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5 Day Flinders Ranges Tour

• Trip Styles: Comfort

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An exciting small group Eco-Adventure from Adelaide in the famous Flinders Ranges: see the incredible rock formation of Wilpena pound, an abundance of wildlife, wilderness, local Aboriginal artworks culture as well as multiple accommodation options from sleeping under the stars in a tent to luxury cabins.

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Embark on a remarkable 5-day Flinders Ranges tour and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of South Australia’s oldest mountain range. Get ready to be captivated by the unique beauty, ancient geological formations, and abundant wildlife that define the Flinders Ranges.

As you venture into this remarkable outback region, you’ll witness the vibrant colors and textures that adorn the landscape. Marvel at the 800 million-year-old quartzite and limestone outcrops that create a stunning backdrop for your journey. Explore the diverse ecosystems that support a vast array of plant species, birds, reptiles, and mammals, including the captivating Yellow-footed rock wallaby.

Your adventure begins with a visit to the iconic Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheater that leaves visitors in awe. Experience the magic of this ancient geological formation and soak in the magnificence of the surrounding Southern and Northern Flinders regions.

Continue your exploration as you venture into the rugged wilderness of Arkaroola. Prepare for an exclusive 4WD Ridgetop tour that offers unparalleled panoramic views of the picturesque landscapes. Traverse through the untamed beauty of this remote sanctuary and witness the wonders that lie within.

Throughout the 5-day tour, you’ll have ample time to immerse yourself in the vastness of the Flinders Ranges. Discover the rich indigenous history of the region, learn about the ancient geological significance, and connect with nature on a deeper level. Capture the unforgettable magic of the desert sky in the Real Australian Outback, where the stars twinkle brighter than ever before.

With so much to explore and experience, your 5-day Flinders Ranges tour promises an unforgettable journey through South Australia’s captivating outback and natural wonders. From the oldest mountain ranges on earth to the vibrant flora and fauna that call this region home, every moment of this adventure will leave you in awe.

Book your 5-day Small Group Flinders Ranges tour now and embark on a journey of a lifetime. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Flinders Ranges, connect with nature, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Flinders Ranges & Outback Small Group 4WD Eco Safari - Standard Motel Unit, Dbl/Twin Share (Single)

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Our travellers often combine this trip with some of these trips:

3 Day Kangaroo Island Tour

• Total Price: $ 3,890 Add All To Cart Add All To Wishlist Browse Wishlist
• This item: 5 Day Flinders Ranges Tour ( $ 2,995 )
• 3 Day Kangaroo Island Tour ( $ 895 )

Commence your wilderness journey heading north via the old coastal towns of Port Wakefield and Port Germein, which boasts the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere. During the safari your Tour Guide will introduce you to a remarkable and resilient history of both Aboriginal and white settlement in S.A. Be amazed by the beauty of the Southern Flinders Ranges, 600 million year old mountain peaks and spectacular views over Spencer Gulf. Travel through picturesque Pichi Richi Pass to the historic township of Quorn. With its typical outback buildings and the original Ghan Railway station, Quorn has been the setting for many iconic Australian films. Follow in the path of our early explorers driving to Warrens Gorge Conservation Park to search for rare Yellow-Footed Rock Wallabies. Dramatic rock outcrops harbour these endangered wallabies with only an estimated 8,000 living in the wild. Sit back in our comfortable, fully equipped 4WD vehicle as we head along remote tracks through the deserted Willochra Plains where eagles soar and emus run free. Overnight: Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park or Quorn Motel (depending on availability) Meals: (L) Included: Picnic Lunch (D) Own Expense: Restaurant

After a hearty breakfast, travel north, getting a bird’s eye view of this magnificent area from an array of scenic lookouts. Soak up the clean air, savour the solitude and be enriched by the beauty of these spectacular mountains. At Blinman, a local miner will take you deep underground into an abandoned copper mine with its many shafts, to be enthralled by stories of the hardy Cornish miners. Venturing into the remote outback of Australia, we will cross ancient creek beds that meander out east to Lake Frome. See the Red Sandhill country that holds thousands of years of sacred believes to the Adnyamathanha aboriginal people On our way to Arkaroola’s world heritage sanctuary, see a stunning change in the landscape from the high peaks of the mighty Flinders, spectacular deserts to the ancient mountains of the Gammon Range. Overnight: Arkaroola Wilderness Lodge Optional Extra: Night sky observatory Meals: (B) Included: Continental (L) Own Expense: Blinman Café (D) Included: Arkaroola Restaurant

Buckle up for an exhilarating 4WD Ridge Top tour to Siller’s Lookout. Hang on as your expert guide carefully transverses steep terrain to the top. Breathtaking views as far as your eye can see are witnessed from this unique advantage point.

After lunch kick back and relax, breathe in the fresh air while taking in the awe-inspiring scenery that surrounds you. Arkaroola is one of Australia’s outstanding geological “hot spots” with rocks dating back 1.6 billion years. It has natural arid landscapes, including steep ridges, red gorges and secluded waterholes.

Overnight: Arkaroola Wilderness Lodge Optional Extra: Arkaroola Scenic Flights Meals included: Continental breakfast, Arkaroola Café lunch, dinner Arkaroola Restaurant

This morning travel though some of most amazing country there is to offer. Meet the locals at the Iga Warta aboriginal community with their collection of local artefacts. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at the old Copley Bakery.

Our local tour guide will then drive you on a wonderful journey to the secluded and ever changing creek beds of Brachina Gorge. This is an area alive with wildlife and boasts a remarkable geological history including Ediacaran fossils. World-renowned South Australian painter, Sir Hans Heysen was inspired by this country and painted many of his landscapes here. Then immerse yourself in the ancient landscape; take that special photograph or just enjoy some of the most spectacular outback scenery there is.

Overnight: Wilpena Pound Resort, Rawnsley Park Station or Quorn Motel (depending on availability) Optional Extra: Wilpena Pound Scenic Flights Meals included: Continental breakfast, Own Expense: Café/Bakery Own Expense: Restaurant

Enjoy an early morning walk, breathe in the fresh air while listening to the unique sounds of the Australian Bush. Spend a relaxing morning travelling back to Adelaide along the Eastern side of the magnificent Flinders Ranges with its mighty Red Gum forests. The land will change into lush expanses of natural rural beauty as we head south.

Have a break in the world-famous Clare Valley wine region. No doubt you will leave with life-long memories to share with family and friends about your journey to the Flinders Ranges & Outback Australia.

Meals included: Continental breakfast Own Expense: Café/Bakery

• Flinders Ranges and Gammon Ranges National Parks
• Quorn/Old Ghan railway station
• Warren Gorge and Kanyaka Ruins
• Flinders Ranges National Park
• Wilpena Pound
• Brachina Gorge
• Bunyeroo Gorge/Ediacaran fossils
• Blinman Mine Tour
• Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary 4WD Ridge Top Tour
• Beltana Homestead Aboriginal Rock Art
• Clare Valley Wine Tasting
• Essential things to pack
• Carry on bag
• Bag for clothing (stored in trailer)
• Any special medication needs you have
• Toiletries including towels
• Warm clothing including long sleeve tops & pants
• Shorts & T-shirts
• Fly Nets (Snowys stock these)
• Insect Repellant, hat, sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water Bottle
• Important Booking Info
• Fare connected for live booking on this webpage: 5-Day Flinders Ranges and Outback Small Group Tour – Standard Motel Unit, Twin / Double option $
• Contact us if you would like to book the Single room option $3495 per person.
• Departs Adelaide last Friday of each month (or on demand).

