Learn more about the Flinders Ranges. Step back in time in a beautifully rugged, 540 million year old landscape. Learn more and plan your trip today.
A world far removed
A few days in this beautifully rugged, 540 million-year-old landscape will stay with you forever and change the way you look at the world. Feel like you're part of nature with emus and kangaroos passing by your campsite. Experience the peace and darkness of night in the bush.
The jewel in the crown is Wilpena Pound - a natural amphitheatre that spans about 100 kilometres, surrounded by ancient mountain ranges. The landscape was perfectly summed up by artist Hans Heysen: “The bones of the earth laid bare”.
Memories of the rugged land will stay for you forever. At Rawnsley Park Station, Prairie Hotel and Wilpena Pound Resort, watch the sun change colour as it bakes the earth.
BUSH TUCKER AND BOUTIQUE WINES
Ever eaten an emu egg omelette or kangaroo tail soup? A dessert of warm Quandong (wild peach) pie with fresh cream? When you pull up at the Prairie Hotel in Parachilna, you’ll find a top-notch menu. It’s thanks to the chefs who combine
bush tucker with European and Asian style cuisine.
The Southern Flinders has a handful of wineries establishing themselves in the rich soil. Several have won medals for their reds and whites. It’s well worth slipping off the main road for a taste of something new. Bundaleer Wines is one of the largest producers in the Southern Flinders Ranges and its cellar door is at the North Star Hotel in Melrose. Remarkable View Wines is another well known producer of Shiraz and Sangiovese.
Sip on local wines and snack on bush-tucker dishes with views over the stunning Flinders Ranges.
WILDLIFE AND NATURE ABOUNDS
See rare
native animals, hundreds of bird species, rugged mountains, towering granite peaks and ancient gorges, all in the Flinders Ranges. Discover Bunyeroo Gorge’s ancient seabed, brilliant Brachina Gorge and the yellow-footed rock wallabies in Warren Gorge, The Heysen Trail meanders through the rugged Mount Remarkable National Park and past the spectacular Alligator Gorge.
The must-see Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is in the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park and not far from the historic Dog Fence. To the south, you’ll find an incredible Aboriginal rock art gallery in Chambers Gorge. Another reason to visit the Innamincka Regional Reserve is to see Australia’s largest billabong, the Cullyamurra Waterhole. Like the Blinman Pools in the Flinders Ranges, the wildlife and birdlife here is remarkable.
See rare native animals, hundreds of birds, towering ranges and ancient gorges all in the Flinders Ranges.
Over Eyre and underground
The Lake Eyre Basin National Park includes iconic Lake Eyre. It draws thousands of people to its shores when it fills with water, which is a rare occurrence. The regeneration of the countryside is extraordinary. When empty, the lake is a giant salt pan with white crystals reflecting the sunlight.
Discover the underground town of Coober Pedy, which from the surface looks like a lunar landscape. As the opal capital of Australia, noodling for the precious gems is a must-do when visiting this unique outback town. Or play a round of golf on the grassless course, which is the only one in the world to have reciprocal rights with St Andrews in Scotland.
Take a scenic flight over The Breakaways near Coober Pedy for a truly breathtaking experience.
Roads well travelled
Driving is the best way to get around the Flinders Ranges and outback. You can also catch a plane, train or coach to reach this spectacular part of Australia. If you like, a tour operator can plan day trips for you. Followed the
Explorer's Way road trip, which ventures into the heart of the outback. It will take you from Adelaide, through South Australia's far north, all the way to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.
Self-drive through the Flinders Ranges is easy by following the Explorer's Way road trip.
A cyclist's dream
The Flinders Ranges by Bike route uses parts of the Mawson Trail. It weaves its way from Wilpena Pound to Blinman. Allow four days to complete the whole circuit as it's about 200 kilometres long. At the foot of Mount Remarkable National Park, Melrose is the perfect base to easily explore the region with cycling trails accessible from the town centre.
nOW START PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY
If you're
driving from Adelaide, there are several ways to get to the Flinders Ranges. The most direct route is via Highway 1 (A1) to Port Augusta (about 300 kilometres). Melrose, 275 kilometres from Adelaide, is the gateway to the Flinders Ranges.
Explorer's Way road trip, which ventures into the heart of the outback. It will take you from Adelaide, through South Australia's far north, all the way to Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Download
brochures and maps before you travel.
You don’t need a four-wheel drive (4WD) to see the Flinders Ranges but it’s worth thoroughly checking your route before you leave. You can hire a four-wheel drive in Adelaide or Port Augusta. Read through the
outback driving safety tips before heading off. You could also
join a tour and allow the locals to show you around.
The Ghan train service travels through Port Augusta, on its way to Darwin. Check with
Great Southern Rail for current timetables. There are also daily coach services from Adelaide to Port Augusta and flights to Port Augusta, Whyalla and Coober Pedy.
The Visitor Information Centres located at Coober Pedy, Quorn, Hawker, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Roxby Downs Wilpena Pound and Woomera are open seven days a week. Book your outback accommodation or enjoy a station stay for an authentic farming experience.
Check out the Flinders Ranges Visitor Information Centre website for more information.