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The Flinders Ranges have some of Australia's most beautiful and dramatic landscapes, with rugged mountains, rocky gorges, Aboriginal historic sites, old ruins, and abundant wildlife. Below are some of the amazing places we explored on our Flinders Ranges Road trip.
Flinders Ranges Road Trip
We begin our road trip from Melrose, the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges. It has several cafes, country pubs, and interesting historical buildings, including the Jacka Brewery, where you can get coffee, beer, wine, and local produce.
You can hike through the Narrows at Alligator Gorge in the Mt Remarkable National Park. This 2-kilometre circuit has stunning views of the coloured cliffs, especially through the Narrows section and the chance to see kangaroos and other wildlife.
Quorn
Quorn is a charming historic town home to the Pichi Richi Steam Train. There is an interesting walking trail around town with the history of the old buildings, and every night they project a free light show on the town silos with local history and visitor information.
Death Rock & Kanyaka Waterhole
A short walk from the highway, you can explore Death Rock, a 7-metre-high quartzite rock formation on the edge of the Kanyaka Waterhole. This area holds great significance to the Adnyamathanha people.
Wander around and see the ruins of the Kanyaka Station; it was once one of the area's largest sheep and cattle stations, employing more than 70 families. Unfortunately, it had to be abandoned in 1888 due to ongoing drought, intense heat, and lack of water.
A 3-kilometre, moderate return hike will take you to Arkaroo Rock, where you can view Aboriginal rock paintings that are thought to be over 5,000 years old. This area holds great significance to the Adnyamathanha people of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges area.
Rawnsley Lookout
Along the highway to Wilpena Pound, you will see the Rawnsley Lookout. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of Rawnsley Bluff, The Wilpena Pound Wall, and the Chace Range. There is also plenty of parking for caravans and large vehicles.
Wilpena Pound
The Wilpena Pound Resort is a great base to explore the Flinders Ranges; it has a variety of accommodations, from motel rooms to bush camping. It also has a visitor information centre, small supermarket, fuel, cafe, bar and restaurant.
The 6.6-kilometre walk to Hills Homestead is one of the most popular walks from Wilpena Pound. The walk is reasonably flat, and you will wander past the waterhole and sliding rock before reaching the homestead.
Wangara Lookout
From Hills Homestead, a short, steep 300-metre walk will bring you to the first lookout, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Wilpena Pound. There is another lookout 300 metres further up.
Wilpena Station was a working station for 135 years and is now the most complete group of early station buildings in South Australia. Wander around the homestead, blacksmith shop, store and stables and learn about the pastoral history of this area.
Oraparinna Creek
The lovely Oraparinna Creek is a relaxing, tranquil area. It is lined with tall, majestic river-red gums and features stunning coloured cliff faces. You will find it near the National Park camping area near the Dingley Dell Campground.
Blinman
Blinman is an isolated historic copper mining town surrounded by wonderful rugged countryside. The town has a hotel with a small caravan park, a great cafe, and the mine tour office. With the key from the mine office, you can view the pug and pine old miners' cottage.
Blinman Mine
During the one-hour tour of the Blinman Mine, you will wander through tunnels that the Cornish Miners worked in 1862. The tour guide will share stories about the site and the history of Blinman. There is also a walk around the outside of the mine.
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