Flinders Ranges

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
Razorback Lookout, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.
L. J. LaBarthe, Wikimedia Commons

The Flinders Ranges is a region of profound geological age and striking natural beauty, inviting visitors to explore its ancient landscapes. It features vast natural amphitheatres like Wilpena Pound and deep gorges that reveal millions of years of earth's history. The area is also home to diverse native wildlife and offers opportunities to engage with the rich cultural heritage of the Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners.

Opportunities for social interaction typically occur at central accommodation hubs such as Wilpena Pound Resort and Rawnsley Park Station, which provide various lodging options from camping to luxury villas. Group activities like guided tours, including scenic flights and 4WD adventures, naturally facilitate connections among visitors. Unique outback establishments, like the Prairie Hotel, also serve as gathering spots.

Top 5 Things to do in Flinders Ranges

The Flinders Ranges offers visitors a range of experiences, from aerial perspectives of its unique geological formations and immersive bushwalks through ancient landscapes, to authentic 4WD outback adventures, deep dives into Aboriginal culture, and distinctive regional dining.

1. Explore Wilpena Pound and its Surrounds (Hiking and Walking)

Wilpena Pound, known as Ikara by the Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners, is a vast natural amphitheatre within Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Visitors can explore various walking trails suited to different fitness levels. Popular options include the Hills Homestead Walk (approximately 6.6 km return, easy, 2 hours), leading to a historic homestead and offering views into the Pound. The Wangarra Lookouts walk (7.2 km return for lower lookout, moderate, 3 hours) provides panoramic views of the Pound's interior. For more challenging hikes, Mount Ohlssen Bagge (5.6 km return, hard, 4 hours) and St. Mary Peak (the highest point, requiring a full day) offer strenuous climbs with expansive vistas. These walks allow for close observation of the ancient landscape, unique flora, and native wildlife like kangaroos and emus. It is advisable to carry ample water, wear appropriate footwear, and check for seasonal closures of more strenuous trails during hot summer months.

Cost: Access to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park requires a vehicle entry permit, which costs approximately $13.90 per vehicle for a day pass. Guided walking tours, such as a one-day Wilpena Pound Guided Walk from Rawnsley Park Station, can be booked for approximately $645 per person, which often includes transfers and lunch.

Transport: Wilpena Pound Resort and Visitor Centre, a central hub, is accessible by sealed road. Many trailheads are located near the visitor centre. Self-driving is the primary method of transport. Tours often include transfers from major accommodation hubs like Wilpena Pound Resort or Rawnsley Park Station.

2. Take a Scenic Flight over Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges

A scenic flight provides a unique aerial perspective of Wilpena Pound's immense natural amphitheatre and the rugged, ancient landscape of the wider Flinders Ranges. This activity reveals the scale and geological grandeur that cannot be fully appreciated from the ground. Flights often highlight features such as gorges, mountain ranges, and expansive plains. Operators offer various flight durations, some extending to include distant landmarks like Lake Eyre.

Cost: Flight costs vary by duration and operator. A 20-minute scenic flight over Wilpena Pound typically starts from around $210 per person. Longer flights, such as a 45-minute flight covering Wilpena Pound and gorges, may cost around $335 per person. Helicopter flights are also available, with a 20-minute option over Rawnsley Bluff and Wilpena Pound costing approximately $330 per person.

Transport: Scenic flights typically depart from airstrips at Rawnsley Park Station or near Wilpena Pound. Visitors usually drive to these departure points, or some tour packages may include transfers.

3. Embark on a 4WD Outback Tour

To truly experience the rugged terrain and remote beauty of the Flinders Ranges, a 4WD tour is highly recommended. These tours navigate unsealed tracks and challenging landscapes, often reaching areas inaccessible by conventional vehicles. Tours typically include stops at geological formations, wildlife spotting opportunities, and viewpoints. Some popular tours include the 'Sunset on the Chace' tour from Rawnsley Park Station, offering evening views with refreshments , or exploring the Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges to observe ancient geology and potentially spot yellow-footed rock wallabies.

Cost: Costs for 4WD tours vary. Half-day tours, such as those to Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, cost approximately $220 per person and may include morning tea. The 2-hour 'Sunset on the Chace' tour from Rawnsley Park Station also includes sparkling wine and canapés. Full-day tours will be more expensive and include lunch. Self-driving on designated 4WD tracks requires a suitable vehicle and checking road conditions, which can be unsealed and bumpy.

Transport: These tours generally depart from central accommodation hubs like Rawnsley Park Station or Wilpena Pound Resort and include transportation in a specialized 4WD vehicle.

4. Discover Aboriginal Culture on a Guided Tour

The Flinders Ranges hold immense cultural significance for the Adnyamathanha people, who have inhabited this land for tens of thousands of years. Visitors can join guided tours, often led by Adnyamathanha guides, to learn about their deep connection to the Country, ancient rock art, and traditional stories. The 'Yura Malka Sacred Canyon Tour' offers exclusive access to a site with significant rock engravings, providing insights into the cultural heritage. Tours from Wilpena Pound Resort also explore ancient rock carvings and share knowledge of the landscape and biodiversity from an Aboriginal perspective.

Cost: Cultural tours from Wilpena Pound can range from approximately $45 to $90 per person. The Sacred Canyon tour is accessible only via a guided tour.

Transport: Tours typically depart from Wilpena Pound Resort, which is accessible by sealed road. Transportation for the tour itself is usually included.

5. Experience Outback Dining at the Prairie Hotel

The Prairie Hotel in Parachilna is an iconic outback establishment known for its unique 'Feral Food' menu, which creatively incorporates native and regional produce, including kangaroo, emu, and camel. Beyond its distinctive culinary offerings, the hotel provides an authentic pub atmosphere and is home to South Australia's most remote brewery. It serves as a gathering spot, offering both casual bar dining and a more formal restaurant experience.

Cost: Dining costs vary depending on menu choices. Reservations for lunch and dinner are highly recommended.

Transport: The Prairie Hotel is located in Parachilna, accessible by road. It is a drive from central Flinders Ranges hubs like Wilpena Pound or Rawnsley Park Station (e.g., Wilpena to Parachilna is approximately 1.5-2 hours drive). Self-driving is necessary to reach this location.

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