Accessible Outback - The Flinders Ranges

The Flinders Ranges offers some of the most beautiful natural scenery in outback

Australia starting just 250km (3 hours drive) north of Adelaide in South Australia. Exploring the area's natural beauty means accessing a diverse landscape with rugged peaks, gorges and creeks. At over 800 million years old, the Flinders Ranges are a mix of quartzite and limestone. 17kms long and 7km wide, the Wilpena Pound forms a massive impression into the ranges. Once a pastoral station, to the Adnyamathanha indigenous people the area has long held a special significance. Whether you want to walk the spectacular St Mary's peak day-return trail, which takes you to the highest point in the Flinders Ranges or whether you want to take it a bit easier, there are walking trails to suit all fitness levels. Wilpena Pound Resort has accommodation as does Rawnsley Park Station, a working sheep station just nearby.

On 620sq kms of rugged peaks, waterholes and gorges, the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is located in the northern Flinders Ranges. Spectacular 360 degree views and heart-racing steep slopes are all included in the renowned Ridge Top 4wd tour. Whether you are campervanning, camping or motoring there is accommodation to suit you at Sanctuary and plenty of 4wd and walking trails to explore. The Flinders Ranges is also home to abundant wildlife and depending on when you visit you could see Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies, Western Grey and Red Kangaroos, Lake Eyre dragons and Echidna. The Wedge-tailed eagles, Australian Ringneck Parrots and Red-capped robins are a few of the great variety of birds in the area plus there are also many varieties of snakes and frogs. The Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary was the location for the recent finding of a brand new species of frog, the first new species found in South Australian since 1965.

There are also many opportunities to soak up and experience the rich pastoral history of the Flinders Ranges. Operating between Port Augusta and Quorn, there are heritage train journeys aboard the Afgan Express, which still uses the original Ghan locomotive or on the famous steam train - the Pichi Richi. The ruins of the homestead on the old Kanyaka sheep station, dating back to 1851, give a real sense of the life of the early pastoralists. To get a sense of life in the outback, both past and present it is worth visiting the towns and particularly the pubs throughout the Flinders Ranges. With delicious quandong pies at Copely's bush bakery, a menu of native fauna at the famous Prairie Hotel in Parachilna and the historic sites along the old Ghan railway - the towns have much to offer travellers.

Whilst the winter months can be very cold in the Flinders Ranges, the best time to visit is still between April and October (late Autumn to mid Spring). After a wet winter, the Spring wild flowers are a truly impressive sight. Summer is usually very hot with temperatures in the 40's (Celsius). With so many magnificent sights on offer, no matter when you visit the region, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to see it all.

If you would like to read additional information regarding the Flinders Ranges, please follow this link: Flinders Ranges

by: ldsparrow

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