Itinerary Details
Swain Destinations: South Australia Exploration
Day 1 Welcome to Australia
Welcome to Australia! Upon arrival into Adelaide you will be transferred to your accommodation in the Flinders Ranges via scenic flight.
Arkaba
Arkaba's true luxury comes in the fact that its 60,000 acres are shared by just 10 guests, taking the definition of exclusivity to a new level in Australia. Nestled amongst the ancient landscape of the Flinders Ranges, Arkaba is a genuine blend of conservation and tourism. Recognized as one of the most beautiful outback properties in the country, Arkaba's 5-bedroom 1850s homestead provides the opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the story of the bush - its ancient geology, diverse wildlife and the chance to get "hands on" with the conservation programs of the property. A team of expert field guides live and breathe the bush and through a mix of walks, open-top safari vehicles and sheer passion, they will open up the secrets of Arkaba and the Flinders Ranges. For the more active, Arkaba offers some of the best bush-walking in the country; for the soft adventurers, an open-top safari drive reveals vistas and secrets of the property in a different way, usually capped off with a sun-downer drink on top of the ranges, with the scale and grandeur of outback Australia laid out for miles around.
Arkaba
Meals: D
Day 2 Arkaba at Leisure
Your stay at Arkaba includes a twice-daily shared, guided safari program with expert field guides including immersive bush walks and safari drives that showcase the abundance of wildlife & Arkaba’s conservation mission to protect it.
From an ancient seabed to a dramatic mountain range, tectonic upheavals and subsequent weathering processes have produced some of Australia's most spectacular outback scenery. Sculpted by millions of years of rain and sun into a fractured landscape of rugged gorges, furrowed valleys with cypress pines, dry creek beds lined with river red gums and vistas from the high ground across miles of outback plain, the Flinders Ranges are an introduction to the sheer scale of the outback. For wildlife watching, bush-walking, photography or just soaking up the sights and sounds of outback Australia, the Flinders are in a class of their own.
Arkaba
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3 Arkaba at Leisure
Continue your stay at Arkaba with some of these signature experiences:
4WD Trips
Arkaba's topography offers some of outback Australia's most breathtaking scenery, ranging from knife edge ridge tops through cypress pine country to red gum lined creek beds. Expert field guides pull together the incredible geological history, wildlife and pastoral heritage of this region with some spectacular four wheel drives and visits to some of the secret spots on the property and a chance to take in the sights and sounds of the bush.
Wildlife Viewing
Arkaba is home to an extraordinary variety of birdlife and wildlife. Red and grey kangaroos, euros (common wallaroos) and emus are regular sightings on the property and, for the more intrepid walkers, a couple of colonies of yellow-footed rock wallabies reside in the Elder Range.
Mountain Biking
The tracks and trails of the station are perfect country for mountain biking - from the more gentle inclines in the center of the property to the steeper angles in the foothills of the Elder Range. Mountain bikes are available for use to further explore the property in your free time.
Scenic Flights (additional cost)
A scenic flight provides an all-encompassing view of the topology of the ranges, particularly Wilpena Pound, and is an easy way to experience the massive salt pans of Lake Torrens to the west of the ranges. Lake Eyre is a full day's expedition from Arkaba.
Arkaba
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4 Travel to Adelaide Hills
This morning you will be transferred from Arkaba to your accommodation in Adelaide Hills by private vehicle.
Sequioa
Sequoia offers guests an unparalleled journey of discovery based around the region’s iconic food and wine, wellness, history and vast nature experiences. While being seemingly removed from the hustle and bustle of the world, Sequoia sits on the side of Mount Lofty, high above the Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills, a region currently being considered for UNESCO World Heritage status. The area’s significance highlights its working agricultural (food and wine) landscapes, historic settlements, abundant wildlife, pure environment and continuing culture and practice. Comprising fourteen luxury sustainably-designed suites boasting panoramic views over the majestic valley, an intimate lounge centered around social connection along with immersive nature-inspired experiences, natural artesian spring-fed stone hot pools, an infinity pool, new day spa and valley rim campfire amphitheater – the retreat represents a new level of luxury in South Australia.
