Extending some 800km in South Australia’s outback, the Flinders Ranges boast plenty of places to discover afoot. From easy strolls and luxury walks to challenging hikes, here are the Flinders Ranges best hikes and hiking trails.
(Photo Credit: Arkaba Walk)
Flinders Ranges Multi-Day Hikes
Arkaba Walk
Length: Approximately 43km
Grade: Moderate
One of the acclaimed ‘Great Walks of Australia’, the Arkaba walk is set against the remarkable backdrop of the Elder Range and Wilpena Pound in South Australia's Flinders Ranges, offering an opportunity to experience the outback in a style that is both exclusive and authentic. This expert guided 4-day-3-night walking safari traverses the incredible Wilpena Pound and 16,000 hectares of Arkaba's private wildlife conservancy, following the famous Heysen Trail. You’ll learn about the history, geology and ecology of this unique landscape and walk in the shoes of its indigenous owners as you hear stories of their incredible heritage. Spend your nights in a deluxe swag under a blanket of a thousand stars and at the restored 1850s Arkaba Homestead - a luxury country farmhouse.
Heysen Trail
Length: 1200km
Grade: Moderate-Challenging
One of the world’s great walking trails and the longest dedicated walking trail in Australia, the 1,200km track stretches from the coastal splendours of Cape Jervis to the beautiful Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges. The track passes through incredible landscapes from national parks, state forests and vineyards to magnificent outback scenery. The entire trail will take approximately 60 days, although there are many sections that offer the absolute highlights without committing to the entire journey. In the Flinders Ranges, the Wilpena Pound to Bunyeroo is a popular option. With over 61 sections to choose from, there is something to suit everyone's needs, wants and experience.
(Photo Credit: Angus Mountjoy)
Flinders Ranges Best Day Hikes
Alligator Gorge
Length: 8.9km
Grade: Moderate
Found in the southern Flinders Ranges within Mount Remarkable National Park, Alligator Gorge is over millions of years old and features a circuit walking trail amid The Narrows and the Terraces. With lots of wildlife and spectacular scenery, it is a great option to take the family and can be completed within 4hours return.
Rawnsley Bluff & Wilpena Pound Lookout
Length: 11.3km
Grade: Challenging
Follow the creek bed and climb the foothills of the main range as it steepens to reach Lone Pine Lookout featuring vistas along the escarpment to the Elder Range. The trail climbs the Wilpena Pound escarpment boasting spectacular views into the Pound and the Chase Ranges from the Wilpena Pound Lookout. To complete the entire trail it will take approximately 5 hours and is considered challenging due to its steep incline.
Bunyeroo and Wilcolo Creeks Hike
Length: 9.2km
Grade: Moderate
Enjoyable for the whole family, the Bunyeroo and Wilcolo Creek Hike treads among the cypress pine woodlands and purplish shales of the Bunyeroo Formation and tanquil Wilcolo Creek before trailing through the ABC Range and rolling contryside of Brachin Formation siltstones. You will be rewarded with views of the peaks of Wilpena Pound. The circuit hike takes appoximately 2 hours and 30 minutes on a return journey along the 9.2km of walking track.
Bridle Gap Hike
Length: 18.6km
Grade: Moderate
Part of the iconic Heysen Trail, the Bridle Gap Trail on the south-western escarpment edge of Wilpena Pound passes through the Pound Gap and past Hills Homestead to cross the Pound floor itself. Characterised by its excellent vairety of local birds and vairety of native pine, it is the perfect adventure for any keen naturalists and those who wish to experience the Heysen Trail on a time-limit. The trail will take approximately 6 hours return on the undulating 18.6km journey.
Mount Ohlssen Bagge Hike
Length: 5.6km
Grade: Challenging
Starting near the Wilpena Pound Resort The Mount Ohlssen Bagge Hike leads you on a steep rocky climb to the summit of Mount Ohlssen Bagge with incredible views of Wilpena Pound and the surrounding valleys. The track takes approximately 4 hours return.
St Mary's Peak
Length: 19km
Grade: Challenging
Towering high above the iconic South Australian outback, St Mary’s Peak is one of the state’s premier climbs. St Mary’s Peak is a challenging hike leading to the summit of the Flinders Ranges highest mountain. Although a little more difficult, the reward is very much worth it with incredible panoramic vistas of the Flinders Ranges, Aroona Valley and the salt plains to the wet. The track takes approximately 9hours to undertake.
Arkaroo Rock Walk
Length: 3.1km
Grade: Easy
A 3.1 km loop trail, the Arkaroo Rock Walk boasts a significant cultural site for the Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges. The track leads to a rock shelter complete with ancient rock paintings depicting the creation story of Wilpena Pound. The walk is particularly beautiful when you reach the rock shelter in time for sunset with views over the Chace Ranges. The circuit can be completed within 2 hours.