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The Central Flinders Ranges
There are few regions in Australia which combine ancient
landscapes with ancient aboriginal history like the Flinders
Ranges, just over 200km inland from Adelaide. If
you are looking for the adventure of a lifetime, then look
no further than this remote, diverse and breathtaking
destination. There are plenty of sealed roads for the
campervan traveller, and there is always be a fantastic spot
to set up and enjoy the scenery.
Port Augusta is known as the gateway to the Flinders Ranges.
What is unusual about this city is that the main highways
which enter South Australia from Western Australia, Northern
Territory and New South Wales all meet here, so it really is
a central hub for more reasons that one. It is a perfect
base to enjoy all that the city and surrounds has to offer.
A great attraction for the family is the Wadlata Outback
Centre, offering interactive displays and a thorough history
of the area, perfect for your pre Flinders experience.
Before you leave, visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanic
Gardens, an ideal place to understand more about the
vegetation and animals in this region. It is great for a
relaxing stroll with guided tours available.
North from Port Augusta is Quorn. It is the typical outback
town and it is from here that you can visit Warren Gorge and
the Dutchmans Stern Conservation park. The Pichi Richi
Railway has been protected and is now open to tourists, a
favourite with children. The incredible historical
buildings are quite a contrast to the surrounding outback
landscape, with art galleries and museums adding to the
culture of this town. The Kanyaka Ruins are also worth a
visit just out of town.
There are some walking trails to the south of Quorn which
will take you on a number of walks to Devils Peak. There
are panoramic views of the entire area from here, and you
can often see the Waukarie Falls. Come prepared though, as
you can choose from an eight hour or six hour trek to the
peak and back.
One ‘must see’ town is Hawker, known as the most beautiful
of the Flinders Ranges. You can access the Flinders Ranges
National Park from north from here, so it is ideal as a base
if you would prefer to be close to the shops and
conveniences.
Once you have entered the park, you will discover Wilpena
Pound. This is a tourist destination in itself, with
plentiful wildlife including emus and kangaroos, and an
extensive visitor centre which is worth a visit to learn
more about the area.
Often indescribable, the Flinders Ranges National Park is
simply breathtaking, with incredible mountainous scenery,
vegetation and all types of animal species that will keep
you captivated. There are walks for all fitness levels,
including a walk to Rawnsley Bluff, and another to Wilpena
Lookout. The trek to Ferntree Falls is just as beautiful as
the destination, and if you are quiet enough you will come
across some local wildlife, and hear a chorus of birdlife in
the trees.
Although longer and more challenging, Wilcolo Creek bush
walk, which take five hours, includes amazing scenery and
take you on a circuit that will bring you to face to face
with wildlife, panoramic views, winding creeks and
undiscovered terrain.
For the more adventurous, the Brachina Gorge Geological
Trail has been mapped out to trace the geological history of
the region. These maps can be picked up at the Wilpena
Pound Visitor Centre. The Bunyeroo Gorge is a mild and
enjoyable walk for the family and takes about two hours. If
you take the creek through the Heysen Range you end up at
waterholes and cliff faces that will take your breath away,
and is also a great spot for a relaxing picnic.
This area is also the end of Australia’s longest bushwalking
trail, which covers the beauty of the South Australian
landscape close up. The Heyson Trail begins at Cape Jervis
and ends at Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges, and
visitors come from all over the world to experience this
walk of a lifetime.
What is most impressive about the Flinders Ranges is that it
is so extensive, large and overwhelmingly magnificent. If
you want to escape from the day to day pressures of life,
start making plans to visit a place where time seems to
stand still. It is easily accessible by campervan from
Adelaide, yet you feel as though you are away from all
civilisation. Truly the perfect destination for those who
love the outdoors and the extremes.
Jenny Brewer 2007
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| Related Information |
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Located in the more rugged and spectacular northern Flinders Ranges, this 610sq km multi award-winning Wilderness Sanctuary contains some of Australia's most spectacular mountain views and offers numerous Advanced Ecotourism accredited guided tours.
Copley Caravan Park
Copley is situated in the Northern Flinders Rangers in South Australia, with all facilities to service the travellers in the outback.
Pichi Richi Camel Tours
Situated between Devils Peak and the Dutchman Range escarpment Pichi Richi Camel Tours is set amongst 260 acres of native bush land. In season nature provides a spectacular display of wildflowers. Native fauna abounds undisturbed by the camels.
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