Rawnsley Park Station: A True Flinders Ranges Icon

With four tiers of accommodation to suit every budget, enough activities to keep you busy for weeks and an unbeatable location, this legendary outback property has something for everyone.

The Flinders Ranges is a place of overwhelming natural beauty, where powerful tectonic forces have created tortured ridgelines, soaring cliffs and winding creekbeds lined by majestic river red gums. But for those in the know, it’s also a surprisingly accessible destination.

In the very heart of this rust-red mountain range five hours north of Adelaide lies the 12,000-hectare Rawnsley Park Station . Separated from Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park by the forbidding sandstone walls of Ikara (Wilpena Pound), its central location makes it an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding region.

The property has been a working sheep station since the mid-19th century, but the arrival of the first cabins on the property in 1968 brought tourism to the Flinders Ranges and Rawnsley Park Station has been a leader in the sector ever since. Today visitors can enjoy some of the best camping, dining and luxury accommodation options in the Flinders Ranges, as well as a range of activities that bring you to the very heart of this ancient landscape.

Rawnsley Park accommodation

Luxury eco villas Rawnsley Park Station — Rawnsley Park Station can accommodate 800 guests at a range of sites. (Image: Zac Watson)

You wouldn’t know from the drive in, but Rawnsley Park Station can accommodate 800 guests at a range of sites tucked discreetly into the vegetation. Four levels of accommodation offer something to suit every budget, from bush camping to basic cabins and hilltop eco-villas that look out over the surrounding mountains.

1. Eco Villas

a luxury eco villa in Rawnsley Park Station — Admire scenic landscapes from your luxury eco villa. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

Positioned on a small knoll looking out over the Chace and Elder Ranges, eight galah-pink eco villas boast outlooks that will turn any guest into an amateur photographer. A roomy deck and windows on three sides maximise the views, while skylights allow you to enjoy the clear night skies from bed.

Tall pitched ceilings and an open living area create a sense of space, while the use of timber and galvanised iron for internal walls honours the property’s heritage as a sheep station. With rainwater tanks and solar power as well as a chemical-free cleaning regime, the naturally insulated straw bale houses also boast plenty of eco credentials.

2. Rawnsley Homestead

Rawnsley Homestead in Flinders Rangers — Spend time outside by the pool.

Those in search of an even more secluded option can enjoy a taste of outback luxury at this two-bedroom homestead built from local stone. Two stylish living areas, a well-equipped kitchen and spacious dining room mean there’s plenty of space to spread out inside, but the al fresco barbecue area and swimming pool that look straight out to the rugged rock wall of Rawnsley Bluff provide a good excuse to spend most of your time outside.

3. Holiday Units

Bed in room at Rawnsley Park Station — These self-contained units are perfect for travellers on a budget. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

Conveniently located just a short walk from the Woolshed Restaurant, these self-contained units with a kitchen and outdoor deck are perfect for travellers on a budget. The one- and three-bedroom Standard Holiday Units include wheelchair-accessible options, while the more spacious one- and two-bedroom Superior Holiday Units have a modern open-plan layout. Guests have access to communal picnic areas with barbecues and a shared swimming pool, and the cabins are also pet-friendly.

4. Caravan Park

An array of powered and unpowered sites is nestled in the native pine and river red gums around Rawnsley’s camp kitchen and licensed shop, but those looking for a more secluded experience can also venture further out to one of the numerous bush camps. Many sites include fire pits (firewood is available from the shop), and there’s a dog minding service if you want to visit the neighbouring National Park.

Rawnsley Park Experiences

The towering rock wall that separates Rawnsley Park Station from Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park means that you can enjoy spectacular views from anywhere on the property. But you’ll need to get out and explore to truly appreciate the scale of this natural playground that offers rich rewards for those venturing out on foot, in a 4WD or even by air.

1. Heli-Camping

The only way to truly grasp the majesty of the region is to see it from above, and this tour gives you a chance to see Ikara and the surrounding ranges unfold from a helicopter before landing atop the rugged Chace Range. You can find a spot to admire the sunset while a guide sets up your swag and cooks a camp oven dinner, then fall asleep under a glittering blanket of stars before enjoying a bush breakfast as the landscape slowly refills with colour.