Luggage should be kept to 15 kg in a soft bag or backpack with an additional day pack Dietary: Please advise any dietary requirements or medical conditions when reconfirming reservation.

Participants should have a good to moderate fitness level for this tour and be aware that walks often take place over uneven ground.

Travellers who bought this trip often also travelled on these trips:

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$ 2,995

Flinders Ranges Tours

The Flinders Ranges  are the most spectacular sights in South Australia. Running 400 km from the northern end of the Spencer Gulf into the arid outback of Australia. Explore Wilpena Pound  and Arkaroola Sanctuary, two spectacular attractions on this fully guided Flinders Ranges Tour from Adelaide.

Whether you are  a keen bush walker, bird watcher or you are coming to paint, photograph or relax, we offer you a great mixture of activities. See Fossils at Nilpena, experience Arkaroola  on the famous Ridgetop Tour, watch the outback stars at the Observatory and discover the many layers of the ochre wall nearby.

Hop on the Pich Richi Railway  Train in Quorn and you can really get a feel for the timeless Flinders Ranges. Peterborough Steamtown is home to railway gauges and historic trains. A guided tour and the evening Light and Sound Show are not to be missed. Burra is another very interesting country town and part of our tour.

Flinders Ranges Tours Highlights & Inclusions

• Pickup from Adelaide City Hotel
• All Meals from Morning Tea Day 1 until Lunch Day 7
• Drinking Water, Snacks and Fruit
• 1x Night Peterborough Motel
• 2x Nights Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
• 1x Night Wilpena Pound Resort
• 1x Night Leigh Creek Outback Resort
• 1x Night Great Northern Lodge Quorn
• Pichi Richi Railway Train Experience
• Historic Township of Quorn
• Panorama Gallery Hawker
• Nilpena Station Fossil Tour
• Rawnsley Bluff and Elder Range Lookout
• Great Wall of China and Hucks Lookout 
• Indigenous Cultural Tour in the Flinders

• Balcanoona Shearing Shed
• Observatory Tour at Arkaroola
• Arkaroola Ridgetop Tour
• Arkaroola Ochre Wall
• Wilpena Pound
• Brachina Gorge and Bunyeroo Valley
• Flinders Ranges Homestead Walk
• Kanyaka Ruins
• Peterborough Steamtown Guided Tour
• Steamtown Sound and Light Show
• Burra Town Tour
• Fully Guided Activities
• Drop Off Adelaide City Hotel by 6.30-7pm

Flinders Ranges Tours depart Adelaide from any city centre hotel

Depart Adelaide accommodation around 7am and let us take you on a tour filled with wonder and delights of South Australia. We start with a tour of the historic town of Burra. Hear about the great copper mining history and tales of locals long ago departed. A visit to the local gaol, pump house and mine site gives you a fantastic insight of Burra town. After lunch we travel to Terowie, a small historic town in the mid north. Several well-preserved and authentic 1880s buildings line the main street making this a picturesque discovery walk. Then it is onto Peterborough, one of only two places in the Southern Hemisphere where you can still see three railway gauges and where Australia’s great steam era has been preserved. See the trains up close on a guided tour of Steamtown before our delightful 2-course dinner. After dark, the Steamtown displays come to life and we join the Light and Sound Show this evening. ( Day 1 Lunch, Dinner, Peterborough Motel overnight)

Travel from Peterborough to Arkaroola Village and Join an Observatory Tour at night

After breakfast we pay a visit to the Wilpena Panorama Gallery and view Wilpena superbly portrayed by local artist Jeff Morgan in Hawker. Continue your journey to the most ancient of lands – Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Arkaroola features rugged mountains, towering granite peaks, magnificent gorges, and mysterious waterholes. We drive past the Western wall of the Flinders Ranges and stop in the old town of Copley. After our lunch break, we turn off the Outback Highway and follow the Vulkathunha Gammon Ranges Road deep into the Northern Flinders Ranges. Upon our arrival at Arkaroola, we settle into our rooms and join back for dinner and an Observatory Tour of the Southern Hemisphere night skies. Arkaroola offers ultimate star gazing opportunities. The region’s high elevation, arid environment and distance to any other town contribute to exceptionally dark skies making it a perfect location to observe stars and planets. The Observatory includes a talk and viewing of stars, on average the tour is about 2 hours. ( Day 2 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Arkaroola Sanctuary overnight)

Arkaroola Ridgetop Tour as an inclusion on all Flinders Ranges Tours

Today we experience Arkaroola’s world-famous signature tour – the Ridgetop Tour. We travel in specially designed vehicles for an unforgettable encounter with the timeless terrain and unique natural beauty of the area with a 360-degree view at the top of the Ridgetop track. The Half- Day Tour is a ‘must do’ experience at Arkaroola and is a huge highlight on our Flinders Ranges Tour. After lunch we head out to the impressive Ochre Wall and explore Arkaroola by foot. Look out for some of the 160 recorded bird species to the area or the various flora and fauna abundant at this time of the year. There is time for an optional scenic flight over Arkaroola Sanctuary or an additional walk this afternoon. Arkaroola is a haven for the endangered yellow-footed rock-wallaby, join the Arkaroola staff at feeding time. ( Day 3 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Arkaroola Sanctuary overnight)

Nilpena Fossil Station Tour and Lunch at the Iconic Prairie Hotel

The iconic prairie hotel at parachilna is our destination for lunch today. the prairie hotel was first licensed in 1876 and the current stone hotel replaced the original structure in 1905. recent renovations include an upgrade to the restaurant and bar plus the addition of a brew house. indulge in the prairie’s famous “feral food”, trying emu, kangaroo, camel, quandong and more. their menu has been recognised as one of twenty “unmissable outback experiences”. sit around the wine barrels set out the front of the charming sandstone building and enjoy one of the prairie’s home-brews, the fargher lager beer., after a fabulous prairie lunch, we make our way to nilpena station, home to the ediacaran fossil site, featuring fossils that are over 555 million years old and represent the earliest evidence of complex life on earth. this site is regarded as one of the most important of its type and offers a fascinating look into the past. our fascinating tour includes seeing the state-of-the-art interpretation centre in the old blacksmith shop. nilpena’s most significant fossil bed the alice restaurant bed has been carefully excavated from the local fossil fields and is now on display with audio visual effects bringing the fossils back to life. (day 4 breakfast, lunch and dinner, leigh creek outback resort overnight), blinman mine tour, indigenous cultural tour in the flinders ranges, hucks lookout, old wilpena station.

The Flinders Ranges are home to some of the state’s most fascinating natural attractions with Wilpena Pound being one of them. Today we spend the full day discovering the rugged ranges and taking in the living culture of this region. We take the unsealed Parachilna Gorge Road to Blinman, a scenic drive and landscape which has been the backdrop for famous movies, such as Gallipoli, Robbery Under Arms and Rabbit-Proof Fence. Blinman is the highest town in South Australia sitting at 614m above sea level and the town is home to an old Copper Mine. We join an underground tour into the heart of the mine and learn about the miners and their families. After lunch we drive to Wadna, an authentic Aboriginal art and craft gallery in the Flinders Ranges and a great introduction to our cultural experience later this afternoon.

