The Flinders Ranges National Park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the outback and it is one of South Australia’s most visited national parks. The national park has an extensive network of walking tracks which range from short ten-minute walks to more challenging hikes lasting for several days.
Wilpena Pound is the main centre within the national park and is home to the information centre, camping grounds, motel and general store. Many of the walking tracks within the park originate here. Wilpena Pound is a spectacular natural basin ringed by steep cliffs with some rewarding hiking trails. Perhaps the most popular short hike is the two-hour walk to Wangara Lookout that offers dramatic views. Popular longer walks include Edowie Gorge and St Mary’s Peak, each of these is a very long day hike although the two walks can be combined into a longer two or three day trek.
The region is also home to fascinating Aboriginal rock paintings. Ask at the information centre about hiking trails that include rock art. If you’re travelling on Adventure Tours or Oz Experience you’ll stop at the Yourambulla Caves that contain some of the area’s best rock paintings.
If you’re going on any walks in the park, remember to take plenty of water, particularly in summer. A litre for every couple of hours is essential.
Admission to the national park costs $10 per day for a car. Alternatively you can buy a two month parks pass for $40 that allows you to visit all South Australian national parks except desert parks and parks on Kangaroo Island.
Rawnsley Park Station
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