Australia: Flinders Ranges Hikes, Kangaroo Island Wonders, and Sydney’s Iconic Highlights

Location: Australia & Pacific
Duration: 13 Days
Price: From $9,995
Activity Level: High Energy

Australia: Flinders Ranges Hikes, Kangaroo Island Wonders, and Sydney’s Iconic Highlights

Location: Australia & Pacific
Duration: 13 Days
Price: From $9,995
Activity Level: High Energy

Overview

Discover Australia’s wonders through a journey blending untouched wilderness, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. Hike the rugged Flinders Ranges and witness wildlife before exploring beautiful Kangaroo Island’s wildlife and natural treasures and enjoy tasting experiences in Adelaide. Paddle through Adelaide’s waterways and taste exceptional wines at d’Arenberg Winery. Then, In Sydney, dive into Aboriginal heritage, marvel at the iconic Opera House, and unwind on a luxurious dinner cruise through Sydney Harbor. This unforgettable adventure offers breathtaking landscapes, world-class cuisine, and a deep connection to Australia’s extraordinary history and culture.

Main Attractions

Hike through untouched terrain and nature

Discover the Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island, with secluded stays, guided walks, sea lion encounters, Flinders Chase National Park, Birds of Prey shows, and visits to local farms.

Experience Adelaide’s Culture Actively

Enjoy an Adelaide city kayak tour, a visit to the Australian Wine Discovery, and an immersive wine-tasting experience at d’Arenberg winery.

Cruise through Wonders of Syndey

Experience Sydney’s iconic landmarks with a Dreaming Aboriginal Heritage Tour, visits to the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach, topped off with an all-inclusive dinner cruise

Map showing travel routes from Kangaroo Island to Sydney and Adelaide, with options for air, car, and ferry. Insets include a scale and a map of Australia highlighting the region.
A wooden boardwalk leads through a sandy coastal landscape with low vegetation towards a blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky.
A kangaroo is mid-air, leaping across a dry landscape with blurred mountains in the background.
Three kangaroos standing in a field of red grass with trees in the background.
Seal resting on a sandy beach surrounded by green vegetation.
A hand pours white wine from a bottle into a glass against a sunset backdrop.
View of Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge at sunset, with rocky foreground and city skyline in the background.
A wooden boardwalk leads through a sandy coastal landscape with low vegetation towards a blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky.
A kangaroo is mid-air, leaping across a dry landscape with blurred mountains in the background.
Three kangaroos standing in a field of red grass with trees in the background.
Seal resting on a sandy beach surrounded by green vegetation.
A hand pours white wine from a bottle into a glass against a sunset backdrop.
View of Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge at sunset, with rocky foreground and city skyline in the background.

Itinerary

Three pelicans stand in shallow water with a cityscape and modern buildings in the background.

Welcome to Australia

Arrive at Adelaide Airport (ADL) by 1 PM today. Upon arrival, meet your guide who will take you on a brief orientation tour of the city. After 3 PM, you can check in at your hotel, with the remainder of the afternoon free for you to rest after your journey. Enjoy a lively welcome dinner where you can connect with your fellow travelers this evening. Share stories and discover the unique reasons each woman in your group is excited to explore Australia!

Meals dinner
Two people hike on a rocky trail, surrounded by bushes, with one pointing at a plant. They use walking poles and wear outdoor gear.

Journey to Flinders Range

After breakfast, a driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you over the course of 4.5 hours to the Arkaba Homestead in Flinders Ranges, a stunning and secluded outback destination in South Australia. This ancient landscape features deep valleys, creeks lined with river red gums, and rugged terrain perfect for wildlife watching, bushwalking, photography, or simply enjoying the outback’s unique sights and sounds. Once you’ve checked in, enjoy a guided lay-of-the-land afternoon safari experience, followed by a welcome meal in the lodge.

Meals breakfast, dinner
Aerial view of the Flinders Ranges with rugged mountain peaks and expansive valleys under a partly cloudy sky.

