Luxury hotel holiday Arkaba Station Flinders Ridge, South Australia

Arkaba is located on the southern edge of South Australia's Flinders Ranges National Park and the remarkable bastions of Wilpena Pound. Arkaba is a 60,000-acre private wildlife conservancy, its craggy sandstone bluffs and dry creek beds lined with River Red Gums are a quintessential Australian scene, while the geological amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound lies on the northern boundary of the property. Arkaba is about 425km north of central Adelaide and about 130km from Port Augusta. The Homestead dates to 1856, and is a classic Flinders Ranges building, with thick stone walls, deep shady verandas and corrugated roofing all set against the backdrop of the rugged Elder Range. Four traditional bedrooms are located in the homestead, each with an ensuite bedroom and access to the veranda for relaxing in the heat of the day. The Coachman's Cottage in the corner of the garden provides a fifth guest room with an ensuite bathroom. The homestead looks out onto the geologically and culturally significant Elder Range, which glows pink with the first rays of sun every morning, and the Arkaba Creek, lined with River Red Gums and alive with the chatter of hundreds of Galahs. In the communal areas, a comfortable library with deep armchairs and a large fireplace provides some seclusion for enjoying a quiet drink and a good book, whilst dinner is hosted on the terrace overlooking the garden and the Ranges beyond. The dramatic backdrop compliments the contemporary and native fusion cuisine served creatively by the in-house chef. A 10-meter pool overlooks the Arkaba Creek, and provides a wonderful retreat in the heat of the day. Guests can also choose to cool off with help from the open bar serving a range of craft beers and local vintage wine.