Are the Flinders Ranges, in northern South Australia, one of the most underrated destinations in Australia? Steeped in physical beauty, rich in history and a natural playground for adventures of all types, the Flinders have got it all.
“South Australia at its best.”
– George Negus
Including (and this is not an exhaustive list): ghost towns and ghost stories; ancient Aboriginal art and rich Dreamtime stories; Outback towns and activities; caves; canyons; gorges; walks; tracks; deserts; opals; steam trains; and even volcanoes. In any event, it has far too much to mention here.
“Accessible and starkly beautiful Outback.”
– Suzi Petkovski
Perhaps well known enough to stand alone, in the northern ranges you’ll find Wilpena Pound. A remarkable natural amphitheatre, it’s an almost perfectly formed bowl hemmed in by steep peaks all around. While it looks for all money like a meteorite crater, it isn’t. Originally a huge dome, pushed up 650 million years ago, it has since been eroded to form the Pound.
Did you know?
Arkaroola, a privately operated eco-resort of considerable renown in the northern Flinders, operates one of the country’s largest privately owned astronomical observatories, offering “Tours of the Universe.”
How to get there
See Stay at a truly great Aussie Pub.
Best time to go
Anytime. The Flinders Ranges see very little rain, but when it does rain, it buckets down, so check the weather every day.
Further information
Useful websites:
http://www.southaustralia.com/regions/flinders-ranges-outback.aspx
Website of Flinders Ranges & Outback South Australia Tourism
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/
Flinders Ranges National Park website
www.arkaroola.com.au
Website of the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
** This is our original 100 Things to Do Before You Die. First published in 1996. There is an updated 100 Things To Do In Australia Before you die, published in 2011.
