If you’re the kind of person who loves the idea of camping but isn’t too keen on sleeping on the ground and roughing it, then glamping in the Flinders Ranges might be just the ticket.
Glamping (glamorous camping) combines the best of both worlds: all the fresh air, stunning landscapes and cozy campfire vibes, minus the dodgy tents and hand-me-down sleeping bags whose histories you’d rather not know.
As a form of accommodation, glamping is still finding its feet in the Flinders Ranges. But its popularity is increasing, and I would expect more options to emerge in the next few years.
Anyhoo, here are 5 of the best Flinders Ranges glamping options in 2024.
Flinders Bush Retreats
The Eco Tent at Flinders Bush Retreats is your go-to for an authentic outback experience without ditching the essentials like a comfy bed (with an Australian wool blanket I might add) and a hot shower.
This glamping option is less about luxury and more about getting you close to nature with the right amount of comfort. There is no mobile coverage here and no Wi-Fi and the location is very much billed as a place to escape the stresses of modern life.
What the Eco Tent is
The Eco Tent is a sturdy canvas setup on a timber deck. Inside, there’s a king-sized bed (because nobody’s roughing it that much), a small kitchenette and an ensuite bathroom.
The tent comes with all the basics for a self-catered stay. You’ve got a fridge, a gas stove and enough cooking gear to whip up your meals. The front deck is where you’ll likely spend most of your time and whether it’s with a morning or arvo cuppa, the views are yours and yours alone.
There’s no air conditioning here, but the tent’s designed for airflow and there are fans to help keep you cool. Solar power keeps the lights on and there’s also a composting loo, so you’re treading lightly on the planet while you kick back.
It’s got everything you need to keep things simple but comfortable.
What the Eco Tent offers
The Eco Tent is the base you never knew you needed. It offers a prime spot for watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee or stargazing after a day of exploring the property’s numerous walking trails.
Above all, it provides an experience designed to let you unplug and unwind in a tranquil and isolated part of the Flinders. For reference, the tent is 6 kilometres from the main homestead and 21 kilometres from Hawker, the nearest town.
Despite being somewhat off the beaten path, it’s still accessible to nearby attractions like Wilpena Pound and the road in can be navigated by 2WD most of the time.
What guests are saying
Guests love the Eco Tent for its no-fuss comfort.
They see the tent as the perfect blend of being close to nature without skimping on the basics. One of these basics is an electric blanket which is very much welcome over the winter months.
Reviews highlight the peace and quiet, the incredible views and the chance to really switch off from the outside world. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back, relax and enjoy being out in the Aussie bush.
The location on a small rise beside Willow Waters Gorge surrounded by ancient hills is also a plus.
Prices and how to book
The Eco Tent is available for $260 per night with a minimum stay of one night.
Please note that the maximum occupancy is strictly limited to 2 people.
Book direct here to secure the best prices . On that note, book early because there is only one Eco Tent and it is very popular!
Wilpena Pound Resort
Wilpena Pound Resort’s Ikara Safari Tents are where the outback meets a bit of glamping style. These tents are all about giving you that raw, natural Flinders Ranges experience with some comfort and serenity thrown in for good measure.
What they are
The Ikara Safari Tents are luxury tents located within the Wilpena Pound Resort, right at the gateway to the stunning Wilpena Pound.
These aren’t your average canvas tents – they’re more like hotel rooms wrapped in a safari vibe. Each tent comes with a king-sized bed (split into twin singles if you prefer) as well as an ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, private deck and fire pit (April to October only).
There are two options here in terms of maximum occupancy:
Ikara Safari – which sleeps up to 2 persons, and
Family Ikara Safari – which sleeps up to 4 on one king and two singles.
What they offer
Tents are equipped with air conditioning, a small fridge and tea and coffee-making facilities. The ensuite bathroom comes with all the essentials, including a shower with hot water.
Outside, the private deck is perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking with views that let you soak in the natural beauty of the region. The tents also include access to the resort’s facilities, like the swimming pool, restaurant and bar which are a short 5 to 10-minute walk away.
The safari tents at Wilpena Pound Resort are set away from the main campground and offer a reasonable level of privacy. However, note that there are 15 of them in total and some are rather close together. With tents being tents, you are likely to hear some noise from your neighbours.
What guests are saying
Many appreciate that the tents allow them to appreciate the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges with the creature comforts of a resort stay. Positive reviews often mention the peaceful setting, comfortable beds, hot showers and the proximity to Wilpena Pound’s walking trails.
