The call to experience the sanctuary of station life, where solitude and silence reign supreme, has long been heard by intrepid travellers. South Australia's vast, unspoiled Flinders Ranges and Outback region is home to an incredible array of stations, each boasting its own rich tapestry of history and tradition.

Station life means hearing the whispers of nature and witnessing the boundless majesty of the outback's untamed landscapes. Experiencing a Station Stay is something that should be on every traveller's bucket list.

What is a Station Stay?

A Station Stay is the opportunity to stay on a local property and experience our way of life. You will find a variety of accommodation options across Flinders Ranges and Outback, from camping sites, shearers' quarters, glamping, luxury accommodation and more. No two stations are the same.

You'll find stations that have their own gorges, 4WD tracks or creeks. Some are working sheep and cattle stations where you can be involved in day-to-day activities, and some you can even bring your furry friend!

The Station Stays SA group boasts more than 25 stations in some of the most spectacular places in South Australia. Station Stays SA was created by station owners to support our fellow stations in attracting and welcoming guests. There's no extra cost to you; you'll be booking directly and supporting locally. It doesn't get better than that.

Prepare For Your Visit

For the most part, when you're staying at a station, you're visiting someone's home. So here are our top tips to have the best station experience:

  • Always book ahead! Whether you book online, email or call up, it's important that you let them know you're coming.

  • Not all stations are able to host your pets, so please make sure you check when booking.

  • Mobile phone coverage is limited in some areas, check which service provider will work in the area you are travelling to.

  • Many stations will close during summer due to the extreme heat and bushfire danger.

  • Please bring your own drinking water! Most stations don't have sufficient rainwater, so this makes a big difference.

  • Respect the land, respect your fellow travellers, respect your hosts, and always follow the Aussie Travel Code.

  • If you're travelling from interstate, please check all requirements around prohibited items and information about fruit flies.

A Journey To Remember

Travelling to the remote location of your chosen experience is part of the fun. Have your road trip playlist ready and a plan for your journey, including fuel stops and rest breaks. Be sure to check the road conditions in advance.

A few of our favourite ways to get to the Flinders Ranges and Outback region include:

  • Make your way via the Clare Valley and stop at a local winery or restaurant on your way through.

  • If you're coming via Orroroo, stretch your legs at the Lions Park or playground and explore the Pekina Creek walking trails.

  • Or, if you find yourself in Hawker, stop at the bakery for a coffee and a bite to eat. Spend some time meandering through the art gallery, and make the most of your time in this fantastic town.

  • Port Augusta boasts great shopping, Wadlata Visitor Centre for up-to-date information and museum, and the fabulous Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens.

  • When travelling through Peterborough, leave some time to explore the incredible history of the steam trains.

  • In Leigh Creek you'll want to bring a fishing rod or hire a kayak to explore the iconic Aroona Dam. Or, if you're interested in hiking, the beautiful trail from Leigh Creek to Aroona Dam is a must do!

  • Quorn is a beautiful place that is rich in history, from silo light show, cafes, gin distilleries. Also a short distance to the Devils Peak

  • Or, if Melrose is enroute you can't go past time spent in Mount Remarkable National Park. It is also famed for its hiking and mountain biking/cycling, and home to the Jacka Brothers Brewery!

If you would like to see more about the amazing towns that makeup Flinders Ranges and Outback there is a fabulous Visitor Guide that gives you all you need to know on the region!

Flinders Ranges and Outback also hosts an incredible calendar of events each year. Whether you're making your way to the Finke Desert Race via Oodnadatta track, the Big Red Bash via Birdsville track or even the Mundi Mundi Bash via Broken Hill - there's a Station Stay just waiting for you to experience.

Make sure you plan your journey well, as fuel stops are few and far between as you venture further into the Northern Flinders and Outback, and even more so in the summer off-peak months. When we say regional, we mean it!

Find Your Station Stay