Flinders Ranges (4 day-self drive)
Day 1
|
Things to do:
Lunch:
Accommodation:
Dinner:
|
Pick up your hire car and head north along the Northern Expressway towards Clare Valley.
Arrive in the beautiful Clare Valley and explore some of the dozens of cellar doors in the region. Many wineries serve food so enjoy a late lunch and sample the local produce with a regional platter.
The area is famous for its Riesling so spend the afternoon walking or cycling the appropriately named Riesling Trail which links towns and wineries together.
Adelaide to Clare 143km (2 hours) |
Day 2
|
Continue north to the Flinders Ranges and you’ll notice the landscape changing around you and the soil becoming redder. Stop at the Yourambulla Caves (before Hawker) to view Aboriginal paintings and etchings.
Check in to your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring the Flinders Ranges.
For the active, try one of the walking/hiking trails around or into Wilpena Pound. Trails are all ability levels and maps are available from the Wilpena Pound Visitor Information Centre.
Learn about early pastoral life at the historic Old Wilpena Station. Well-preserved, Old Wilpena Station provides an insight into times gone by and the hardships faced by settlers in the area.
This evening, why not try a Sunset Tour as the sun sets (approx 2 hours with beverages and canapés provided)
Clare to Wilpena Pound 293km (3 hours 30 minutes) |
Things to do:
Lunch:
Dinner:
Accommodation:
|
Day 3
|
Things to do:
Lunch:
Dinner:
|
This morning view the beauty of Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre and at the heart of the Flinders. The best way to take it all in is from the air. Rawnsley Park Station and Wilpena Pound Resort both organise scenic flights upwards of 20minutes (must be pre-booked). Scenic flights are also a great way to view the geology and rock formations of the area.
Drive the Moralana Scenic Drive (south of Rawnsley Park Station, between Wilpena & Barndioota Roads) for some breath-taking views of the edge of Wilpena Pound. Continue up to Parachilna (the population is in single digits!) and if you’re there at lunch time sample some ‘feral food’ at the Prairie Hotel.
Drive across to Blinman and pop into the pub for a true outback experience. Whilst in Blinman visit the ruins of the old Blinman mine, copper was found in the area back in 1859 and the population boomed. Head on down to Brachina Gorge and Bunyeroo Gorge, possibly spotting a yellow footed rock wallaby along the way. Wilpena Pound to Parachilna 144km (1 hour 30 minutes) Parachilna to Blinman 31km (1 hour 15 minutes) Blinman to Wilpena Pound 64km (1 hour) |
Day 4
|
Today begin the drive back to Adelaide and on the way stop off at the historic Flinders towns of Hawker and Quorn. Both were once thriving railway towns and Quorn is still home to the Pichi Richi Railway which operates steam journeys. If you have the time, go on a Camel tour with Pichi Richi Camel Tours.
Travel through the charming southern Flinders town of Melrose, the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges and nestled at the foot of Mt Remarkable National Park. For something a little quirky stay overnight in one of their funky trucks!
Lunch at the Old Stone Hut Bakery is a must, followed by Golden North Ice Cream in Laura before heading back into Adelaide.
Wilpena Pound to Adelaide 459km (5 hours 15 minutes) Wilpena Pound to Hawker 55km (40 minutes) Hawker to Quorn 66km (55 minutes) Quorn to Adelaide 326km (4 hours 20 minutes) |
Things to do:
Lunch:
|
Contact the Australian Holiday Centre to book your travel via email
or free call within Australia on 1300 799 342 or from outside Australia +61 8 8221 5044
Images: South Australian Tourism Commission