5 Wilpena Pound Walks You Can’t Miss During Your Visit To Flinders Ranges

Some of the best walking trails in Flinders Ranges National Park are found in Wilpena Pound.

Looking for sweeping views of the surrounding ranges? Try the Bridle Gap hike.

Want to tackle the highest peak in the Flinders? St Mary Peak is the one for you.

Or maybe you’re after something shorter and more relaxed, with a bit of history along the way? Check out the Hills Homestead Walk.

There’s a trail for every type of hiker at Wilpena Pound! These are my top 5.

I break down each one of them in this guide, plus insider tips from my experience doing them, so you can find the perfect one for your trip!

5 Epic walks in Wilpena Pound

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

1) Bridle Gap Hike

• Length: 18.6 km return (~6 hours)

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Start/End Point: Wilpena Visitor Centre

• Highlights: Stunning views of the Elder Range, unique rock formations, and birdwatching

Want a taste of the iconic Heysen Trail? Do the Bridle Gap hike!

Starting at the Wilpena Visitor Centre, you’ll follow a well-marked trail through Pound Gap, moving past Hills Homestead before crossing the Pound floor.

The route is relatively easy and flat most of the time. The length is what makes it challenging – it took us over 6 hours to do it! Bring plenty of water and snacks.

Along the way, you’ll trek through mallee and native pine forests, with great opportunities to spot local birds like wrens and parrots.

It’s a perfect walk for those who want a nice and easy day hike!

2) St Mary Peak (Ngarri Mudlanha)

• Length: 19 km return (~9 hours)

• Difficulty: Hard

• Start/End Point: Wilpena Visitor Centre

• Highlights: Panoramic views of the Flinders Ranges, Aroona Valley, and the salt plains, cultural significance to Adnyamathanha people.

The St Mary Peak hike is arguably the most popular walk in Wilpena Pound, and one of the hardest.

This peak is the highest point in the Flinders Ranges, standing +1,100 metres tall, and offers panoramic views that are worth every step.

The hiking trail begins at the Wilpena Visitor Centre, and you have two options – a direct route that heads straight up the escarpment or a longer loop for a more varied scenery.

Most people take the loop route, which gives you more time to enjoy the stunning rock formations and unique landscapes of the Pound’s interior.

Reaching the summit involves a steep climb, and you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness.

However, the Traditional Owners prefer visitors not to climb to the summit, but to stop at the Tanderra Saddle instead to not disturb this sacred site. Plus, the views are just as impressive!

3) Hills Homestead Walk

• Length: 6.6 km return (~2 hours)

• Difficulty: Easy

• Start/End Point: Wilpena Visitor Centre

• Highlights: Historical insight into early settlers, beautiful creek crossings, and interpretive signs.

If you’re after a shorter walk with a bit of history, Hills Homestead is perfect for you.

This track is easygoing and takes you through Pound Gap, following Wilpena Creek, which is shaded by tall river red gums and pines.

The path leads to the historic Hills Homestead, where you can learn about the original settlers and their tough experiences in this harsh environment.

The walk offers plenty of spots to pause and enjoy the scenery, and you’ll find information signs along the way that share the story of the area’s past.

It’s an ideal family walk, with picnic tables and toilets available at the homestead, making it a great spot to rest before heading back.

4) Wangara Lookout

• Length: 6-7 km return (~3-3.5 hours)

• Difficulty: Hard

• Start/End Point: Wilpena Visitor Centre

• Highlights: Panoramic views over the entire Wilpena Pound, wildlife spotting, birdwatching

The Wangara Lookout hike gives you some of the best views inside Wilpena Pound. Starting from the Wilpena Visitor Centre, you follow the trail through Pound Gap and past Hills Homestead.

The climb becomes steeper as you head up toward the lookout, but the effort is well worth it!

There are two lookouts – the lower one offers a solid view, but if you push on to the upper lookout, you’ll get a full panoramic experience of the Pound’s stunning interior.

The terrain can be a bit rugged, so sturdy shoes are a must. The upper lookout is a favourite spot for photographers, especially in the late afternoon when the shadows add depth to the landscape.

5) Mount Ohlssen Bagge

• Length: 5.6 km return (~4 hours)

• Difficulty: Hard

• Start/End Point: Wilpena Visitor Centre

• Highlights: Challenging but rewarding climb with stunning 360-degree views from the summit

This one is a shorter but very challenging climb! The trail starts off relatively flat but quickly becomes steep and rocky as you make your way to the summit.

