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Hiking Flinders Ranges: Unveil the Story of Australia

Find a proper Aussie adventure where kangaroos high-five emus and the history of the country is woven into epic hikes. The Flinders provide a perfect venue to do just that—through an epic 5-day adventure north of Adelaide. Home to the Aboriginal people for millennia and the site of early European settlement, the region offers spectacular landscapes typical for Australia’s Outback. We’ll hike in two national parks, wander dramatic gorges, and explore the Wilpena Pound, one of the most iconic sights in the country. Close to this enormous natural amphitheater is your base—cozy bush cabins providing a front-row seat to purple sunrises and red sunsets. This is not your regular hike—prepare to unveil the story of Australia!

Adventure highlights

  • Hiking x History
    Embark on hikes that blend landscapes and geology with Aboriginal history and stories of early European settlers
  • Outback Landscapes
    Discover the mountains, gorges, and creeks of Wilpena Pound, and Ikara-Flinders and Mount Remarkable National Parks
  • Bush Lodging
    Stay in comfortable cabins in the heart of Australian wilderness, where kangaroos, emus, and wildbirds outnumber the people

Itinerary

Embark on a 5-day adventure in the stunning Ikara-Flinders Ranges with local guides, exploring iconic sites like the Mount Remarkable National Park, Wilpena Pound, and Alligator and Brachina Gorges. Hike through captivating landscapes and unwind in fully-equipped cabins at Rawnsley Park Station while savoring included meals. All transportation in a cozy mini-coach, National Park entry fees, and a commitment to sustainability through our carbon offset program are included. Immerse yourself in Australia's Outback, blending history, wildlife, and breathtaking hikes.

  • Meet your Flinders hiking guides at a predetermined location in Adelaide and embark on your journey, heading north to Port Wakefield. Arrive for morning tea at a local coffee shop, where your guides will provide a comprehensive tour briefing and do a gear check. As you continue further north, anticipate the first adventure at Mambray Creek Reserve in the Mount Remarkable National Park. Delight in a short 1.9 miles (3km) hike up Davey’s Gully, relishing not only the breathtaking views across Spencer Gulf but also the opportunity to spot local wildlife, including emus, euros, and kookaburras. After the invigorating walk, gather for a satisfying lunch before proceeding to Rawnsley Park Station, your base for the next 4 days. Unpack, relax, and share stories by the campfire while enjoying nibble before savoring your two-course dinner and retreating to your bedroom for a well-deserved rest.

    Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station
    Hiking: 1.9 miles (3km); 1.5 hours
    Meals: Lunch and dinner

    Hikers on a trail with vertical rocks, Ikara, South Australia.
  • Start your day early to enjoy the sunrise and delicious breakfast before joining your fellow hikers in preparing lunch for the day. Embark on a scenic journey along the Moralana Scenic Drive, passing through magnificent river red gum woodland. Begin your 7.5 miles (12km) trek on the renowned Heysen Trail, leading you into the heart of Wilpena Pound. This segment of the trail is nothing short of spectacular, featuring a picturesque creek walk through Black Gap and a climb up the Pound Wall to Bridle Gap, offering spectacular views of the Elder Range. Pause for a well-deserved lunch at Hills Homestead, gaining insights into the challenges faced by 19th-century pioneering farmers. For those seeking an extra thrill, your guides provide information about an optional flight from Rawnsley Park. Return to Rawnsley Park, where nibbles are served before indulging in a delicious two-course dinner.

    Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station
    Hiking: 7.5 miles (12km); 6 hours
    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

    A hiker enjoying a scenic panorama overlooking the Flinders Ranges.
  • Start the day with breakfast, and participate in the lunch preparations before departing Rawnsley Park. Begin the day’s adventure with the Yuluna Circuit at Aroona, uncovering old pastoral ruins and traversing contrasting rock formations and vegetation. The ruins of the Aroona Homestead, built in the 1850s, serve as poignant reminders of the challenging early years of European settlement. Enjoy lovely views of the Heysen and Trezona Ranges as you eat your lunch. Post-lunch, delve into the exploration of Brachina Gorge, one of the park’s most popular and spectacular attractions, winding its way through sharp sawtooth ridges of resistant quartzite. Return to Rawnsley Park, where guests can choose to rest or do some local walks. Nibbles will be served by your guides, followed by another two-course dinner.

    Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station
    Hiking: 3.1 miles (5km); 4 hrs
    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

    Brachina Gorge, Flinders, Australia.
  • Rise and shine to another day of exploration, starting with a hearty breakfast and participation in lunch preparations. Set off to the outback town of Blinman before driving to Angorichina village to kickstart your 7.5 miles (12km) walk to the serene Blinman Pools. These pools, bordered by majestic river red gums, have been popular picnic spots since the 1800s. Marvel at the sheer cliffs rising almost straight up from the creek bed, providing a spectacular backdrop. Conclude the walk in the mid-afternoon, returning to your accommodation. You can choose to participate in local walks or relax before the evening. Nibbles will be served before dining out at the onsite Woolshed restaurant (private expense). After dinner, make sure to spend some quality time with fellow hikers as this is your last evening of the Flinders adventure.

    Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station
    Hiking: 7.5 miles (12km); 6 hours
    Meals: Breakfast and lunch

    Hikers on a trail in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges with characteristic flora.
  • On your final day, savor a delightful breakfast before packing up for the last leg of your journey. Today it’s the Alligator Gorge in Mount Remarkable National Park, a true gem of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. An easy 1.9 miles (3 km) walk offers visually stunning scenery, characterized by high ochre ridges, deep gorges, and watercourses lined with river red gums. Enjoy a well-deserved lunch in Melrose (private expense) and take a last chance to share your impressions and celebrate your achievements with your guides and fellow hikers. Return to Adelaide around 5.00 pm, with the option for an airport drop-off on request. Say goodbye to your group and to South Australia—or continue touring on your own!

    Hiking: 1.9 miles (3km); 1.5 hours
    Meals: Breakfast

    A hiker inside a gorge in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, Australia.
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Meet your guide

Park Trek Walking Holidays
5.00
Park Trek Walking Holidays
Park Trek Walking Holidays
Founded in 2000, Park Trek Walking Holidays invites you to a fusion of wellness and nature amidst Australia's iconic landscapes. With a legacy spanning over two decades, they are experts in small-group, day-pack-only guided walks, ensuring you connect with the wonders of Australia's finest trails while preserving the environment. As Advanced Eco-Certified Tourism specialists, Park Trek champions 'Leave No Trace' principles, sources local supplies and accommodations, and celebrates the local communities they encounter with their guests. Their local guides infuse cultural and historical insights into your journey, elevating your outdoor experience.
5.00(7 reviews)
y
yarraflyer
Flinders Ranges 5 day Trek

Excellent trek for novices and more experienced walkers alike. Completed this walk early June and would highly recommend Park Trek for the way it was organised and catered for. Couldn’t have had better tour guides than Ann and Angie who prepared and cooked meals each evening and lead us on fantastic walks during the day. Good quality produce was supplied for us to make breakfasts and lunches. Safety and self care were always a priority which made us feel comfortable and confident as this was our first group walking trip. Saw lots of wildlife and spectacular scenery on this tour and walked interesting terrain including gorges and a climb up a gap at Wilpena Pound before walking across the Pound floor. Accommodation exceeded our expectations – the cabins were spacious, well equipped and warm.

R
Rhonda Rickard

Just finished the 5 day Flinders Ranges Walk with Peter & Kelly, who were full of knowledge. We were well looked after, had plenty of nutritious & healthy food, comfortable accommodation & time for photos. Spectacular scenery. My fourth walk and hopefully more ahead.

g
gazelle49
Ikara Flinders Ranges

Excellent 5 day trip to Ikara Flinders Ranges. Thank you to our thoughtful and efficient guides, Jess and Graham, who made it enjoyable and the walks achievable, despite poor weather. Each walk had different scenery and challenges. Accommodation at Rawnsley Park was 5 star and guides prepared delicious meals. Well organised tour group

Show all reviews
5.00(7 reviews)
y
yarraflyer
Flinders Ranges 5 day Trek

Excellent trek for novices and more experienced walkers alike. Completed this walk early June and would highly recommend Park Trek for the way it was organised and catered for. Couldn’t have had better tour guides than Ann and Angie who prepared and cooked meals each evening and lead us on fantastic walks during the day. Good quality produce was supplied for us to make breakfasts and lunches. Safety and self care were always a priority which made us feel comfortable and confident as this was our first group walking trip. Saw lots of wildlife and spectacular scenery on this tour and walked interesting terrain including gorges and a climb up a gap at Wilpena Pound before walking across the Pound floor. Accommodation exceeded our expectations – the cabins were spacious, well equipped and warm.

