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, with providing commanding views from the summit. 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.
A walking holiday is the ideal way to experience the region. 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 see fine examples of rock painting sites.
There is also a gentler side of the Flinders. The floor of Wilpena Pound is flat, making it a delightfully easy way to finish a day’s walking! In other valleys, native cypress pines cover gently rounded hills and meandering streams are studded with majestic river red gums. 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.
With two guides looking after you, we can offer a choice of easier or harder walking options along the way.
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Location
Starts and finishes in Adelaide.Accommodation
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.
