RAWNSLEY PARK STATION
Luxury eco-villas in the rugged Flinders Ranges
THE STAR RATING IS GOING THROUGH THE ROOF – literally – in South Australia’s rugged Flinders Ranges at Rawnsley Park Station. Gone are the days when the only way to lap up the moonlight in this stretch of the outback was to go camping.
Now you can do it from
the supreme comfort of your eco-villa, and your bed. And when you’re tired of the night sky, just close the retractable ceiling and concentrate on your starry-eyed partner. The aim of Rawnsley Park's villas is to have the greatest impact on visitors with the least effect on their striking mountain surroundings. Thanks to clever design they offer the tops in seclusion and privacy, cleverly set into the landscape with
uninterrupted views of the ranges including the jagged walls of Wilpena Pound.
There’s no compromising on comfort. Overhanging eaves, verandahs, recycled timber and thick straw bale walls combine to create modern, environmentally sound buildings with
a look that matches the stone-walled houses of the early settlers.
Hit the Spot
At Wilpena Pound in the mountainous Finders Ranges national park.
Bedtime
Lie back and wish upon a star – there's a window for star-gazing above your bed.
Be Savvy
Come here for close encounters of the eco-sensitive kind.
Be Smitten
Go Outback and beyond here.
Sheep-shearing demos
Guests staying at Rawnsley Park also include plenty of campers and caravanners. FIne for a budget trip, but not for the kind of getaway you and your Plus One are probably after. Opt for an eco villa, and this should fit the bit perfectly.
This is a region that has captivated generations of poets and painters – as you'll see when
sunsets paint the sky every shade of red and orange. Dine at Rawnsley Park's Woolshed Restaurant – a favourite for its food and friendly company – and be sure to slot in a sheep-shearing demo, a tour of the working sheep ranch, a scenic flight over the ranges or a 4WD or bushwalking safari.
Rawnsley Park Station was reviewed for Room for Romance by
Carolyne Jasinski
Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.
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Dining in
Hearty, farm-style cooking complements the woolshed-style theme of Rawnsley Park's restaurant. Chef Jonathon Dean prepares modern Australian dishes based around traditional favourites, so tuck into
Bluey’s Round-up (warm kangaroo salad), Out of the Dam (
barramundi fillets, chips and salad) and the all-meat Drover's Mix (mixed grill).
Dining out
Wilpena Resort is 22 km away and has some great informal barbecue areas. Hawker is the nearest town, about 30 km away, and has a smattering of pubs and cafes.
Where?
The Woolshed at Rawnsley Park Station
What’s cooking?
Modern Australian is the order of the day, so be adventurous and try kangaroo and other speciality meats.
Top table?
At the window with views of Wilpena Pound.
See & Do
Experience the Outback from above with a scenic flight over the Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound, or take a 4WD safari to take in the birdlife, wildlife, water holes and Aboriginal culture. Take a guided walk with a bush breakfast to learn more about the region's flora and fauna, or follow one of the many guided wlaking trails yourselves with a compass and map. Pick up a mountain bike, go horse riding or see how sheep are yarded and shorn with a shearing demo.
Shop
Head into Hawker and pick up some contemporary art at the Jeff Morgan Gallery.
After dark
Watch the sky turn red over Wilpena Pound and and star-gaze through your ceiling rooflight.
Dates
April
Tastes of the Outback is a colourful celebration of the region’s diverse food and music.
September/October
Art comes to the Outback at the Brush with Art festival in the Flinders Ranges.
GETTING THERE
Location
Wilpena Road, Via Hawker SA 5434
Parking
There is free guest parking (a car is essential – pick one up on arrival in Port Augusta).
Trains
Port Augusta – 140 km
Taxis
No taxis, but private transfers can be arranged.
Airport
Port Augusta – 140 km (twice daily 60-minute flights from Adelaide). Rawnsley Park also has a small private airstrip.
Rooms and suites
Four luxury eco-villas
Special features
All rooms have split kingsize beds, a balcony and roof skylight, as well as a retractable ceiling so you can star gaze from your bed.
Also…
There's a swimming pool to cool off in, and an array of outdoor activities.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
From AUD 320
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
2pm
Check-out
10am
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Continental breakfast is served in your room and times are pretty relaxed. Perfect for late risers.
Room service
Available morning and evening
Children
This place is best for grown-ups.
Pets
No
Air conditioning
Yes – all rooms
Languages
English and German
Wedding license?
Yes. Up to 50 guest can be catered for.
Eco conscience
Rawnsley Park's eco villas have been designed with thermal efficiency in mind and to blend in with the surrounding landscape.
Your contact
Tony and Julie Smith – owners