8 Best Flinders Ranges Accommodation For Any Budget

Hit the hay at these incredible stays.

Stretching 430 kilometres from Crystal Brook in South Australia’s mid-north to the glittering salt lakes on the edge of the Simpson Desert, the Flinders Ranges is a vast and alluring region that simply begs to be explored. One of the most accessible parts of the Australian outback, it’s a land of sun-bleached river reds towering over arid plains, ancient mountain ranges that light up with a fiery glow every evening and a night sky illuminated by millions of stars.

But settlements are few and far between in this vast wilderness, so it’s vital to do a little planning when deciding where to stay. Whether you’re looking for five-star luxury, a family-friendly caravan park or a remote campsite to share with the local wildlife, read on and you’ll find the perfect Flinders Ranges accommodation option for every type of trip.

1. Arkaba Homestead

Price: $$$$$

If you want to get a taste of outback life without roughing it in the slightest, start saving up to visit this former sheep station that’s been transformed into a 25,500-hectare wildlife conservancy.

the Arkaba Station in the Flinders Ranges — Arkaba Homestead is formerly a sheep station. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

There’s only room for ten guests at a time in the 1851 Arkaba homestead , and they have the run of the property with included activities including guided bush walks, 4WD safari drives and birdwatching excursions.

an aerial view of the luxury lodge in Arkaba Homestead — Go off-grid at Arkaba Homestead. (Image: Isaac Forman)

Add in meals prepared by a chef who makes liberal use of the onsite garden, an inviting outdoor pool and an extensive wine selection and this eco-retreat boasts everything you could want (except wi-fi, because the owners want guests to get out and explore).

the luxury lodge in Arkaba Homestead, Flinders Ranges — There’s only room for ten guests at a time. (Image: Isaac Forman)

2. Rawnsley Park Station

Price: $-$$$$

You could spend weeks exploring the 12,000-hectare property at Rawnsley Park Station, and almost as long checking out all of the accommodation options.

the Rawnsley Park Station in the Flinders Ranges — Immerse yourself in nature at Rawnsley Park Station. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

A well-vegetated campground and budget cabins are perfect for families travelling on the cheap, while the comfortable holiday units are a step up and include decks so you can enjoy views of the weathered sandstone ranges that encircle the property.

the deck at Rawnsley Park Station accommodation — Enjoy outback views from your deck. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

But once you greet the day with mobs of roos and brilliantly coloured ringneck parrots circling the roomy decks outside the premium eco-villas, you won’t want to leave.

a woman standing in the outdoor pool area at Rawnsley Park Station — Cool off after a busy day. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

3. Prairie Hotel

Price: $$$$

More than simply a place to stay while visiting the region, this legendary pit stop is a destination in itself.

an aerial view of the Prairie Hotel in the Flinders Ranges — The Prairie Hotel is a destination in and of itself. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Thousands of travellers make the pilgrimage to the onsite restaurant every year to sample a smorgasbord of native proteins, but it’s worth sticking around until sunset to see nearby ranges glowing bright red like a giant ember.

an al fresco seating and dining at Prairie Hotel, Flinders Ranges — Relax with a drink in hand. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

Once night falls, relax with a drink in the stylish private lounge before retiring to one of the Prairie Hotel’s country chic rooms decorated with cowhide rugs and contemporary artwork.

a top view of the Prairie Hotel, Flinders Ranges — Prairie Hotel is a legendary pub and accommodation. (Image: Tourism Australia/South Australian Tourism Commission)

4. Wilpena Pound Resort

Price: $$$

Love the idea of camping but not so keen on long drops and creepy crawlies? Then the circle of 15 glamping tents at Wilpena Pound Resort has your name on it.

a woman relaxing inside her tent at Wilpena Pound Resort — Go glamping at Wilpena Pound Resort.

Each safari tent includes a kingsize bed, ensuite bathroom, fridge and aircon so you can relax in comfort, but the private deck and firepit keep you connected to the natural environment.

a couple sitting by the fire outside their tent at Wilpena Pound Resort — Sit by your private firepit.

You’ll also find a bricks-and-mortar resort and campsites at the only accommodation located within Ikara (Wilpena Pound), and a range of guided tours run by the Adnyamathanha traditional owners help you to take in both the sublime natural beauty and the rich cultural history.

a guided tour at Wilpena Pound — Join a guided tour around the scenic Ikara (Wilpena Pound).

5. Jacka Brothers Brewery Guesthouse

Price: $$$

Founded in 1840, Melrose is the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges and it’s no surprise that it also housed the region’s first brewery. After lying vacant for some 90 years, the bar in the fortress-like four-storey brewery recently began pouring beers again and the former bottling plant next door is also being put to good use. Now functioning as a boutique B&B, Jacka Brothers Brewery Guesthouse has four spacious bedrooms arrayed around an enormous common area that’s ideal for entertaining. And while original elements including giant timber trusses and solid masonry have been preserved, a thoroughly modern kitchen and ensuites allow guests to enjoy a very comfortable stay.

6. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary

Price: $-$$

At the far northern end of the Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is the main hub of the breathtakingly beautiful Gammon Ranges.

an aerial view of the Arkaroola Village — Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is the main hub of the Gammon Ranges. (Image: Matthew Storer)

A caravan park with powered sites and bush camping gives you front-row views of the 60,000-hectare property, while those who prefer a roof over their heads can choose from a range of suites, incredibly well-priced motel-style rooms and several self-catering cottages.

camping under the stars at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary — You can sleep under the stars. (Image: Matthew Storer)

Just don’t expect to spend a lot of time inside: days are spent tackling the 4WD tracks that cross this formidable landscape and nights are devoted to starwatching at one of three onsite astronomical observatories.

Under The Stars Tour at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary — Stargaze at one of three onsite astronomical observatories. (Image: Matthew Storer)

7. Leigh Creek Outback Resort

Price: $

One of the last stops before the tarmac gives way to the Strzelecki and Birdsville Tracks, the former coal mining town of Leigh Creek once boasted a population of 5000 but is now home to fewer than 100 permanent residents. The upside of that is that guests at the Leigh Creek Outback Resort can access the local swimming pool, gym and tennis and squash courts.

Less a traditional resort than a collection of ’70s-era motel rooms and cabins spread over several streets, it also has an affordable restaurant and is located near the supermarket and shopping precinct.

the bedroom at Leigh Creek Outback Resort — Rest your head at the budget Leigh Creek Outback Resort.

8. Flinders Ranges Motel

Price: $

Quorn is one of the first major towns you’ll encounter as you approach the Flinders Ranges from the south, and the grand two-storey pubs lining the main street give a sense of its former importance. A dozen motel rooms located behind the town’s former mill are basic but spacious, and the location at the end of the main street means it’s a short walk to all the main sights. Friendly owners Paul and Kylie can point you in the right direction if you want some local tips, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself tempted to stay in and play with Fez the friendly house cat instead.

For more inspiration and itinerary tips, read our travel guide to the Flinders Ranges.

Winding down in the Yarra Valley, where ‘work from home’ becomes ‘work from wine country’.

Steam from my morning coffee curls gently into the cool valley air, mist-veiled vineyards stretch out in neat rows below me. Magpies warble from trees, and the morning’s quiet carries the soft bleating of lambs from a nearby paddock. Midweek in the Yarra Valley has its own rhythm. It’s slower, quieter, with more empty tables at cafes and cellar doors, and walking trails I can claim all to myself. It’s as if the entire region takes a deep breath once the weekend crowd leaves.

walking trails in the Yarra Valley — You’ll find walking trails are less crowded during the week. (Image: Visit Victoria)

I haven’t come here for a holiday, but to do a little work somewhere other than my home office, where I spend too much time hunched over my desk. Deadlines still loom, meetings still happen, but with flexible work evolving from ‘work from home’ to ‘work from anywhere’, I’m swapping the view of my front yard to the vineyards.

A quiet afternoon at Yarra Valley Dairy

holding a glass of wine at Yarra Valley Dairy — Wine time at Yarra Valley Dairy, where you can enjoy a toastie or bagel in the cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With the Yarra Valley just over an hour from the CBD, many Melburnians could drive here in their lunch break. I arrive late in the afternoon and am delighted to discover the Yarra Valley Dairy still open. On weekends, I’ve seen queues spilling out the door, but today there’s only one other couple inside. There’s no need to rush to secure a table; instead I browse the little store, shelves stacked with chutneys, spices, artisan biscuits and gorgeous crockery that would look right at home in my kitchen. It’s hard not to buy the lot.

a cheese tasting plate atYarra Valley Dairy — A cheese tasting plate at Yarra Valley Dairy.

I order a coffee and a small cheese platter, though the dairy has a full menu, and choose a wooden table with bentwood chairs by a wide window. The space feels part farm shed, part cosy café: corrugated iron ceiling, walls painted in muted tones and rustic furniture.

Outside, cows meander toward milking sheds. If pressed for time, there’s the option of quick cheese tastings – four samples for five dollars in five minutes – but today, I’m in no rush. I sip slowly, watching a grey sky settle over the paddock. Less than an hour ago I was hunched over my home-office desk, and now my racing mind has slowed to match the valley’s pace.

Checking in for vineyard views at Balgownie Estate

Restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate has views across the vines.

