Now is one of the best times of the year to get to SA and find out just what makes this place so special!
One of the great things about winter is the clear days and nights (and the amazing views that accompany them) that can only be seen in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges and surrounding areas. This is Outback touring at its finest. And even better, this is a destination that doesn’t require mud tyres or diff-lockers – it can be tackled by anyone and really should be on every 4X4 adventurer’s ‘must see’ list. Take a look at the images on the next few pages and tell us we’re wrong… we dare you.
1. Boasting one of the most spectacular views in the country, Brachina Gorge offers plenty of geological history and is home to many species of birds and reptiles. It’s also a refuge for the yellow-footed rock wallaby and (as you can see) offers some absolutely stunning scenery.
2. Razorback Lookout is located about 10km north of Wilpena and provides a fantastic view of the surrounding ranges and down into the Bunyeroo Valley. The drive through Bunyeroo Gorge is a lot of fun too, with the creek criss-crossing the track offering a real sense of adventure and some cracking campgrounds.
3. The Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park is about as rugged and remote as it gets. Crossed with deep chasms and gorges, huge trees, freshwater springs and an abundance of native flora and fauna, it’s also home to Lake Frome – a 100km long and 40km wide salt lake that is still used by the Adnyamathanha people as a traditional hunting ground.
4. A Mecca for four-wheel drivers and bushwalkers, Arkaroola is at the northern end of the Flinders about 600km from Adelaide. The Advanced Ecotourism accredited Ridgetop Tour is world famous and takes you to the depths of ancient seabeds and across multiple ridges and peaks to finish up at the magnificent Sillers Lookout. Well worth it!
5. Parachilna Gorge is a part of the Flinders Ranges but actually lies outside of the National Park. This is bush camping at its best… and if your whistle is in need of wetting, or you prefer a proper bed and some live entertainment, we can highly recommend a quick stop-off at the Prairie Hotel.
6. There’s a reason they call it Skytrek. This track is located within Willow Spring station and is a must-do if you’re visiting the area. It’s 80km long and will take just over half a day to do… but the scenery is something else. The station managers will even provide you with a booklet describing 50 points of interest along the route. One of the most iconic off-road tracks in the country… you need to experience it for yourself!
