Flinders Ranges is the largest mountain range in South Australia and provides a perfect entry point to explore one of the more colourful and vibrant parts of the Australian outback. Wilpena Pound, a large sickle-shaped natural amphitheatre is a key landmark within the Ranges. It spans some 80 square miles and contains St Mary Peak (1,170 m (3,840 ft)), the range’s highest peak. The northern ranges host the Arkaroola wilderness sanctuary and the Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park. The southern part of the ranges are notable for the Pichi Richi scenic railway and Mount Remarkable National Park.
The Rawnsley Park Station resort is perched at the foot of the Flinders near Wilpena Pound. For over 46 years it has been a favourite place for travellers to lodge. If you are lucky enough to be staying within the resort you will wake up entirely surrounded by the pristine wilderness which lies within the endless rugged mountain ranges.
The eco resort is at the foot of the rangers and is spread out over 1200 hectares home to native wildlife, natural bird sanctuaries, and expansive flora. The accommodation includes eco villas, cabins, a camping site, and the Rawnsley homestead. Facilities include the Woolshed restaurant, licensed shops, and numerous 4wd tracks and bush walking trails. While tourism is the primary industry on the property, the station still runs over 2000 sheep. Initially devoted to sheep shearing, the station first ventured into tourism in 1968, when the first cabins were opened and sheep shearing demonstrations began.
There are seven marked walking trails ranging in length from 30 minutes to 5 hours. The Rawnsley bluff trail is considered one of the most difficult hikes, with an estimated five hour return time over 12.6km, the trail steepens to a climb which brings you to the Lone Pine Lookout, followed by the Wilpena Pound Lookout which provides an encapsulating view towards the center of Wilpena Pound. Additional trails range from 1.6 kilometers to 6.5 kilometers.
There are numerous shorter (1 hour +) tours suitable for almost any budget. They include 4 wheel driving, guided walks, scenic flights, mountain biking, walking trails or a hot air ballooning. While scenic flights may be beyond some budgets they are well worth the stunning views for a once in a life visual experience “extraordinaire”.
Key Facts
- 435 kilometers and a 5 hour drive from Adelaide
- 405 kilometers and a 4.5 hour drive from Barossa Valley
- The most popular campsites include Rawnsley Park Station and Wilpena Pound
- Native birds include: ring neck parrot, gallah, elegant parrot, red capped robin, short tailed grass wren, emu, wedge tailed eagle, whistling kite, and the Australian raven
- Local kangaroos include: red kangaroo, Euro, and the western grey kangaroo
- Several bush walking trails to choose from
- Other endemic marsupials include dunnarts and planigales. Insectivorous bats make up significant proportion of mammals in the area
- Reptiles include goannas, snakes, dragon lizards, skinks and geckos. The stream bank froglet is an endemic amphibian
- Summers usually have temperatures reaching over 38°C, while winters have highs around 13°C – 16°C, depending on the elevation. Although rainfall is erratic, most of the precipitation is seen in the winter months. There are also some monsoonal showers and storms that move in from the north during the summer months.
Why Rawnsley Park Station
- Large variety of hiking trails within reach from Ranwsley Park Station
- Variety of accommodation choice including camping, eco villas or self-contained cabins
- Tours available on site
- Scenic flights available on site
- Easily accessible friendly staff
- Eco villas with star gazing skylights
Why the Flinders Rangers
- One of the wonders of Australia
- Can be enjoyed by any type of traveller i.e. camper or luxury, relaxing or active
- The Flinders Rangers itself – stunning scenery
- Access to camping, grocery and information facilities –Wilpena Pound
- A photographer’s paradise
Beware of
- Driving at night. Kangaroos can jump out from the side of the road, during the day you are most likely to drive around the ones that have been hit at night, or possibly some wild goats
- Weather: winter nights can get cold, sometimes below zero. Pack appropriate clothing. In summer time be mindful of the usual natural wildlife that bask in the heat. Prepare for fly’s and mosquitoes. If camping, consider a mosquito net. Carry protective clothing, hat, sturdy footwear, sunscreen lotion, plenty of drinking water, and light snacks
- Off road 4wd: bring a spare
- Out back service stations are not necessarily open 24 hrs. Top up at every opportunity
- Low variety of restaurants and entertainment. The resorts are, however, usually fully equipped
- No known “hangouts” outside of the rangers, be prepared to travel fully equipped – welcome to the outback!
- Scenic flights and hot air balloon are considered expensive depending on your budget
- Poor phone reception, and access to the internet is scarce and can be costly. Especially if you are using a pre-paid account
- Venturing off track may get you lost, be sure to carry a map and orient yourself with a prominent landmark. Inform a responsible person of your proposed route and expected time of return. Allow enough time to comfortable complete your hike before dark.
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