Flinders Ranges Outback Autumn Experience featuring Arkaroola 2025

MELBOURNE TO HORSHAM

Welcome to our tour showcasing the fabulous Flinders Ranges including the breathtaking 4WD Arkaroola Ridgetop Tour. With chauffeured pickup from home, we are transferred to meet our O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours coach and crew. Heading west, we stop for lunch before making our way to Horsham for the night. Before we check in, we’ll have time to view the unique silo art, titled The Yangga Dyata which means ‘Walking on Country’.

OVERNIGHT: Horsham International, HORSHAM

HORSHAM TO MURRAY BRIDGE

Departing Horsham after breakfast, we continue our journey towards the South Australian border. In Kaniva, we see Silo Artwork of an Australian Hobby bird and a Pink Sun Orchid, that pays tribute to the nearby Little Desert National Park and its diverse flora and fauna. Our lunch venue is the Morning Loaf Bakery in Bordertown. You may not know that Bordertown is the hometown of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke! This afternoon, we continue along the Dukes Highway through many small farming towns, stopping at Coonalpyn to view the magnificent artwork on the towns’ grain silo, before seeing the Murray River near Tailem Bend. The last leg of our travels today takes us in to Murray Bridge for our overnight stay.

OVERNIGHT: Bridgeport Hotel, MURRAY BRIDGE

MURRAY BRIDGE TO PORT AUGUSTA

Following breakfast we make our way through Gawler to Bungaree Station. Located 12 kilometres north of Clare, it was established in 1841, becoming the headquarters to an extensive sheep station with 100 000 merino sheep by the 1880s. Today, some 160 years later, it is an efficient mixed farm run by the descendants of the original founder, G.C. Hawker. Consequently Bungaree Station is not a museum, but rather a living record of rural Australia since 1841. We enjoy a guided tour and lunch with a member of the family who will give us a wonderful insight into 19th century station life. We still have a way to go today so we board the coach and drive through to Port Augusta for our overnight stay. 

OVERNIGHT: Standpipe Golf Motor Inn, PORT AUGUSTA

PORT AUGUSTA TO THE SOUTHERN FLINDERS RANGES

Port Augusta is located at the top of the Spencer Gulf. Major transcontinental rail services pass through Port Augusta as do the major east/west and north/south highways. The town was once an important base for arid land explorations to the north and later a busy shipping port. This morning, we embark on an historical train journey aboard the Pichi Richi Rail. This section of rail line is the original Port Augusta to Alice Springs line which travels through the famous Pichi Richi Pass to the historic township of Quorn. The railway heritage is reflected in the names of some of the old hotels - The Grand Junction and the Trans Continental. After lunch, we continue north stopping at the Kanyaka Homestead just off the main road, 15 kilometres south of Hawker. Our next two night’s accommodation is at Rawnsley Park Station, with Rawnsley Peak looking down on us.

OVERNIGHT: Rawnsley Park Station, FLINDERS RANGES

EXPLORING THE FLINDERS RANGES

Renowned for their breathtaking wildflowers, as well as dramatic gorges and majestic peaks, the Flinders Ranges are a true natural wonder. Today, we have the privilege of exploring this stunning landscape with a local expert who will provide insider knowledge on the Flinders Ranges National Park. We'll be treated to panoramic vistas, picturesque trails, and unique flora and fauna as we immerse ourselves in the beauty of this iconic region. Along the way, we'll enjoy a delicious packed lunch to keep us energized. In the late afternoon, we'll venture to Pugilist Lookout to witness the awe-inspiring panorama of Wilpena Pound and indulge in Sundowners - a delightful experience of nibbles and drinks while we watch the sun set over the rugged landscape. Don't forget to wrap up warmly to fully enjoy this magical moment. We'll then return to Rawnsley, with memories of a day spent in the heart of nature's wonderland. 

OVERNIGHT:  Rawnsley Park Station, FLINDERS RANGES

RAWNSLEY PARK TO ARKAROOLA

Continuing our journey through the captivating Flinders Ranges, we make our way towards the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary today. Our first stop is the historic and picturesque town of Blinman, known for its copper mining history and standing as the highest town in South Australia. Once a bustling mining community in the 1850s with over 1500 residents, Blinman now has just over 20 inhabitants, making it a fascinating place to explore. After an early lunch here, we continue our drive to Arkaroola, located in the Gammon Ranges National Park. Arkaroola is a true gem of Australian tourism, boasting a unique landscape that dates back over 2 billion years and features the most rugged chain of mountains in the Australian Outback.  Upon arrival, we'll have time to settle in and perhaps take a self-guided walk to immerse ourselves in the stunning surroundings before dinner. At night, we'll have the extraordinary opportunity to visit Australia's largest privately owned Astronomical Observatory, where we can embark on tours of the Universe and marvel at the wonders of the night sky from the comfort of "star chairs," an experience typically reserved for scientists and astronomers. It's a truly unique and awe-inspiring way to end the day at this remarkable destination. (The observatory visit is an optional activity, entry own cost/depends on local weather conditions.)

