Rawnsley Park Station Arkapena 4WD Tour

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An off-road 4WD tour on Rawnsley Park Station's rugged tracks, with views of the Chace and ABC Ranges, the Elder Range and Rawnsley Bluff. The ascent to Prelinna Lookout is a highlight of the trip.

Days

4 hours

Group size

Max 7

Start / finish

Rawnsley Park Station / Rawnsley Park Station

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Guided off-road 4WD on the station's tracks

Route

Map of Rawnsley Park Station Arkapena Scenic Adventure 4WD Tour

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Included experiences

Rawnsley Park Station — off-road 4WD tracks
Chace Range foothills — views to Wilpena Pound
Prelinna Lookout — 360 degree views from 680 metres
Station history, geology and plants with your guide

Rawnsley Park Station Arkapena Scenic Adventure 4WD Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

SETTING OFF: ONTO THE ARKAPENA TRACKS

This half day is for anyone who wants a proper off-road drive. Your guide takes you out from Rawnsley Park Station onto the rugged 4WD tracks of Arkapena, the neighbouring station that is now part of Rawnsley Park, and across the station's 30,000 acres of hills, creek beds and plains. The station lies north of Goyder's Line, drawn in 1865 to mark the edge of country with reliable rain for farming, and as you drive your guide explains what that has meant for the people who have run sheep here.

ACROSS THE STATION: ROCKS, SHEEP AND SALTBUSH

Along the way you learn how the Flinders Ranges were formed, the history of pastoralism here and of Rawnsley Park Station itself, and the many plants that survive the semi-arid climate. Around you rise the Chace Range, the ABC Range, said to have a peak for every letter of the alphabet, the Elder Range to the west and Rawnsley Bluff, the southern tip of Wilpena Pound. The bluff gives its name to the Rawnsley Quartzite, the rock in which the famous Ediacara fossils are found. Morning or afternoon tea is part of the trip.

THE CHACE RANGE FOOTHILLS

As the track winds through the foothills of the Chace Range, the views open out across Rawnsley Park towards Wilpena Pound, the basin of ridges the Adnyamathanha people call Ikara, about 17 km long. This is country for watching wildlife from the window: red kangaroos and euros on the flats and slopes, and emus crossing the plains. The ground gets rougher as you go, with rocky climbs and drops that show what a 4WD is for.

THE CLIMB TO PRELINNA LOOKOUT

Don't forget to breathe as the 4WD takes the steep track up to Prelinna Lookout, 680 metres above sea level. From the top the view runs a full 360 degrees: the Chace Range, the Elder Range, Wilpena Pound and the whole of Rawnsley Park Station spread below. It's the high point of the trip in every sense, so take your time with the photos. Then it's back down and across the station to the homestead, about four hours after you set out. Weather and road conditions can change the route on the day.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Rawnsley Park Station, Flinders Ranges Way, Hawker.
Please note: The itinerary is subject to weather and road conditions and may be changed at short notice. Each tour has room for one child seat, and guests need to provide their own.

What to bring

Your own child seat, if travelling with a young child

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.