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Walk the Flinders Ranges

Walk the Flinders Ranges

From $ 3,220 AUD

Description

Fresh air, fantastic company and a front row seat to some of Australia’s most memorable scenery – this six-day jaunt through Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is sure to inspire awe. Let a local leader guide you through hundreds of millions of years of geological history as you walk along valleys, explore gorges and tackle mountains. From your base at the ancient natural amphitheatre of Ikara (Wilpena Pound), discover a world of rugged landscapes, unique wildlife and views worth climbing for.

Trip Name
Walk the Flinders Ranges
Last Updated
2022-10-15
Days
6
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Spend four nights in the heart of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, staying at a resort on the fringes of Ikara (Wilpena Pound), a remarkable natural amphitheatre formed over millions of years.
  • Embark on a scenic hike from Dutchmans Stern, passing through sugar gum forest and she-oak woodlands to be rewarded with incredible views of the surrounding plains.
  • Travel with a local leader who will let you in on little-known facts, share stories of the ancient landscapes and help to spot the weird and wonderful wildlife that call this place home.
  • Look out for parrots, cockatoos, galahs and eagles as you hike through a scenic gorge towards the Blinman Pools, the perfect place to cool off with a dip in a natural swimming hole.
  • Of all the incredible views the Flinders Ranges offer, the one from the peak of Mt Ohlssen Bagge might just top them all. Climb to the summit of the mountain to take in a sight you won’t forget.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Adelaide / Mt Remarkable NP / Quorn
Welcome to South Australia! Your adventure begins in Adelaide, your gateway to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. You’ll be picked up by your local leader and meet your fellow travellers at 8am this morning, then it’s time to head towards the peaks of the Flinders Ranges. Make a stop in the town of Crystal Brook for some morning tea, then continue to Mt Remarkable National Park. Surrounded by diverse wildlife and unique landscapes, this is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch .Then, head to Alligator Gorge, which impresses with its red quartzite formations. Get to know the landscape on a short hike around the gorge as your leader shares facts about the geological wonders found here. Finally, continue to Quorn, a charming old railway town and your base for the evening. Enjoy an included dinner at a local hotel and chat with your new travel companions about the day’s discoveries.
Day 2 - Quorn / Flinders Ranges
After breakfast this morning, head north towards the Dutchmans Stern, a bluff in the southern foothills of the Flinders Ranges, from where you you’ll embark on a scenic hike. Follow a steep path through sugar gum forest and be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the surrounding plains, Quorn, and Lake Torrens, then weave back down through shady she-oak woodlands. Your leader will point out examples of the region’s interesting plant life as you walk, and you’ll also cross paths with the famous 1200km Heysen Trail. After your walk, return to Quorn to gather any supplies you may need over the next few days, then venture into the heart of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Here you’ll find Ikara (Wilpena Pound), a truly remarkable 800-million-year-old natural amphitheatre. Your home for the next four nights is a resort on the outskirts of this miraculous formation, so settle in and enjoy the view!
Day 3 - Flinders Ranges
What better way to start the day than with a hike through the stunning landscapes of the ancient Flinders Ranges. Kicking off from the historic Aroona Homestead, follow your leader on a trail through the landscapes that inspired the iconic paintings of South Australian artist Hans Heysen. Pass by dry creek beds and walk through a dramatic valley in the ABC mountain range. In the afternoon, set out in your vehicle to explore the ancient Brachina Gorge. Unearth millions of years of geological history as you explore the gorge and its surrounds, and be sure to keep an eye out for the stripy tails yellow footed rock wallabies as you go.
Day 4 - Flinders Ranges
Jump in your vehicle this morning and drive to the northern end of the Flinders Ranges, the starting point of today’s walk. Follow a dry creek bed up through a gorge and take in views of wild scenery with every step. Today’s path has few steep parts over rocky and loose pebble terrain, and while challenging at times, the views from within the gorge are worth it. With just 12km to cover today, you can take your time on the loose pebbles and during the climbs, and be sure to make plenty of stops to take in the beauty of your surroundings. Your walk leads to the gorgeous Blinman Pools, which after a good wet season is the perfect place to cool off with a refreshing dip. If you’re lucky, you may spot white cockatoos, parrots and galahs and wedge-tailed eagles on your journey.
Day 5 - Flinders Ranges
Today will be spent tackling Mt Ohlssen Bagge, one of the most raved about walks in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. This 6km return hike has some steep and challenging sections, so prepare for rocky terrain and a continuous uphill climb. You’ll soon see that your efforts were worth it, as while the whole walk offers up unforgettable views, the view from the top simply can’t be beat. From here you can clearly see Ikara (Wilpena Pound) and the landscapes you’ve been exploring over the past few days. When you’re not staring at the epic scenery, keep an eye out for the reptiles you may be sharing the track with.
Day 6 - Clare Valley / Adelaide
Leave the magnificent scenes of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park behind and begin your journey back to Adelaide. Aside from its fantastic walking trails, South Australia is also renowned for its wine. Stop off in the famous wine production region of Clare Valley and take some time out for lunch, then pay a visit to a local winery. Here you’ll have the chance to taste some of the wonderful wine, explore the vineyard on foot, or just sit back and enjoy the peaceful setting. Your leader will fill you in on the fascinating history of producing wine in this part of the country. Continue on to Adelaide at which point your adventure will come to an end.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
29-04-202304-05-2023AUD $ 3,220-
06-05-202311-05-2023AUD $ 3,220-
15-05-202320-05-2023AUD $ 3,220-
22-05-202327-05-2023AUD $ 3,220-
31-05-202305-06-2023AUD $ 3,320-
07-06-202312-06-2023AUD $ 3,320-
13-08-202318-08-2023AUD $ 3,320-
20-08-202325-08-2023AUD $ 3,320-
29-08-202303-09-2023AUD $ 3,220-
05-09-202310-09-2023AUD $ 3,220-

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nights),Resort (4 nights)

Transport

Walking,Private vehicle

Map