The Flinders Ranges
The Flinders rangers: remote, rugged and epic. Go just for the camping, with the added bonus of hikes, cycles and a great drive.
We hadn’t heard much about it, didn’t know anyone who had been, but it looked different and not too far off the road to Adelaide.
Verdict: well worth it
Getting there
The Flinders Ranges national park is about 2 hours drive from Port Augusta. This is the nearest town and bets place to stock up on supplies.
The Ranges feel extremely remote and wild however, it’s extremely reassuring to know civilisation really isn’t that far!
Where to stay
We stayed at Wilpena Pound holiday park. This was a great base, with cycling and hiking routes from the campground! The camp sites were not fixed but there was plenty of space to choose a spot you liked! They also had a small store and petrol in case you forgot essentials (or decided to stay longer!)
https://www.discoveryholidayparks.com.au/resorts/wilpena-pound
Day 1: Port Augusta to Warren Gorge
As soon as you set off, you are surrounded by dry, red dirt. A landscape that just keeps on going. It’s so vast and huge you can’t help but be in awe:
First stop: Warren Gorge
Maybe not your typical tourist stop but for climbers, it’s paradise! The climbs were great! Fairly easy grades but easily accessible and from the top you have great views of the surrounding emptiness.
For an extra $10 you can even stay and camp! Unfortunately, we hadn’t planned for this, and after a day climbing we’re covered in dust, so headed to a nearby town holiday park to camp with showers! That said, would love to go back and camp… it was so quiet and remote, with plenty of kangaroos hopping around! This campsite would be worth it even if you’re not into climbing!
Day 2: Drive to Wilpena Pound camp
Even the drive is incredible. This part of Australia gives meaning to the words roadtrip. Without driving you just wouldn’t be able to grasp the size of these ranges.
Follow google maps… make sure you download maps as you will loose signal. That said there really is only one road to follow.
Day 3: Cycling from Wilpena
Incredibly you can cycle directly from the campsite!
The cycle was flat, easily and had amazing views! We just wanted to keep going but the heat ( and knowledge that we had to cycle all the way back) made us turn around!
Day 4: Hiking from Wilpena camp to Wangara lookout
Wangara lookout hike is a fairly easy 7km walk directly from the campsite. The first few km are easy, flat and shaded. The final part is uphill which is tiring in the heat but otherwise not too bad!
It gets HOT. Leave early
Worth it to the top with great views! And even if you don’t make it to the top… you can be plenty happy spotting emu on the hike!
Day 5: The drive
Normally we don’t do a drive to sightsee. We hike, or cycle or anything other than more driving! But this seemed the thing to do and the only way to see some of the “top sights”.
I was converted. The drive was amazing.
Bunyeroo Valley drive
A one way drive from east to west ( or west to east) across the ranges.
Epic views from Razerback lookout.
Make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks as there is nowhere along the way!
Brachina Gorge
Continue through to Brachina gorge.. its crazy to think this dry dirt can filled with water in another season.
Verdict:
It’s far, requires planning to get to, but if you can… make the trip to Flinders Ranges National park!
I know we already want to go back when it is less hot! Plenty more climbing and hiking to explore!
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