Remote Northern Flinders Camel Trek

Explore the remote Northern Flinders Ranges with a convoy of camels

Walking with the camel stars from the movie Tracks - the perfect desert companions! | Andrew Bain

Crossing dry creek beds on the Remote Northern Flinders Camel Trek | Andrew Bain

Exploring the Northern Flinders Rangers by Camel on our first Camel Trek. | Andrew Bain

Camels allow walkers to travel even further

Camel train in the Flinders

Camel trekkers in the Flinders

Stress Free BookingRelax with our Flexible Cancellation termslearn more

Introductory to Moderate

Traveller Rating

Activities

5 days walking

Accommodation

5 nights camping
1 night hotel accommodation

Meals

6 Dinners
5 Lunches
6 Breakfasts

7 Days$2765AUD

View Inclusions

THIS TRIP IS

100% CARBON OFFSET

Flexible Cancellations
Stress free booking, learn more about our flexible terms

COVID safety measures
are in place with extra cleaning and hygiene protocols

Remote adventures
means social distancing comes naturally

Small groups only
Guided group sizes are strictly limited to a maximum of 12-16 people

Overview

Trip Code: AST

Trip highlights

Explore wilderness areas of the Flinders Ranges far from the tourist sites
Wind through majestic hills covered in mallee trees and native pines
Trek the ancient rugged landscape of the Flinders Ranges
Marvel at the slanting red cliffs dotted with spinifex clumps at Nildottie Gap

Why Book With Us

Intimate, small group travel
Walk with 2 expert cameelers
This is a truly unique and remote way to explore the Flinders Ranges

When planning to head truly remote - away from even the main walking trails - camels are the perfect travelling companions in the outback. Carrying your food, water and swags on a traditional pack saddle, these ships of the desert, many of which featured in the movie 'Tracks' by Robin Davidson, will allow you to gain a real sense of isolation as you absorb the beauty of the natural surroundings in this wild part of Australia that is home to Lake Frome and Wilpena Pound. Appreciate the birdlife, yellow footed wallabies, flora, station and old lead mine ruins and remnants as you travel along dry creek beds, through rugged plains country and past sheer rock faces and large gorges that are generally not accessible to travellers and locals alike. At night, your expert local guide will share his astronomy knowledge as you star gaze up at the dark night sky. During this camel supported walk there is no vehicle support with one camel saddled for riding should guests wish to experience this as part of their adventure. No two trips are the same, as the walks each day will depend on the camels, the weather, the ever changing environment and the group.

Activities:

Itinerary

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Day 1
Pick up Adelaide, drive to camel farm, meet the camels and safety briefing

This morning you will be collected from Adelaide Central Bus Station at 8.30am to arrive at the camel farm in Blinman between 3pm and 4pm. The first evening will be spent packing your gear bag and meeting the camel family. There will also be a swag tutorial and safety briefing. Dinner is BBQ with a local speciality for dessert. Travel time from Adelaide: 7 hours.

Meals: D

Day 2
Loading camels, first walk day, passing over rolling hills of the Flinders Ranges

In the morning breakfast will be served and swags rolled. The camels are loaded with head cameleer Ryan demonstrating traditional pack saddles which are loaded on the camels with all the equipment for the trek. Each camel is ‘hooshed’ , brushed, dressed with blankets and then fitted with their saddle and gear. A packed lunch is prepared before departing around lunch time for the first walking day. A camp is selected in the afternoon, the camels are unloaded, swags set up, kitchen set up and dinner prepared on the fire.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Traveling through large gum lined creeks lined by rugged gorge walls

: The trek travels over some of the classic scenery of the Flinders Ranges. Creek beds lined with old, gnarled river red gums that inspired artists such as Hands Heysen. A perfect opportunity for photography and bird watching.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Through valleys and rolling hills discovering ancient fossilised reefs and stromatolites

Walk through valleys and rolling hills discovering ancient fossilised reefs and stromatolites. Explore deep into some of the unknown and unnamed gorges with towering cliff faces and narrow passes. Become mesmerised by the majestic camel string as they meander through this iconic scenery.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Learn about native flora and fauna that is unique to the Flinders Ranges

Learn about native flora and fauna that is unique to semi-arid parts of the country. Ryan, an expert in botany, zoology, geology and history shares his expertise as you pass through valleys of acacia and cassias. Keep an eye out for the endemic yellow footed rock wallaby and exquisite red barred dragon. After dinner around the campfire learn about the stars and constellations in one of the best viewing areas in the country.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Final walking day, afternoon in Blinman and overnight hotel

The camels are loaded in the morning for the final day of walking back to the camel farm for lunch. There is then a short transfer into Blinman for a relaxing afternoon to do as you wish. Take a historic copper mine tour, have a drink in the bar or rest in your room in the North Blinman Hotel before dinner in the restaurant.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Return to Adelaide

Breakfast is in locally owned and delicious The Miners Crib Bakery before transport to Adelaide. Travel time 7 hours

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

6 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
1 night Hotel accommodation
5 nights camping and use of swag
2 professional Cameleers
Camp equipment
Transfers to/from Adelaide to start of trip
Emergency communications and group first aid kit

What's not included

Pre and post accomodation
Sleeping bag
Flights
Items of a personal nature
Alcoholic drinks
Snacks- including Hydralite, trail mix, lollies
Travel insurance
Face masks and hand sanitiser

Accommodation

5 nights camping and 1 night hotel

The first 5 nights of the trip will be spent camping. You will receive a swag (canvas bed roll) that contains a mattress, tarpaulin and a camping chair. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag. The swag will be rolled up each morning and loaded on to the camels. The last night of the trip will be spent at the North Blinman Hotel.

Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking terrain, altitude and the length of the trek. This trek is graded introductory to moderate. This trek involves 6 – 8 hours walking each day over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. The distances are't usually long but you will be on your feet all day - either walking or preparing/interacting with the camels. Suggested preparation: In order to complete this trek we advise that you undertake regular exercise three or four times a week for at least three months prior to your departure. Hill walking with a daypack is recommended. We recommend including long day walks in your trip preparation, walking on hilly, uneven and rocky terrain.

Departure dates

Total Priceper person from

$2765AUD

Options & Supplements*

Discount for removing arrival/departure transfers (per person)AUD$-227

*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Remote Northern Flinders Camel Trek trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?Do I need to wear boots?

Yes, good footwear is essential. Your boots should be sturdy enough to tackle the rocky terrain of the Flinders as well as being comfortable to walk in all day. Please make sure that boots are well worn in (especially if buying new ones) and will last the journey if you are bringing your favourite pair. It is also recommended you bring along a change of shoes to wear at night in camp - this could be thongs or sandals.

?How far do we walk each day?

It is hard to say the exact distance that you will walk each day as this depends on the amount of fodder for the camels. You should expect to walk approximately 15km. Even on short walking days you will still spend most of the day on your feet. You will need to have the stamina to do so.

?When should I arrive in Adelaide?

The tour starts with a morning pick up in Adelaide on day 1, so we recommend arriving in Adelaide the day before the tour startts.

?If I get tired, can I ride the camels?

The camels will be loaded up with all of the clients luggage and equipment, food and water that is required for the trip.

Trip reviews

Videos

Flinders Ranges Camel Trek April 2021

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.