My wife and I just returned from the 3-day Flinders Ranges & Outback Tour and could not be more pleased. We were surprised when we found out it was just us and our tour leader Mick. He advised us that his tours go regardless of how many sign up. Mick was amazing as he asked us what we wanted to see and adapted the tour to our choices; spending more or less time at each location as we preferred. Immediately it was obvious that Mick knows the areas we travelled to and quickly pointed out kangaroos, emus and a number of other species. His knowledge of Flinders Range and his willingness to stop explain the topography and history of the area was invaluable. He also picked fun (and delicious) spots to shop for snacks and lunches which was especially fun because he seemed to know everyone and they quickly engaged us in conversations. These were unique spots that we probably would never had picked without his input. When I mentioned in passing that I wanted to get my grandson an authentic boomerang, he took us to an Aboriginal acquaintance of his who had a small shop with items he had handmade. If you are considering a tour in the area I would definitely suggest you book this tour. 5 star all the way!

We had 4 on our tour - 2 couples - so there was plenty of room on the vehicle. Im not a person for outback adventures but seeing the mountains was on my bucket list. I really reviewed the various tour operators and came to Mick and he is a fantastic communicator, always ready to answer questions and is not the least bit pushy - so I felt very good about booking with him. Our driver/guide was Steve who is a very happy person, tells you lots of detail, answers numerous questions and entertained us with stories. He is also an excellent driver and we all felt very safe with him up front. He knows where all the great cake shops are, the nicer toilets and good coffee and sandwich/pie shops along the way. We were in very safe hands. We were given a list of additional activities and did a flight over wilpena and then a second one over arkaroola. Its a once in a lifetime tour for me and I am so very happy that I spent the money for these flights. They were (costly but) fabulous. Accommodation at Arkaroola was not as good as Wilpena but both had good food and coffee, a good wine list (by glass or bottle) and lovely staff. There was an included ridge top ride in Arkaroola - four hours in the back bumping around on a gravel track. It was good but I much preferred the flights! Along the way up and back, Steve took us on extra little adventures and it was a great way for us to learn about the outback and the people who pioneered the area and those that live there still.

We, eight experienced Australian friends, wanted to explore the Ikara-Flinders Ranges NP in the outback of South Australia. To make this part of the trip a success, we put the organisation in the hands of Mick's "Sa Eco Tours", which turned out to be a very good choice. Mick himself picks us up from the hotel in a small bus with a trailer for our luggage. We set off from Adelaide and travelled a long way through wheat and bean fields, olive plantations, rapeseed fields and vineyards. Here, on the outskirts of Adelaide, there is still plenty of water and we can see why Australia is one of the world's biggest grain exporters. It's a long way to the outback, so we choose the Clare Valley for a cosy overnight stop. Here we taste delicious wine, visit Sevenhill Cellars and cycle through the beautiful wine region on a disused railway line. Now we enter South Australia's driest region. The road becomes increasingly isolated. We pass a few mini-villages (former mining towns or places along the former Ghan railway line), now supply points for adventurous outback visitors. We meet perhaps only 7 cars on the whole route. Wilpena Pound Resort is our home for the next three days. From here we explore the Flinders Ranges with Mick. We walk to Wilpena Pound - an elevated natural basin of ancient quartz rock. From the lookout, Mick explains the stratification and folding of the range - geology at its best. The big highlight of this part of the trip: Nilpena Ediacara NP - here we are allowed to visit the site of the first animal life on earth on a former sheep farm. Ross Fargher (farm owner and now boss of the whole thing) takes us on a personal tour of the site, explaining the circumstances of the finds and showing us the locations and excavations of the first fossils. A multimedia presentation at the end of the tour illustrates all the connections very well. Afterwards there is more geological history in Brachina Gorge. Mick guides us through the 20 kilometre long gorge, where we can experience the history of the Earth from 350 million years ago to almost 1 billion years ago - even without studying geology! On the way back to civilisation we walk to Arkaroo Rock, stop in Quorn (almost a town with 1300 inhabitants) and Melrose and walk along the salty beach of beautiful pink Lake Bumbunga. We would like to thank Mick for this great part of the trip. Everything was well organised and our wishes were fulfilled. We felt well looked after at all times. Mick drove us everywhere safely and his careful driving saved the lives of several kangaroos at night. We had a wonderful time! Falk Group

Wow! We have just finished a 5 day Flinders Ranges trip with SAECO TOURS and I have never seen the Flinders Ranges looking better! Not only was it lush and green after recent rains but the wildlife was prolific - Wedge-tail Eagles, Green Ring-neck parrots, flocks of emus, echidnas, kangaroos and with Mick’s (the tour guide) help, we even spotted dozens of the endangered Yellow Footed Wallabies. A very special experience for both Australians and overseas visitors alike. The trip was well organised and Mick Murdoch went out if his way to make everyone enjoyed themselves. The 4WD vehicle was very comfortable even over unsealed sections of the outback and well equipped with lots of little extras including a beautiful basket of fruit that was a hit with everyone. Highlights for me were Mick’s extraordinary knowledge of the area, the outstanding accommodation, which exceeded everyone’s expectations and then there was the unforgettable landscape! Wilpena Pound, Brachina Gorge, and the Ridgetop Tour at Arkaroola were just a few of my favourites. And the return drive back through Wilmington, Melrose and the Clare Valley was the icing on the cake. So much better than trying to do it ourselves - learnt so much, saw so much and especially enjoyed the company of the other travellers. P Birkett

Bucket list trip that exceeded expectations. Perfect weather, excellent company and great organisation by our bushman and guide Mick! Unsurpassed scenery with many sightings of the shy yellow footed bush wallabies, kangaroos, echidna and emus. The accommodation at the resorts was most comfortable and the meals hearty. A highlight of the trip was the 4x4 ridge top drive from Arkaroola. Informative commentary by the knowledgeable Mick both entertained and educated us throughout. I can highly recommend this trip.

