The Tourist: Discover 5 amazing outback experiences where the BBC series was filmed

The BBC’s latest big thriller ‘The Tourist’, set in South Australia, launches on BBC1 at 9pm on New Year’s Day whisking us to a world Down Under. We follow in Jamie Dornan’s footsteps to the Flinders Rangeswhere the series was filmed, and reveal five outback experiences to enjoy as part of a big trip to Australia.

With borders expected to open for tourists to visit Oz in February 2022, we go behind the scenes and shine a spotlight some of the region’s lesser known icons which are likely to prove popular with travellers looking for wide open spaces, dramatic landscapes, wildlife in the wild, rich Aboriginal culture, and some true Aussie characters. Just a five hour drive from the vineyard city of Adelaide through the Clare Valley winelands, the Flinders Ranges is on the Explorers Way driving route which snakes all the way up to Darwin in the Top End. It’s an ancient landscape full of hidden gems.

Wilpena Pound (South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone)

Rugged mountain ranges, dramatic gorges and lots of wildlife in the wild characterise the 95,000 hectare Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, part of the traditional lands of the Adnyamathanha people. The main attraction there is Wilpena Pound – a gigantic natural amphitheatre encompassing St. Mary Peak – the Flinders Ranges’ highest point. There are some wonderful walking routes but taking to the air to see this natural icon from above is very special.

Ancient fossils in the Flinders Ranges (John Montesi/ South Australian Tourism Commission)

The Flinders Ranges represents an extraordinary window into the science behind the forming of the Earth. It’s the only place where 350 million years of near-continuous geological sequence can be seen demonstrating the rise of a habitable planet and the dawn of animal life.

A geologist’s dream,Brachina Gorge is home to million-year-old rocks and fossilised animal remains and featured in Sir David Attenborough’s First Life series. Work is underway to enhance the gorge’s Geological Trail, which will also aid the upcoming nomination for World Heritage for the Flinders Ranges, slated for submission to UNESCO in 2024. When visiting, a top tip is to take some water and tip it over the limestone rocks to get an even clearer look at the preserved fossils. Also, keep your eyes peeled for the yellow footed rock wallaby, which can be seen in good numbers here.

The Arkaba Walk in the Flinders Ranges (Tourism Australia)

One of the Great Walks of Australia – the Arkaba Walk is a four day three night fully hosted and fully inclusive experience which is run by the team at Wild Bush Luxury. The owners are passionate about conservation and a ten year rewilding project has turned this 60,000 acre sheep station into a conservation area teeming with native wildlife. As well as yellow footed rock wallabies, you’ll see emus, rare birds and reptiles against a backdrop of ancient creek beds, River Red Gums, and sandstone bluffs. This is one of the secret spots of Australia and discovering it on a walking safari in a group no bigger than ten, swagging under a million stars will quite possibly be one of the best travel experiences you’ll ever have.

Cultural touring in the Flinders Ranges (Tourism Australia)

Touring with an Adnyamathanha guide is a rewarding experience. The Yura Udnyu walking tour to Old Wilpena Station and the Ikara monument is just one of a number which covers the intertwining histories of both cultures. You’ll learn about the diversity of the land, the native animals and so much about the rich Adnyamathanha culture. Hearing Yura Ngawarla, the language of the Adnyamathanha people, spoken and hearing those creation stories is very moving, leaving you feeling connected to over 100 million years of tradition and culture in this unforgettable landscape.

Luxury Eco Villas at Rawnsley Park in the Flinders Ranges (Don Fuchs/South Australian Tourism Commission)

For a true Aussie outback experience nothing beats staying at an outback station meeting the locals and experiencing the bush landscapes with great guides. Rawnsley Park Station in the Flinders Ranges is one of the best and owners Tony and Julieanne Smith are fourth generation Flinders’ residents. The station has been in the Smith family since 1953 and today you can explore its rich heritage and stunning scenery before retiring in style to their luxury eco cabins. Popular activities include mountain biking, hiking, and 4WD touring. This is a great place to stay for two or three days as part of the Explorers Way driving route.