We travel further south towards Wilpena Pound Resort and stops on route include the Great Wall of China and Hucks Lookout. At Dingley Dell we meet our local indigenous guide. Listen to history, culture and ancestor’s dreamtime stories and view archaic rock carvings. More photo opportunities await us at the most photographed tree in the Flinders Ranges, the Cazneaux Tree and Old Wilpena Station. Wilpena Station was established in 1851 and had a working life of 135 years. The historic precinct is one of South Australia’s most significant pastoral settlement sites due to its well-preserved condition, wealth of heritage and spectacular natural setting. We are only minutes away from Wilpena Pound Resort. Check into your room, refresh, and join back for dinner. Time permitting meet at the flagpole in front of resort reception as the Adnyamathanha people welcome you to the area in Yura Ngawarla, their language. Enjoy Aboriginal songs, traditional stories, and local information as you are welcomed to Wilpena Pound Resort and the Flinders Ranges by a Yura staff member. (Day 5 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Wilpena Pound Resort overnight) 

Wilpena Pound Scenic Flight option, Brachina Gorge and Bunyeroo Valley Scenic Drive, Wilpena Homestead Walk and Wangara Lookout, Drive to Quorn

This morning you can take an optional 30-minutes scenic flight over Wilpena Pound and views of Elder Range, Lake Torrens, Edeowie Gorge, St. Mary Peak, Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorge. Or join your guide on a 2.5-hour walk to Hills Homestead and for the good walkers up to Wangara Lookout. Discover the Hills family history of farming inside Wilpena Pound. With a picnic lunch packed we all travel back in time on the Brachina Gorge Geological Drive passing through millions of years of earth and history. We continue our scenic drive through Bunyeroo Valley with its impressive views to Wilpena Pound’s Razorback Ridge from the lookout stops. The colours, rock shapes and stunning views are spectacular. Great opportunities to see euros, wedge tailed eagles, black-breasted buzzards, other birds of prey and every now and then a yellow-footed rock-wallaby.

Early afternoon we depart the Wilpena area and traverse the Southern Flinders Ranges townships. Stop at Rawnsley Bluff and Elder Range Lookout before visiting Kanyaka, an old cattle and sheep station established prior to the construction of the transcontinental railway line. We have half an hour to explore the different ruins on this historic property. Our final stop takes us to Quorn where we stay at the Great Northern Lodge. Check into your room upon arrival and take a leisurely discovery walk around the historic railway town. After dinner you may like to head to the Railway Precinct to watch the Quorn Silo Light Show. For sound just tune in on the 87.6 FM radio station. (Day 6 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Quorn Great Northern Lodge overnight)

Pichi Richi Train Experience in Quorn, Wirrabara Silo Art, Laura, Lake Bumbunga – final day on our Flinders Ranges Tours

Our last day has arrived, and we step back in time with a train ride on the Pichi Richi Train mid-morning. Take a seat and enjoy the stunning views as we travel through the Pichi Richi Pass. Upon train arrival back in Quorn we take the scenic route back to Adelaide. We drive south through the country towns of Wilmington, Melrose, and Laura. Look at the fantastic Wirrabara Silo Art before our final stretch to Adelaide. Our magnificent Flinders Ranges Tour is coming to an as we arrive back in Adelaide by 6.30pm. (Day 7 Breakfast, Lunch)

I have travelled with this company FIVE times , and each trip has been a fabulous experience. Mostly I travelled with my sister, once with my daughter and once with a young friend. Each time my companions also greatly enjoyed the trips and thanked me for their great holiday. Who would travel 5x, if they did not have a wonderful time and delicious fresh food ? and very good value for their money ? Ursula

A tour that provides the best of the Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola, Wilpena Pound, Peterborough, Clare Valley. Food and accommodation superb, knowledge of the area and it’s history are provided by an organised and personable tour guide who looks after her passengers thoughtfully. A tour not to be missed by those who love the wilderness of our ancient land.

7 Days $3595 per person

2024 departures.

15th April – Fully Booked

6th May – Fully Booked

5th August – Fully Booked

2nd September – Only 4x Seats Left

16th September – Only 1x Seat Left

30th September  – Seats Available

14th October – Fully Booked

Not a lot of time? Join our 3 Day Flinders Ranges Getaway.

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Flinders Ranges Tours from Adelaide

Adelaide to wilpena pound, a full day touring in the ikara flinders ranges national park, the pichi richi train, an iconic railway experience in the flinders.

Tour Inclusions Pick up/Drop Off Adelaide City Drinking Water Snacks and Fresh Fruit 2x Breakfasts 3x Lunches 2x Dinners 2x Nights Wilpena Pound Resort Clare Valley Wine Tasting Panorama Gallery Hawker Hills Homestead Walk Wangara Lookout Wilpena Pound Great Wall of China Stokes Hill Lookout Brachina Geological Trail Bunyeroo Gorge Blinman Underground Copper Mine Tour Pichi Richi Train Experience Quorn

Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre & Wilpena Pound 2024

Special 2024 tours.

• Pricing & Availability

Brochure Request

Tour highlights, view image gallery, outstanding value inclusions.

• Small Group Size - 26
• All meals including all breakfasts, lunches and dinners while on tour
• 6 nights of hotel, motel and lodge accommodation
• Two scenic flights aboard turboprop planes
• All attraction and National Park entry fees
• Travel aboard a 5-star all-terrain Mercedes Benz Coach
• Services of a professional 2-person crew consisting of a Tour Driver and Tour Director
• Outback Spirit Explorer Pack (for first-time travellers only)

Moments of  Magic

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Australia's largest salt lake and the 13th largest lake in the world is one of the most spectacular sights in the outback. Fly over its vast expanse, taking in Lake Eyre North and South before passing over the Warburton Creek system.

Wilpena Pound

Explore the incredible natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound, a valley surrounded by a rim of mountains in the Flinders Ranges, one of the oldest mountain ranges on earth. Also visit Sacred Canyon to view ancient Aboriginal sandstone engravings.

Itinerary & Accommodation Snapshot

Please check your required arrival time with the office before booking your flights.

Today you will be greeted by our friendly and professional Tour Directors.

After landing at Adelaide Airport please collect your baggage and make your way to the café located at the bottom of the escalator in the baggage hall where one of your Tour Directors will meet you.

We then depart Adelaide and travel north along the Princes Highway, making our way to Port Augusta. We spend the night at the Standpipe Golf Motor Inn. (L,D)

This morning we enjoy a visit to the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens. Established in 1993 to research, conserve and promote the wider appreciation of Australia’s arid zone flora, the centre is home to thousands of highly evolved plant communities that are specially adapted to thrive in an environment where temperatures are extreme, and drought can last for decades. The garden showcases a diverse collection of arid zone habitats in a picturesque setting of more than 250 hectares.

Later this morning we continue our journey north to Parachilna. Enjoy a gourmet lunch under the verandah of the Prairie Hotel before heading on through Lyndhurst and Leigh Creek, arriving in Marree late afternoon. This historic little settlement lies at the junction of the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks, and was once one of the busiest towns in Outback Australia! Tonight, we stay at the Marree Hotel. (B, L, D)

Please Note: Today your tour will split into 2 groups. Group 1 will take the scenic flights/tour as per the itinerary below, while Group 2 travels up to William Creek by road following the Old Ghan rail line. On Day 4, Group 2 enjoys the scenic flight and tour, while Group 1 travels back down to Marree by road.

This morning we head to the Marree Aerodrome to prepare for our scenic flights. Meet your experienced pilot and board our Cessna Grand Caravan (subject to availability) . Once airborne, our morning flight will take us over Lake Eyre South before crossing over to Lake Eyre North, the larger of the two lakes.

