Touring the Flinders Ranges
Walking trails | 4WD tracks | Mountain bike hire | Cultural tours
For years the Flinders Ranges have drawn visitors from far and wide. The appeal is the unique beauty of this landscape with its indigenous history, ancient geological formations, rich colours and textures, open spaces, clear air and abundant wildlife. The Flinders Ranges are home to nearly half of South Australia’s 3100 plant species, more than 120 bird, 86 reptile and 20 mammal species. The vibrant colours of the 800 million-year-old quartzite and limestone outcrop that is the Flinders are truly spectacular.
At the heart of all this is Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre 17km long and 7km wide shaped by the weathering and uplifting of land over time. Ikara, as the local Adnyamathana people call it, is a significant place of many sacred Aboriginal rituals, and their Dreamtime stories tell of its creation by huge serpents. From the rich indigenous history to the stories of the first European farmers to the region, this place has a diverse and fascinating history of human interaction with the landscape.
Visitors to Wilpena Pound Resort and Campground have access to many tours and activities to explore the extraordinary landscape. From scenic flights, walking trails, 4WD tours, mountain bike hire and cultural tours, there are plenty of ways to explore the region.
Walking is one of the most popular activities in the Flinders Ranges and there are many trails allowing for varying levels of fitness and experience. These range from the leisurely hour-long Drought Busters Trail highlighting native plants to full-day return walks to St. Mary Peak, the highest point in the Flinders, or Edeowie Gorge and Glenora Falls. The famous Heysen Trail stretching from Parachilna to Cape Jervis, south of Adelaide, also passes through this region.
Pick up a Flinders Ranges bushwalking map and trail brochure at the Visitor Information Centre or ask about one of our guided tours.
Old Wilpena Homestead
(Duration: 2 hours - Walking distance: 3 kms - easy)
Nestled between the ABC Range and the northern ramparts of Wilpena Pound is Old Wilpena Station, one of South Australia’s oldest and best preserved pastoral settlements. Walk along Wilpena Creek past magnificent stands of river red gums with stunning views of the Pound wall in the distance. As you pass through the station gate you’ll step back 150 years to the early days of pastoral runs.
Explore a world of improvisation, dogged with self-sufficiency and a powerful instinct for survival. Learn how the land changed with European settlement and how present-day pastoralists and park managers are dealing with those changes. Enjoy a cuppa and cake on the verandah of the old Homestead or “Government House” as the early homesteads were known.
$35.00 p/p (minimum of 2 people)
Champagne and Shadows
(Duration: Approx 2 hours - Walking distance 1.5kms - easy)
A leisurely afternoon walk to Old Wilpena Station provides the best there is to see at this outstanding heritage-listed site. Described in 1856 as “the prettiest place in the Far North”, Old Wilpena Station will not disappoint. Follow the Interpretive trail with your guide and explore the evocative interiors of the outbuildings, among the oldest and best preserved of their type in South Australia.
Be silenced by the extraordinary beauty of the great river red gums backlit by the receding sun. As the evening approaches, gather near the Homestead and enjoy the magical last light of the day with a glass of bubbly and nibbles. A memorable afternoon walk to one of South Australia’s most charming heritage places.
$50.00 p/p (minimum of 2 people)
Remarkable Reds
(Duration: Approx 2 hours - Walking Distance: 2 kms - easy)
Red is the signature colour of inland Australia. Red sand, red soil and red rocks define more than half of the Australian continent. Join your guide for an exploration of the Flinders Ranges reds - red gums, red kangaroos, red sandstones and red sunsets. Marvel at the majestic red gums and discover why these giants are icons of the inland. As you watch them grazing in the late afternoon light, learn about the different species of kangaroos in the Wilpena area.
Ponder the awesome geological history of the region as you watch the walls of Wilpena Pound change colour, warmed by the dying sun. Over a glass of South Australian red, enjoy the special charm of a Flinders sunset as it reduces the Pound wall to an exquisite silhouette.
$50.00 p/p (minimum of 2 people)
Guided Walk into Wilpena Pound
(Duration: Approx 2 hours - Walking distance: 2.5kms return - easy)
A leisurely walk along Wilpena Creek into Wilpena Pound and on to the Old Hills Homestead where you can learn about the hardships the Hills family had to face at the turn of the century. There is an optional hike up to Wangarra Hill lookout offering panoramic views of Wilpena Pound. Be silenced by the extraordinary beauty of the great river red gums as you nibble on cake and coffee by the Old Homestead.
