The Flinders Ranges are scattered lazily about the South Australian landscape like an unruly flock of sheep, jutting out of the arid land to the delight of visitors to this diverse region read more...
Hiking for a natural high
Located almost 400 kilometres north of the South Australian state capital Adelaide, the Flinders Ranges are a rambling collection of hills and soaring mountains stretching from coastal Port Pirie to Lake Callabonna some 430 kilometres away. While Flinders Ranges accommodation options may be somewhat scarce, the region's desolate beauty continues to attract intrepid visitors to these foothills to the outback.
The Wilpena Pound is perhaps the best known of range's natural attractions. Located between the small towns of Blinman and Hawker, the Pound is a natural amphitheatre looming dramatically out of the land. Its highest summit is the 1,170-metre St Mary Peak and hiking to the top of this steep, scrub-covered mountain remains one of the most popular things to do in this semi-arid environment.
Immerse yourself in a homestead stay
Early settlers to the Flinders Ranges were determined to overcome the arid climate and tame this wild landscape. Their attempts were largely unsuccessful, however their legacy includes several grand homesteads dotted across the ranges. One such homestead is the popular Arkaba Station – an 1851 five-bedroom stone homestead now converted into a luxury guesthouse.
Although Arkaba Station remains a working sheep station, most guests simply choose to relax and unwind in this unspoiled rural environment. With expansive views towards the ranges, lavish interior decorations and an invitingly deep pool in which to wash away the dust of a hot desert day, this upscale accommodation is a popular choice for visitors on a luxury budget.
Sleep soundly in self-contained comfort
Though many visitors choose to make use of several campsites available, for a step up in class, why not consider a self-contained cottage? The Wilpena Pound Resort offers self-contained options and its close proximity to Wilpena Pound itself makes it a popular choice for visitors looking to explore this unique natural attraction.
Set back from the road in splendid seclusion are the Rawnsley Park Station Eco Villas. Not only do they make for an environmentally-friendly place to bed down for the night, they also offer a wealth of activities. Enjoy the sheer scale of the sprawling ranges from a hot air balloon, set out on a guided bushwalk or try your hand at sheep shearing in this spectacular outback location.
