In the high heat of the Australian summer, the Red Centre can be far too baking for many British bods and the flies too pesky for comfort. But that doesn’t mean putting the Aussie Outback on hold. The Flinders is a remarkable highland landscape that, despite relative ease of access from Adelaide, remains an unspoilt wilderness of sharp edges, ridges, gorges and abundant wildlife. Our approach is to self-drive, staying at a cattle station which has its own guides who can show you round the region.

Day 1: ADELAIDE

Time to explore the dapper town, one of the most enjoyable, lively and friendly in Australia. Stay 1 night at the Sebel Playford.

Click here for alternative accommodation options in Adelaide.

Days 2 to 4: THE FLINDERS RANGES

The Flinders is Australia at its rugged best, the ‘bones of nature laid bare’, according to painter Sir Hans Heysen, who was inspired by the striking, varied colours of its mountains, raw outcrops and spectacular gorges. You’ll drive there from Adelaide and spend your nights at Arkaba Station, a traditional, five bedroom, 1850s homestead in the heart of the Flinders, with views of Wilpena Pound. There’ll be plenty of time to explore some of the oldest terrain on earth, where outcrops that celebrate their 560-million-year anniversaries hold some of the world’s oldest fossils. The land also supports a wealth of Australian flora, including swathes of native gum trees, plus resident kangaroos, emus and wallabies. To reduce driving time you can fly to Port Augusta and take a private transfer (1hr 5min scheduled flight and 1hr 15min drive, at a supplement of £72 per person) or charter a light aircraft and fly directly from Adelaide to the nearest air strip (1hr 45min flight and 20 min drive, supplement from £1050 per person).

Alternatives

We do offer a similar experience staying at Angorichina Station which is extremely personal with one to one hosting by the owners of the station. Alternatively you can stay in the Rawnsey Park Eco Villas for a more independent experience. Or opt for a fully guided tour combining the Wilpena with the northern Flinders.

Day 5 ADELAIDE 

The journey back to Adelaide, by road, will lead you across wide open flat red sands and salt lakes and into the soft contours of the Southern Flinders. There’s a final afternoon in the Clare Valley, a pretty countryside of farms and vineyards, before reaching Adelaide for a last night at the Sebel Playford Hotel.