$35 p/p (minimum of 2 people)
Much of the Flinders can be accessed by road. Brachina Gorge is one of the most popular and spectacular destinations for visitors; its exposed rock walls have evidence of the evolution of this area over thousands of years and is today shelter to the rare and endangered yellow-footed rock wallaby. There are several vantage points offering views over the Flinders, such as Huck’s Lookout that has an excellent view of Wilpena Pound, and Stokes Hill Lookout that offers a spectacular panorama of the surrounding ranges.
4WD tours depart daily from the resort. These include your guide and morning or afternoon tea.
Mountain Tops Spectacular
An exciting morning tour that takes you on a journey through the magnificent scenery of Arkaba Station where you will see and traverse mountain ranges affording magnificent views of Wilpena Pound and the Elder Ranges. This is truly a great 4WD experience not to be missed.
$135 per adult
$100 per child (13 yrs and less)
Corridors through time
This afternoon tour takes you on a geological journey through the Flinders Ranges National Park. You will enjoy the beauty of Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges and the Aroona Valley, see views that have inspired artists such as Sir Hans Heysen and observe the wildlife in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the rare yellow-footed rock wallaby.
$135 per adult
$100 per child (13 yrs and less)
An alternative option if you have your own 4WD is to book to tag along with either tour and drive yourself for just $55 per vehicle.
Several trails around the resort are suitable for cycling. Mountain bikes are available for hire from the Visitor’s Centre on a full- or half-day basis. You could ride part of the famous Mawson Trail, which runs from Adelaide to Blinman passing behind the resort campground, or ride to Old Wilpena Station before taking the self-guided walking trail around the old buildings.
½ Day Adnyamathanha Rock Art Tour
(Duration: 3.5 hours)
Morning tour operated by Bookabee Tours.
Experience an Adnyamathanha Cultural interpretation by a local Adnyamathanha guide including:
Cost: $135.00 per adult / $100.00 per child
½ day Culture and Wildlife Tour
(Duration: 3.5 hours)
Afternoon tour operated by Bookabee Tours.
Experience an Adnyamathanha Cultural interpretation by a local Adnyamathanha guide including
Cost: $135.00 per adult / $100.00 per child
To pre-book a tour or activity before you arrive, please complete
the tour booking form.
View information about scenic flights
For years the Flinders Ranges have drawn visitors from far and wide. The appeal is the unique beauty of this landscape with its indigenous history, ancient geological formations, rich colours and textures, open spaces, clear air and abundant wildlife. The Flinders Ranges are home to nearly half of South Australia’s 3100 plant species, more than 120 bird, 86 reptile and 20 mammal species. The vibrant colours of the 800 million-year-old quartzite and limestone outcrop that is the Flinders are truly spectacular. At the heart of all this is Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre 17km long and 7km wide shaped by the weathering and uplifting of land over time. Ikara, as the local Adnyamathana people call it, is a significant place of many sacred Aboriginal rituals, and their Dreamtime stories tell of its creation by huge serpents. From the rich indigenous history to the stories of the first European farmers to the region, this place has a diverse and fascinating history of human interaction with the landscape.
Visitors to Wilpena Pound Resort and Campground have access to many tours and activities to explore the extraordinary landscape. From scenic flights, walking trails, 4WD tours, mountain bike hire and cultural tours, there are plenty of ways to explore the region.
Walking trails
Walking is one of the most popular activities in the Flinders Ranges and there are many trails allowing for varying levels of fitness and experience. These range from the leisurely hour-long Drought Busters Trail highlighting native plants to full-day return walks to St. Mary Peak, the highest point in the Flinders, or Edeowie Gorge and Glenora Falls. The famous Heysen Trail stretching from Parachilna to Cape Jervis, south of Adelaide, also passes through this region.Pick up a Flinders Ranges bushwalking map and trail brochure at the Visitor Information Centre or ask about one of our guided tours.
Old Wilpena Homestead(Duration: 2 hours - Walking distance: 3 kms - easy)
Nestled between the ABC Range and the northern ramparts of Wilpena Pound is Old Wilpena Station, one of South Australia’s oldest and best preserved pastoral settlements. Walk along Wilpena Creek past magnificent stands of river red gums with stunning views of the Pound wall in the distance. As you pass through the station gate you’ll step back 150 years to the early days of pastoral runs.
Explore a world of improvisation, dogged with self-sufficiency and a powerful instinct for survival. Learn how the land changed with European settlement and how present-day pastoralists and park managers are dealing with those changes. Enjoy a cuppa and cake on the verandah of the old Homestead or “Government House” as the early homesteads were known.
$35.00 p/p (minimum of 2 people)
Champagne and Shadows
(Duration: Approx 2 hours - Walking distance 1.5kms - easy)
A leisurely afternoon walk to Old Wilpena Station provides the best there is to see at this outstanding heritage-listed site. Described in 1856 as “the prettiest place in the Far North”, Old Wilpena Station will not disappoint. Follow the Interpretive trail with your guide and explore the evocative interiors of the outbuildings, among the oldest and best preserved of their type in South Australia.
