An eco retreat in the heart of the flinders ranges

Travellers to Australia looking for environmentally sensitive accommodation devoid of mobile phone reception, yet rich in old fashioned Outback hospitality, should look no further than 7,453 acre Rawnsley Park Station (rawnsleypark.com.au) located in the heart of the Flinders Ranges only 400 kilometres from Adelaide.

A former sheep grazing estate, Rawnsley Park offers great food and wine in its Woolshed restaurant and accommodation options which are suitable for every budget.

Rawnsley Park Station overlooks Wilpena Pound, the 83 square kms. amphitheatre formed under the sea 640 million years ago and folded into mountains with the aid of 160 million years of erosion.

LUXURY ECO VILLAS
Whilst contemporary in design and décor, these villas boast the latest environmental features including rendered straw bale walls, polished timber floors over suspended concrete slabs, and overhanging eaves and wide verandahs which provide shaded walls. And, so popular have these eco-villas proven to be since their introduction in 2006, that a further A$1 million is being invested to build four more villas. Prices starts from A$160 (approx £73) per person, per night, based on twin share.

APARTMENTS in the holiday village are ideal for both families and groups. The 28 units range from one to three-bedrooms and are equipped with full kitchens. Prices start from A$54 (approx £25) per person per night for a one-bedroom apartment.

THE CARAVAN PARK, dotted with native pines and gum trees, offers cabins, on-site vans, powered sites and bush camping, all catered to by a licensed shop, covered camp kitchen and modern amenities block. Prices start from A$10 (approx £4.50) per person per night for a camping site.

ACTIVITIES
Visitors can enjoy 4WD tours, scenic flights, horse riding, mountain bike treks and bush walking trails as daily guided walks leave the Station early each morning. These two and three-hour “High Life Walks” showcase the region’s unique flora, wildlife and geology, taking participants through exposed spinifex, mallee ridges and sheltered woodland, providing stunning views across the Outback landscape.

Additional touring can be undertaken to Flinders Ranges National Park, Wilpena Pound, the heritage town of Hawker and the Pichi Richi steam railway.

For further information on South Australia visit Southaustralia.com.