We continue north over Clifton Hills Station and Goyder Lagoon on the Diamantina River floodplains. Located at the junction of the Diamantina River and Eyre Creek, this large ephemeral swamp consists mainly of shallow braided micro-channels which look stunning from the air. From Goyder Lagoon we fly further north to Birdsville where we land and enjoy a leisurely lunch at the iconic Birdsville Hotel. This is followed by an informative town tour taken by a local guide to close points of interest and the Waddi Waddi trees.

This afternoon we take to the skies for our second flight for the day, this time heading southwest over the mighty Simpson Desert. Admire the endless red sand dunes that stretch to the horizon, before once again flying over Lake Eyre North. After another close inspection of this breathtaking natural spectacle we’ll fly over Belt Bay, the lowest point on the Australia continent at 15 metres below sea level, and head for William Creek, where we rendezvous with the rest of the tour group. We spend the night here in modern ensuite accommodation and enjoy dinner in one of the most atmospheric outback pubs in Australia - the William Creek Hotel. (B, L, D)

Today Group 2 enjoys the scenic flights to Birdsville and Lake Eyre, while Group 1 travels down the Oodnadatta Track to Marree.

Later this morning we continue south along the Oodnadatta Track, following the Old Ghan line - one of the great historic railway lines in the world. Construction began in 1878 and it eventually reached Oodnadatta in 1891. The line only reached Alice Springs in 1929, so the journey from Oodnadatta at this time was still made by camel. The old line was eventually closed in 1980, and the new line takes a different route to Alice Springs. Some of the old sidings that refilled the steam engines with water, such as Coward Springs, are incredibly interesting and well preserved. Today we’ll visit a few of them on our way down to Marree. Upon our arrival we’ll rendezvous with Group 2 and check-in to the Marree Hotel for our overnight stay. (B, L, D)

After breakfast we farewell Marree and begin our trek south to the Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound. Enjoy the scenic drive through Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, stopping at several vantage points along the way to admire the views of the Flinders Ranges. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before arriving at Wilpena Pound Resort early in the afternoon.

Wilpena Pound sits in the southern region of the Flinders Ranges National Park. It is characterised by spectacular scenery and is home to nearly half of South Australia’s species of plants. After checking in to your deluxe resort room, we’ll set off on a guided walk through the tranquil Pound Gap into Wilpena Pound (easy grade, 2-3 hrs return). Follow Wilpena Creek past ancient River Red Gums and pines to arrive at the historic Hills Homestead. For the more energetic, there is an optional extension to the walk that leads to Wangarra Hill lookout, which offers panoramic views of Wilpena Pound (good level of fitness and mobility required).

This afternoon we return to the resort. Take some time to freshen up before dinner in the restaurant. (B, L, D)

This morning we enjoy a visit to the Old Wilpena Station precinct, one of South Australia’s oldest and best-preserved pastoral settlements.  There’s also an opportunity to take a 20-minute scenic flight over Wilpena Pound (at your own expense).

Later this morning we begin our trek south back to Adelaide. Travel to Hawker before taking the R.M Williams Way down through Carrieton, Orroroo and Burra. Enjoy a quick look around this interesting little village before heading on to Adelaide, arriving late afternoon. We then check-in to the Stamford Grand Hotel in Glenelg for our final evening together.

Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant and reflect upon your adventure into the heart of outback Australia.  (B, L, D)

Today your adventure concludes. After breakfast you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flights home. (B)

Unrivalled Touring Experience

Small Group Adventure

Expert Drivers & Guides

All-terrain Mercedes-Benz coaches

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*Prices advertised are per person twin share. Tours are subject to availability. $49 deposit is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment is due 30 days prior to travel. If you cancel your booking with us within 30 days of travel, the cancellation fee is 100% of total fare. If Outback Spirit do not operate these tours due to low water levels, a full refund of the deposit and fare paid will be provided.

2024 Departure Dates

This tour operates during the following months. Please select a month to view departure dates.

More departure dates for this adventure will be released soon!

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Wilpena Pound

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• Flinders Ranges and Outback

Explore Wilpena Pound: an awe-inspiring ancient landscape brimming with wildlife.

Cradled by ancient mountain ranges on the edge of the desert, Wilpena Pound is the crowning jewel of the Flinders Ranges. Also known by its Adnyamathanha name of Ikara, meaning meeting place, Wilpena Pound rewards the intrepid. Pitch your tent and fall asleep under a blanket of stars or retreat in secluded luxury at Rawnsley Park Station before rising at dawn to traverse the ancient peeks of 800-million-year-old Wilpena Pound. Jump on a scenic flight to appreciate its magnitude and beauty from above then learn about the area's cultural significance with Aboriginal Cultural Tours . Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is also home to Rawnsley Bluff, Razorback Lookout in Bunyeroo Gorge and Stokes Hill Lookout.

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Your Flinders Ranges & Australian Outback Specialists

Providing personalised scenic Australian outback tour packages since 2000

Flinders Ranges & Outback Tour Options

Departing on demand with a minimum of 2 passengers 

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Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound Tours

3 day “Flinders Ranges Explorer” - (AHT007)

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Welcome to Aussie Heritage Tours

Travel in the comfort of a modern, specially equipped, air-conditioned 4WD Station Wagon with your personal experienced guide. For your comfort we restrict numbers to four persons per vehicle. All tours include scenic flight and local 4WD adventure tour component. All meals, Motel, Resort, cabin accommodation with air-conditioning & ensuite facilities where available.

Tour information:

Tours depart on demand (date of your choice) with a minimum of two passengers from Adelaide, South Australia.

Pick up & drop off: From your Adelaide Central Business District accommodation.

Meals: Morning teas & lunches daily, two course dinners & continental breakfast included-

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Currently taking bookings with 10% deposit - and full payment 30 days prior to departure date. Preferred payment is by Electronic Funds Transfer. Cheques & credit card payment by arrangement. Privacy Statement: Australia has strict privacy laws, your personal information will be treated with the strictest of confidence, no information you supply will be given or sold to a third party.-

Aussie Heritage Tours: Is a South Australian Government accredited 

Tour operator, registered with the South Australian Tourism Commission & Licensed National Parks Tour Operator.  Vehicles are chauffeur plated and specially equipped for outback travel including satellite phones and uhf radios. Guides also have driver accreditation and Remote Areas First Aid accreditation.

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Aussie Heritage Tours

Paul and Astrid Keen

Quorn, Flinders Ranges SA

Australian: Telephone: 08 8648 6655

Mobile: 0428 48 66 55

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Phone: +61 8 8648 6655

Mobile: +61 428 48 66 55

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THREE DAYS AT WILPENA POUND RESORT

Before we even stepped foot into Wilpena Pound Resort, we knew we were heading somewhere special. The incredible beauty of the Flinders Ranges landscape lays before you for at least 100km and feels like driving towards a rainbow, wondering if you will ever find the end. We spent 3 days at Wilpena Pound Resort and loved every minute. Read on to see what we got up to.

A Short Break Itinerary for the Flinders Ranges

How to get to wilpena pound, day 1: adelaide to wilpena pound, day 2: exploring wilpena pound, day 3: brachina and bunyeroo gorge scenic drive, day 4 – heading home via port augusta or burra, where we ate, wilpena pound resort, tips for staying at wilpena pound, flinders ranges faq.

This page may contain affiliate links. Read our full disclosure policy  for more information.

Silence, space and 540 million-year-old fossils make this ancient landscape mesmerising and quickly elevate it to one of our favourite places in Australia. Whether you take a quick drive through on your way somewhere else or spend a week or more exploring, you really need to include the Flinders Ranges on your visit to South Australia.

