Day 1 (L,D) HOME, WILPENA POUND FLY OVER, PORT AUGUSTA, LEIGH CREEK
Sydney passengers fly direct to Adelaide.  In Adelaide we board our private charter Metroliner aircraft for our flight to the majestic Flinders Ranges, located approximately 500 kilometres north of Adelaide. A superb “bird’s eye view” as (weather permitting) we “fly low” to view Wilpena Pound, a unique circular geological formation in the southern Flinders. In earlier days the “bowl” of the Pound was used to grow wheat crops. We land at Port Augusta, an important Flying Doctor base, having enjoyed a flight of approximately one hour. Here we transfer to a modern air conditioned coach, our ground transport for most of the weekend. Lunch today is at nearby Quorn, home of the Pichi Richi Railway which runs on part of the original Ghan route. Following lunch we continue to Kanyaka ruins, dating back to the 1850’s. Onto Parachilna (population less than 10) and the famous Prairie Hotel. A short final leg of our journey brings us to Leigh Creek. Tonight we stay in ensuite cabins (basic country style), part of the Leigh Creek Tavern. Settle in, enjoy a relaxing drink (own expense) with fellow passengers prior to a three-course dinner together.

Day 2 (B,L,D) LEIGH CREEK, ARKAROOLA

Following breakfast we head into the heart of the Northern Flinders Ranges as we travel the track to Balcanoona through Gammon Ranges National Park on route to Arkaroola, a once overstocked 610 sq km sheep station bought by the Sprigg family in 1961 and transformed into a world-renowned wilderness sanctuary. Reg and Griselda’s dream has been continued by their children, Doug and Margie. Following lunch at the resort we embark on a world-famous and award-winning “Ridge Top Tour”, using special 4 wheel drive vehicles to travel over geological mining exploration roads through some of Australia’s most magnificent scenery, culminating in the view from Sillers Lookout, a huge rock outcrop with room for several 4WD vehicles at its peak. The beauty is stunning, the silence awe inspiring! Dinner tonight at the resort. Accommodation (all ensuited) is tonight more basic “country style” than we would normally provide, but quite adequate and suited to the occasion. Following dinner you may wish to explore the starry skies with a visit to the Arkaroola Observatory (own expense) or relax in the Arkaroola lounge and bar.

Day 3 (B,LD,) ARKAROOLA, WIRREALPA STATION, WILPENA

Following a hearty country breakfast we travel south, again through picturesque country using forded river crossings over meandering creeks lined with ancient river gums, to Wirrealpa Station, a 1500 sq km wool and meat sheep and cattle property. Meet the owners, Warren and Barbara Fargher.

Warren is a fourth generation pastoralist who has been on Wirrealpa his entire life. Tour the woolshed (circa 1860) and gain some insight into life at Wirrealpa Station. At the homestead enjoy “saltbush lamb” and quandong dessert, take a stroll in the garden and view the solar power system which supplies power to the whole complex. We travel today along the road frequently travelled by Sir Hans Heysen over many years as he painted so vividly the mountain ranges he loved so much. Today the A model Ford and original caravan he used are on display at his property at Hahndorf which along with his studio and home, can be visited most days. We continue to Blinman, once a copper mining centre. Copper provided the life-blood cashflow needed for the infant SA economy in earlier times. From Blinman we continue south to the Great Wall of China and enjoy the afternoon views of surrounding mountain ranges from Stokes Lookout prior to arriving at Wilpena Resort. A more “deluxe” style of accommodation tonight. Enjoy a delicious three-course restaurant dinner together and maybe later a chat and drink in the bar.

Day 4 (B,L,) WILPENA, HAWKER, PORT AUGUSTA, HOME

Following breakfast an opportunity to visit the old Wilpena Homestead, now restored, at the base of Wilpena Pound. Enjoy a morning walk or transfer by small coach. You may wish to climb the side and look into the Pound over the rim (moderate fitness needed). We also visit the Cazneaux Tree, a red river gum made famous by Australian photographer Harold Cazneaux who won an international competition in 1937 with a photo of this tree entitled “Spirit of Endurance”. Following lunch at Wilpena Resort we depart for Hawker, travelling parallel to Elder Range. A painting with a difference at Jeff Morgan’s gallery where we view a panoramic painting of Wilpena Pound seen from St Mary’s peak. Our charter aircraft awaits at Port Augusta and we depart at approximately 4:00pm for the return flight to Adelaide Airport. On arrival at Adelaide Airport, Sydney passsengers transfer to their flight to home ports. So concludes a most enjoyable short break holiday in South Australia’s best kept secret – Flinders Ranges.