Itinerary
Tour day-by-day
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Day 1: Ridge-top Safari
The first day takes guests on the Ridge-top safari drive, one of Arkaba’s most adventurous and thrilling 4WD routes using an open top safari vehicle. Starting off at Marabelle Creek, there is high chance to spot some of Australia most famous upper canopy dwelling songsters like the Rufous Whistler and Grey-shrike Thrush. Along the creek line, majestic River Red Gums are usually packed with flocks of Galahs and Little Corellas. On the ascent, Common Wallaroos are a likely sighting on the rocky outcrops. At the peak, travellers will be at eye level with large Wedge-tailed eagles using thermal convection to soar high, scanning the country for prey. Across the ridges, it is also possible Western Grey Kangaroos, Nankeen Kestrels, Little Eagles, Whistling Kites, Australian Ravens, Magpies, Tawny Dragons and Burton's Legless Lizards.
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Day 2: Dundee Track
Venturing out in an open-top safari vehicle, the Dundee Track provides the opportunity to explore the northern regions of the property, characterised by thick Spinifex vegetation. This steep terrain is also great Common Wallaroo territory. Passing on from the Dundee track up towards the Elder Range provides a chance of spotting endangered Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies with two separate colonies established on this mountain range. The northern section of the property usually allows for the best sighting of our largest Parrot species, the Australian Ringneck Parrot whilst the lower Dundee track passes through Cypress vegetation, where Red-capped robins are sometimes encountered.
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Day 3: South Boundary Loop
The Southern boundary loop encompasses a four to five hour drive exploring the southern sections of Arkaba, characterised by almost savannah like terrain, ideal for spotting Red Kangaroos and Emus, which like the wide expansive areas. This is also the best area for viewing summer migratory birds such as Budgerigars, Cockatiels and Zebra Finches, which flock to this region of the property, concentrating around the small natural springs. ARKABA HOMESTEAD: ACCOMMODATION & HOSPITALITY Accommodation is provided at the Arkaba Homestead, a five room 1850s heritage homestead and member of Luxury Lodges of Australia. With décor by wildlife artist, Rosie Woodford-Ganf - think bedheads fashioned from recycled fence posts and fleeces, curtains tied back by gumnut tassles, lights perched on explorers' tripod theodolites - the guestrooms retain a sense of history and place. Proudly without wifi, telephones, televisions, minibars or any of the typical features of a hotel to distract, the focus is on the experience and one of the most beautiful properties in Australia. All chef prepared meals, beverages (including premium South Australian wines and spirits) are included. Dining around an old wool classing table on the outdoor terrace with the ever-changing light and sounds of the bush all around is a special and uniquely Australian experience.
