WALKING TRAILS IN THE FLINDERS RANGES
The Flinders Ranges are the largest mountain range in South Australia, stretching for over 400 kilometres. It stands out with a crater-shaped formation known as Wilpena Pound that can be fully appreciated from the air due to its giant size. Flinders Ranges National Park has several walking trails perfect for all hiking enthusiasts. Some of them are challenging, some of them are relatively easy, but all of them are worth doing. In this blog post, I’m going to share with you some of the best walking trails in the Flinders Ranges.
ST MARY PEAK
This is the highest mountain in the Flinders Ranges that offers amazing views from the top. The Outside Trail, and Inside Trail are the two walking tracks that run to St Mary Peak. They both start at Wilpena Pound Resort, go up to Tanderra Saddle, and then to the summit. The Outside Trail is shorter, but at the same time steeper. The Inside Trail is longer, but overall much easier. I took the Outside Trail up, and went back via the Inside Trail, which made me do a loop. This is definitely one of the best walking trails in the Flinders Ranges.
Wilpena Pound Resort – Tanderra Saddle (via Outside Trail) – St Mary Peak (1171 m) – Tanderra Saddle (via Inside Trail) – Wilpena Pound Resort
Walking track: 21,5 km, 8 hours (loop)
Trail difficulty: class 4
Trail access: 2WD (sealed road)
RAWNSLEY BLUFF
I call it a secret hike. Why? Because not many people know about it, and for some reason, it’s not marked on the national park map. So how do I know about it? One day I went to the Visitor Centre and had a chat with the staff about walking trails in the Flinders Ranges. They saw me being super passionate about hiking, and asked me if I heard about Rawnsley Bluff. I didn’t, so I had to go, and check it out. If you want to do the same, drive towards Rawnsley Park Station, and then follow the signs until you reach a carpark with a gate.
Rawnsley Bluff Carpark – Rawnsley Bluff (920 m) – Rawnsley Bluff Carpark
Walking track: 12,6 km, 5 hours (return)
Trail difficulty: class 4
Trail access: 2WD (unsealed road)
MOUNT OHLSSEN BAGGE
If you feel like the two previous hikes are too much for you, why don’t you try Mount Ohlssen Bagge first? It’s a 6,4 km hike of moderate difficulty with some steep, but not exposed sections. In other words, a great option for novice hikers who want a bit of a challenge. The track itself is rather short, so you should finish it within 3 hours or so. That doesn’t include a break on the top though! The walking track starts close to Wilpena Pound Resort. This whole area is full of lizards, so keep your eyes peeled for them, and good luck!
Wilpena Pound Resort – Mount Ohlssen Bagge (941 m) – Wilpena Pound Resort
Walking track: 6,4 km, 3 hours (return)
Trail difficulty: class 4
Trail access: 2WD (sealed road)
WANGARA LOOKOUT
The walking track to Wangara Lookout is pleasant, and not too difficult. Most of the route from Wilpena Pound Resort is almost flat. You will have to climb a hill at the end though. There are two lookouts, the lower one, and the upper one. Make sure to get to the upper one. Amazing views guaranteed! This hike is also a great opportunity to view wildlife. You can very often spot kangaroos jumping in the forest, and emus crossing the path. I would highly recommend it for an afternoon stroll in Flinders Ranges National Park.
Wilpena Pound Resort – Hills Homestead – Wangara Lookouts – Hills Homestead – Wilpena Pound Resort
Walking track: 7,8 km, 2,5 hours (return)
Trail difficulty: class 3
Trail access: 2WD (sealed road)
YULUNA HIKE
Yuluna Hike is not too popular. Mostly because it starts in the northern part of Flinders Ranges National Park, over 50 km away from Wilpena Pound. There are a couple of basic campgrounds, so you can spend the night there, rather than driving back to Wilpena Pound. That includes, among others, Aroona, Trezona, and Koolamon campground. Just be mindful that there is no reception, and Internet. For that reason, it’s wise to inform the staff at Visitor Centre about your plans. Yuluna Hike also connects to Red Hill Lookout.
Aroona Carpark – Yuluna Circuit – Aroona Carpark
Walking track: 8 km, 3 hours (loop)
Trail difficulty: class 4
Trail access: 4WD
BUNYEROO GORGE
Have you heard about the Scenic Drive in Flinders Ranges National Park? It’s a memorable ride that takes you through Bunyeroo Gorge, and Brachina Gorge. Do you plan to drive through those picturesque gorges? Great! So why don’t you add a hike to your itinerary? The walking track that follows Bunyeroo Gorge is different to the route covered by car. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the gorge up close. Officially, the walking track is accessible for 2WD cars. However, I think that a 4WD vehicle is a better choice.
Bunyeroo Gorge Carpark – Bunyeroo Gorge – Bunyeroo Gorge Carpark
Walking track: 7,5 km, 3 hours (return)
Track difficulty: class 3
Trail access: 2WD (unsealed road)
WILCOLO CREEK
This is another interesting walking trail in the Flinders Ranges. Wilcolo Creek starts right next to Bunyeroo Gorge, and it’s not difficult at all. After a couple of kilometres, you will ascend a hill, but that’s pretty much it. No steep sections included. Similarly to Bunyeroo Gorge, you can explore Wilcolo Creek as a part of the Scenic Drive in Flinders Ranges National Park. When it comes to driving, the same rule applies. Officially, the walking track is accessible for 2WD cars. However, a 4WD vehicle would be more reliable for this ride.
Bunyeroo Gorge Carpark – Wilcolo Creek – Bunyeroo Gorge Carpark
Walking track: 9,2 km, 2,5 hours (loop)
Trail difficulty: class 3
Trail access: 2WD (unsealed road)
OTHER PLACES
- Malloga Falls – 23,2 km, 8 hours (return), class 4, 2WD trail access (sealed road)
- Wilkawillina Gorge – 11,4 km, 5 hours (one way), class 4, 4WD trail access
- Trezona Hike – 8 km, 3 hours (loop), class 3, 4WD trail access
These are the best walking trails in the Flinders Ranges. Are you going to hike St Mary Peak or Mount Ohlssen Bagge? Let me know by leaving a comment below!
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