However, it’s clear that this glamping experience is a pricey one. The location within the national park justifies the cost for some, but others expected more because:
The furnishings were somewhat basic in some tents.
Some tents were showing signs of wear and tear, and
The included breakfast was sub-par.
Prices and how to book
Prices for both the Ikara Safari and Family Ikara Safari tents are dynamic and change daily. In any case, the rate depends on whether you opt for the bed and breakfast package.
Search your dates here to see current prices.
Arkaba Conservancy
Arkaba is best known for its luxury homestead accommodation where guests are treated to a private chef and a fine range of local produce and wine, among other things.
But there’s an equally luxurious walking and glamping experience you need to know about.
The glamping experience
Arkaba offers a glamping experience as part of its Arkaba Walk – a three-day guided hike with all meals included as well as local beer, wine and spirits.
The walk starts at Wilpena Pound before you spend the first night at Black’s Gap bush camp. There, you can take a quick shower (operated by hoist and bucket) and then enjoy a sundowner aperitivo.
On the second night and about 14 kilometres down the track, you’ll stay at the equally spectacular Elder camp.
Showers and full catering are also available here.
What’s on offer
Both campsites are nestled in some of what I believe is the most spectacular country in the area.
Both also feature composting toilets, deluxe swags and custom-built decks where you can sleep under the stars and enjoy stupendous views. If there is rain or wind, you can simply retreat to the enclosed area of the deck which is surrounded on three sides for privacy.
There is no mobile reception available, but I think the catering and environment more than compensate for that.
Did I mention that swags have a proper mattress, fluffy pillows and crisp linen?
What guests are saying
Guests rave about the Arkaba Walk glamping experience.
The combination of moderately challenging hikes and luxurious camp setups makes for the perfect pairing, with particular praise for the quality of the food and the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides.
(On a related note, you’ll be walking around 40 kilometres over the 3-day experience, so consider whether it’s within your capabilities beforehand) .
The sense of isolation and connection with nature is another high point. There’s something truly special about being in such a remote, unspoiled environment. Small touches were also appreciated, such as hot water bottles to keep warm overnight and a hot towel to refresh one’s face upon arrival into camp.
But all this fun and immersion doesn’t come cheap. While Arkaba’s glamping product is perhaps not the most luxurious, the all-inclusive nature of the multi-day walk means the price will be too steep for some.
A few reviews also note that while the swags are comfortable, the bush environment means you should expect a bit of dust and the occasional critter.
All part of the outback charm, I say!
And to some extent, the Arkaba Walk self-selects for people who enjoy the outdoors and whatever sleeping outdoors entails.
Prices and how to book
3-night walk (self-drive, with the last night at Arkaba Homestead) – $2,975 per person for up to 2 people (all-inclusive). The rate for one person is $4,575.
4-night walk (with the first and last night at Arkaba Homestead) – $4,400 per person for up to 2 people (all inclusive). The rate for one person is $6,400. As part of this package, Arkaba offers transfers to and from Adelaide with one transfer of your choice including lunch and wine tasting.
The Arkaba Walk can be booked here .
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Arkaroola’s Ridgetop Sleepout is the kind of experience that takes “getting away from it all” to a whole new level.
The glamping experience
Perched high up in the extremely crinkled terrain of the Northern Flinders Ranges, the Ridgetop Sleepout encourages visitors to embrace the untamed beauty of the high desert. There’ll be billions of stars above you and a steak and bottle of wine next to you.
Similar to Arkaba (but with far less walking), you will sleep in a cosy swag on raised timber decks perched above the landscape.
Here’s how it will play out.
First, treat yourself to a relaxed and informative 4WD tour of the Ridgetop Track. Later in the day, arrive at the Streitberg Ridge campsite where your swag awaits. As the sun dips below the undulating horizon, enjoy canapes and local wine prepared by your guide.
Once the sky starts to fill with stars, the guide will also prepare a gourmet dinner to enjoy with other guests around a polished wooden dining table. You can also mingle around the campfire if you happen to stay between April and October.
Next morning, you can opt to enjoy the sunrise from the iconic Siller’s Lookout and then enjoy a cooked breakfast before returning to Arkaroola Village around midday.
What it offers
This experience is all about the views. The ridge offers 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding ranges, and at night, the stargazing is out of this world. There is zero light pollution, so the Milky Way shines bright, and you might even spot a shooting star or two.
