Visitor Guide to Flinders Ranges

What is Flinders Ranges famous for?

The area is most famous for the ancient mountain range, the largest in South Australia, which is home to the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. The mountains cover an area of over 430 kilometres and the highest point is St Mary’s Peak at an elevation of 1,171 metres. 

One of the major landmarks of the ranges is an area named Wilpena Pound, an amphitheatre of mountains that was created naturally over millions of years and covers almost 80 square kilometres.

The ranges are otherwise known for the mixed landscape of gorges, creeks and plains, which are home to an array of wildlife and popular for bushwalking.

What is the best time to visit Flinders Ranges?

The area generally enjoys clear and sunny days for most of the year. However, May to October (autumn to early spring) is when the weather is most temperate, with winter months having the highest chance of rain which fills waterholes and attracts wildlife. It is useful to note that many bushwalking tracks in the area are closed over summer (December-March) as temperatures are deemed too high.

Do you need a 4WD for Flinders Ranges?

Driving is an excellent way to see the district and it is not a requirement to have a 4WD vehicle for self-drive explorations. The main roads in the area are sealed, however, the area is very large and there are some unsealed roads found off the beaten track, which are easier to navigate in a 4WD and may include some creek crossings that require a high clearance vehicle. Speak to one of our expert First Light Travel specialists to discuss your ideal itinerary and we can recommend the best vehicle and routes.

Do you need a pass for Flinders Ranges?

Yes, a park pass is required to enter the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park with a vehicle and needs to be purchased in advance. A vehicle pass is priced between $9-11 per day. It is easiest to book these online but they are also available through local visitor information centres. Your First Light Travel specialist will be happy to provide more information on single or multi-park passes.

What animals live in the Flinders Ranges?

You have the chance to see a range of animals in the Flinders Ranges, including yellow-footed rock wallabies, red and western grey kangaroos, wallaroos, and short-beaked echidna. Prevalent birdlife includes parrots, galahs, wedge-tailed eagles (the largest bird of prey in Australia) and other smaller raptors such as kestrels, falcons and kites. emus are also found in the area regularly. Reptiles such as snakes, skinks and geckos can be seen all year round while bearded dragons emerge more often around September-October.

How long do you need at Flinders Ranges?

Due to the vastness of the area and the range of explorations on offer, from wildlife safaris and bush walks to scenic flights and excellent accommodation offerings, we recommend at least two nights in the region. You can peruse some of our favourite South Australia self-drive itineraries that include the Flinders Ranges here:

15 Day Grand South Australia Self Drive Tour

7 Day The Very Best of South Australia’s Luxury

10 Day Highlights of South Australia

10 Day Explore South Australia Road Trip

Where do you stay in Flinders Ranges?

There is a wealth of excellent accommodation options, from the simple to the more luxurious. Our two top recommendations have been tried and tested by our team and very happy travellers:

Rawnsley Park Station - This 12,000-hectare working sheep station, which was established in 1851 is situated on the southern edge of Wilpena Pound. The property offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxe eco-villas to camping and caravan sites and facilities. 

Arkaba Station - Located at the heart of its own wildlife conservancy, Arkaba station is a gorgeous restored homestead and the ideal choice for a high-end experiential stay in the Flinders Ranges. The all-inclusive nightly rate includes all meals and drinks from an open bar alongside comfortable private rooms with spectacular rural views.

What are the best things to see in Flinders Ranges?

There are so many amazing sights to enjoy in the Flinders Ranges and many can be experienced on our range of South Australian self-drive road trips. Just a few of our preferred activities are as follows:

• A 4WD safari of Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges - let your driver navigate the rugged terrain so you can experience the stunning scenery and see wildlife in its natural environment. Iconic views and geological formations dating back 600 million years are on the agenda plus Brachina Gorge is home to one of the largest populations of yellow-footed rock wallabies in Australia.
• Bushwalks in Wilpena Pound, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and Mount Remarkable National Park. The best way to see wildlife at Flinders Ranges is by exploring the area on foot. There are endless walking trails to choose from throughout the National Parks from quick strolls to multi-day hikes.
• Sacred Canyon, located in the southern section of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Here you will find ancient petroglyphs of animal tracks, people and waterholes in the canyon’s stone walls - some of the oldest rock engravings in the world. The site is of great cultural importance to the Adnyamathanha people and is part of Australia’s national heritage so access is restricted to approved guided tours only.
• Scenic Flights over the incredible scenery of Wilpena Pound. From this vantage point, you can really see the natural sickle shape of the mountainous amphitheatre.
• A luxurious all-inclusive stay at Arkaba Station including guided wilderness safaris of their 60,000-acre private wildlife conservancy via open-top 4WD or by foot.

How do you get to Flinders Ranges from Adelaide?

The Flinders Ranges can be reached by car from Adelaide and the journey takes roughly five hours. Alternatively, a 55-minute regional flight from Adelaide takes you to Port Augusta followed by a two-hour drive to Wilpena Pound.

The Flinders Ranges is a great itinerary inclusion for any road trip so take a look at our South Australian itinerary offerings to get inspired. Remember, all of our tours can be completely customised to suit your tastes and create your ideal experience.

Mighty Wilpena Pound

What Is It? At 17-kilometre-long by eight-kilometre-wide elliptical crown of furiously serrated mountains, with a sunken natural amphitheatre in its centre. Wilpena Pound covers eight times the area of Uluru, is 300 metres higher and arguably as culturally significant, yet relatively few Australians know its name or even have the faintest clue where it is.

How was it made? starting around 800 million years ago, in a formation known as the Adelaide Geosyncline. Immeasurable pressure in the Earth’s crust compressed the sediments, folding and cajoling them up into a mountain range that once towered over the Himalayas, before erosion robbed South Australia of its Mountains Kingdom title

The Arkaroo Rock Art Trail

Arkaroo Rock Walk - Ancient Rock Art and Stunning Views in the Flinders Ranges

Arkaroo Rock is a significant cultural site for the Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges. This hike goes to a rock shelter with their rock paintings featuring ochre and charcoal images that depict the Yura Muda (Dreaming, or creation story) of Ikara (Wilpena Pound).Enjoy spectacular views of the Chace Range at sunset. The rock paintings are best seen in the morning light.

The trail includes bridges and regular seating benches. There is interpretive signage at the carpark trailhead. The rock art here features reptile and human figures in charcoal, bird-lime, and yellow and red ochre.  

Ready to plan your trip? See our most popular South Australian self drive itineraries here

From family holidays to luxury romantic getaways, we’re here to help you create the trip you need right now!