Flinders Ranges & Outback - Great Australian Road Trips

NATIONAL PARKS
Ancient rugged ranges, vast desert plains
and rich cultural heritage.
Geological Evolution
Unlock the mystery behind the fascinating and
spectacular geological landforms in the Flinders
Ranges. At Brachina Gorge you can discover
130 million years of earth history along a 20km
self-guided driving trail. Information signs along
the way provide you with a fascinating insight
into past climates, the formation of the Ranges
and the evolution of early life forms. The gorge is
an important refuge for the Yellow-footed Rockwallaby
and many bird and reptile species.
More detailed information on this trail including
a map, is available from the Wilpena Pound
Visitor Centre phone (08) 8648 0048.
Old Wilpena Station
During your visit to Flinders Ranges National
Park, be sure to experience the best-preserved
pastoral heritage site in South Australia. The
award-winning Old Wilpena Station provides
you with a special insight into the life of early
pastoralists. It was a working station for 135
years and is now regarded as one of South
Australia’s most scenically spectacular pastoral
settlements. The new self-guided “Living With
Land” interpretive walking trail explores selfsufficiency,
improvisation and survival on the
remote and isolated pastoral settlements of the
Flinders Ranges. It takes you past eight buildings
including the original bookkeeper’s hut, the store
and blacksmith’s shop.
Aboriginal Culture
Several Aboriginal art sites throughout the
Flinders Ranges depict the long occupation of
the Adnyamathanha people. This Indigenous
group understood the land through its Yura
Muda stories that endow the physical features
of the Ranges with spiritual meaning. After
European settlement Aboriginal people played a
vital role in the development of South Australia’s
pastoral industry, adapting to a changed world in
a remarkably short time.
The Desert
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Nothing
beats the thrill and excitement of venturing into
the Outback and experiencing this inspiring,
beautiful and vast landscape up close. There are
a number of 4WD tracks to explore including
the Strzelecki Track that takes you into the heart
of this awe-inspiring landscape. Here you can
observe a variety of desert-adapted plants and
wildlife including reptiles and birds of prey, and
visit Innamincka Regional Reserve to see the
restored Australian Inland Mission building and
the historic graves of the ill-fated early explorers
Burke and Wills. You can also marvel at the
scenic desert wetlands such as Coongie Lakes
National Park in Innamincka Regional Reserve
and Dalhousie Springs in Witjira National Park.
A Desert Parks Pass is available, which provides
access to South Australia’s Desert Parks as
well as the maps necessary to travel the area,
and extensive information on the parks and
requirements for safe travel through this vast
region – See page 15 for more information
on park fees or call the Desert Parks Hotline
1800 816 078.
Camping & Cottage Accommodation
Experience some of the camping and cottage
accommodation options available in the Flinders
Ranges and Outback. Mambray Creek in Mount
Remarkable National Park allows vehicle-based
camping, and is located near many scenic
walking trails. In Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges
National Park, experience one of the remote and
comfortable cottage retreats for a unique insight
into how early settlers once lived. Nudlamutana
and Grindells huts accommodate small groups
and boast some of the most breathtaking views
in the state. Balcanoona Shearers Quarters is an
ideal option for backpackers, accommodating
a maximum of 18 people. For accommodation
bookings at Balcanoona, Nudlamutana and
Grindells Hut, contact the Wilpena District
Office on (08) 8648 0049.
From left to right: Sand-dunes, Simpson Desert Conservation
Park; Old Wilpena Station, Flinders Ranges National Park;
Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby; Alligator Gorge, Mount
Remarkable National Park; Pelicans, Coongie Lakes National
Park; Breakfast, Witjira National Park.
NATIONAL PARKS
8 www.southaustralia.com www.parks.sa.gov.au
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