Last June we spent three days exploring Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, hiking, driving the gorge tracks and visiting the nearby towns. We quickly felt outback Australia at its best, a spot slightly off the tourist radar and full of jaw-dropping beauty.

The star of the show is Wilpena Pound, Australia’s largest natural amphitheatre! Eight hundred million years in the making and covering 95,000 hectares. This is not a place you will cover in a few days, but three days here will give you a taste you will not forget.

It’s a long drive from Adelaide, 436km to be exact and a little under 5 hours if you don’t stop too many times. However, this is difficult to do as there are so many worthy spots along the way.

After departing Adelaide at 7am, we stopped in Clare for a quick morning coffee and a thirty-minute stroll around town. We will be back for a more extended stay next time, but for now, it was time to keep moving. The next stop was the Farrell Flat silo; we hope to cover all the SA silos on this visit.

Burra is a beautiful historic town with a Megafauna Fossil Display at the restored train station, several beautifully restored buildings, and great food. If you have time, maybe stop a night or two. We made a return visit later in the month and enjoyed our time there.

The next stop was the famous “Midnight Oil House” 3km outside of Burra for photos and our last stop, a picnic lunch by the river at Orrorro. This made our route 472km. It took us closer to 8 hours to reach our destination.

If you are not “Oils” fans, you may not understand why the Burra House is so unique and why we made the detour. The abandoned cottage is one of the most photographed ruins in the country. It became famous after iconic Aussie photographer Ken Duncan captured it, and sometime later, it found its way onto the cover of Midnight Oil’s ‘Diesel and Dust’ album.

From Burra, we took the Wilkins Hwy (B78) and R M Williams Way (B80) to Flinders Ranges Way in Hawker. If you are not sure of your plans, I think a quick stop at the Hawker Visitor Information Centre is a good idea. They can help you sort out what to see and do in the time you have. Also, if you don’t have paper maps, maybe pick some up. Internet reception is almost non-existent out here.

From Hawker to Wilpena Resort is 55km, and I guarantee any photographers among you will want to pull over several times to capture the scenes in front of you on this drive.

There are several official lookouts; we stopped at Arkaba Hill Lookout and Station Hill Lookout and left the Elder Range and Rawnsley Lookouts for the return journey.

We arrived in Wilpena just before sunset and right on time for the daily 4.30pm (or 6pm depending on the season) Welcome to Adnyamathanha Country by one of the Yura staff members. I recommend not missing this on your first day, but if you do, slot it in for the next day. Along with the official welcome, we heard Dreamtime stories of the area that enhanced our walks in the coming days.

The Adnyamathanha are known as the “rock people” of the Flinders Ranges,

Wilpena Pound is known as Ikara to the Adnyamathanha to the traditional owners of the land of the Flinders. They share their local culture generously with guests of Wilpena Resort. The pound itself is known as Ikara to the Adnyamathanha, hence the park’s name here, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park .

After breakfast at the resort, we headed out on the Hills Homestead walk, one of the most popular walks in the park. The 6.6km return hike is flat, easy, and well shaded.

Stop 1: Hills Homestead and Wangarra Lookout

The walk takes you through “Pound Gap” into the pound itself and to the small stone house built by the Hill Family. The Hill family moved from Hawker to work the farming land inside Wilpena Pound. They lived here for a couple of decades, but the harsh environment threw them challenge after challenge. Their story is shared on some signboards at the site.

Once you reach the Homestead, it’s just another 300m to a lower Wangarra lookout and a further 500m to the higher lookout for extraordinary views into the pound. It was fabulous to be inside the pound and see the walls of the serpent that we had learnt about last night, closing us in.

The lower platform is suitable for most hikers, but the upper lookout requires some scrambling over a rocky path. The surfaces are uneven and probably too challenging for anyone with any mobility issues. Adding these two lookouts results in a 7.8km return walk to the resort.

If you are keen to learn more about the area, book the 2 hour guided cultural heritage tour with a Yura guide. This will take you in the opposite direction to the old Wilpena Station, but is an excellent addition to the morning’s walk.

After a quick stop by our room to wash off the dust and grab snacks, we jumped in the car to do some more exploring.

Stop 2: Cazneaux Tree

The first stop was the famous Cazneaux Tree, one of the most famous red river gums in the south Australian outback. Made famous after a photographer named Harold Cazneaux captured the tree in the mid-1930s and entered his photograph, which he titled “The Spirit of Endurance”, into an international competition. He took out first place and the tree because a local landmark.

Where : You will find the turn off about 5 minutes past the turnoff to the resort. It’s easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled; we drove past it the first time. If you prefer to walk, it’s an 8km return walk from the resort to Cazneaux Tree.

Stop 3: Hucks Lookout

We were heading to the lookout below when we saw the sign for Hucks Lookout. This viewpoint offers 360-degree views looking back to Wilpena Pound. Along with this incredible view is a mobile phone tower and the best internet signal in the area. If you are towing a caravan, you might prefer this lookout to the steep drive up the top of Stokes Hill Lookout.

Stop 4: Stokes Lookout

We were lucky enough to view Stokes Hill lookout by day and sunset. After a very steep looking drive, we made it to the top. I am not sure how a caravan would go.

At the top of Stokes Hill, you will find several signboards exploring the region’s cultural heritage. What we found super interesting was the scale model (above) of the Pound that helped us get our bearings.

Step 5: Sunset Tour

We ended the day with a sunset tour, which took us back to Stokes Hill. It was led by Mick, a Yura man and a qualified geologist. I could have listened to him for hours; he is a great communicator and shares his knowledge generously.

The tour was excellent and well worth the price. Mick told us about the ranges white we sipped on red wine and nibbled cheese. Then we let our cameras loose on the stunning scene before us. Nothing we could capture on our phones did any justice to the amazing light.

This morning, we chased more lookouts. Bunyeroo Valley Lookout and Razorback Lookout were top of the list, but today, we discovered much more. Sadly, the weather was not the best, and our photos are dark and cloudy, but you get the idea. And it gave us an excellent reason to head back next time we are in South Australia.

Stop 1: Bunyeroo Valley Drive

From Wilpena, head north, and you come to the Bunyeroo Gorge Road just 9km along Flinders Ranges way. From here, you are on dirt, but the road is graded regularly, and while the 29km is slow going, it’s a beautiful drive.

The road was suitable for our 2WD Nissan SUV in May, but there is no way we would do this road in this car if there had been any rain at all. As it was, we did not venture far into Brachina Gorge, stopping at Brachina East Campground where the graders were working on the road.

Through both Bunyeroo & Brachina Gorge, then you drive via Aroona Valley to the Blinman. The return trip from Blinman to Wilpena is a 61km drive and much quicker.

Stop 2: Razorback Lookout

The breathtaking views on this drive make up for the bumpy road. We did the drive in an SUV, and it was fine, but in any wet weather, I would feel more comfortable in a 4wheel drive. The jewel of the day was to make our way to Razorback Lookout. The first time I saw this view was in an ad for a 4-wheel drive, and I have wanted to visit ever since.

The cloud cover was low and hid most of the mountain, but it was still spectacular.

Stop 3: Brachina Gorge Geological Trail

Brachina” is derived from the Aboriginal word ‘vachina’, meaning cranky, refers to a mythical argument between birds over a grindstone.

If you prefer not to take your car on this route, you can book a half-day four-wheel drive tour of Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges. This can be a great alternative if you are travelling in a rental car. Our insurance did not cover driving after dark due to the danger of hitting kangaroos, so we missed hanging about waiting for the Yellow-footed rock wallabies to come out in the late afternoon.

