The 7-Day Flinders Ranges Itinerary We Hope We Had + FREE Map Included

Flinders Ranges is a 430 km-long region of mountain ranges in the South Australian Outback. Suffice it to say, it’s your go-to spot for an unforgettable outback adventure, just a few hours north of Adelaide.

It’s nestled in the heart of the state, offering a mix of rugged landscapes, rich Aboriginal history, and unique wildlife.

Outdoor lovers won’t get bored, there’s plenty to do, including lots of hikes and natural pools, scenic drives, and 4WD escapades for those keen.

The area is massive so we recommend allowing 7 days to explore this stunning region – 2 days for Southern Flinders, 3 days for Central Flinders, and 2 more days for Northern Flinders.

We’ll tell you what to see and where to stay for each day, so you only have to focus on enjoying the trip! Let’s get started.

Flinders Ranges Itinerary

Day 1 and 2: Southern Flinders Ranges (Quorn)

Start your day early by driving from Adelaide to Quorn! It’s around a 4-hour drive, there are a few places you can stop and stretch your legs on your way:

• Port Pirie – A town a 2.5-hour drive from Adelaide, where you can explore the local shops, grab a meal, or walk along the river. It’s a bit of a detour but worth it for a longer break.

• Melrose – A lovely historic town at the base of Mount Remarkable. It’s perfect for a walk around town or a short hike if you have more time. Don’t miss the local bakery for a treat.

• Port Augusta – Known as the ‘Crossroads of Australia,’ it’s a great place to stop and explore. Visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden for a walk! The Wadlata Outback Centre is also worth a visit to learn about the history and culture of the region.

Once you get to Quorn, it’s time to explore the Southern Flinders Ranges! Here are some things to do in these 2 days to explore the area:

• Pichi Richi Railway – This is a historic steam train running between Quorn and Port Augusta, offering scenic rides through the picturesque Flinders Ranges! Half-day steam train tours leave from Quorn every weekend, so plan your trip accordingly and book ahead.

• Dutchman’s Stern – Hike the 10.5 km loop to the Dutchman’s Stern summit for spectacular views over the ranges, the Gulf, and fantastic Southern Flinders scenery.

• Buckaringa Gorge – Drive the ~80 km loop (some dirt roads) through classic Southern Flinders Ranges country, to Buckaringa Gorge and Buckaringa Lookout.

• Hikes: Devils Peak (1.3 km return), Warren Gorge (5.2 km loop), Mt Brown Summit Hike (15 km loop), Mt Brown Hike (11.6 km).

• Drives: Alligator Gorge (55 km), Quorn/Port Augusta/Wilmington Loop (125 km loop, sealed roads).

Where to stay?

• Best caravan park: Quorn Caravan Park offers powered sites, cabins, and shaded camping spots. It’s a 2-minute drive from the town centre and sleeps up to 100.
  Best budget-friendly option: Flinders Ranges Motel offers a simple and convenient stay, perfect for exploring the area. It’s a 5-minute walk to Flinders Ranges National Park Visitor Center and sleeps up to 5.

• Best for families/groups: The Quorn-er House is a family and pet-friendly accommodation with all the comforts of home. It’s an 11-minute walk to Flinders Ranges National Park Visitor Center and sleeps up to 7.

Days 3, 4, 5: Central Flinders Ranges (Hawker, Wilpena Pound)

Your third day starts with a quick 40-minute drive to Hawker! On your way there, check out spots like:

• Kanyaka Homestead and Death Rock – stop at these historic sites en route from Quorn to Hawker for insights into local colonial and indigenous heritage.

• Wilpena Panorama – View this amazing 360º painting at Hawker’s Jeff Morgan Gallery of the summit view from Flinders Ranges’ highest point, St Mary’s Peak.

You can either stay in Hawker or Wilpena Pound – the spots you’ll visit during days 3, 4, and 5 are nearby so you can stay in one place (suggested stays below).

