Outback stays done right at Flinders Bush Retreats
Tucked 14 kilometres east of Hawker, Flinders Bush Retreats is more than just a pretty place to lay your head – it’s the legacy of six generations of resilience, hard work and one very clever pivot during one of the worst droughts on record.
The McInnis family first settled on Willow Plains back in 1878. These days, it’s Allen and Sharon McInnis at the helm, who are fifth-generation farmers turned tourism operators. Not only have they raised five kids on the land, but they also welcome guests to experience this incredible piece of South Australia for themselves.
It became clear that to remain viable, they needed to diversify or disappear. Like so many farming families, they were walloped by drought. So, they did what any resourceful family would do: They opened their gates to visitors and turned their Flinders Ranges backyard into one of the most memorable stays in outback SA.
And let’s be honest, when your “backyard” includes 13,000 acres of raw, red-dirt beauty, weathered hills, and starlit skies, it’s not exactly a tough sell.
Pick your stay – from homestead luxury to starry skies
Flinders Bush Retreats now offers a mix of accommodation options to suit everyone from solitude-seeking couples to large and loud extended families. This place is all about rustic charm with a side dish of comfort.
Mount Scott Homestead is the jewel in their crown for a fancy outback escape. A lovingly restored early-1900s farmhouse with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a freestanding bath with views to knock your socks off, and a slow-combustion fire for chilly desert nights. The high ceilings and wide verandahs give a nod to its pastoral past, while the interiors are all modern comfort. It’s a place that lets you breathe a little deeper.
If you’re bringing the whole crew, ‘The Quarters’ is the ideal base for up to ten people. It boasts four bedrooms, open plan living, a modern kitchen, and all the creature comforts you want after a day exploring the gorges, ranges and dusty backroads. It was built based on the McInnis family’s own travel wishlist: space, comfort, and a comfy couch you can actually sink into.
If you love nature but don’t want to compromise on comfort, then the Eco Tent is your jam. Perched in the serene Willow Waters Gorge, this off-grid glamping experience is fully self-contained, totally secluded, and surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Aussie bush. You might even be lucky enough to spot kangaroos grazing outside your tent or emus wandering past – a truly unforgettable escape.
For the dinky-di purists – bush camping is also on offer. Pitch a tent, park a van, and fall asleep under the stars – no light pollution, no neighbours, no nonsense.
The ultimate Flinders Ranges basecamp
Beyond the pillow menu, Flinders Bush Retreats is the ideal starting point for an adventure. Explore Willow Waters Gorge, tackle a private 4WD track, or day trip to nearby icons like Hawker, Quorn, Blinman or Wilpena Pound.
The McInnis family had a vision and made it happen, building something that honours their past and makes room for the future.
And lucky for the rest of us, we get to be part of it.
Flinders Bush Retreats
651 Willow Waters Road, Hawker, SA.
For bookings and more info, CLICK HERE