In fact, in July 2023, Arkaroola became an International Dark Sky Sanctuary and is one of only two with such a designation in Australia. If you’ve lived in urban environments your whole life, prepare to be amazed!
Note that there are no traditional toilet and shower facilities at the campsite. It’s designed to be an immersive and authentic experience that connects you to nature and the night sky.
And if you’re interested in booking the Ridgetop Sleepout tour, you’re probably the sort of person who can do without these modern conveniences for 24 hours or so.
Now I know what you might be thinking at this point: is this tour a true glamping experience? I say yes because of the location, catering and 4WD tour that really adds to one’s understanding of the Flinders Ranges.
It’s also fairly exclusive with just four elevated sleeping decks available.
What guests are saying
Guests often describe the Ridgetop Sleepout as one of the most unique and memorable experiences of their lives.
The sense of isolation, the incredible scenery and the insightful 4WD are frequently mentioned. Ditto for the stunning sunrise and sunset views from Streitberg Ridge as well as the jaw-dropping night sky.
On the downside, some guests note that the experience is definitely on the pricier side. They also mention the cold temperatures in the evening and early morning, so ensure you pack adequate layers in the cooler months.
Prices and how to book
You have two choices to enjoy this Flinders Ranges glamping experience.
2 Night Ridgetop Sleepout Package:
$1970 for 2 people, twin share.
1 night in either of Arkaroola Lodge’s Mawson or Callitris rooms prior to the glamping experience.
3 Night Ridgetop Sleepout Package:
$2520 for 2 people, twin share.
One night either side of the glamping experience in either of Arkaroola Lodge’s Mawson or Callitris rooms.
2-course dinner (with South Australian wine) in the Native Pine Restaurant on an evening of your choice.
Note that both packages start on Sundays and Wednesdays only, which means the night spent glamping is either a Monday or Thursday night.
Click here to book the Ridgetop Sleepover or learn more about what’s on offer.
Rawnsley Park Station
Rawnsley Park is perhaps best known for its caravan park, holiday units and swanky eco-villas.
But it also offers a glamping experience that, like Arkaroola’s Ridgetop Sleepover, is a little different to the first three options in this piece.
Credit: Rawnsley Park Station What Rawnsley’s glamping experience involves
The adventure starts with a 20-minute helicopter ride that offers a bird’s eye perspective of the Central Flinders Ranges.
You’ll soar over Rawnsley Bluff and the iconic Wilpena Pound and take in the vastness of the outback before being dropped off at a secluded campsite on the Chace Range.
Happily, the chopper takes off in the mid to late afternoon to maximise those golden hour views.
Once you land, you’ll find swag tents set up with mattresses and pillows to help you ride out those frosty nights and get a good night’s rest in any case.
You’ll be left provisions to cook your own dinner over a campfire (or gas stove in the warmer months) as well as stuff to make yourself a bush breakfast.
The helicopter will return thereafter to pick you up and escort you back to Rawnsley Park Station. Expect to arrive there at around 10 am.
What it offers
This remote spot on the top of Chace Range is exclusively yours for the night, providing what is an unmatched sense of isolation in this relatively well-trafficked part of the Flinders.
Returning to the subject of views, the panorama of Elder Range on the left and Wilpena Pound on the right is spectacular and not one that many people have had the privilege to enjoy.
The campsite itself is basic with no shower facilities and only a toilet available. But that’s part of the appeal of spending the night on top of a mountain range.
What guests are saying
The biggest selling point of Rawnsley’s glamping experience is its uniqueness.
The 20-minute helicopter flight is a major drawcard in its own right, but after appreciating the immense landscape from above, you can then spend the night perched right in the thick of it.
There’s also an air of exclusivity here. The very small campground is not open to the public (and neither is Chace Range for that matter). Others appreciate that the glamping experience can be incorporated into Rawnsley’s 3-day and 5-day walking tours .
The price is also a point of c. However I feel it’s important to point out that Rawnsley’s offering is much cheaper than the Ridgetop Sleepover which does not offer a joyride in a chopper.
Prices and how to book
The cost for Rawnsley’s heli-camping experience is $855 per adult, twin-share (minimum of 2 persons).
The experience is available every night of the year, subject to weather conditions.
Book here to reserve your spot!
And as always, do let me know if I’ve missed any glamping experiences.