Most of the things to do these days involve hiking, so bring a comfortable pair of sturdy boots and immerse yourself in nature! Here are some things to do during these 3 days:

• Kanyaka Historic Site – The Kanyaka Ruins were a once-thriving pastoral station established in 1852. Today, the ruins serve as a historical site, showcasing the resilience and hardships of early settlers in a harsh, arid environment.

• Wilkawillina Gorge Hike – This is a remote 11.4 km hiking experience through stunning outback scenery, from Little Bunkers to Mt Billy Creek.

• Bridle Gap Hike – Part of the Heysen Trail, this 18.8 km return hike crosses the Pound and offers great views from the Bumbinyunna Range on the other side. Much of the hike is flat and easygoing and is an alternative to the much more difficult St Mary’s Peak trail.

• St Mary’s Peak – This strenuous hike (14.6 – 21.5 km depending on route) is a Flinders Ranges showpiece. The trail is well-marked and the views from the summit are incredibly rewarding.

• Wilkawillina Gorge – Drive the 34 km (mostly dirt) past the Bunkers. The gorge hike is 11.4 km (one way), but even if you don’t do the whole walk, the scenery is spectacular!

• Brachina Gorge – Drive along the Brachina Gorge drive (mostly dirt) for classic outback scenery, interesting interpretive signs, and stunning lookouts. Check out the yellow-footed Rock-wallaby colony, too!

• Hucks and Stokes Hill Lookouts – 10 and 13 km from Wilpena Pound, respectively. The views are stunning, visit them en route to Wilkawillina or Blinman!

• Hikes: Hills Homestead (6.6 km), Wangara Lookout (7.8 km), Ferntree Falls (5.2 km), Pines Cave (5.4), Rawnsley Bluff (12.6 km).

• Drives: Arkapena Track (40 km 4WD only), Moralana Scenic Drive (30 km).

Where to stay?

• Best caravan parks: Wilpena Pound Resort offers comfortable rooms and breathtaking views of the natural amphitheatre. It’s an 11-minute walk from Flinders Ranges National Park and sleeps up to 5.

• Best budget-friendly option: Rawnsley Park Station offers cosy and modern eco-villas with panoramic views of the Flinders Ranges. It’s an 11-minute drive to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and sleeps up to 4.

• Best hotel: Arkaba Homestead is a luxurious all-inclusive retreat offering an intimate and exclusive stay with stunning outback landscapes. It’s a 6-minute walk to Hawker Visitor Centre and sleeps up to 2.

• Best for families/groups: Hawker Bed and Breakfast offers a comfortable and spacious stay with a homely feel. It’s a 5-minute walk to Hawker Visitor Centre and sleeps up to 10.

Days 6 and 7: Northern Flinders Ranges (Blinman, Angorichina)

On Day 6, head to Blinman! This is a small, historic town a 1-1.5 hour drive north, known for its old copper mine and stunning outback scenery.

Nearby it’s the stunning Angorichina, a beautiful tourist village with a scenic gorge, perfect for hiking and picnicking.

On your way there, make sure to stop by Arkaroo Rock, an Aboriginal rock art site. It features ancient paintings that depict the cultural heritage of the Adnyamathanha people.

We LOVED this area, so we recommend staying 3-5 possible. There’s plenty to do and the scenery is incredible. Here are some must-do activities and sites to check out:

• Nuccaleena Mine and Glass Gorge – This is a 4WD adventure to the historic copper mine with rugged roads, creek crossings, and stunning scenery. Just watch out for mine shafts and sharp rocks!

• Blinman Pools Hike – A challenging 10 km return hike with creek crossings, rock-hopping, and steep climbs. The rock formations are beautiful and there are refreshing pools, too! The track is unmarked in certain sections but the creek is easy to find, which will help you find your way.

• Mt Emily and the Great Wall of China – Just 15 km south of Blinman, the Great Wall of China (Aussie version) is a natural rock formation near Gum Creek. It’s a great spot to have lunch, especially with a traditional Cornish pasty and/or Quandong Pie from the excellent Blinman General Store and Bakery.

• The Heysen Trail and Parachilna Gorge – This iconic 1200 km trail starts (or ends) in Parachilna Gorge, a short drive from Angorichina. You can opt for the shorter 6 km return hike to soak in the beautiful scenery, without committing to the 2-month hike!

