Arkaba Station

The Arkaba Homestead, dating back to 1851, is a classic Flinders building, with thick stone walls, deep shady verandahs and corrugated roofing all set against the backdrop of the rugged Elder Range.  Four traditional style bedrooms are located in the homestead, each with an en suite bathroom and access to the verandah for relaxing in the heat of day.  The Coachman’s Cottage in the corner of the garden provides a fifth guest room with en suite bathroom.

The homestead looks out onto the geologically and culturally significant Elder Range, which glows pink with the first rays of sun every morning, and the Arkaba Creek lined with River Red Gums alive with the chatter of hundreds of Galahs each morning.  The rooms are air conditioned and have been designed with the homestead’s heritage in mind, a mix of king and twin beds have  premium mattresses, 500 threadcount cotton sheets and a choice of pillows to ensure a great night’s sleep.  With no telephones, televisions, minibars or the typical features of a hotel room to distract, the focus is on the experience and one of the most beautiful properties in Australia.

A comfortable library with deep leather armchairs and a large stone fireplace provides some seclusion for enjoying a quiet drink and a good book, while dinner is hosted on the terrace overlooking the ranges and a cozy fire.  A wet edge pool overlooks the Arkaba Creek and provides areas for relaxing in the midday heat of the summer months.  An open bar with a selection of beverages is available to guests and the resident chef provides traditional station cuisine with some contemporary and native elements to jazz it up.  Before dinner, guests can choose their wines from a cellar of premium South Australian wines.

Your hosts will ensure a friendly and informal level of attention that is only possible when you are one of a few guests.  In a truly Australian way, in a style that is typically ‘down to earth’ we do not lose sight of the attention to the small details that are so important in the best accommodation.

Activities

4WD Trips: Arkaba's topography offers some of outback Australia's most breathtaking scenery, ranging from knife edge ridge tops through cypress pine country to red gum lined creek beds.  Expert field guides pull together the incredible geological history, wildlife and pastoral heritage of this region with some spectacular four wheel drives and visits to some of the secret spots on the property and a chance to take in the sights and sounds of the bush.

For guests staying 3 nights or more at Arkaba Station it is possible to include a day trip into the neighbouring Flinders Ranges National Park including a drive through the likes of Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges or a visit to the old mining town of Blinman and lunch at an outback pub hotel.

Wildlife Viewing: The station is home to an extraordinary variety of birdlife and wildlife.  Red and Grey Kangaroos, Euros (Common Wallaroos) and Emus are regular sightings on the property and, for the more intrepid walkers, a couple of colonies of Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies reside in the Elder Range.

Arkaba Woolshed: Arkaba remains a working sheep station and offers an insight to life on a medium sized outback property and the vagaries that Australia’s climate imposes on farmers.  The Arkaba woolshed was built in 1856 and is one of the finest of its kind anywhere in Australia.  Shearing at Arkaba is usually in August each year.

Mountain Biking
The tracks and trails of the station are perfect country for mountain biking – from the more gentle inclines in the centre of the property to the steeper angles in the foothills of the Elder Range.  Mountain bikes are available for use to further explore the property in your free time.   

Scenic Flights (additional cost): A scenic flight provides an all-encompassing view of the topology of the ranges, particularly Wilpena Pound, and is an easy way to experience the massive salt pans of Lake Torrens to the west of the ranges.  Lake Eyre is a full day’s expedition from Arkaba.

Hot Air Balloon flights (additional cost): Between 1st April - 31st October 2011 it is possible to take a scenic hot air balloon flight.  After the 60 minute balloon flight you will enjoy a light breakfast of exotic slices, museli, cheese and biscuits accompanied by sparkling Australian wine or fruit juice.  Flights will operate with a minimum of 2 and maximum of 10 passengers.  Flights are subject to weather conditions.