minding facilities available at Arkaba. All guests dine together.