• Blinman Mine Tour and Walking Trail – This is a 1-hour tour of the mine, followed by a 1-km self-guided interpretive walk around sections of the mine site above the surface. It’s incredibly interesting but, unlike the Nuccaleena Mine, Blinman’s Mine Tour goes deep underground – avoid it if you’re claustrophobic!

• Hikes: Blinman Walking Trail (3.5 km).

Note: Angorichina Tourist Village is closed in summer, while the Heysen Trail is closed during the fire ban season from November to March.

Where to stay?

If you want something unconventional, stay at Angorichina Tourist Village and enjoy the unique experience of staying in a former tuberculosis sanatorium with scenic views of the Heysen Range!

If that’s not your cup of tea, here are more options:

• Best caravan parks: Alpana Station offers a unique outback stay with a mix of camping, cabins, and shearers’ quarters. It’s an hour drive from Flinders Ranges and sleeps up to 40 guests across various accommodation.

• Best budget-friendly option: Onya Eco-Camping Park offers eco-friendly camping with stunning views. It’s a 10-minute drive from Blinman town centre and sleeps up to 30 guests across various camping options.

• Best hotel: Prairie Hotel is a unique outback stay known for its character and great food. It’s a 70-minute drive to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and sleeps up to 4.

Free downloadable map with the full itinerary

We recognise the traditional owners of this land, the Adnyamathanha.

When is the best time to visit the Flinders Ranges?

The best time to visit the Flinders Ranges is from April to October. Summer isn’t a good idea, as temperatures can range from 30º to 45º C.

How to get there by car?

The nearest capital is Adelaide, from where you can rent a vehicle and drive to Quorn, a 4-hour drive north, in the Southern Flinders Ranges.

Pick whichever self-drive route from Adelaide which appeals to you the most:

• Route 1 – Food and Wine trail via Clare: Drive 143 km to Clare (detour via the Barossa Valley on the way if you like), then 193 km to Quorn via Laura, Wirrabara and Wilmington.

• Route 2 – Country South Australia: Drive 216 km to Jamestown via Clare, then 148 km to Quorn via Orroroo and Wilmington (detour into Alligator Gorge near Wilmington if you like).

• Route 3 – Coastal Ports via Port Augusta: Drive 306 km to Port Augusta via Port Wakefield, Port Pirie and Port Germein (add a few extra km for detours into the ports), then 41 km to Quorn.

If you’re sightseeing along the way, getting to Quorn will take nearly a full day. If you want to do this, we suggest starting your trip a day early to make the most of the Flinders Ranges!

Top tips

Fuel is available at Quorn, Hawker, Wilpena Pound, Angorichina Tourist Village, and Parachilna.

Meals, groceries and other supplies are available in smaller centres such as Wilpena Pound Resort, Rawnsley Park Station, Blinman and Angorichina Tourist Village.

You’ll need to purchase a National Park pass to enter the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. You can do so online (here) or in Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre.

Most roads are sealed, so a 2WD might be enough. But if you want to drive along the gorges, you will need a 4WD.

Did you know?

The Flinders Ranges are rich in Aboriginal history, being home to the Adnyamathanha people for thousands of years.

The name “Adnyamathanha” means “rock people” or “hills people,” reflecting their deep connection to the land. Sacred sites like Arkaroo Rock feature ancient rock art that dates back over 5,000 years, depicting the creation stories and the Dreamtime.

The Flinders Ranges are globally renowned for their Ediacaran fossils, which are some of the oldest complex life forms ever discovered, dating back around 600 million years.

FAQs 

The bottom line

There’s no shortage of things to do in Flinders Ranges, honestly a week is not enough if you want to explore all there is to see!

There are plenty of walking trails to check out and heaps of abundant wildlife to see. And don’t forget the ancient rock art at Arkaroo Rock or the jaw-dropping views from St Mary Peak.

Your Flinders Ranges road trip doesn’t have to end there, though. On your way back to Adelaide, consider stopping at Port Augusta to extend your adventure. There’s plenty to see and do before heading home!