R
Rhonda Rickard

Just finished the 5 day Flinders Ranges Walk with Peter & Kelly, who were full of knowledge. We were well looked after, had plenty of nutritious & healthy food, comfortable accommodation & time for photos. Spectacular scenery. My fourth walk and hopefully more ahead.

g
gazelle49
Ikara Flinders Ranges

Excellent 5 day trip to Ikara Flinders Ranges. Thank you to our thoughtful and efficient guides, Jess and Graham, who made it enjoyable and the walks achievable, despite poor weather. Each walk had different scenery and challenges. Accommodation at Rawnsley Park was 5 star and guides prepared delicious meals. Well organised tour group

N
NVMT59
Flinders Ranges

Our first experience of an organised walking tour and we loved it! the guides were fantastic, so knowledgeable and great cooks! The notes Parktrek provided were accurate and very helpful. The scenery was stunning, well worth the effort!

K
Kerryls
Was an excellent experience

I had had a lung infection previously so I was nervous about my ability to keep up. With no fuss the guides ( Trish and Alistair) made sure I felt very comfortable. They advise walking poles I say they are a necessity. The walks were well paced and offered a great variety of trails. I loved the information provided and the guides created a warm group experience. Food and transportation were excellent. Flinders Ranges were amazing. I will definitely try another Park Trek tour.

S
Sarah W
5 Day Flinders Ranges - Spectacular!

I have just completed the 5 day Park Trek Flinders Ranges Tour and I only have praise for the organisation and its staff. Firstly, the booking process was easy and we were well informed on what to pack and what to expect. Our guides, Anne and Al, were very pleasant, patient, hard working and looked after us very well. All of our walks were stunning and exposed us to a great range of landscapes within the region. The walks were well paced and long enough to be a little challenging – rough surfaces, rocky, with some climbs. The meals provided were excellent – delicious, healthy, and plenty of variety and options. Cabin accommodation at Rawnsley Park was very comfortable with spectacular scenery. (Note – we were a group of 4, so we had our own cabin to ourselves.) I have no hesitation in recommending Park Trek and would consider doing another tour with them.

C
CancanA52
Flinders Ranges highlights 5 day walk

Just returned from a 5 day hike in the Flinders Ranges National Park with Anne and Angie as our guides. Fantastic scenery, great walks, excellent food and comfortable accommodation – what more could one ask for?! I am now trying to work out which hike to do next with Park Trek.

Things to know

  • What you get on this adventure:

      • Experienced, local hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 5 days of hiking in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges region (highlights including Mount Remarkable, Wilpena Pound, Alligator and Brachina Gorges)
      • Accommodation at Rawnsley Park Station in fully-equipped cabins based on twin occupancy (4 nights)
      • All transportation during the adventure in a comfortable 12-seater mini-coach with luggage trailer
      • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 two-course dinners, along with trail mix, fresh fruit, snacks, tea and coffee, biscuits / cake, and non-alcoholic drinks
      • All National Park entry fees
      • Carbon offset program

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation to the meeting point in Adelaide
      • Any accommodation before and after the tour (if applicable)
      • Breakfast on Day 1, Lunch on Day 5 and dinner on Day 4
      • Alcoholic beverages and other personal expenses
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • To fully enjoy the guided Ikara and Flinders Ranges hiking trip, a reasonable level of fitness and some prior hiking experience are necessary. The difficulty of the hikes varies throughout the adventure, with Days 1 and 5 suitable for participants with no hiking experience, featuring gentle terrain and occasional steps. Days 2-4 present more challenging terrains, including steep hills and rough surfaces. The distances range from an easy 2 miles (approximately 1.5 hours) to more demanding days covering 7.5 miles (6 hours) on steep and rugged paths, all while carrying a daypack.

    Preparation is key, involving engaging in cardiovascular and strength training in the weeks leading up to the tour. Regular participation in full-day hikes, particularly in hilly terrain on weekends, is highly recommended. Rest assured, our experienced guides will be by your side throughout, offering support, assessing your fitness level, and adapting the pace as necessary. Regular breaks during the hikes for meals, photos, or taking in the scenery will ensure you can properly enjoy them. In exceptional cases where hiking may pose too big of a challenge on a particular day, the option to remain in your accommodation is available.

