This fully guided tour will take you off the beaten path and into the heart of the Australian outback. It promises to be filled with the perfect mix of hiking, ancient landscapes, culture, thrills, relaxation, and new friendships with the incredible women who are part of this journey with you.
Next, we’ll visit the historic town of Kapunda, home to one of Australia’s earliest mines and once the base for Sir Sid Kidman’s pastoral empire. Kapunda’s rich history is reflected in its fascinating street art, which gives us a glimpse into the town’s past. After soaking in the local culture, we’ll make our way to Sevenhill Winery and Church, South Australia’s oldest winery, where we’ll enjoy the peaceful surroundings and perhaps sample a little local wine.
From there, we travel through Jamestown, the birthplace of legendary Australian bushman RM Williams, before reaching our destination: Rawnsley Park. With its breathtaking views of the Flinders Ranges, this will be our home for the next two nights. Settle into your comfortable ensuite room, and later, join the group for a delicious dinner where we’ll share stories, get to know one another, and look forward to the adventures ahead.
Note that you will need to arrive in Adelaide the night before. The pickup location / meeting point on day 1 will be in the vicinity of Hindmarsh Square. The Pullman, Ibis and Mantra hotels are all in this area and provide some variety in price-point.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station
Our second walk of the day is a 7.5km return hike to Hills Homestead and Wangarra Lookout, offering breathtaking views of the natural amphitheatre that makes up the heart of Wilpena Pound. The effort is well worth it, with the lookout providing a sweeping panorama of the area’s rugged beauty, giving us a sense of awe for this ancient land.
Throughout the day, we’ll share a picnic morning tea and lunch, creating opportunities to bond with your fellow travellers as we take in the incredible scenery together. In the evening, back at Rawnsley Park, we’ll wind down over dinner, reflecting on the day's adventures and deepening the camaraderie that grows with each shared experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station
After breakfast, we’ll begin our journey to Arkaroola, stopping first at the historic mining town of Blinman. Here, we’ll explore the old copper mine and take in the charm of the historic town buildings, which offer a glimpse into the region’s rich mining heritage.
Next, we’ll visit the Wadna Aboriginal Gallery, where we’ll be warmly welcomed with a "Welcome to Country" ceremony before browsing the incredible artwork by Gabby and Christian Coulthard, offering insight into the area’s Indigenous culture and art.
Our journey continues to Chambers Gorge, where we’ll stop to view the ancient Aboriginal engraving sites, adding yet another layer of history and culture to the day. The Gorge’s stunning natural beauty and cultural significance make it a truly special place to pause and reflect.
We’ll arrive at Arkaroola in the late afternoon, just in time to relax with a cold beverage at the Pick & Shovel Bar, a perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure. In the evening, we’ll come together for a delicious two-course dinner at the Native Pine Restaurant, where stories from the day’s travels are sure to be shared, strengthening the bonds between the women in our group.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
We’ll return in time to enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch by the pool, where we can relax, cool off, and chat with fellow travellers about the morning’s adventure. In the afternoon, there’s time to explore the local area further - whether you prefer to lace up your boots and explore on foot or take a self-drive tour to visit nearby landmarks like the Ochre Walls, Stubbs Waterhole, and Tillite Gorge. Each spot offers its own unique beauty, with rich colours, serene waterholes, and fascinating geological formations.
After a 2-course dinner at the Native Pine Restaurant, we’ll cap off the day with an unforgettable experience - a tour of the Arkaroola Observatory. As the night sky unfolds, we’ll gaze at the stars and planets through the telescope, learning about the universe in one of the clearest and most pristine stargazing locations in Australia. It’s the perfect way to end a day full of adventure, bonding over the wonders of both the Earth and the cosmos.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
After a well-deserved break back at the village for lunch, we’ll head out again on the Arkaroola Waterhole Walk, where we might spot some of the local wildlife while meandering toward the tranquil waterhole. This walk is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the journey so far, sharing the experience with your fellow travellers as we take in the beauty of the area together.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at a relaxed pace. Take some free time to explore the village, rest, or perhaps join the group to watch the Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies during their feeding time at 5:00pm. These beautiful and rare creatures are a real highlight of the area, and seeing them in their natural habitat is a special treat.
In the evening, we’ll come together for another wonderful dinner at the Native Pine Restaurant, where we can share stories and memories on the day’s walks and the amazing wildlife we’ve encountered.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
After a picnic lunch, we’ll continue south to one of South Australia’s newest and most fascinating National Parks: Ediacara/Nilpena National Park. This park holds a remarkable place in history as the site of some of the earliest complex life on Earth, discovered in 1946 by geologist Reg Sprigg. We’ll learn about the incredible fossils found here, which date back over half a billion years, and marvel at how this remote part of the world shaped life as we know it today.
In the mid-afternoon, we’ll arrive in Hawker, where we’ll visit the popular Jeff Morgan Art Gallery. Here, we’ll be treated to a stunning collection of local landscape art, including two breathtaking panorama paintings that capture the beauty and scale of the region.
In the evening, we’ll gather for dinner at the Hawker Pub, chatting about the day’s discoveries and the powerful connection we’ve shared with the landscapes, history, and each other throughout the journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station
Along the way, we’ll stop for a walk around the historic Kanyaka Homestead, once the largest station in the area during the mid-1800s. This walk offers a glimpse into the region’s pioneering past, and it’s a perfect moment to stretch our legs and imagine life in this remote outback during those early days.
The scenic drive continues as we travel through the stunning Pichi Richi and Horrocks Passes, taking in the breathtaking views before visiting the Wadlata Outback Centre. Here, we’ll explore exhibits that bring the stories of the outback to life, offering a chance to reflect on all the incredible places we’ve visited throughout our journey.
Before returning to Adelaide, we’ll stop to admire the impressive silo art at Wirrabara, a vibrant tribute to the town’s farming heritage and local artists. It’s a perfect final stop, adding a splash of colour and creativity to our day.
We’ll arrive back in Adelaide around 6pm, with new friendships, shared stories, and unforgettable memories from our week-long adventure through South Australia’s outback.
Note, we will make a drop off in the vicinity of Hindmarsh Square and then at the airport for anyone flying out late evening. If you are staying on, the Pullman, Ibis and Mantra hotels are all in the vicinity of Hindmarsh square and offer a variety of price-points.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Notice of cancellation must be in writing, with an email as an acceptable form of communication, directly to Adventurous Women with the following conditions:
No refund is available after departure of a tour has commenced.
