Flinders Ranges South Australia: information: accommodation: tour packages: general information: south australia - A Tourist Guide to South Australia

Welcome to Maxwell's Tour South Australia.

FLINDERS RANGES AND THE OUTBACK

Think Flinders Ranges and you think of the Outback, that mysterious place in Australian hearts that brings out our patriotism – even if we haven’t been there yet. Why let overseas visitors get there before you do?

WINGS AND WHEELS

The Flinders Ranges is nature on a grand scale. Magnificent and uncompromising landscapes; truly a destination to get away from it all.

Though the Ranges seem a million miles from city life, on the map the southern areas of the Flinders Ranges begin only 220kms out of Adelaide. Wilpena Pound is 449kms and just around five hours’ drive away from Adelaide.

The best way to see this country is to drive though it or fly over it. You will understand the sheer scale of the Outback by taking a scenic flight and there are several on offer around Wilpena Pound and further north. Here you will also find all you need to know, to walk and climb safely in the area.

Every level of fitness and inclination is catered for, from the intrepid to those who prefer a shorter walk or just want to sit and soak in a thermal spring.

If you are traveling via the Southern Flinders and Port Augusta, stop in at the Wadlata Outback Centre in Port Augusta for a taste of what’s to come. Or board the Pichi Richi steam train and discover what our forefathers saw, as the steam train puffs its way from Quorn through Woolshed Flat and on to Port Augusta.

Although driving here in a 4WD is legendary, much of the Flinders is easy for two-wheel vehicles. In any case, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. There are half and full day tours widely available right across the region. For many it’s the safer option – it’s essential to check with the locals before you head out onto any of the Outback tracks. There are a variety of tours to see the Indigenous artwork recorded at many cave sites. The best known of these is Yourambulla Caves, south of the historic town of Hawker.

TOP SECRETS

• Enjoy walking in and exploring the Flinders Ranges near Melrose at Mount Remarkable
• Camp out under the vivid stars
• Discover the outback on a 4WD or camel trek tour
• “Noodle” for opals in Coober Pedy or Andamooka

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

• William Creek Races and Gymkhana – April
• Coober Pedy Opal Festival – April
• Hawker Art Exhibition – September
• Curdimurka Outback Ball – October (biennial)
• Carrieton Rodeo – December

FLINDERS TO OUTBACK SELF – DRIVE TOUR

A week as a minimum is essential to get a taste of this region. There are many options for touring and it’s recommended that you talk to the locals before going anywhere in this rugged part of Australia.

A note About Fuel: Always keep an eye on your fuel level as some Services stations may close at 6-7pm at night and you may find yourself without enough fuel to make your planned destination. Travel in the outback of Australia after dark is not recommended, as you may encounter some of our noctournal wildlife or roaming cattle. Kangaroos frequently graise on road verges at night, and if you hit one your vehicle may suffer extensive damage.

DAY 1

There are now two ways to the Flinders Ranges since the sealing of the Hawker to Orrorro road.

A shorter way is via Clare and then on to Spalding, Jamestown, Orroroo, Carrieton, Cradock then Hawker.
This route will get you up into the Flinders quickly.

A more Scenic Route
You’re heading for Melrose which is in the shadow of spectacular Mount Remarkable, and a charming town in the Southern Flinders. Spend time exploring along the way: Two hours from Adelaide morning tea in Clare in the Mid North, then on to Georgetown,Laura and finally Melrose. Overnight at Melrose.

DAY 2

Destination, Wilpena Pound. But you must stop off at Port Augusta’s comprehensive Wadlata Outback Centre for an entertaining history and geography lesson about this ancient land. Quorn is your ideal lunch-time stop. If you have plenty of time, you might decide to stay an extra day or two to explore the surrounding country.
Wilpena Pound is the centre piece of the Flinders Ranges National Park and is rich in wildlife, including emus, kangaroos and euros.
Excellent visitor facilities are available including a camping ground, caravan park and Wilpena Pound Resort. Fuel and limited supplies are available at Wilpena.

DAY 3

Travel on to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary via Parachilna and Beltana, or you may choose to go up to Blinman first then on to Arkaroola, this is my prefered way. Again you’ll find plenty of wildlife as well as the biggest privately owned observatory in Australia, with star-gazing tours and visitor facilities.
The Ridge Top Tour at Arkaroola is a must Do!
Fuel and some supplies are Available

Travel Tip: Travel on outback dirt roads is not recommended during rain, or just after as the roads can become unpredictable and you may become bogged, or loose control of your vehicle.

If in doubt ask a local for some advice.

Roads around the Flinders Ranges can be closed in the event of heavy rains.