flinders ranges
wilpena pound, alligator gorge and more
highlights
Rawnsley Bluff
What strikes you most about the Flinders Ranges is the amazing geology of the place, an ancient landscape that once stood taller than the Himalayas. Dutchmans Stern juts dramatically from the surrounding plains, the summit providing expansive views over the range country beyond. The rock walls in narrow Hidden Gorge have been weathered to a striking red-orange colour. Walk through Bunyeroo Gorge, one of many gorges carved through the mountain ranges. Majestic ramparts such as Rawnsley Bluff surely inspired great artists such as Sir Hans Heysen, after whom the long distance Heysen Trail is named.
 Hike to the rim of Wilpena Pound, a huge natural amphitheatre that resembles stock enclosures used by early pastoralists. Prior to white settlement, the indigenous people hunted here and the place holds tremendous cultural significance to them. The Aboriginal word Wilpena means “cupped hand” and you’ll learn the creation story that explains this unique geological feature and also see fine examples of rock painting sites. The best bit is that the floor of the pound is flat, making it a delightfully easy way to finish the day’s walking!
There is also a gentler side of the Flinders. In the valleys, native cypress pines cover gently rounded hills and meandering streams are studded with majestic river red gums. And nestled amongst the magnificent Elder, Heysen, ABC and Chace Ranges, our base at Rawnsley Park is an idyllic place to relax, enjoy a campfire and admire the sunsets.
Bunyeroo Gorge with delightful river red gums
location
Starts and finishes in Adelaide.
travel
Air conditioned mini bus. Total travel distance about 1200km.
grading
You should be in reasonable shape, but there’s certainly no need to be a triathlete! On some days we’ll do a full day walk and on other days there may be several shorter walks. Our full day walks generally involve 5-7 hours on the track at a moderate pace, though this might be broken into two or three separate sections. We have designed this itinerary so that there will be shorter options offered each day or you will have the chance to pull out part way along. So, most people should find options that suit their fitness level.
The Flinders Ranges has a mixture of walking including rough rocky tracks and easy walking. There are two guides on this trip so we can offer an easier and harder option each day. People seeking challenging hiking will not be disappointed as there are rugged peaks to climb and remote gorges to explore.
Climbing South Australia's highest mountain - St Mary's Peak
accommodation
We want you to enjoy every aspect of our walking holidays. So, in addition to finding great walks, we have also made an effort to find interesting and comfortable accommodation for you. In Melrose (southern Flinders Ranges) you'll spend two nights in the historic Star Hotel. There are hotel style rooms as well as a couple of converted trucks that are an experience in itself! For the remaining five nights we'll base ourselves at Rawnsley Park, near Wilpena Pound. At this outback accommodation we'll stay in studio style motel rooms and enjoy campfires and star gazing at night.
Outback accommodation at Rawnsley Park
regional wine & food
You'll enjoy dining at the Woolshed Restaurant, pictured above - they also have an exclusive range of boutique wines to try.
what's included
7 nights accommodation, most meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners), 2 guides, all transport from Adelaide, entry to Old Wilpena Station, National Park fees, information booklets, insulated lunch bag, map case, notes, maps.
not included
Alcohol, meals not listed in itinerary.
Remote gorges are a major feature
departure dates
Please see our Departure Dates section of the website
prices
Please see our Prices section of the website
itinerary guide - 8 days
(includes 7 nights accommodation)
 Day 1: Departs Adelaide airport at 9.00am. Travel to Melrose in the southern Flinders Ranges. Afternoon walk to explore Alligator Gorge and the Terraces (pictured left).
Meals included today: Dinner
Day 2: Today there's a full day hike in remote Hidden Gorge in the Mt Remarkable National Park.
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 3: Heading further north, we hike in the Dutchman's Stern section of the Flinders Ranges. This circuit walk includes an outstanding variety of flora and panoramic views from the summit area. A late afternoon visit to Yourambulla Caves includes a walk to see several Aboriginal art sites. Finish the day with a short drive to Rawnsnley Park where we'll settle in for five nights.
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4: Hike over Black Gap into Wilpena Pound on the Heysen Trail. There's an optional side trip to Wangara Lookout. Kangaroos abound today. Evening sunset viewing walk back at Rawnsley Park.
Meals included today: Breakfast & lunch
The Terraces at Alligator Gorge
Day 5: Explore remote Bunyeroo Gorge before hiking another section of the Heysen Trail, heading south towards Wilpena Pound.
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6:
Hike to the summit of Rawnsley Bluff and be treated to a birdseye view over Wilpena Pound. An easier option will include a walk to see more Aboriginal art and a visit to historic Old Wilpena Station where there are numerous buildings and relics to explore at a leisurely pace. Late afternoon we'll all walk to a small hill and watch the sun set whilst sipping champagne.
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7:
A challenging option today of climbing the highest mountain in the Flinders Ranges - St Mary's Peak. As always, an easier option will be available.
Meals included today: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Sturt's desert pea
Day 8: Today we travel back to Adelaide via the historic settlement of Burra. We should arrive in Adelaide by around 5.00pm.
fact sheet
Would you like more detailed information about this trip?
Download our Flinders Ranges Group Guided Walking Holiday Fact Sheet. It contains a detailed itinerary with walking times and distances and more information on accommodations including photos of places you will stay at.
Note: If you are having trouble opening this Fact Sheet, please click on the link to download the latest version of Adobe Reader.
prices
See the prices section
how to book
See the booking section
Choose another guided holiday destination
Return to Auswalk's HOME PAGE
Auswalk Pty Ltd |
4 Red Gum Lease Track |
Halls Gap Victoria 3381 | Australia
Phone +61 (0)3 5356 4971 |
Fax +61 (0)3 5356 4970 | Email info@auswalk.com.au |