Hiking through Flinders Range

After breakfast, hike the flat interior of Wilpena Pound with a gradual 4,921-foot ascent to the rim (8.5 miles, 5–6 hours). At 5:30 p.m., reach Black’s Gap bush camp for a shower, aperitif, and a three-course meal with South Australian wines. Dine outdoors, surrounded by the bush’s sights and sounds. End the evening by the firepit, stargazing, before retiring to your swag bed under the outback stars. You will only need to carry a day pack; luggage stays at the homestead.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Two women enjoy an outdoor meal at a wooden table with bottles and plates of food in a scenic countryside setting.

Climb the Red Range Summit

Embark on a scenic hike through rolling hills along the Heysen Trail, uncovering Arkaba’s 500-million-year history and its pastoral past. Pass old shepherds’ camps, mustering yards, and spot kangaroos and emus. The day concludes with a steep 3,280-foot climb to the Red Range summit for breathtaking views of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Then, Descend past native Cypress trees to Elder Camp for a hot bush shower, a memorable dinner, and a night under the stars. Hike: 8.5–9 miles (14–15 km), 6–7 hours.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Person sitting on a wooden deck wrapped in a blanket, facing a mountainous landscape at sunset with a red-orange glow. Lanterns are placed on the deck.

Wildlife Spotting through Native Forests

Awake to the stunning sunrise painting the Elder Range in vivid reds and oranges. Begin your hike through serene mallee and native pine forests, climb the Red Range, and descend to the tranquil, gum tree-lined banks of Arkaba Creek. Pause to enjoy the sights and sounds of vibrant birdlife, including galahs, parrots, and honeyeaters. Arrive at Arkaba Homestead mid-afternoon to unwind or take a scenic sunset flight (at an added cost) over Wilpena Pound. End the day with a fireside glass of wine and a chef-prepared dinner. Hike: 8.5–9 miles (14–15 km), 6–7 hours.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Two emus stand in a grassy field with trees and mountains in the background under a pink sky.

Depart Arkaba

Start your day with breakfast at Arkaba Homestead, followed by a leisurely morning. Unwind by the pool or relax with a book by the stone fireplace. If you’re up for more activity, take a self-guided walk along Arkaba Creek to the historic woolshed or visit the Arkaba hide for wildlife viewing by the waterhole. After check-out, your driver will take you to your hotel in Adelaide, where you can enjoy a free evening to relax after the long drive (4.5 hours).

Meals breakfast
Rowers on a river at sunset with modern buildings and a lit bridge in the background.

Kayak through Adelaide and Wine Tasting

After breakfast, join your guide for a kayak tour along the River Torrens, suitable for all skill levels. Paddle past landmarks like Adelaide Oval while enjoying scenic city and riverbank views. In the afternoon, visit the National Wine Centre for an introduction to Australian wine. Explore the Southern Hemisphere’s largest open wine cellar and participate in a Masterclass led by an expert sommelier. Savor exquisite South Australian wines paired with canapés showcasing the region’s finest produce.

Meals breakfast
Geometric glass building surrounded by vineyards under a clear blue sky with sunlight peeking through the vines.

Wine Tasting Sensory Experience

Arrive at D’Arenberg in the morning for a premium wine tasting in a restored 19th-century homestead overlooking McLaren Vale. Then, explore the Salvador Dalí Art exhibition and the D’Arenberg Cube before enjoying a three-course lunch at the Salopian Inn, featuring fresh, seasonal local produce. Afterward, experience Wine Tasting in the Dark, you’ll wear blindfolds as you taste wine from black glasses, allowing you to discover how the absence of sight impacts your experience. Return to your accommodation in the evening, with dinner at your leisure.

Meals breakfast, lunch
Kangaroo standing in a vast, grassy field with rocks, facing a bright sun low on the horizon.

Welcome to Kangaroo Island

Start the day with a 45-minute ferry to Kangaroo Island. Visit Seal Bay Conservation Park for a guided beach walk among wild Australian sea lions with a National Parks Ranger. After a two-course lunch, explore Flinders Chase National Park, watching for echidnas, wallabies, reptiles, and koalas as you travel through the park on the rugged coastline and down a boardwalk where you’ll see a spectacular rock archway. Conclude the day at Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, where you’ll feed kangaroos and meet koalas while learning about them from the park’s keepers.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Coastal landscape with rocky cliffs, clear blue water, and gentle waves.