  • Here’s what you need to bring to carry in a 20L daypack with a load bearing harness:

      • Rain jacket
      • Fleece jacket
      • Wide-brimmed hat for sunny days
      • Beanie or wool hat for cold days
      • Water bottle or drinking bladder (minimum 2 liters)
      • High factor sunscreen
      • Lip balm
      • Blister pads and/or tape for rubbing and blisters
      • Antiseptic hand gel
      • Sun glasses
      • Walking poles and gaiters — optional (but recommended)
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)
      • Binoculars — optional (but recommended)
      • Spare batteries for all devices/charger
      • Tupperware/container for packing your lunch

    You’ll also need a main bag (stays at accommodation) to carry items listed below:

      • 2 pairs of long and/or short pants (preferably loose-fitting, lightweight, and quick-drying)
      • 2 long-sleeved shirts
      • 4 T-shirts
      • Fleece jacket or wool sweater
      • Rain jacket or spray jacket
      • Swimming suit and towel (optional)
      • Hiking socks
      • Waterproof hiking shoes or boots
      • Thermal undergarments (if rain is expected)
      • Wool or fleece hat for cooler weather
      • Lightweight, quick-drying towel
      • Waterproof, reusable bag for worn clothing
      • Comfortable shoes and casual clothing for evenings
      • Underwear
      • Toiletries (shampoo/conditioner, body wash, deodorant, sanitary products, travel hairdryer, toothpaste, insect repellent, etc.)

    Please ensure your gear is in a soft bag, not a hard suitcase, to assist your Flinders hiking guides in packing the trailer. Bring comfortable hiking clothing appropriate for the weather. Your packing list may change depending on the season, but it is necessary to be prepared for different conditions. There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing (and equipment)!

  • Your accommodation, located just outside Wilpena Pound, serves as an ideal hub for exploring the captivating Ikara-Flinders Ranges. You’ll be able to fully Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the region from the comfort of your comfortable lodging.

    Throughout the tour, your group will stay in cozy self-contained cabins thoughtfully designed to harmonize with the natural environment. Apart from bedrooms, the cabins come complete with a kitchenette, shared living spaces, and communal bathroom facilities.

    You’ll stay in twin rooms, but for those seeking added privacy, a single supplement option is available. This option grants you a private bedroom within a shared cabin, with shared bathroom facilities. Please note that single supplements are subject to availability at the time of booking.

  • During the guided Ikara and Flinders Ranges hiking adventure, you’ll savor hearty, home-style meals that showcase the region’s fresh produce, including local cheese, yogurt, fruits, vegetables, fish, and meats. These meals not only support local farmers but also minimize food miles. Your dietary preferences will be accommodated if specified when booking. Breakfast offers a continental spread with cereals, yogurt, fruit, and more.

    Lunches are diverse, usually featuring meat, salad, and bread. Dinners are casual two-course meals prepared by your guides, featuring dishes like classic roast lamb or curry, along with delightful desserts like apple crumble or seasonal fruit salad. In addition to the main meals, you’ll have snacks and antipasto during the trip, with fresh fruit for the trail, biscuits, and fruit cake for tea breaks. Pre-dinner nibbles include dips, cheese, and crackers. You’ll also find a self-serve trail mix selection at the start of each day.

    While the tour doesn’t include alcoholic beverages, you’re welcome to bring your wine or beer along, just be sure to pack bottled wine carefully to prevent breakages.

    If you have any dietary restrictions or preferences, please leave a note for your guide when booking, they can accommodate most dietary requirements.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For this group adventure, the maximum number of participants is 10 and the tour operates with two guides for a maximum 5:1 client-to-guide ratio.
      • The cost does not decrease as the group grows.

    Hiking in the Ikara and Flinders Ranges area can be arranged for larger and for private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to Adelaide, the starting point of the tour, most people fly into Adelaide Airport. From there, we recommend taking a shuttle service to get to the city. If traveling from a distant location, we advise arriving one day prior to allow ample time for rest before the tour commences early on Day 1.

    On the first day, gather with your guide and fellow hikers at the Terrace Hotel, located at 208 South Tec, Adelaide SA 5000. The meeting time is set for 7:20 am, for a departure at 7:30 am.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the trail, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

    Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

    We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.

    If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits

    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
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