A guide will accompany you each day as you walk in different parts of the Flinders Ranges. On some of the more more challenging walks two guides will accompany the group, to offer mores options.
Some of the walks include steep, rocky and challenging sections; but, with a moderate level of fitness, each walk is enjoyable! We highly recommend that you do some training beforehand.
Each day we will drive to different parts of the Flinders Ranges to start our walk. Some walks are circuit walks and others are in one direction. You are always welcome to take a day off walking. We will try to help you find suitable alternative activities if you desire.
The itinerary may alter depending on local conditions and weather.
Day 1: Adelaide to Quorn + Alligator Gorge walk
2 km
With an 8am pick up in central Adelaide, we’ll head north to the very start of the Flinders Ranges.
Our first stop is Crystal Brook for morning tea then on to Mt. Remarkable National Park via Melrose, where we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch we’ll head out to the beautiful Alligator Gorge for a short easy walk through the vivid red quartzite gorge.
Note, as we walk on the first afternoon, please wear your hiking clothes on the bus and bring your day pack ready to go.
Day 2: Dutchman's Stern
10.5 km
After breakfast we make our way north to our walk at Dutchman’s Stern, near Quorn.
The walk today is a steep but steady incline through sugar gum forest to the top, where you will be rewarded with 360° views over the sweeping plains, Quorn and Lake Torrens in the distance. The path then makes its way through drooping she-oak woodlands back down towards the start of the walk. Along the way we cross paths with the famous long-distance Heysen Trail.
After our walk we head to Quorn, an old railway town, to have a quick wonder around and stock up on anything extra you may need. From here we make our way in to the heart of the Flinders Ranges.
Tonight we will be able to really make ourselves feel at home at our accommodation, Wilpena Pound Resort, as we will be staying for 5 nights.
Day 3: Black Gap to Wilpena Pound
12 km
This morning we will drive to Black Gap to commence our walk towards Bridle Gap and the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound, following a part of the Heysen Trail.
The walk up to Bridle Gap can be quite steep and rocky in sections, but the views at the top are worth it. From Bridle Gap it’s a gentle walk down in to the valley floor of Wilpena Pound through a variety of mallee, native pine and heath. These habitats provide excellent opportunities for keen naturalists to observe interesting local birds, including wrens, robins parrots and emus.
Day 4: Yuluna Hike
8 km
Enjoy the views along the Aroona Valley Scenic Drive as we make our way toward today’s walks. The 8km Yuluna Hike begins with a bit of a climb, offering fabulous views of the Heysen Range and the outer edge of Wilpena Pound.
In the afternoon we drive through Brachina gorge, and take an easy stroll to check out rock layers and rock wallabies!
Day 5: Tanderra Saddle (St Mary’s Peak)
15 km
Today you’ll walking straight from your accommodation to commence one of the more challenging walks of the week.
St. Mary’s Peak stands proudly above the Pound below and is central to the Adnyamathanha creation story. Aboriginal people of the Flinders Ranges ask visitors not to climb to the summit of the peak and thus we will climb as far as Tanderra Saddle with stunning views of the surrounding ranges and plains.
We will have both guides on today’s walk to ensure the enjoyment and safety of everyone.
In the afternoon you may opt to do a scenic flight over the majestic ranges that we’ve been discovering on foot these last few days.
Day 6: Mount Ohlssen Bagge Walk & Sacred Canyon Tour
6km
Our walk starts at our accomodation today with a short but challenging walk, and one of the best views of Wilpena Pound. The Ohlssen Bagge requires a steepish but short climb, which is well worth it for the spectacular views of the area.
In the afternoon we are lucky to be able to enjoy a private tour at Sacred Canyon. Learn about the cultural significance of the site and the ancient rock engravings from the perspective of the Adnyamathanha people.
Day 7: Return to Adelaide via the Clare Valley
Today we will make our way back to Adelaide via the picturesque Clare Valley where we’ll pick up some lunch (own expense) before heading out to one of the local wineries. Here you can taste some wine (optional own expense) or discover some of the vineyard by foot.
We expect to arrive back in Adelaide at around 4.30pm.
Accommodation is allocated on a double or twin share basis. If you are a solo traveller we will room you with another solo traveller of the same sex. Limited single supplements are available at an additional charge. Please ask for details and availability if interested.
We stay in two locations for the duration of the tour – Quorn and Wilpena Pound.
In Quorn we stay one night at the Flinders Ranges Motel. Each room has an ensuite bathroom. Fairly basic accommodation, but always clean and comfy for our short stay.
For the other five nights we will base ourselves at the Wilpena Pound Resort in double/share hotel rooms. Each room has an ensuite bathroom. We will enjoy breakfast and dinner at the hotel restaurant each day.