As my car rolls to a stop at Balgownie Estate , I’m quietly excited, and curious to see if my plan to work and play comes off. I’ve chosen a suite with a spacious living area and a separate bedroom so I can keep work away from a good night’s sleep. I could have booked a cosy cottage, complete with open fireplace, a comfy couch and a kettle for endless cups of tea, but as I am still here to get some work done, I opt for a place that takes care of everything. Dinner is served in Restaurant 1309, as is breakfast.

oysters at Restaurant 1309, Balgownie Estate — Oysters pair perfectly with a crisp white at Restaurant 1309.

On my first evening, instead of the usual walk about my neighbourhood, I stroll through the estate at an unhurried pace. There’s no need to rush – someone else is preparing my dinner after all. The walking trails offer beautiful sunsets, and it seems mobs of kangaroos enjoy the view, too. Many appear, grazing lazily on the hillside.

I wake to the call of birds and, after breakfast, with the mist still lingering over the vineyards, I watch two hot-air balloons silently drift above clouds. Perched on a hill, Balgownie Estate sits above the mist, leaving the valley below veiled white.

kangaroos in Yarra Valley — Spotting the locals on an evening walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Exploring the Yarra Valley on two wheels

the Yarra Valley vineyards — Swap your home office for a view of the vineyards. (Image: Visit Victoria/Cormac Hanrahan)

Perhaps because the Yarra Valley is relatively close to where I live, I’ve never considered exploring the area any way other than by car or on foot. And with a fear of heights, a hot-air balloon is firmly off the table. But when I discover I can hop on two wheels from the estate and cycle into Yarra Glen, I quickly realise it’s the perfect way to step away from my laptop and experience a different side of the region.

COG Bike offers pedal-assist e-bikes, and while the bike trail and paths into town aren’t particularly hilly, having an extra bit of ‘oomph’ means I can soak up the surroundings. Those lambs I heard calling early in the morning? I now find them at the paddock fence, sniffing my hands, perhaps hoping for food. Cows idle nearby, and at a fork in the bike path I turn left toward town.

It’s still morning, and the perfect time for a coffee break at The Vallie Store. If it were the afternoon, I’d likely turn right, in the direction of four wineries with cellar doors. The ride is about 15 kilometres return, but don’t let that put you off. Staying off the highway, the route takes you along quiet backroads where you catch glimpses of local life – farmers on tractors, weathered sheds, rows of vines and the kind of peaceful countryside you don’t see from the main road.

A detour to the Dandenong Ranges

legs hanging over the sides of the train, Puffing Billy Railway — The iconic Puffing Billy runs every day except Christmas Day.

The beauty of basing myself in the Yarra Valley is how close everything feels. In barely half an hour I’m in the Dandenong Ranges, swapping vineyards for towering mountain ash and fern-filled gullies. The small villages of Olinda and Sassafras burst with cosy teahouses, antique stores and boutiques selling clothing and handmade body care items.

I’m drawn to RJ Hamer Arboretum – Latin for ‘a place for trees’. Having grown up among tall trees, I’ve always taken comfort in their presence, so this visit feels like a return of sorts. A stroll along the trails offers a choice: wide open views across patchwork paddocks below, or shaded paths that lead you deeper into the quiet hush of the peaceful forest.

The following day, I settle into a quiet corner on the balcony of Paradise Valley Hotel in Clematis and soon hear Puffing Billy’s whistle and steady chuff as the steam train climbs towards town. Puffing Billy is one of Australia’s most beloved steam trains, running through the Dandenong Ranges on a narrow-gauge track. It’s famous for its open carriages where passengers can sit with their legs hanging over the sides as the train chugs through the forest. This is the perfect spot to wave to those on the train.

After my midweek break, I find my inbox still full and my to-do list not in the least shrunken, just shifted from one task to another. But I return to my home office feeling lighter, clearer and with a smug satisfaction I’d stolen back a little time for myself. A midweek wind-down made all the difference.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Balgownie Estate offers everything from cellar door tastings to spa treatments and fine dining – all without leaving the property.

Playing there

the TarraWarra Museum of Art, Yarra Valley — Visit the TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Wander through Alowyn Gardens, including a stunning wisteria tunnel, then explore the collection of contemporary artworks at TarraWarra Museum of Art . Cycle the Yarra Valley with COG Bike to visit local wineries and cellar doors.

Eating and drinking there

Olinda Tea House offers an Asian-inspired high tea. Paradise Valley Hotel, Clematis has classic pub fare, while the iconic Yering Station offers wine tastings and a restaurant with seasonal dishes.

seasonal dishes at the restaurant inside Yering Station — The restaurant at Yering Station showcases the best produce of the Yarra Valley. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The 8 best Flinders Ranges accommodation for any budget