At a Glance
Experience the thrill of a 7-day Flinders Ranges walking adventure, immersing yourself in the splendors of South Australia's ancient and majestic mountain range. Brace yourself for the enchantment of vast plains, boundless mountain peaks, and awe-inspiring gorges, as you explore this extraordinary terrain.
Transport yourself back in time as you soak up the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges through a series of exhilarating day walks. Explore iconic sites such as Mt. Remarkable National Park, Dutchman's Sten, Wilpena Pound, and the northern sections of the Flinders Ranges National Park. Wander through enchanting stands of northern cypress-pine, traverse open woodlands, and marvel at the allure of picturesque gorges.
While some sections of the hike may present moderate challenges on rocky terrain, individuals with a moderate level of fitness can successfully complete the walks. ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Knowledgeable and friendly guide
- Adelaide pick-up and drop-off
- Comfortable and well-maintained touring bus
- Small group experience with a maximum of 12 guests
- National Park admissions included
- Hotel (1 night), Other (5 nights)
- Meals Included: 6x Breakfasts, 6x Lunches, 6x Dinners
Itinerary
Approx. 2 km (1.24 miles), 20 to 24 minutes of walking. Get picked up at 8 am from central Adelaide, and head north to the very start of the Flinders Ranges. The first stop is Crystal Brook for a morning break, then continue to Mt. Remarkable National Park via Melrose, where you will have a picnic lunch. After lunch, head out to the beautiful Alligator Gorge for a short and easy walk through a vivid red quartzite gorge. Note: Please wear hiking clothes on the bus and have your pack ready to go, as we will be walking in the afternoon. |
Approx. 10.5 km (6.52 miles), 1.5- 2 hours of walking. After breakfast, hike to Dutchman's Stern near Quorn. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the plains, Quorn, and Lake Torrens. Descend through she-oak woodlands, crossing paths with the famous Heysen Trail. In Quorn, explore the charming old railway town and get any needed supplies. Our accommodation for the next five nights is the cozy Wilpena Pound Resort. |
Approx. 12 km (7.45 miles), 2-3 hours of walking. On the second day, begin your journey by car to Black Gap before setting off on a walk towards Bridle Gap and the mesmerizing natural amphitheater known as Wilpena Pound. This route follows a section of the renowned Heysen Trail. Be prepared for an exhilarating experience as you traverse the trail towards Bridle Gap, which may have steep and rocky sections. However, the reward of reaching the summit and beholding the awe-inspiring views makes every challenging moment worthwhile. Once you arrive at Bridle Gap, enjoy a gentle descent into the valley floor of Wilpena Pound, surrounded by a diverse landscape of mallee, native pine, and heath vegetation. Keep a lookout for captivating local bird species such as wrens, robin parrots, and emus, providing you with the opportunity to observe their fascinating presence. |
Approx. 8km (7.45 miles), 1-2 hours of walking. After breakfast, hop in the car and enjoy a scenic drive through Aroona Valley as you make your way to the Yuluna Hike. The 8 km 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, drive through Brachina Gorge and take an easy stroll to explore the rock layers and spot rock wallabies. |
Approx. 15km (9.3 miles), 2.5-3 hours of walking. Walk straight from your accommodation to embark on one of the most challenging walks of the week. Climb as far as Tanderra Saddle. In respect of Aboriginal people, visitors are asked not to climb the summit of the peak. We will have both guides on today's walk to ensure the enjoyment and safety of everyone. In the afternoon, you may opt to take a scenic flight over the majestic ranges that we have been discovering on foot these last few days. |
Approx. 6km (3.7 miles), 1-1.5 hours of walking. The walk starts from the accommodation today with a short but challenging walk, offering one of the best views of Wilpena Pound. Mount Ohlssen Bagge requires a steepish but short climb, well worth it for the spectacular views of the area. In the afternoon, 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. |
Today, make your way back to Adelaide via the picturesque Clare Valley, where we'll pick up lunch (at your own expense) before heading out to one of the local wineries. Here, you can taste some wine (optional, at your own expense) or explore the vineyard on foot. We expect to arrive back in Adelaide at around 4:30 pm. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Adelaide
- The finish point is Adelaide
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 3 Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary; anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day; daily ascents will likely be around 985ft to 1,640ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,970ft (600m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,640ft to 2,625ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peaks. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme altitude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking days last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (900m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or ‘split’ grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional ascents available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
Flinders Ranges generally experiences a semi-arid climate. Summers (December to February) are hot with temperatures reaching highs of around 35°C (95°F) or higher. Winters (June to August) are cool to mild, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F).
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.