Argadell Homestead - via Quorn

Dinner under the stars in the Southern Flinders Ranges, probably not the way stations owners and shearers finished the day, but out here things are changing. Argadells Homestead now has a special emphasis on tourism but by morning you're quickly reminded of the need to clear the outdoor dinner table as this is still a working sheep station. The homestead is tucked away between the Warren and Buckaringa Gorges about 20 kilometres from Quorn and when Lucy Smart isn't tending to routine station duties she's out in the four wheel drive showing guests around the family property. Out here the physical beauty of the Flinders looms large and if you're up early you'll probably catch a glimpse of one of the main attractions, the Yellow-Footed Rock Wallaby. "Well they are an endangered species but the colony numbers are increasing." "So you've spotted quite a few in your trips." "Yes you've always got to come out and see at least one or two. I'ts always a highlight and hopefully when people come out they'll see one as well. Early morning and late afternoon are the ideal times to see them." These creatures seem to know every nook and cranny of the rocky ledges to be explored in Hannaman's Gorge, named after the first family to venture into this rugged and unforgiving country.

At Argadells you can still see the remains of the Hannaman family's original cottage. "That was the original homestead of Hannaman's homestead, it's not very big and had about 12 children in there, a little bit different from the main homestead now." In fact much of the eight and a half thousand acres of Argadell Homestead is steeped in outback history with a connection extending back to the Cattle King himself. "we've been here, my family, the last forty one years. Before that it was a Kidman property, Arch and Gladys Kidman who were the cousins of Sydney Kidman, hence the Argadell's name is composed from AR for Arch, GA for Gladys and DELL meaning a place for dwelling." The property features as one of the Great Four Wheel Drive Treks in the Flinders Ranges. In a three hour trip you can get to Mount Arden one of the highest peaks in the region. And where ever you go you're likely to encounter the locals, some loved and others not so popular (feral goats). Argadell offers a range of outback experiences, you can stay in the main homestead which offers self contained accommodation for $120 per couple or $200 for up to eight people. Bush camping throughout the various gorges costs $5 per adult per night and is free for children under 12. The Homestead is located on Arden Vale Rd, near Quorn and for more details contact Lucy Smart on (08) 8648 6210

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