Top 7 Flinders Ranges escapes

The rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges is packed full of hidden escapes, here are our top seven.

ARKAROOLA

(Image Credit: Arkaroola webpage.)

Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is located in the rugged northern Flinders Ranges. With the challenging self-drive Echo Camp Backtrack or the simpler Nooldoonooldoona Waterhole and Track West you’ll have the opportunity to explore Arkaroola at your own pace. 

The spectacular 4wd Ridgetop Tour with its 360-degree view at the pinnacle is undertaken in the back of an open-top 4wd as a guided tour, whilst the Astronomy Tour provides an opportunity to view the outer reaches of our universe from one of the three professionally equipped observatories. 

Arkaroola offers a range of accommodation options to suit everyone including motel rooms, self-contained cottages, caravan or remote bush camping sites.

BENDLEBY RANGES

(Image Credit: Bendleby Ranges webpage.)

When two neighbouring properties decided to combine their backyards, they created 15,000ha of striking countryside built for adventure. Offering challenging 4WD tracks, cardio-sapping mountain bike trails and scenic bushwalks, this destination has it all. From what I’ve seen on YouTube, the panoramic views from atop a couple of the mountain ranges are just mind-blowing, especially if you’re there for a sunrise or sunset. 

There is a range of accommodation options perfectly suited to those who love camping, whether it be in the main campsite or remote bush campsites or those who prefer a little more comfort either in the shearer’s quarters or one of the renovated cottages.

WILPENA POUND

(Image Credit: Wilpena Pound Resort webpage.)

Wilpena Pound is the pinnacle of the Flinders; this natural amphitheatre is popular with walkers with the hike to St Mary Peak the most challenging. There are also a number of short and easier walks around The Pound. You can even enjoy a scenic flight and truly appreciate the grandeur of Wilpena Pound from the air. You can also join an Aboriginal cultural tour or tackle a section of the Mawson Trail on a mountain bike.

Accommodation options include motel rooms, safari tents, powered sites and unpowered bush campsites.

WILLOW SPRINGS

(Image Credit: Skytrek Willow Springs webpage.)

One of the most popular and thrilling drives is Skytrek at Willow Springs Station. This six-hour self-drive of extreme beauty takes you through rugged valleys, across grandiose river Red Gum lined creek beds climaxing at Upalinna Lookout that offers spectacular views of the Chase Range, Bunkers Range and Wilpena Pound. You can also join a guided tour with an approved tour operator. 

There’s a wide range of accommodation options at Willow Springs from self-contained huts, shearers quarters to secluded bush campsites.

MOUNT REMARKABLE NATIONAL PARK

(Image: Alligator Gorge.)

Situated near Wilmington in the southern Flinders Ranges, Mount Remarkable National Park is popular with bushwalkers, offering everything from the long-distance Heysen Trail to the more relaxed walks at Alligator Gorge and Mambray Creek. The Willowie Forest has several mountain biking trails of varying lengths that while rated as easy, are still great adventures. 

Bush camping is available at Mambray Creek and Baroota Ruins or at caravan parks located in the nearby towns of Wilmington or Melrose.

PRAIRIE HOTEL

(Image Credit: Prairie Hotel webpage.)

The Prairie Hotel at Paranchilla not only provides funky accommodation options, but the restaurant is famous for its roadkill menu. The ‘FMG’ (Feral Mixed Grill) of kangaroo fillet, emu fillet mignon, camel sausage, roast potato and red wine has just been listed in the Top 100 Gourmet Experiences in Australia.

Accommodation options are from a range of lodge packages that include a tour of a significant fossil site on Nilpena Station.

WARRAWEENA CONSERVATION PARK

Situated in the centre of the northern Flinders Ranges, this small conservation park punches well above its size with a range of 4WD, mountain bike and walking trails. Your 4WD will need high clearance and low range capabilities as the tracks are rough and rugged, including stony creek beds, jump-ups and up steep inclines where you are rewarded with panoramic views across the ranges. 

Accommodation choices include bush camping, shearer’s quarter, bush huts or the Homestead.