Stop 4: Blinman

We were happy to hit the tar and civilisation when we arrived in Blinman. Blinman was once a mining town populated by Cornish miners, who mined tin here between 1862 and 1907. It’s also South Australia’s highest point. These days there is a general store, a pub, a post office. We had phone reception for the first time in days and espresso!

Grab a pie at the pub and do the underground mine experience and pick up some homemade cakes from the general store.

Stop 5: Glass Gorge

The visitor’s centre staff suggested taking the circular drive through Glass Gorge and Parachilna Gorge Road back to Blinman. The scenic road is only 60 kilometres, but it will take you about two hours to complete without stopping. We pulled in a few times when we spotted emus and some gorgeous birds, including parrots, galahs and corellas. It didn’t offer the distant view that this morning’s drive did. However, the gorges were beautiful.

If we had more time, we would have spent the night in Blinman or Parachilna at the Prairie Hotel,  which was closed for renovations during our visit.

We woke on our last morning to clear skies and cursed the weather a little for changing when we were heading home. I bet the people booked into the scenic flights get to go up today!

Stop 1: Flinders Fine Foods in Hawker

Breakfast – Flinders Food Company Hawker

We left Wilpena early Saturday morning and headed to Hawker (58km) for breakfast at Flinders Fine Foods. We discovered them on Instagram when searching for sunset lookouts a few days earlier and were keen to get there for at least one meal. It was one of the best breakfasts of our month in South Australia (see the photo in the gallery below).

The owners, local couple Doogal Hannagan and Louise Lynch spent years overseas eating and travelling the world and returned to their hometown to bring high-quality food to the town. They have certainly done that. We wished we had been staying closer to check out the nighttime offerings.

Stop 2: Kanyaka Station Historic Site

Just 28km along, you will see a turnoff to the Kanyaka Station Historic site. If you are a history buff like me, you will want to pull in here; there is enough left of the property to get a feel for the place and a couple of signposts showing the floor plan of the homestead and give some background to the people who lived here.

It was lovely to photograph against the blue sky in the morning light.

Stop 3: Quorn

The next stop was 101km down the road in Quorn. One good reason to stop is to sample the famous Quandong Pie from the Quandong Cafe. If you have never heard of quandongs, they are a native fruit only found in arid regions. A member of the sandalwood family, it’s a bit tart and perfectly suited to a crumble or sweet pastry case. We had no room for even a snack after our epic breakfast, so we bought a slice to take away for dinner tonight. 

Quorn is also home to one of the silos on the Australia Silo Trail ; this one is a little different in that to see this one, you have to visit at night to see it! I loved this little town, and it would make a nice place to stop over for a night if you have time. Everyone we met on our short morning walk was super welcoming. 

We made our way to Port Augusta for a quick visit to the Arid Lands Botanic Garden and then on to our first night in Cowell on the Eyre Peninsula.

Port Augusta is 105km south of Hawker, and the trip will take about one hour and 15 mins without stops. We took about 2 hours with our two stops included.

The resort has a bistro, and while the menu is limited, they offered some great nightly specials, and we found enough to keep us happy for our three-night stay.

We popped into the Blinman General Store for a coffee and discovered a fantastic range of homemade cakes. After a wander around town (a 5-minute walk from end to end), we headed to the North Blinman Hotel. The hotel is famous for its pies, and when we arrived, they had just been pulled from the oven. While I resisted, Charles showed no restraint and ordered one the minute the pub opened.

Wilpena Pound Resort is owned and was managed by the Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association and Indigenous Business Australia from 2012-2021. NRMA Parks has recently taken management over; however, the Adnyamathanha people, who make up 80% of the staff, will continue to work at the resort.

A $3 million transformation is planned, and to be honest, for the prices they charge for the rooms, this is long overdue. While it’s a fantastic location and the staff are outstanding, the place looks like it could use some love.

Regardless, they off a range of accommodation options that will suit all types of travellers. 

• The picturesque campground is located just inside the entrance, a short walk to the visitors’ centre and shop. The campground offers regular campsites and powered sites. 
• Ikara Safari Camp when glamping tents and a large communal area.
• Budget hotel rooms with air-conditioning, small fridge and older style ensuite.
• Family hotel rooms with kitchenettes and dining tables. These rooms are much bigger.

Guest facilities at the resort include a swimming pool, bar and restaurant with an open fireplace and an IGA Express for stocking up on snacks and meals for the campground. If Wilpena is booked out or travelling with pets, you might like one of these nearby options.

• Rawnsley Park Station
• Skytrek Willow Springs Station
• Edeowie Station

Things We Missed

• Prairie Hotel at Parachilna for lunch offering a ‘Feral Feast’ however it was closed for renovations during our visit.
• Sacred Canyon Tour – Site of the regions best-preserved Indigenous Petroglyphs, we plan to return but if you aren’t be sure to include it.
• Arkaroola – a privately owned wildlife and astronomy sanctuary with three observatories and the nearby Paralana Hot Springs
• The climb up St Mary’s Peak – the traditional owners prefer people don’t climb this peak as it is a sacred site. 
• Blinmen Mine – the Underground Sound and Light Experience in the Blinman Heritage Mine was taking very limited numbers on each tour and sadly, as we were pretty disorganised, we missed out.
• Scenic flights are the top attraction but we missed our window – of our three days here only one was flying weather and it was booked out too. One negative of travelling without plans!

There is a surcharge for bills paid by credit cards, so I suggest you do not bill your meals and drinks to your room, or these will add to the overall total. There is no Optus coverage here at all. You can get a Telstra signal, and the resort has free Wi-Fi in the bar area and some rooms surrounding that, but it does not cover the whole resort. Optus signal is available at Blinman and Rawnsley Park Station if you need coverage.

Do You Need A 4WD For Flinders Ranges?

The short answer is no; you don’t need one. We did this entire quick visit in a conventional SUV; however, the freedom that a four-wheel-drive offers opens up many more experiences. A compromise is to book a four-wheel drive tour once you arrive.

What Is The Best Time To Visit Flinders Ranges?

April to October offer the best temperatures for hiking and exploring the dirt tracks. I would avoid Oct to March; it becomes too hot to walk during the summer, and many of the attractions close for their holidays.

While the resort facilities are a little dated, the staff and the location are excellent. The park offers unique experiences, fantastic hiking, and, a range of 4wd tours of one of the earth’s oldest landscapes. For us, it was every bit as impressive as the time we spent at Uluru, and we highly recommend you put this great Aussie road trip on your bucket list. 

