Frommer's Australia from $50 a Day 13th Edition - To Parent Directory

OUTBACK SOUTH AUSTRALIA 521
ACCOMMODATIONS YOU CAN AFFORD
Andu Lodge This fabulous backpackers’ lodge is one of the best in Australia.
Situated in Quorn, in the central Flinders Ranges (42km/26 miles from Port
Augusta), this upscale former hotel is air-conditioned in summer, heated in winter,
and has nice clean rooms (dorms sleep six). There’s also a nice TV room, a
laundry, a computer for e-mailing, and a kitchen area. The hostel offers transfers
from Port Augusta for A$10 (US$6.50) each way and runs a range of trips with
an emphasis on Aboriginal culture and ecotourism. Guests can also rent mountain
bikes. Quorn (pop. 1,300) was where the old Ghan railway used to start and finish,
and where part of the movie Gallipoli was filmed. The town has four friendly
pubs, all serving meals from A$6.50 to A$7.50 (US$4.20–US$4.90). The lodge
also offers 1-, 2-, and 3-day tours of the Ranges.
12 First St., Quorn, SA 5043. & 1800/639 933 in Australia, or 08/8648 6655. Fax 08/8648 6898. www.
headingbush.com. 64 units. A$50 (US$33) double; A$82 (US$53) family room (sleeps 4); A$29 (US$19) twin.
A$24 (US$16) dorm bed. Discounts for YHA members. MC, V. Free parking. Bus: 3 per week, pickup from Port
Augusta for A$6 (US$3.90). Amenities: Shared lounge with VCR; pushbike rental; tour desk; coin-op laundry;
nonsmoking rooms.
Prairie Hotel Finds If you are going to stay anywhere near the Flinders
Ranges stay here. This tiny, tin-roofed, stonewalled pub offers a memorable
experience and is well worth the dusty 89km (55-mile) drive north alongside the
Ranges from Hawker on the A83. A new addition to the pub contains nice
rooms, each with a queen-size bed and a shower. The older-style rooms are
smaller and quaint. Three units have spa tubs. The bar out front is a great place
to meet the locals and other travelers (who all shake their heads in wonder that
this magnificent place is still so undiscovered). Meals here, prepared by “Flinders
Feral Food,” are top-notch—very nearly the best I’ve had in Australia. Among
their specialties are kangaroo tail soup to start and a mixed grill of emu sausages,
camel steak, and kangaroo as a main course. The owner’s brother runs remarkable
scenic flights over Wilpena Pound and out to the salt lakes. From here you
could head to the township of William Creek for a side trip to see the giant salt
lake, Lake Eyre, and then onwards west to Coober Pedy.
The Parachilna Overflow, opposite the hotel, is a budget option run by the
same people. There are bunks, double and family rooms and cabins, set around
a communal kitchen and small pool. Bunks cost A$35 (US$23); doubles A$60
(US$39); and self-catering cabins A$80 (US$52).
Corner of High St. and West Terrace, Parachilna, SA 5730. & 08/8648 4844. Fax 08/8648 4606. www.
prairiehotel.com.au. 12 units.A$125–A$170 (US$81–US$111) double;A$225 (US$146) double with spa bath.
Extra person A$35–A$45 (US$23–US$29). Rates include light breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant;
bar. In room: A/C, minibar, coffeemaker.
Wilpena Pound Resort The nearest place to the Wilpena Pound itself, this
partly refurbished resort almost monopolizes the overnight tourist market
around here. Standard rooms are adequate and offer respite from the summer
heat. The self-contained units come with a stovetop, a microwave, a basin, and
cooking utensils. The resort also operates a campground. Campsites cost A$22
(US$14) per night for two people with power and A$18 (US$12) without
power, and A$4 (US$2.60) for each extra person. There are some good walks
around the area. Also on offer are half-hour scenic flights over the Ranges for
A$95 (US$62) per person for two, or A$80 (US$52) per person for 20 minutes.
They also operate 4WD tours of the area.
Wilpena Pound, SA 5434.& 1800/805 802 in Australia, or 08/8648 0004. Fax 08/8648 0028. www.wilpena
pound.com.au. 60 units. A$115–A$145 (US$747–US$94) motel double; A$160–A$170 (US$104–US$111)