Name: Arkaba Homestead
Address: 3134 Arkaba Road, Hawker, Hawker, Hawker, 5434, Australia
Rating: 10

Air conditioning

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Internet

Library

Hiking

Sun Deck

Recreation

Free parking

Parking

Swimming pool

Outdoor pool

Pool and beach

Conference Hall

Business

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

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Arkaba Homestead

Hawker

This was “3rd time lucky” for us due to Covid cancellations. But so worth the wait! We were joined by old friends from Canberra & met new friends on the way. The walk is nothing short of spectacular, moving through an ancient & beautiful landscape. Then staying each night at wonderfully well thought out bush camps with amazing 3course meals under the stars! All this under the guidance of our super knowledgeable & funny fearless leader, Shane! Could not imagine anyone better suited to shepherd us city slickers through the bush! The Homestead is beautifully appointed with friendly caring staff & magical views. We could not recommend this experience more highly - you just have to go!

You just have to go!

What a fantastic adventure!  We loved our trip to Arkaba Station!  Beautiful lodging and fantastic views.  Wayne was a terrific guide and helped us experience the wildlife of the outback.  The meals were 5-star and this stay was one of the most fun things our family has done together (traveling in Australia this July with 22 yr. old twins from the States).  Really loved this experience!

Fantastic Outback Adventure!

We were disappointed with what was expected to be a safari similar to one in Africa. The accommodation was excellent. Food nicely presented, but no choice. Staff very pleasant. The breakfast out on a dawn walk consisted of three bits of cake and some fruit. No breakfast at lodge on return at 9.30am. We were restricted to one drive a day and one early morning walk. The pool was lovely but we were there to see the station, not to sit by the pool.  Bird and animal life minimal.

disappointing upmarket safari

After reading the comments in here, I was about to cancel my trip but I decided to move forward and I am GRATEFUL I have done so. 
We just spent 3 days in Arkaba and it was an amazing experience! Outbacked, you have nothing to take care of, it was a tier one service from the reservation, to the hosting, to the comparable 1 star Michelin food, to the excursions that we have done! You spend 3 days surrounded by Kangourous everywhere in a stunning nature. They make everything to make you happy to to give you the best out of the experience (moonrise breakfast, sunset drinks on the top of the mountain, sur-mesure dinner as we were on Honeymoon). Huge shout out to Guilia who arranged our trip last minute, to The chef for the incredible food, and to Monica who made us discover Arkaba with her heart! I will definitely go back there when I am back to Australia!

Amazing outback escape in the right hands!

Arkaba offers a luxury “safari-type” experience.  The homestead is on private land and has space for 5 or 6 rooms guests (rooms are situated within the homestead)  and  communal eating areas.  The rooms were spacious and beautifully fitted out.  There are no locks on the doors or safes. The tours were excellent and we saw a variety of kangaroos (including the beautiful euros) and many bird species.  The guides were knowledgeable.  The food was spectacular. Easily 2-hat quality. The wine was plentiful and of reasonable quality. We were warmly welcomed and looked after and treated like visitors they knew and had invited to stay.

Luxury Australian Safari

Like a previous review, we feel a bit bad about writing something negative. The staff are largely lovely and trying hard, but to be honest, we were not prepared for the style of Arkaba's offering and feel that others should know what they are getting before deciding to fork out the high cost. 

The rooms are comfortable, but really three star at best. You are told what to do and what to eat, when and with whom. The meals are good and nicely prepared, but there is no choice. We suspect that those with large appetites would be hungry. Unlike similar luxury lodges, there is no food offered between meals (not even a biscuit to have with your coffee). For the price, the wine choices are mediocre at best, but there are unlimited beverages at any time, including Nespresso coffee (but no real coffee machine).

The killer for us, however, was the total lack of independence. We were told we could not just walk by ourselves, you must join in the organised activities. If you want to do anything independent you need to leave the property. We would not have chosen Arkaba if we had known this before we arrived.

The guides were lovely and trying very hard, but our guide had limited local knowledge. Having said all that, the other guests all seemed happy with the experiences. So maybe our review is simply a heads up for fellow independent travelers. In our opinion, we have had much better outback luxury stays for a fraction of the price.

More like school camp than a luxury resort

Begin and end staying at the very comfortable Homestead Lodge. We stayed in two different rooms which was nice for the variety. The food is outstanding. The hard working Chef Beau kept smiling and delivering exceptional meals and there was plenty of grog sourced from mainly SA too. The rooms were very comfortable and felt quite homey.

The trek itself was led by Bruce, an expert outdoors man. His knowledge of the wilderness and nature was extraordinary. I learnt so much from Bruce. Throughout the trip he waited for the slower folks and made everyone feel welcome and relaxed. He put in so much effort at the camps with the camp hosts to make sure every detail was not missed.

So, if you are looking for a good walk (40ish KM over 3 days) through the most amazing scenery. Happy to stay in a swag and enjoy the night air and stunning views from bed, eat and drink great food and wine and stay in either end at a very comfortable lodge, then this is the trip for you.

Thanks to Bruce (in particular), Beau ( the hardest working man in hospo) and the rest of the crew for a great experience.

Beautiful Scenery, Wildlife a Plenty, Gourmet Food & Wine and an Expert Guide

Very disappointing with the activities and the quality of the staff (guide to the abominable character) Pb air transport deals in blackmail with our agency We are very far from the standards of the East African Lodge Luxury

A Painful Experience

The reality of the accommodation and experiential offer does not match the description or the price point. I don’t know how it can have changed so drastically from the other reviews as recently as May 2022, but it could be an alternative reality! I would never recommend this to anyone expecting a luxury stay. Never.

Terrible accommodation and offering. Reading the other reviews I can’t believe it is the same place.

This is a superb place to appreciate the beauty and topography of the Flinders Ranges. In luxury accommodation with everything included, food, drink and super keen and helpful guides. This is walking safari aussie style, all day or 2 x half day excursions with return each evening to warm homestead hospitality and a gourmet meal. Nothing to complain about here, just thoroughly enjoy.

Arkaba Homestead

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