The climb is tough, but the 360-degree views over Wilpena Pound, the surrounding ranges, and distant salt plains make it all worthwhile.

You’ll feel the burn in your legs, but reaching the summit is incredibly rewarding. On clear days, the visibility stretches for kilometres, letting you see the unique landscape of the Flinders Ranges in all its glory.

This hike is not available during the summer months, keep that in mind when planning your visit!

S&C Travel Tip

When is the best time to visit Wilpena Pound?

The best time to visit Wilpena Pound is between winter and spring (June to October-November). The weather’s just right – not too hot, not too cold.

You’ll get clear skies, mild temps, and fewer flies buzzing around. Plus, the wildflowers bloom in spring, making the trails even more stunning!

If you want to avoid the crowds, aim for early autumn or late spring.

How to get to Wilpena Pound?

Most people drive from Adelaide to Wilpena Pound. The route is a bit long (5 hours) but straightforward. You’ll pass through some classic outback towns along the way, which makes the journey more interesting.

Consider stopping at Port Augusta or Quorn on your way!

You don’t need a 4WD to get there, a 2WD will do. You can rent a car in Adelaide and start your journey! Compare car rental deals here: Rental Cars and Discover Cars, to find the best option for your trip.

If you plan on exploring other spots in the Flinders Ranges, a 4WD is a good idea, but a standard car will get you to most places.

Public transport isn’t available directly to Wilpena Pound. The closest town would be Hawkers, but you’ll still need to arrange a transfer or taxi from there.

How many days to stay in Wilpena Pound?

Plan for 4-5 days – 1 day to drive from Adelaide, 2-3 full days in Wilpena Pound, and 1 day to drive back.

That’ll give you enough time to tackle a few of the best hikes, take in the stunning scenery, and soak up some of that outback vibe without feeling like you’re in a race.

You’d stay at the Wilpena Pound Resort, the only accommodation at the National Park. This means you’re just steps away from all the hiking trails!

We stayed at one of their caravan sites and the place is honestly everything a campground should be – beautiful, clean, with excellent amenities (showers, BBQ, kitchen…).

But the resort has a bunch of options to suit any budget!

If you want a bit of comfort, go for their standard or deluxe rooms – they’re comfy, with air-con, private bathrooms, and even TV (though you probably won’t be watching much with all the exploring you’ll be doing!).

If you’re up for something unique, try their “glamping” tents – they’re decked out with proper beds, ensuite bathrooms, and even a little deck to chill on.

The resort also offers guided tours – 4WD tours, cultural tours with the Adnyamathanha people, and scenic flights. Plus, there’s a restaurant, bar, and general store on-site, so you don’t have to worry about meals or stocking up on supplies.

Check the latest prices on the resort here.

If you want to explore more of the Flinders Ranges definitely add 4-5 more days! There are more hikes, beautiful gorges, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary (4WD only), and more!

Top Tips

The sun can be brutal, even in the cooler months. If you’re tackling longer hikes like St Mary Peak or Bridle Gap, set out just after sunrise. It’s cooler, you’ll avoid the midday heat, and you might spot more wildlife.

There’s no drinking water available on the trails, and you’ll dehydrate faster than you realise, especially on the tougher hikes. Bring more water than you think you’ll need!

Some paths, especially Mount Ohlssen Bagge and St Mary Peak, get steep and rocky. Loose gravel can make things slippery, so wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. Walking poles come in handy too.

Did you know?

Wilpena Pound is called “Ikara” (which means “meeting place”) by the Traditional Owners, the Adnyamathanha people. For thousands of years, this natural amphitheatre has been central to their Dreamtime stories.

The famous Heysen Trail, the iconic long-distance walking trail, passes right through Wilpena Pound.

Wilpena Pound’s formation is pretty mind-blowing. It’s not a crater, as many folks think, but rather a natural amphitheatre created over 800 million years ago.

It’s made up of ancient quartzite and sandstone, and its bowl-like shape was formed through a mix of erosion and folding rock layers.

FAQs

The bottom lines

Wilpena Pound in South Australia has walks that’ll suit everyone – from easy-going paths to more challenging climbs, there’s something for every adventurer.

If you’re after a short and easy hike with a bit of history, start with the Hills Homestead Walk – perfect for families and those wanting a more relaxed stroll.

For unbeatable views and a bit of a workout, the Wangara Lookout hike is a great pick. And if you’re up for a challenge, St Mary Peak will definitely put your fitness to the test but reward you with epic panoramic views!

So, which one of these Flinders Ranges hikes will you be tackling first? Let us know in the comments!