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Outback & Flinders Ranges

Visit South Australia's Outback

Introduction

One of Australia's most incredible landscapes, the Flinders Ranges is a land of fertile bush, jagged gorges, arid mountains and burning-hot desert. Human inhabitants are few and far between, scattered across the plains hundreds of kilometres apart, waiting for the weekly deliveries of goods, mail and, of course, the occasional tourist.

Such isolation inspires the enquiring mind, and consequently the area is popular for bush walkers. Set out on foot, or by 4x4, and you'll be rewarded with exceptional views, peculiar geological marvels – Lake Eyre and Wilpena Pound are two of the most striking examples – and the occasional local shearing a sheep or examining a recently excavated opal.

Wilpena Pound

This extraordinary natural amphitheatre sites at the centre of Flinders Ranges National Park – the unusual showpiece of one of Australia's finest reserves. Jagged mountains encircle the gently sloping heart of the pound, the result of odd tectonics, though it looks more like the aftermath of an ancient meteor strike. off-road tours and scenic flights are the best ways to explore and experience this enormous park, home to a rich array of native wildlife including emu and endangered marsupial species such as the yellow-footed rock wallaby.  

Coober Pedy & The Breakaway

Known as the 'opal capital of the world', Coober Pedy is a small town some 850km north of Adelaide. The town only grew at the beginning of the 20th century after a small party, searching for gold, discovered an abundance of opal so decided to mine for that instead. The town's unusual name originates from the Aboriginal kupa piti, meaning 'white man in a hole', perhaps referring to the areas unique form of housing known as dugouts – underground homes designed to shelter the occupants from the stifling summer heat, which can reach well into the 40s. To the north, The Breakaways are one of South Australia's Outback highlights: striking rocky outcrops that stick out of a large dusty plateau formed by an inland sea long since receded. They're best visited at sunrise when the layers of rock are most visible.

Lake Eyre

Due to the fluctuating water levels, Australia's largest lake can be either a vast watering hole or a dried-up salt lake. It's also the focal point for one of the Earth's largest draining basins. Covering up to one sixth of Australia's entire landmass, it's a dusty and arid world home to numerous salt lakes and slow-flowing rivers. While in the area, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for giant bilby, koware and waddi trees, just some of the rare species that rely on this variable world.

 

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Top itineraries in Outback & Flinders Ranges

Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island

The Ghan & Kangaroo Island

13-day tailor-made rail holiday from £6,315 pp incl. flights

Travelling from south to north, this tailor-made trip marries one of the world’s greatest rail journeys with tropical Darwin, Adelaide’s heritage and the wildlife of Kangaroo Island.

The Ghan

The Ghan Expedition: wilderness to wines

15-day tailor-made luxury rail journey from £8,395 pp incl. flights

Either side of this all-inclusive rail journey through the Outback, you’ll sample the wines of the Barossa Valley and enjoy a luxury safari in the wilds of Australia's Top End.

Top places to stay in Outback & Flinders Ranges

Dusk, Ikara Safari Camp

Ikara Safari Camp, Flinders Ranges

Small & intimate tented camp

Set in the heart of South Australia's Flinders Ranges, Ikara Safari Camp provides a luxury camping experience as well as hotel-style accommodation. The en suite safari tents are the perfect way to experience Australia's great Outback, getting up close and personal with fauna and flora.

Rawnsley Eco Villas

Rawnsley Park Eco Villas, Flinders Ranges

Contemporary villa

Rawnsley Park was first settled as part of the Arkaba Station in 1851, the property now holds over 29,000 acres and alongside being a working sheep station plays an important part in conservation being committed to environmental sustainability and social and cultural responsibility.

Arkaba Station landscape

Arkaba, Flinders Ranges

Small & intimate lodge

Located on a 60,000 acre private wildlife conservancy at the edge of the stunning Flinders Ranges in northern South Australia, Arkaba is a luxuriously restored 1850’s Australian homestead

Outback & Flinders Ranges articles

Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0634 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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