2. Walking

Seven purpose-built walking trails stretch across the property, from gentle 45-minute strolls linking lookout points at Kangaroo Gap and Alison Saddle to a strenuous five-hour return hike up to the highest point on the property. The 943-metre-high Rawnsley Bluff looks like an impassable barrier from ground level, but make it to the top of the sandstone plateau and you’ll be rewarded with views that seem to stretch on forever over the broad red plain and surrounding ranges. If you prefer not to strike out on your own, there are also several daily group hikes.

3. 4WD Tours

sunset dining on the Chace, Arkapena Station — Watch the sunset from Arkapena Station. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Confident drivers can head off-road in neighbouring Arkapena Station, but those who prefer to stick to the tarmac can still see some of the region’s more secluded spots on a 4WD tour. Buckle up and enjoy the rollercoaster ride as a Landcruiser jumps over rocky ridges and sandy creek beds while a guide takes you through gorges filled with yellow-footed rock wallabies, shows you what daily life on a working sheep station looks like or brings you to a vantage point for a spectacular sunset accompanied by a glass of sparkling and canapes.

4. Scenic Flights

a scenic flight above Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) — See Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) from above. (Image: Peter Rowe)

Rising abruptly in the centre of the Flinders Ranges like a dormant volcano, Ikara is one of outback Australia’s most striking sights. It catches the eye from every angle but is at its most spectacular when it’s illuminated by the golden rays of the rising sun.

Watch the landscape come to life on an early morning flight, then continue north to see the landscape of dramatic cockscomb ridges and steep gorges give way to ranks of deep red sand dunes and shimmering salt pans, including Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, where periodic floods attract thousands of birds from across the country.

5. Mountain Biking

The 900-kilometre Mawson Trail is one of Australia’s most epic long-distance bike rides, and it passes directly through Rawnsley Park Station, but you don’t need to commit to a multi-day adventure to enjoy riding on the property. Part of the trail has been turned into a loop that links the main areas on site, while all of the station’s access roads and tracks can also be used by cyclists.

Dining at Rawnsley Park

the rustic dining interior of Woolshed Restaurant, Rawnsley Park Station — Dine on modern Australian meals on offer in the rustic Woolshed Restaurant. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

The remoteness of the Flinders Ranges means that it pays to plan ahead for meals, but guests at Rawnsley Park Station can take advantage of one of the region’s best dining options without having to leave the property.

A vintage wool press in the corner of the Woolshed Restaurant nods to the station’s original raison d’être, and it’s no surprise that lamb is the hero of the menu. If you can’t decide between succulent skewers, sticky-sweet ribs and hearty racks, opt for the mega-sized platter that includes four different cuts. The modern Australian menu also makes room for other local proteins, including saltbush-crumbed kangaroo steak and goat curry, along with a decent selection of South Australian beers and wines.

Takeaway pizzas provide a more casual option (but don’t expect anything too special), while self-caterers can pick up barbecue packs to cook up at their leisure. The onsite store also carries some essentials; otherwise, it’s a half-hour drive to Hawker’s General Store.

For more inspiration and itinerary tips, read our travel guide to the Flinders Ranges.

A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating.

Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.

Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world.

Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves.

The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.

Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions.

Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.

Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed — Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene.

Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure.

The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po , where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls.

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed , the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles.

Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia — Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes.

Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell , which turns pink during wet and warm conditions.

The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden.

And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.

Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

border inn in the Wimmera Mallee — Meet the locals at Border Inn.

As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area.

The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality.

The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green. For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.

A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times.

Wimmera Mallee accommodation

Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee — Escape to Fulham Homestead.

If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge , also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway.

For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning.

The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike.

If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre.

Annual events

Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum — Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again.

Each year, the Lake Chalegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark.

Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival , a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show , which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj , a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community.

From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au

Rawnsley Park Station: A true Flinders Ranges icon