Itineraries
Want some advice on how to get the most out of your Flinders Ranges adventure? We’ve put together two, four-day itineraries that showcase the best the region has to offer.
Further information on both options is available by contacting Rawnsley Park Station on (08) 8648 0700, email: reception@rawnsleypark.com.au, or upon arrival from Reception or Caravan Park office.
Self-guided itinerary
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Day 1
If you arrive at Rawnsley Park with an hour to spare before nightfall, we recommend stretching your legs on a short walk to either Alison Saddle (from the holiday units) or Clem's Corner (from the caravan park). These trails provide an opportunity to see local wildlife, including emus, kangaroos and birds. If you have a little more time, drive 10km north to Arkaroo Rock, where you can walk a 3km loop through the foothills of Wilpena Pound to see ancient Aboriginal rock carvings. Return in time for a sunset visit to Station Hill lookout (near the Caravan Park and accessible by conventional vehicle) which gives you uninterrupted views of Rawnsley Bluff, the Chace and Elder ranges. Later, enjoy a BBQ and campfire under the stars. Who needs to visit the Northern Lights when we can step outside and see the Milky Way .
Day 2
This is a long day so we recommend packing a picnic lunch before setting off early for the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Drive 15 minutes to the Wilpena Pound visitor centre, park in the long-term carpark and catch the shuttle bus to do the two-hour return walk to Wangara Lookout. This walk is a wonderful opportunity to see inside Wilpena Pound and see some wildlife. On this walk you can also visit Hill’s Homestead and learn the story of the early settlers who grew wheat inside Wilpena Pound.
Next, set off for the spectacular Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, which display the 630-million-year- old geology of the Flinders Ranges. The landscape reveals an ancient seabed that has been uplifted and folded into the Flinders Ranges of today. See evidence of wave action in the 500-million-year-old sediments (Bunyeroo Gorge) and evidence of the earliest animals on earth (Ediacaran fossils – Brachina Gorge). Find a picnic spot to relax before continuing through the region renowned for red kangaroo, emu, Wedge-tailed eagle and Yellow footed rock wallaby (Brachina Gorge). We recommend driving this 150km circuit clockwise (approximately 5 hours), starting at Bunyeroo Gorge, turning left at the T-junction for the geological trail into Brachina Gorge and drive to the western end. Return via Brachina to the Aroona Valley (where the artist Hans Heysen often stayed to paint) and take the sealed Blinman Road back to Rawnsley. Tonight, treat yourself to a delicious meal at the Woolshed Restaurant.
Please Note: As of 1st June 2017 all vehicle entry fees for Ikara-Flinders Ranges National park must be purchased online: parks.sa.gov.au
Day 3
Today explore two iconic Australian townships, the old copper mining town of Blinman and the railway town of Parachilna, providing an insight into the settlement history of the Flinders Ranges. We recommend doing this 230km circuit anti-clockwise, first taking the sealed road to Blinman. Here you can explore a number of buildings dating from the 1860’s, when copper ore was first mined in the area. There are also tours available daily (10am, 12pm and 2pm – bookings recommended) of the Blinman Underground Mine. If you have time, stop at the Blinman Hotel for a beer, or even some lunch.
The road from Blinman to Parachilna follows the old wagon route from the Blinman mine to the railhead through Parachilna Gorge (32km). Just out of Blinman is Wadna, where you will find authentic Aboriginal artefacts, There is an alternative route via Glass Gorge (40km). From Parachilna follow the sealed road to Hawker and turn off to take the Moralana Scenic Drive (29km). This joins onto the Wilpena Road and takes you back to Rawnsley.
Day 4
For those wanting a little action before driving home, take a morning walk up Rawnsley Bluff (4 hours return) either by yourself or join a guided breakfast walk. Rawnsley Bluff, at 930m above sea level, offers picturesque views of the region and the Wilpena lookout gives a fantastic view into the Pound. Those wanting to soak up the views, but in a more relaxed fashion, can take a scenic flight.
If you are driving through Hawker on the way to your next destination, don’t forget to stop at the Wilpena Panorama and art gallery in Hawker for one last glimpse of the Flinders Ranges.
Guided itinerary
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights
Explore the ancient landscapes of the Flinders Ranges, its rugged beauty and abundance of wildlife with the help of our guided tours and walks. Our tailored activities take the hassle out of planning a holiday and ensure you enjoy the best of what the Flinders Ranges has to offer.
Day 1
If you arrive at Rawnsley Park with an hour or so of daylight to spare, we recommend stretching your legs on a short walk to either Alison Saddle (from the holiday units) or Kangaroo Gap (from the caravan park). These trails provide wonderful views of the landscape around Rawnsley Park and an opportunity to see local wildlife. At 5pm head to the Woolshed Restaurant for happy hour and enjoy a Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery beer or alcoholic lemonade whilst you watch the sun go down over Wilpena Pound. .
Day 2
In the morning, take one of our tailored half-day 4WD tours. A popular option is the half-day National Park tour, which takes in Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, home to plenty of wildlife, unique geology and stunning scenery. You might even see an endangered Yellow foot rock wallaby.
Other half-day tour options include Arkapena Scenic Adventure, an off-road 4WD tour, or the Station Run – a behind-the-scenes tour of Rawnsley Park Station where you get to visit the Woolshed, meet the sheep dogs and check the watering points supplied by windmills and solar pumps on our 12,000-hectare property which runs 2000 sheep.
This afternoon either relax in your accommodation, go for a walk on one of our walking trails or head up to Wilpena Pound, take a walk into the Pound to the Wangara lookout or just have a drink at the Resort restaurant.
During the summer months walking is best done either in the early morning or late afternoon. In the heat of the day you may like to relax by the pool at the caravan park.
A great way to spend your evening is on a sunset 4WD tour to the Chace Range, where you enjoy canapés and drinks while taking in picturesque views of the surrounding ranges and watching the sunset on Wilpena Pound.
Day 3
If you haven’t already been into the Flinders Ranges National Park on a half-day tour, you can go on a full-day tour with one of our guides. Wallabies, Rocks and Copper includes a tour around the heritage Blinman Mine and lunch at the Blinman Hotel. Our tour guides will tell you about the geology, flora, fauna and the history of the area and also point out the local wildlife.
Day 4
A perfect way to finish your trip to Rawnsley Park and the Flinders Ranges is with an early morning fixed wing or helicopter flight. This allows you to really appreciate the scale of the Flinders Ranges, and enjoy spectacular views of the region’s rugged and beautiful landscape. More active guests may want to take one of our guided breakfast walks – Rawnsley Loop or Rawnsley Summit, which offers a great view into Wilpena Pound. On these walks you will learn about the local flora, fauna and geology and have a well-earned bush BBQ breakfast to finish the morning.
- Further information is available by phone on (08) 8648 0700, email: reception@rawnsleypark.com.au or upon arrival from the Reception and Caravan Park Office.
Organised tours
Several tour companies offer itineraries from Adelaide that include Rawnsley Park Station. Please contact the tour operators directly for more information.