Thank you SA Eco Tours. What a delight to deal with a company that has integrity and delivers on what it promises. The weather was perfect, and the conversations with Steve were stimulating and informative. The days just seemed to pass by so quickly. The Flinders Ranges shone in all their glory and to drive in gorges that were millions of years old was amazing. The accommodation and meals were absolutely fabulous. Thanks, Steve, for looking after every detail and for your company as we drove, walked, ate, or drank tea. Thank you Mick for providing a wonderful tour.

This was an outstanding experience. Steve took myself and my wife and one other person on the 3 day Flinders Ranges tour. Every aspect was superb, including the itinerary, the descriptions, humour, accommodation at Wilpena Pound, and the overall experience. Strongly recommended as a unique and fascinating part of Australia.

The trip was very well planned and our tour guide/driver Steve was very knowledgeable and fun. Flinders ranges did not disappoint . The 4WD trip at Arkaroola station was a highlight . Thank you SA Eco Tours for a fantastic adventure.

Steve definitely made our trip memorable! His great sense of humour, kind nature and flexibility made for a great trip. The scenery was breath-taking and Steve's knowledge of the areas he took us to extensive. Certainly a lot to see in a short space of time but well worth it. Maybe an extra day to take in Oodnadatta might be worth considering (Lynette says an extra few hours for shopping in Coober Pedy!!).

The three-day Flinders Ranges Tour was worth the money and the wait. There were three things that made the tour wonderful. First, the well-curated sites to visit for each day. Second, and as a result of the first, the presence of a mix of culture, wildlife, and wilderness (as stated in its description) in the entire tour experience. Finally, a knowledgeable, open-minded, and lively guide with good choices of music. Personally, the trip generated a congratulatory feeling towards myself for deciding to be in this tour. #saecotours

7 Day Eco Tour Flinders I was looking forward to a much needed break- We are well travelled nationally and internationally- What we experienced was quite unique. Our driver and Guide Steve was exceptional. He cared,he was funny, he was highly skilled driver and he knew so much about our Journey and the special world we were travelling in. It was a grass roots experience and I highly recommend.

My wife and I did this tour as we wanted to see the Flinders Ranges. I had already been there about 40 years ago. After the tour concluded we commented to each other there was not 1 minute we were disappointed with. To see the Flinders Ranges with an experienced tour operator who is very familiar with the area, it’s history and aboriginal connections was a bonus. The highlight for us was the Ridge Top Tour in Arkaroola. While it’s a rough ride it’s something most people rarely do. A couple of days after the tour my wife and I said we would do it again if the opportunity arises. Other highlights included a flight over Wilpena Pound and Brachina Gorge in a late afternoon drive through. The accommodation for remote areas was good and the meals were fantastic. Mick and Mark were wonderful hosts and very easy to talk to and answer many questions. My wife and I highly recommend this tour.

This was a very small tour, just me and my friend but because there were just 2 of us it was very personal. Our driver/guide Steve was extremely knowledgeable and very enthusiastic. We saw a lot of wildlife and beautiful scenery. The stay at Wilpena Pound was comfortable and the meals were better than I expected. There was another eco tours group staying there and we joined them for dinner and met Mick who was hosting the other group. A very enjoyable night and it was interesting meeting the other group. Really enjoyed this experience.

What an exciting way to see the Flinders ranges and the outback in a private four-wheel-drive for 7 days with 3 solo guests and our driver, we went places you couldn’t go on a large tour, our driver Steve was very knowledgeable and a very skilled driver , showed us the Flinders ranges and the outback towns in-depth , this was the real Australia, If you really want to see the real outback this is the only way to do it, the experience of a lifetime, the vista's were incredible !

I was picked up near where I was staying and the driver/guide was friendly and one felt one was going to get on with him and enjoy the tour. Due to a previous accident we were not able to use the stock 4WD but the modern rented van did not alter plans. We were in for a long drive but time passed agreeably and our first stop was at an interesting township for lunch at a characterful pub. From then on we were in the wonderful countryside of the Flinders for our trip. The trip was full of interesting stops, with chances to photograph and learn. We stayed at Wilpena Pound. One could use all the facilities and the included meals (choices available) were really good. Prebooked sleeping arrangements included motel room, cabin or tent. Two interesting morning walks, which if you are not fully mobile, could be a problem (6Ks woodland and 2K mostly rocky and up/downhill). Every effort is made to enable one to see animals and this is great trip for those wanting an experience in the outback.