Be silenced by the extraordinary beauty of the great river red gums backlit by the receding sun. As the evening approaches, gather near the Homestead and enjoy the magical last light of the day with a glass of bubbly and nibbles. A memorable afternoon walk to one of South Australia’s most charming heritage places.
$50.00 p/p (minimum of 2 people)
Remarkable Reds(Duration: Approx 2 hours - Walking Distance: 2 kms - easy)
Red is the signature colour of inland Australia. Red sand, red soil and red rocks define more than half of the Australian continent. Join your guide for an exploration of the Flinders Ranges reds - red gums, red kangaroos, red sandstones and red sunsets. Marvel at the majestic red gums and discover why these giants are icons of the inland. As you watch them grazing in the late afternoon light, learn about the different species of kangaroos in the Wilpena area.
Ponder the awesome geological history of the region as you watch the walls of Wilpena Pound change colour, warmed by the dying sun. Over a glass of South Australian red, enjoy the special charm of a Flinders sunset as it reduces the Pound wall to an exquisite silhouette.
$50.00 p/p (minimum of 2 people)
Guided Walk into Wilpena Pound(Duration: Approx 2 hours - Walking distance: 2.5kms return - easy)
A leisurely walk along Wilpena Creek into Wilpena Pound and on to the Old Hills Homestead where you can learn about the hardships the Hills family had to face at the turn of the century. There is an optional hike up to Wangarra Hill lookout offering panoramic views of Wilpena Pound. Be silenced by the extraordinary beauty of the great river red gums as you nibble on cake and coffee by the Old Homestead.
$35 p/p (minimum of 2 people)
4WD tracks
Much of the Flinders can be accessed by road. Brachina Gorge is one of the most popular and spectacular destinations for visitors; its exposed rock walls have evidence of the evolution of this area over thousands of years and is today shelter to the rare and endangered yellow-footed rock wallaby. There are several vantage points offering views over the Flinders, such as Huck’s Lookout that has an excellent view of Wilpena Pound, and Stokes Hill Lookout that offers a spectacular panorama of the surrounding ranges.4WD tours depart daily from the resort. These include your guide and morning or afternoon tea.
Mountain Tops Spectacular
An exciting morning tour that takes you on a journey through the magnificent scenery of Arkaba Station where you will see and traverse mountain ranges affording magnificent views of Wilpena Pound and the Elder Ranges. This is truly a great 4WD experience not to be missed.
$135 per adult
$100 per child (13 yrs and less)
Corridors through time
This afternoon tour takes you on a geological journey through the Flinders Ranges National Park. You will enjoy the beauty of Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges and the Aroona Valley, see views that have inspired artists such as Sir Hans Heysen and observe the wildlife in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the rare yellow-footed rock wallaby.
$135 per adult
$100 per child (13 yrs and less)
An alternative option if you have your own 4WD is to book to tag along with either tour and drive yourself for just $55 per vehicle.
Mountain bike hire
Several trails around the resort are suitable for cycling. Mountain bikes are available for hire from the Visitor’s Centre on a full- or half-day basis. You could ride part of the famous Mawson Trail, which runs from Adelaide to Blinman passing behind the resort campground, or ride to Old Wilpena Station before taking the self-guided walking trail around the old buildings. Cultural tours
½ Day Adnyamathanha Rock Art Tour(Duration: 3.5 hours)
Morning tour operated by Bookabee Tours.
Experience an Adnyamathanha Cultural interpretation by a local Adnyamathanha guide including:
- Adnyamathanha social history session
- Visits Arkaroo Rock including sharing of the creation story associated with the painting site.
- Cultural interpretation of signage at the commencement of the Arkaroo Rock walk
- 1.5 hour bush walk with interpretation of plants and animals en route
- Includes morning tea
Cost: $135.00 per adult / $100.00 per child
½ day Culture and Wildlife Tour
(Duration: 3.5 hours)
Afternoon tour operated by Bookabee Tours.
Experience an Adnyamathanha Cultural interpretation by a local Adnyamathanha guide including
- Adnyamathanha social history session
- Adnyamathanha interpretation of plants and animals en route
- Tour to Stokes Hill Lookout including orientation of region from lookout
- Visit Adnyamathanha Rock Art site, includes cultural interpretation by Adnyamathanha guide
- Journey along Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges
- Includes sharing of creation stories relevant to the region and afternoon tea
Cost: $135.00 per adult / $100.00 per child
To pre-book a tour or activity before you arrive, please complete
the tour booking form.
View information about scenic flights
