Outback

Must See, Must Do

Walkabout in the world's oldest mountain ranges

A comfortable five-hour drive north of Adelaide, the Flinders Ranges is one of the oldest landscapes on earth, and it's here that the very essence of the Outback begins. The Flinders Ranges is dominated by sharply rising peaks, tree-lined gorges, creeks and red soil. Aboriginal legend says these landscapes were shaped by the ancient serpents and giants of the Dreamtime. The focal point of the Flinders Ranges, and South Australia's best-known natural landmark, is Wilpena Pound, an amphitheatre of mammoth proportions. For an insight into the indigenous heritage of the ranges, take a tour with an Aboriginal guide or drive yourself along the Aboriginal Dreaming Trail.

Go stargazing Outback style

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is 207 kilometers (129 miles) north east of Wilpena in the northern Flinders Ranges, and like its neighbor, offers motel comfort and experienced guides and pilots to show off their slice of the Outback. In particular, Arkaroola's awesome four wheel drive Ridgetop Tour is justifiably world-famous. Like everywhere in the South Australian Outback, the night skies above Arkaroola blaze with stars and planets and a great highlight of a stay here is to explore them through the largest privately owned telescope in Australia.

Experience a station stay like the locals

Station properties have been the backbone of the Australian Outback for generations, boasting a proud pioneering history set against stunning, pristine backdrops. These oases of luxurious hospitality provide the ideal antidote to city living, giving you the opportunity to sample genuine Australian Outback culture.

Imagine waking up to a bustling working station with awe-inspiring views of the ancient Flinders Ranges or the mighty Murray River. Stations in the Flinders Ranges are mostly small sheep properties and range from a heritage-listed homestead to luxury eco-villas. Some stations offer exclusivity by only accepting one booking at a time. Angorichina Station, The Prairie and Portee Station all offer premium station stays.

Fossick for gems in the world's opal capital

The quirky Outback town of Coober Pedy produces 80 per cent of the world's opal and is surrounded by hundreds of mine shafts and heaps of excavated earth that reminds visitors of lunar craters. Much of Coober Pedy's accommodation - like many of its homes, business and churches - is built underground to avoid the extreme desert climate. Tours of the town include visits to underground dwellings, and there are tours of the opal fields. Here you can buy the best opals in the world, often direct from the miners who found them beneath the desert. More opals can be found in the eclectic town of Andamooka, not far from Roxby Downs.

Swim with sea lions and stroll on salt lakes

The Gawler Ranges is a spectacular wilderness area of unspoiled beauty. Vast domes of volcanic rock display vivid color against the pure white of the many salt lakes in the area, including Lake Gairdner, its glistening white salt pan set in the middle of a red landscape.  Especially well known for its kangaroos, Wedge-Tailed eagles and wombats, the area is perfect to combine with the coastal experience of swimming with sea lions and dolphins at Baird Bay. Camp under a millions stars in the national park or at a luxury camp on a private station.