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Wilpena Pound Flinders Ranges Tours

• October 20 – 27 – Corner Country, Moomba, Arkaroola, Innamincka,  Birdsville Track & Lake Eyre – From Adelaide or Broken Hill to Wilpena Pound, Birdsville, Cooper Creek, Lake Eyre via Coongie Lake catchment & Sturt National Parks, Moomba, Innamincka, Burke & Wills Dig Tree, Lake Eyre (flight included), Flinders Ranges to Adelaide. Connection options to Sydney, Broken Hill or Melbourne. Ask for details

• October 21-25 – WHALE WATCHING -Nullarbor Head of Bight Whale Watching Tours from Adelaide – 5 day tours  –  Nullarbor Head of Bight Whale Watching Tours from Adelaide. Small group tours by luxury Landcruisers includes Head of Bight SA whale watching, Whale watching cruise, blowholes and Murrawijinie limestone Caves visits, Port Lincoln tuna farm and cruise, Overnight Nullarbor Roadhouse on Nullarbor Plain, plus Ceduna, Port Lincoln, Streaky Bay, Port Augusta, Clare Valley wine tasting, Add Kangaroo Island for 2 or 3 days https://www.spiritsafaris.com/nullarbor-head-of-bight-whale-watching-tours

•   October 21-25 –  Coober Pedy, Wilpena Pound & Lake Eyre Tours & Flights – Wilpena Pound & Brachina Gorge tour in Spring !!  5 days Lake Eyre Tours & Flights with Coober Pedy, Wilpena Pound, (with pound walk & flight option), via Flinders Ranges, Brachina Gorge, Marree, Lake Eyre National Park, lake shore walk, Oodnadatta Track, Coward Springs, Old Ghan Railway towns & history, William Creek, Coober Pedy (opal mine visit & sleep underground), Woomera & Port Augusta. From Adelaide to Adelaide. 5 days/4 nights Tour Code EWC5 See video http://youtu.be/PTQ1nTYf734

•  October 21-24 – Flinders Ranges & Wilpena Pound, Lake Eyre Tours & Flights – 4 days – with Brachina Gorge tour in Spring !! includes lake shore visit and walk by 4WD, wetlands birds, see the Old Ghan Railway, Tom Kruse “Outback Mailman” from “Back of Beyond” mail truck & history, Oodnadatta Track, Birdsville Track, Marree, Leigh Creek, Copley, Lake Eyre National Park, Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound & Brachina Gorge walks and optional Wilpena Pound flight. Connection options to Sydney, Broken Hill or Melbourne  – See video http://youtu.be/PTQ1nTYf734

• October 25-27 – Lake Eyre Tours & Flights from Adelaide return to Adelaide   – 3 days/2 nights – Includes flights over Lake Eyre, lake shore by 4WD & walk, wetlands birds, see the Old Ghan Railway, Tom Kruse Outback Mailman from “Back of Beyond” truck & history, Oodnadatta Track, Birdsville Track, Marree, Leigh Creek, Copley, Lake Eyre National Park, Flinders Ranges.

• October 26 – 30 – WHALE WATCHING -Nullarbor Head of Bight Whale Watching Tours from Adelaide – 5 day tours  –  Nullarbor Head of Bight Whale Watching Tours from Adelaide. Small group tours by luxury Landcruisers includes Head of Bight SA whale watching, Whale watching cruise, blowholes and Murrawijinie limestone Caves visits, Port Lincoln tuna farm and cruise, Overnight Nullarbor Roadhouse on Nullarbor Plain, plus Ceduna, Port Lincoln, Streaky Bay, Port Augusta, Clare Valley wine tasting, Add Kangaroo Island for 2 or 3 days https://www.spiritsafaris.com/nullarbor-head-of-bight-whale-watching-tours

•  October 26-31 –  Old Ghan Railway Oodnadatta Track Lake Eyre 4WD Tours – Starts Adelaide then follow the Old Ghan railway line ( Great Northern Railway ) from Port Augusta to Alice Springs with Pitchi Ritchi railway to Quorn then 4WD via the Old Ghan Railway & Overland Telegraph Line (OTL), Beltana, Farina, Marree, via Lake Eyre shore walk, Curdimurka, Coward Springs, Strangeways, Algebuckina, William Creek, Oodnadatta, Dalhousie Springs, Mt Dare, Simpson Desert, Chambers Pillar to Alice Springs. Small Group 4WD touring from Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Broken Hill, Marree, with Lake Eyre Tours and Flight – Book Now https://www.spiritsafaris.com/old-ghan-railway-tour See the latest Lake Eyre video here – and others nearby on YouTube

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Beyond Wild Places

Your guide to the wilder side of life

Staying at Wilpena Pound Resort in the Flinders Ranges

The Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia is one of the state’s top destinations. The incredibly rugged landscape is home to ancient rock formations, a network of hiking trails and 4WD tracks and culturally significant places for the Traditional Owners, the Adnyamathanha people. 

While the national park covers 95, 000 hectares, the main place to stay inside the park is at Wilpena Pound Resort and Campground. It’s by far the most convenient Flinders Ranges accommodation, with many of the hiking trails beginning right from the resort grounds. It is also one of the only Aboriginal owned resorts and caravan parks in the entire country, so you can gain an insight into the local culture during your stay. 

I spent two weeks at Wilpena Pound Resort, staying in the campground area. It was a great base from which to explore every corner of the national park and by the end of my time there, it almost felt like a second home. 

If you’re planning a trip to the Flinders Ranges this winter, this post details everything that you need to know about staying at Wilpena Pound Resort and Campground.

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About Wilpena Pound

Wilpena Pound is the name of the amphitheatre of mountains that can be found in the  Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park . The Wilpena Pound Resort and Caravan Park is located on the eastern edge of the pound and referred to as simply Wilpena. While it feels like a small village, it’s actually a resort and campground complex all in one. It has everything that you might need during a trip to the park including fuel, basic supplies, tourist information, tours and accommodation. I’ll go into more detail about the facilities and services below.

The resort has been owned and managed by the Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association and Indigenous Business Australia since 2012. It’s the only accommodation located inside the national park itself, which is also co-managed by the Adnyamathanha people with the South Australian government. The partnership has brought about some important changes to the national park, including the renaming of the park to Ikara-Flinders Ranges in 2016 and more recently, imposing visitor restrictions on the Sacred Canyon for preservation reasons (more on this below).

Whether you decide on staying at Wilpena or not, you’ll likely still end up visiting the resort area, as it’s the main place to get fuel, supplies and start some of the walks in the area.

Read next: A Complete Guide to the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

How to get there

Wilpena Pound is located on the eastern side of the national park. It’s accessible from the main road, Flinders Ranges Way, which travels from Port Augusta up to Quorn and then through the national park to Blinman. It’s a long drive from Adelaide, so it’s best to break the journey up with an overnight stop somewhere along the way.

Port Augusta is a major town in South Australia, but I’d recommend stopping in Melrose or Quorn instead, so you can explore more of the Southern Flinders Ranges first. You can read more about Quorn and the Southern Flinders Ranges in my post  here .

Port Augusta to Wilpena Pound:  160km or 2-hour drive

Adelaide to Wilpena Pound:  440km or 5.5-hour drive

Why stay at Wilpena Pound Resort

Wilpena is the main place that people choose to stay during their time in the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park and for good reason. It’s perfectly located right in the central area of the park, so you have access to all the highlights and attractions within a walk or short drive away. 

It’s also the main “village” that services the park area and is one of the only places that you can pick up supplies. You’ll also find plenty of accommodation options available for all different budgets including a campground, as well as extra things on offer like tours and a restaurant and bar if you want to get more out of your stay.

The alternative accommodation in the area includes the stations, such as  Upalinna  and  Alpana , which are working stations and private properties that offer camping on their land. You can also check out  Rawnsley Park Station  caravan park which is just 25km south of Wilpena.

Wilpena Pound accommodation options

There are plenty of different accommodation options available at Wilpena Pound. They have 60 hotel rooms, 15 glamping safari tents and a large campground with powered and unpowered sites.

Hotel rooms  | They have rooms suitable for singles, couples and families with sleeping options for up to 6 people. You also have the option of either standard or deluxe rooms. Prices start from around $200 per night.

Glamping  | The latest addition to this Flinders Ranges accommodation is the glamping safari tents. The luxury tents can sleep between 2 and 4 people and include a modern ensuite bathroom, a private deck, fire pit and air conditioning. Prices start from around $310 per night.