Sequoia Lodge
Meals: B, L
Day 5 Fleurieu Food, Wine & Wildlife
Home to two of Australia’s premier wine regions, McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek, the Fleurieu Peninsula is one of the best destinations for a wine tour in South Australia. Boundary-pushing restaurants, farmers’ markets brimming with regional produce and untouched pockets of bushland alive with iconic Australian wildlife jostle for attention alongside big-name wineries including Coriole and WirraWirra and unique cellar doors like the d’Arenberg Cube, Kimbolton Wines and Samuel’s Gorge. With so much to see and do – and wine to try – in one breathtaking region, this Fleurieu Peninsula tour will show you all the best bits.
Sequoia Lodge
Meals: B, L
Day 6 Travel to Kangaroo Island
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred from your accommodation in Adelaide Hills to Adelaide Airport.
Upon arrival into Kangaroo Island you will be transferred to Southern Ocean Lodge.
Southern Ocean Lodge
Globally celebrated, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island sets the enduring benchmark for luxury experiential travel in Australia. Sensitively designed to blend seamlessly with the wildly beautiful landscape, Southern Ocean Lodge appears to float along its secluded clifftop setting. Located at Hanson Bay on the island's southwest coast, the lodge site adjoins both Flinders Chase and Cape Bouguer/Kelly Hill National Parks. Twenty-five luxury suites ease along the curve of Kangaroo Island’s limestone cliffs, each with open views of the Southern Ocean and rolling coastal wilderness. Signature design elements such as limestone floors and blackwood feature walls combine with custom-designed furnishings and works commissioned from South Australian artists to offer private house seats for the natural theater of this dramatic landscape.
Southern Ocean Lodge
Meals: B, D
Day 7 Southern Ocean Lodge
Southern Ocean Lodge offers guests a complete Kangaroo Island experience. With selected guided island experiences included in the tariff, all guests enjoy a personalized experiential touring itinerary of the island's unique natural attractions. A range of signature activities are offered daily allowing guests to encounter rich and varied wildlife, indulge in world-class food and wine and discover the island's unique natural attractions, often with exclusive access and always with a touch of luxe. Rates include Signature Lodge Experiences. A menu of bespoke experiences provides further opportunity for exploration and excellent private charters are also available at additional cost.
Southern Ocean Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8 Southern Ocean Lodge
Experiences at Southern Ocean Lodge include the following:
Wonders of Kangaroo Island
A half day experience, and a spectacular introduction to the island's wildlife, maritime heritage and stunning coastal landscapes. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a fur seal colony are just some of the trip highlights.
Seal Bay
Home to Australia's third largest colony of Australian sea lions. Join a naturalist guide for an exclusive tour on the beach with these wild animals. Learn about their unique breeding cycle and the ongoing research programs implemented on site. After your up close and personal experience relax with morning tea at the picturesque Vivonne Bay.
The Coastal Clifftop Walk
A scenic walk starting on the Lodge's doorstep atop the limestone cliffs of Hanson Bay. This easy walk affords a bird's eye view of thundering waves crashing along the coastline. Stand on top of the cliff with the wind blowing, look out to sea and realize there is nothing but ocean between here and Antarctica. Experience and learn about local flora, fauna and coastline ecosystems. This is a photographer's dream.
Southern Sundownders
Soak up the history of the early island settlers at Grassdale, an historic property nearby to the lodge. Watch as local wildlife including shy-by-day kangaroos and wallabies venture out to graze, while sipping premium South Australian beverages and sampling delicious snacks from the lodge's pop up bar, surrounded by the quiet stillness of the bush.
Southern Ocean Lodge
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9 Depart Kangaroo Island
Ahead of your flight you will be transferred to Kingscote Airport before departing for Adelaide.
We hope you enjoyed your South Australia experience!
Meals: B
