Flinders Ranges & Barossa Valley: South Australia's Ultimate Treat

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. First time driving in Australia? Check out this helpful guide.
Please note, a one-way fee may apply

Travel from Adelaide to the iconic Arkaba Homestead, taking in some of South Australia’s most stunning landscapes along the way. Your journey passes through the charming Watervale Hotel, a perfect spot for a lunch break. Known for its epicurean dining and hospitality, it’s an ideal place to enjoy a leisurely meal before continuing your drive. As you continue through the Clare Valley, admire the rolling vineyards and scenic countryside. Approaching the Flinders Ranges, the landscape becomes more rugged and dramatic. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, particularly wild emus and kangaroos, which are often seen near Arkaba. As you reach Arkaba Homestead, you will experience the timeless beauty of the Flinders Ranges.

Discover the extraordinary at Arkaba Homestead, a one-of-a-kind luxury retreat set within 60,000 acres of untouched Flinders Ranges wilderness. This private outback sanctuary combines rugged landscapes with refined comfort, offering a truly immersive experience. Your stay includes a range of inclusive activities such as guided walks, 4WD wildlife safaris, and scenic exploration of hidden gorges and dramatic ranges. After a day of adventure, return to your elegant accommodation and unwind under the vast, star-studded sky. Every moment at Arkaba is designed to connect you with the unique beauty of the Australian outback.

Your day could look like this: Begin your day with a short guided walk led by one of Arkaba’s expert field guides, exploring the property on foot and learning about its unique landscapes and natural history. In the afternoon, enjoy a safari drive through the high ranges, plateaus, gorges, and valleys, spotting native wildlife along the way. Cap the afternoon with a sundowner drink atop the ranges, taking in the sweeping views of the outback. Finish the day with a relaxed evening in your luxurious accommodation under the star-filled sky.
Share your preferences with the Arkaba team so they can tailor an experience to your interests and pace.

Your day could look like this: Start with an early wildlife spotting experience, either at the viewing hide by Arkaba and Woolshed creeks or on a guided drive tailored to see the fauna and flora that interest you most. Afterward, explore the historic Woolshed, dating back to 1856, and learn about Arkaba’s pastoral heritage and the stories etched into its stone walls. In the afternoon, enjoy another safari drive or a short guided walk to take in different parts of the property, observing the changing light over the ranges and the rich variety of wildlife. Conclude your stay with a final evening of relaxation in your suite, reflecting on the beauty and adventure of Arkaba.
Share your preferences with the Arkaba team so they can tailor an experience to your interests and pace.

Say goodbye to the Arkaba Team and begin your drive to The Louise in the Barossa Valley. This journey takes you on a captivating journey from rugged outback ranges to rolling vineyards and gourmet heartlands. As you leave the ancient Flinders Ranges behind, the dramatic red peaks give way to open pastoral country and charming heritage towns. Stop in Clare to sample cool-climate wines or enjoy lunch at a local cellar door surrounded by vines. Continue south through picturesque farmland and winding country roads before arriving in the Barossa Valley, where The Louise awaits, an elegant retreat offering refined luxury, world-class dining, and sweeping vineyard views.

Discover refined luxury in the heart of Australia’s premier wine region at The Louise. Nestled among rolling vineyards, this elegant retreat combines sophisticated accommodations, world-class dining, and personalised experiences. Whether you’re savouring cellar-door tastings, exploring the scenic countryside, or relaxing in your private suite with vineyard views, every moment at The Louise is designed to immerse you in the beauty, flavour, and charm of the Barossa Valley. Enjoy generous standard inclusions throughout your stay including: Gourmet breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and snacks and dinner with matched wines in Appellation daily, selected in-suite bar replenished daily, and use of lodge facilities.

Discover the Barossa Valley, renowned for its exceptional wines and rich heritage. Begin at a historic winery like Yalumba or Langmeil, exploring traditional winemaking and tasting classic varietals. Then, experience the region’s modern side with innovative wineries showcasing creative blends. Pause for a seasonal lunch at a scenic Barossa restaurant before visiting a premier winery such as Two Hands, St Hugo, or Torbreck to sample some of the valley’s finest wines. This private tour offers a curated, unforgettable journey through the full spectrum of Barossa’s wine and culture.

Begin your experience as you watch your pilot and crew launch the balloon to be ready for take-off! Experience a sunrise like no other, float in a hot air balloon over the gorgeous Barossa Valley as the sun is rising and the stunning light casts the colors across the sky to welcome in the day. Enjoy the mesmerising 360-degree views as you look out over the valley and countryside, sit back, and relax as you soak in the scenery for 1 hour in the air. Once you have landed, be greeted by the crew to pack up the balloon and head back to the office for a delicious breakfast, a glass of champagne, and the chance to chat with your pilot before receiving your 'Balloonatic Flying Certificate'.

Depart The Barossa Valley and head off along Gomersal Road, passing by the rolling fields of wheat and vineyards. If you haven't already, stop by the Pindarie Cellar Door to taste the multi-award-winning wines, and take in the 180-degree views of the vineyard estate. Continue on to the Sturt Highway and take the exit to the town of Gawler for lunch and a walk along the river. Travel for a further 45 minutes to reach your destination of Adelaide.

Return your vehicle at the Adelaide Airport depot.

Farewell Adelaide today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!