Exquisite Tastings on Kangaroo Island

Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast before diving into day two of your Kangaroo Island adventure. Witness the awe-inspiring Birds of Prey Presentation, then head to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery for a two-course lunch, guided tour, and tastings of refreshing Kangaroo Island Ciders. Then, At Clifford’s Honey Farm, learn about honey extraction, sample a honey soft drink, and enjoy Drunken Drone Brewery’s Honey Wheat Ale. After soaking in Pennington Bay’s beauty, visit False Cape Wines for a premium wine tasting. End with dinner at Penneshaw Hotel before returning to Adelaide, arriving at your hotel around 10:30 PM.

Meals breakfast, lunch
Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge at dusk, with illuminated sails and cityscape in the background.

Experience Sydney by Dinner Cruise

After breakfast, transfer to Adelaide Airport for a flight to Sydney. In the evening, join your guide at King Street Wharf for a 2.5-hour all-inclusive dinner cruise on Sydney Harbor. Enjoy stunning views of iconic attractions lit up at night while savoring a three-course menu inspired by Sydney’s multicultural cuisine, crafted with fresh ingredients. Dinner includes regional wines, beers, soft drinks, and tea or coffee. After this experience, return to your hotel with your guide.

Meals breakfast, dinner
Elderly person in patterned jacket speaks while holding objects at a podium. Another person stands in the background.

Explore Sydney’s Aboriginal History, Opera House, and Bondi Beach

Start your day with a guided walk through The Rocks, where an Aboriginal guide will share ancient wisdom and showcase the integration of contemporary Aboriginal culture in Sydney’s vibrant heart. Explore the Sydney Opera House on a special guided tour, delving into its history, breathtaking architecture, and hidden spaces. Enjoy stunning views from Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair or The Gap, followed by a visit to iconic Bondi Beach. Conclude with an unforgettable 11-course degustation farewell dinner at Nel Restaurant, reflecting on your incredible Australian adventure

Meals breakfast, dinner
Aerial view of the Sydney Opera House with its distinctive sail-like architecture, surrounded by water, and the cityscape in the background under a clear blue sky.

Depart Sydney

Transfer to Sydney International Airport (SYD). Ensure that you schedule a flight with a departure time after 11 AM to allow ample time for travel and airport procedures.

Meals breakfast
Landscape view of a rocky path leading to green shrubs and trees, with a mountain range in the background under a clear sky.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

Rooftop pool with lounge chairs and tables, overlooking city buildings at sunrise.

Crowne Plaza Adelaide

Located in the heart of Adelaide’s Central Business District, Crowne Plaza Adelaide features elegantly designed guestrooms and suites, offering breathtaking views of the city. Just steps from cultural landmarks and premier shopping, it serves as the ideal urban retreat. Unwind at the rooftop oasis, complete with a pool and fitness center, or enjoy the serenity of the nearby Botanic Gardens as well as stunning views from the city’s tallest building.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, hair dryer, minibar, coffee / tea maker, electric kettle, safe, high definition TV with satellite channels, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

Outdoor covered patio with seating area and dining table, surrounded by greenery. It features warm lighting and a wooden ceiling.

Arkaba Homestead

Discover one of Australia’s most exclusive retreats at Arkaba Conservancy, a Wild Bush Luxury property nestled in the Flinders Ranges. This remote 60,000-acre private wildlife conservancy is dedicated to preserving Australia’s unique wildlife and bird species, offering an intimate experience for just ten guests at a time. The property features four bedrooms located in the main homestead, while the charming Coachman’s Cottage, set in the corner of the garden, provides a secluded fifth guestroom. Each air-conditioned room is thoughtfully designed with premium mattresses, organic cotton sheets, and a selection of pillows to ensure a restful night’s sleep. The rooms open onto a shaded veranda, offering individual views of the stunning surrounding ranges. Please note that this property is Wi-Fi-free.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, bath towels, air conditioning

Person sitting on a deck with a sleeping bag and boots, overlooking a scenic mountain range during sunset.