Campground  | The large bush campground has a powered area with 40 sites available and an unpowered area with over 300 spots. There are amenity blocks with toilets, hot showers and basic laundry facilities throughout the area and plenty of shelters, but no camp kitchen. The powered sites are allocated during check-in, but the unpowered area is open so you can camp anywhere you like. Prices vary depending on the season, but start at $15 for unpowered. You also have access to all the facilities and services at the resort.

Facilities and services

The best part about staying at Wilpena is all the facilities and services that they have available. It’s no wonder I easily stayed two weeks there!

Visitor Information Centre:  At the front entrance, you’ll find the Visitor Information Centre that also doubles as the campground and caravan park check-in desk. Open every day from 8am to 6pm, you’ll find helpful and friendly staff in there to give you whatever information you need about the park. They also have a range of brochures on the wall for the Flinders area and further afield.

Fuel:  They have ULP and Diesel which is available for purchase through the IGA counter. It’s slightly higher price than larger towns further south, but it’s not too bad considering where you are in the outback.

Supermarket:  The IGA supermarket is actually very good considering its small size. You can find all sorts of essentials to easily get you through days or weeks in the national park. They have fresh produce including fruit and veg, meat, bread, cereals, pasta and rice, sauces, frozen products, confectionary, chips, biscuits, cheeses and dairy products, plus much more, including some decent gluten free options too. They sell basic camping goods, like butane cartridges, as well as, toiletries and souvenirs. 

Café:  Inside the IGA you’ll find a café which has coffee and tea along with some hot food and sweets like muffins, sausage rolls and pies.

Restaurant and bar:  The Wilpena Restaurant and Bar is a very popular place to head for dinner. They open from 5pm onwards and take bookings in winter, due to the high demand. They have a great menu and serve the food very quickly. My favourite was the kangaroo burger! There are plenty of gluten free options available.

Free Wi-Fi:  There are a couple of options for internet access. There is a SA Tourism free Wi-Fi pole out the front of the information centre which offers one hour per day of fast, free internet. Otherwise, you can use the Wilpena Pound Wi-Fi which is equally as good and unlimited. Although both only work around the information centre, restaurant and resort area, not the campground.

Swimming pool:  There is a swimming pool for use for all guests from 6am until 8pm. It’s outside the restaurant in the resort area.

Dump point and car wash:  There is a dump point just as you’re coming into the resort on your left that also has water to wash your car of all the outback dust.

Laundry, toilets and showers:  In the campground you’ll find toilet and shower blocks in the unpowered and powered areas. They also have a washing machine and dryer outside the amenities block. There’s no camp kitchen available, except some BBQs and picnic tables.

Things to do at Wilpena Pound Resort

Once you arrive at Wilpena Pound Resort, there’s plenty of things to do and see. From organised tours to hiking trails, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy directly from the resort and campground.

Welcome to Country

Every day at 4.30pm (check the current schedule, because it often changes) in the front lawn outside the Resort Reception and Restaurant is the Welcome to Country. I would say that everyone who stays at Wilpena should attend at least once. It’s led by one of the Yura staff members who gives a very informative talk about the Traditional Owners and their dreamtime story about the pound. They also give a nice overview of the importance of the ownership and management of the resort by the Adnyamathanha people and what it means to them. 

There are a number of tours that you can do from Wilpena Pound. While the  scenic flights obviously are the standout offering, they also have 4WD and  Aboriginal Cultural tours  that are worth considering. I did the Sacred Canyon tour, which was certainly worth it. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

Yura Mulka – Sacred Canyon Tour

Probably one of the highlights of my stay at Wilpena was joining the  Sacred Canyon Tour . The canyon is home to one of the most significant Aboriginal engraving sites in the park area and is now only accessible by tour. Sadly, some of the rock art has been graffitied over the years, and with the efforts of the Adnyamathanha people, it’s now closed off to the general public to help preserve it. 

The tour is worth the $85 fee per person. It’s usually guided by either Jimmy, Mick or Vinny, who are all very passionate and knowledgeable. But I tried to make sure that I had Mick as my guide, as his knowledge and experience both as an Yura man and qualified geologist makes his tours extra insightful. The 3–4-hour tour takes you to the sacred canyon where you need to walk a flat 1.5km return to reach the rock engravings. It’s certainly doable for most people, although it is quite rocky along the creek bed.

It was a very special experience to hear from Mick about the engravings, land and culture. His passion for his people and the landscape of the park was infectious and everyone on the tour felt that it was definitely a worthwhile thing to do in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. The tours leave in the morning and in the afternoon, depending on demand. You can book at the Resort Reception or Visitor Information Centre at Wilpena.

Walking trails

Perhaps one of the best things about staying at Wilpena Pound Resort is that many of the  best hikes in the Flinders Ranges  literally begin right from the resort. Just down from the Visitor Information Centre you will find a large information board with the walks mapped out and colour coded. From there, you can follow the signposts for whichever walk you want to do. 

The Flinders Ranges walks that begin from the resort include:

• Mt Ohlssen Bagge  6.8km return (challenging climb for the best viewpoint of Wilpena Pound)
• Tanderra Saddle  18.5km loop (officially known as the St Mary Peak Hike, although the Traditional Owners ask that you don’t climb to the peak and just go to the saddle instead)
• Hills Homestead and Wangara Lookout  7.8km return (a great walk for the whole family)
• Malloga Falls  23km return (a long hike to Edeowie Gorge)
• Bridle Gap  18.6km return (long walk through the pound floor along the Heysen Trail*)
• Boom and Bust Walk  3km loop (a short, easy walk with informative boards along the way)

*The Heysen Trail actually passes right through Wilpena Pound Resort so you may see thru-hikers making a beeline for the restaurant for a burger and a beer (and a hot shower)!

Read more: 12 Best Walks in the Flinders Ranges

Cycling trails

If you prefer to explore on two wheels, then the Mawson Trail is accessible from Wilpena as well. The trail is a long distance cycling path stretching for 900km, but you can easily do just a section from Wilpena. Find out more about the trail  here . You can rent mountain bikes and helmets from the information centre in Wilpena starting from $15 per hour or up to $65 for the full day. They will also be able to help you with trail suggestions.

Other things to know about staying at Wilpena Pound Resort

No dogs  are allowed in the resort area because it’s inside a national park. You can stay down the road at the stations if you have a dog on board.

You will need a  SA Parks Pass  for the Flinders Ranges National Park. The easiest way to do this is purchase it online  here . There are different options whether you want multiple entry and/or multiple parks, but popular options include: $12 per vehicle for 1 day, $48 per vehicle for multiple parks over 2 months or $108 for a year.

You will find good  4G Telstra  phone reception inside the Wilpena Pound area. There is  no Optus  phone reception, but the free Wi-Fi available at the resort is great (although it doesn’t reach the campground). Otherwise, you can get Optus phone reception in Blinman or Rawnsley Park.

There is  day visitor  parking in front of the Information Centre, if you’re only visiting for the day from other accommodation.

Campfires  are allowed outside of the fire ban season. You’re not allowed to collect wood from inside the national park, but wood is available for purchase at the IGA at Wilpena.

Book your stay

Things to do around wilpena pound resort.

While you’re staying at the Wilpena Pound Resort, there’s plenty of things to do in the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park. From the tours on offer to the walking trails, you don’t have to drive anywhere to see some of the park highlights. 

Check out some of my other guides and posts about the Flinders Ranges:

• Best sunset viewpoints in the Flinders Ranges National Park
• Best things to do in the Southern Flinders Ranges
• A complete guide to the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

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