OVERNIGHT:  Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, ARKAROOLA

DISCOVERING ARKAROOLA

Prepare for an exhilarating day as we embark on the unforgettable 4WD 'Ridge Top Tour'  through the rugged mountains of Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Driving along mine tracks, we'll venture to remarkable locations such as 'Crystal Candy Mountain', Mt Painter, Yundnamutana Gorge and Sillers Lookout, where awe-inspiring views stretch over 80 kilometres across Lake Frome. It's a journey that promises breathtaking vistas and a truly unique experience of the Australian Outback.  After our morning adventure, we'll return to Arkaroola for a leisurely lunch. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can choose to take a self-guided walk and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area, or opt for the Echo Camp Back Track Tour, a guided tour that unveils the rich history and heritage of the region. For those seeking a bird's-eye view of the Gammon Ranges, a 35-minute scenic flight over the breathtaking landscape is also available. Of course, if you prefer to simply relax and soak in the tranquility of this unique wilderness sanctuary, there's no shortage of opportunities to kick back and unwind. The choice is yours to make the most of your afternoon in this remarkable destination. (All touring this afternoon is optional and own expense.)

OVERNIGHT:  Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, ARKAROOLA

ARKAROOLA TO PORT PIRIE

As we bid farewell to the stunning Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, we embark on a westward journey towards Leigh Creek, stopping for morning tea before continuing on to Hawker for a light lunch at the famous Hawker Hotel. This afternoon we continue on our way to Port Pirie, where we have time to relax before dinner.

OVERNIGHT:  BreakFree Port Pirie, PORT PIRIE

PORT PIRIE TO MILDURA

Our journey today take us to Burra, a copper mining town that saved South Australia from bankruptcy in the 1840s. Here we’ll stop to see the “Monster Mine” which was the largest metal mine in the country employing 1,000 people. Cornish and Welsh miners flocked to Burra to work for the South Australia Mining Association and some set up homes in dugouts hewn out of the banks of the Burra Creek. From here we travel to the Overland Corner Hotel for lunch. Continuing this afternoon, we stop to view the Paringa Silo Art, painted by renowned artist Jack Fran.  The Paringa Silo’s feature four distinct images (two on the front facing the Sturt Highway and two on the rear) linked together with soaring pelicans. We then cross the border into Victoria and travel on to Mildura.

OVERNIGHT: Best Western Chaffey International Motor Inn, MILDURA

EXPLORING MILDURA

Today, we embark on a day of exploration in the vibrant town of Mildura, known for its rich history, beautiful river landscapes, and delicious citrus produce. We'll be introduced to Mildura by a locally-based expert and we’ll learn about the Canadian Chaffey Brothers, George and William Benjamin, who arrived in Mildura in 1886 and established the first irrigation scheme in Australia. We'll hear about life on the river, past and present, and discover the fascinating history of this region.  For lunch, we'll enjoy a unique experience aboard the PV Rothbury, cruising along the river and passing through Lock 11, which was built to bypass the weir across the river. It's a chance to take in the stunning river views while enjoying a delicious meal on board. After the cruise, we'll head to Orange World, a working 50-acre citrus property just a short drive from Mildura. We'll take a citrus tour around the picturesque property, filled with avocado trees, various citrus varieties, and tree grafting areas. There's even an opportunity to hop on a 70-seat tractor train with undercover seating for an informative commentary on citrus production, all delivered with a juicy sense of humour. After a day of exploring and indulging in the flavours of Mildura, we'll return to our accommodation with memories of a day filled with local history, delicious food, and beautiful landscapes.

OVERNIGHT:  Best Western Chaffey International Motor Inn, MILDURA

MILDURA TO MELBOURNE

As our journey comes to a close, we embark on the final leg of our trip back home. We'll travel through the picturesque Wimmera-Mallee region, with our first stop at Sea Lake. Here, we'll have the opportunity to witness the vibrant silos that represent a celebration of the tranquility and stillness found in outback Victoria. Continuing our journey, we'll make our way to Donald where we'll stop at the renowned Donald Hotel for a delicious lunch. With satisfied taste buds, we'll follow the scenic route through the Pyrenees Ranges, passing through Ballarat and finally arriving back in Melbourne, completing our wonderful holiday. As always, our chauffeurs will be waiting to take us to our very doors  - all part of the wonderful O’Shannessy’s Quality Tours experience!