Black’s Gap Camp

Set in some of Arkaba’s most picturesque spots, this camp seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings, offering stunning views from every angle. You’ll stay in one of five timber swag decks, slightly elevated with three sides enclosed for privacy and the fourth open to sweeping countryside views and a starry sky. Each deck has a sheltered area at the back for your traditional Australian ‘swag’ bed, which can be moved in case of wind or rain. Enjoy ‘bush showers’—warm-water buckets with taps, open to the natural backdrop on one side. In line with the camp’s sustainability, there are waterless composting toilets, and please note, the camp is Wi-Fi-free.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, all-seasons sleeping bag with a liner

A person sits on a wooden deck, sipping a drink and overlooking a forest with mountains in the background. A bed and a tray with bottles are nearby.

Elder Camp

Your overnight stay will be on one of five timber swag decks, each slightly elevated and enclosed on three sides by a half-meter corrugated iron screen for privacy. The fourth side is open showcasing sweeping views of the countryside and the night sky. Each deck includes a sheltered area at the back in case of wind or rain. Please note that this is a Wi-Fi-free camp.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, all-season sleeping bag with a liner

Sunset over a coastal town with a pool in foreground, trees and buildings nearby, and an orange sky reflected on the water.

Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge

Overlooking the tranquil waters of Eastern Cove in picturesque American River, Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge is thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the surrounding seven acres of natural bushland. This luxurious retreat offers spacious rooms with stunning views of the ocean or swimming pool. During their stay, you can embark on a self-guided nocturnal walk, participate in the morning pelican feeding, or explore the property’s nature trail, immersing themselves in the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, refrigerator, flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi

Cityscape view with tall buildings, intersecting highways, and a distinctive tower against a twilight sky.

Parkroyal Darling Harbour

Perfectly situated in the heart of Sydney, Parkroyal Darling Harbour, Sydney invites you to fall in love with this vibrant Australian city. Just steps away from Sydney’s prime shopping areas, Town Hall, and famous dining districts like Cockle Bay Wharf and Chinatown, the hotel offers unparalleled convenience. Iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, The Rocks Historic Precinct, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Barangaroo are all within easy reach. When it’s time to unwind, retreat to one of our 341 stylish rooms and suites, each offering views of the city or the Darling Harbour precinct.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle, refrigerator, flatscreen TV, cable/satellite TV, safe, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Pricing Booking Link
Apr 15 Apr 27
Space Available
$9,995*
Standard Room, Single
$11,195 total, $1,500 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$9,995 total, $1,500 deposit

*Additional Pricing Information: 2026 Optional Single Accommodation: $1,200

Arrival: Arrive at Adelaide Airport (ADL) by 1 PM today. Upon arrival, meet your guide who will take you on a brief orientation tour of the city. After 3 PM, you can check in at your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to rest after your journey. Lunch will be on your own today.

Departure: Transfer to Sydney International Airport (SYD). Ensure that you schedule a flight with a departure time after 11 AM to allow ample time for travel and airport procedures. A group transfer to the airport will be provided when most guests depart. The exact transfer time will be determined closer to departure. Private transfers at other times are available for purchase.

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • Domestic airfare
  • All ground transportation
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Drinking water available from taps to refill personal bottles
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Trail snacks during the Arkaba Walk
  • Backpack with hydration reservoir and room for personal items during the Arkaba portion of the trip
  • Large overnight duffle bag for transporting your main luggage between camps via a support vehicle
  • Entrance fees

What's Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • beverages during meals other than tap water
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Spa, other services and optional activities booked directly at the lodging
  • Gratuities

FAQs

Absolutely! We happily welcome all women as long as you are physically capable of doing the activities on your chosen trip. Our guests range from 18-85+! It is important to us to talk to each guest to make sure each woman chooses the right trip for her physical ability and interest.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. However, internal flights are included in some itineraries so please read the itinerary carefully.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Moderate: These adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle.
  • Active: Adventures that get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition where you are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking manicured nature trails or kayaking calm waters.
  • High Energy: These adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on a rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing.
  • Challenging: Adventures that get your heart rate pumping, these are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition, and be able to hike up to 10 miles, in steeper, more rugged terrain.