TRAVEL WITH CHRIS BROWN ARKABA STATION In South Australia's magnificent Flinders Ranges, one eco tourism company is doing their bit to protect native wildlife. Arkaba Station was once a sheep station but is now home to a charming homestead and an eco glamping experience where you can get up close and personal with some of our native flora and fauna. Chris heads out on a conservation walk across the stunning 60,000 acre property in for an experience in Wild Bush Luxury. Then, he takes his experience skyward, with a flight over the geological wonder that is Wilpena Pound.
THE FLINDERS RANGES FLINDERS RANGES: The Flinders Ranges is a 4.5 hour drive or 1hr flight from Adelaide. Arkaba Station is situated on the southern edge of Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges National Park. The Flinders Ranges are one of Australia s most ancient landscapes, moulded by millions of years of geological activity, and also home to some of the most spectacular outback scenery in the country. WILPENA POUND: Wilpena Pound is a natural amphitheater of mountains located 429 kilometers north of Adelaide, in the heart of the Flinders Ranges National Park. Wilpena Pound, including the ranges, is approximately 17km long by 8km wide and covers an area of some 100km. The level floor of the Wilpena Pound is approximately 8km long and 4km wide. The highest peak in the Pound, also the highest of the Flinders Ranges, is St. Mary Peak (1170m), on the north-eastern side. The real meaning of the word 'Wilpena' may have been lost with the Aboriginal people who originally occupied the area. Some suggestions have been 'bent fingers', 'cupped hand' or 'curled up kangaroo skin'. 'Pound' is an old English word that means 'an enclosure for animals', which was how the pound was in fact used by early pastoralists. Today, the Adnyamathanha people translate the word Wilpena as Ikara meaning 'meeting place'. ARKABA STATION ARKABA STATION: Arkaba is a 60,000 acre work sheep station, its craggy sandstone bluffs and dry creek beds lined with River Red Gums are a quintessential Australian scene. At Arkaba, a five bedroom 1850 s homestead offers a select few guests a taste of classic Australian country hospitality while a few Wild Bush Luxury touches ensure comfort and style. LOCATION: 4 ½ hours drive from central Adelaide 65 minute flight by private charter aircraft from Adelaide
1 ¼ hours drive from Port Augusta (scheduled flights operate between Adelaide and Port Augusta with Sharp Airlines from Monday to Friday) Private guided road transfer hosted by a local guides passing through the Clare Valley and can include wine tastings and lunch. Private air and road transfers are available on request. ACCOMMODATION: The Homestead dates back to 1851 and is a classic Flinders building, featuring thick stone walls, deep shady verandahs and corrugated roofing. Four traditional style bedrooms are located in the homestead, each with an en suite bathroom and access to the verandah. 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, and the Arkaba Creek The rooms are air conditioned and have been designed with the homestead s heritage in mind, and have a mix of king and twin beds. A wet edge pool overlooks the Arkaba Creek. An open bar with a selection of beverages is available to guests and the resident chef provides traditional station cuisine incorporating contemporary and native elements. THE ARKABA WALK ABOUT: Wild Bush Luxury operates one of Australia s greatest walks - the Arkaba Walk - which is a three day walk in the Flinders Ranges. Wild Bush Luxury are extremely focused on conservation and are working to see the return of the native species to the land. Two colonies of rare yellowfooted rock wallabies are thriving as a result of the conservation work that has been undertaken and 10 new bird species have been identified. The Arkaba Walk is a 'moderate to challenging' walk lasting four days. You will cover between 6 to 15km per day over various terrain; along creek beds, flat plains and some steep, hilly ground with mountain scrambling over rocky surfaces. You can be walking for up to 7 hours per day with plenty of ascents and descents.
The Arkaba Walk begins in Wilpena Pound, eventually reaching the pass on the Pounds rim, and passing onto Arkaba Station. The rest of the walk takes place on Arkaba Station. At night, guests will sleep under the stars in a swag. Whilst you do not need previous trekking experience a good level of fitness is required. CONSERVATION: Ecotourism operator Wild Bush Luxury has owned Arkaba Station since 2009. As a result of the conservation efforts undertaken, two colonies of rare Yellowfooted Rock Wallabies are thriving, and ten new bird species have been recorded. Revenue raised through the Arkaba tourism business supports the cost of the conservation programme, which both benefit the environment and continually improve the visitor experience. Holidays are focused on immersing guests in the surrounding environment seeing and learning about Australia s diverse natural habitats. Prior to Wild Bush Luxury s acquisition of the working sheep station, it was owned by the Rasheed family, who took extensive measures to improve the land by reducing stock numbers and destroying rabbit warrens. Since taking over, Wild Bush Luxury has worked towards creating a wildlife sanctuary, with a comprehensive program of measures including removing two thirds of the
property from sheep production and grazing, allowing regeneration of native grasses and wildflowers. A feral animal reduction program has eradicated over 600 goats in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Goats and rabbits destroy vegetation and compete with native animals for feed and water. Arkaba s own program has eradicated over 250 foxes and 30 feral cats, which kill large numbers of native animals. The programs are responsible for the recovery seen in the number of bird and kangaroo species, as well as reptiles. Arkaba s landscape is now in a visibly better condition than many other properties in the surrounding areas. COSTS: The Arkaba walk costs $2000 per person for the three night, four day walk, inclusive of all meals, beverages and guide. (Price valid to 31 st March 2013) SEASONS: Departures every Thursday between 15th March 2012-18th November 2012. Departures every Thursday between 14th March 2013-17th November 2013. Departures every Thursday between 13th March 2014-16th November 2014. Save 25% off the Arkaba Walk Walk South Australia s Flinders Ranges in style and save $500 per person on select departures: Thursday 13 September 2012 Thursday 25 October 2012 Thursday 1 November 2012 To book contact 1300 790 561 or email info@arkabawalk.com http://www.arkabawalk.com/ WEBLINKS