8 Memorable Things To Do In The Flinders Ranges

An open-air adventure playground, classroom and art gallery rolled into one, the Flinders Ranges has something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for thrilling outdoor adventures, ancient fossils and vibrant contemporary artworks or epic lookout points where you can feel like the last person on earth, the range of things to do in the Flinders Ranges is limited only by your imagination. Hike, bike and 4WD through rugged rock country before camping out under the stars, or feast on native produce and learn about the rich cultural history on a guided tour with the Adnyamathanha traditional owners. The choice is yours.

1. Lose Yourself in Ikara (Wilpena Pound)

the steamy core of Ikara (Wilpena Pound), Flinders Ranges — Appreciate the vast amphitheatre of mountains that is Ikara (Wilpena Pound). (Image: Emile Ristevski)

Rising from the earth like the cone of an ancient volcano, Ikara (Wilpena Pound) is eye-catching even from a distance. But it’s not until you’re in the centre of the pound that you truly appreciate its full beauty. Surrounded by sheer walls of 800-million-year-old quartzite, this serene valley feels completely cut off from the surrounding ranges.

A dozen Ikara (Wilpena Pound) walks range from an interpretive trail showing how both Adnyamathanha people and European settlers survived in this arid land to more strenuous full-day treks that cut through mallee and native pine forest before climbing steep rock walls to reveal seasonal waterfalls and magnificent views both inside and outside the pound.

Adnyamathanha traditional owners ask visitors not to climb to the summit of St Mary Peak due to its cultural significance, but you can get even better views without working up a sweat on the Ikara (Wilpena Pound) scenic flights that depart throughout the day and let you take in the majesty of the site in one grand sweep.

2. Follow mountain bike trails in the Flinders Ranges

kangaroos in a canola flower field, Melrose — Spot Kangaroos as you cycle through Melrose on the Remarkable Epic Trail. (Image: Karen Von Bertouch)

The area around Mount Remarkable National Park in the southern Flinders has long been a hub for mountain bikers, and a pump track near the Showgrounds is a good spot to practice your skills before tackling the network of trails that crisscross the slopes above.

One hundred kilometres of single track ticks off every skill level from gentle cross-country to gnarly ridges and rock chutes, and the iconic Dodging Bullets even lets you ride through a ruined house.

But it’s the Remarkable Epic Trail that has riders flocking from around the country, a 39-kilometre beast that throws in 1500 metres of elevation change as it climbs the eastern face of Mt Remarkable, traverses the western flank, then descends into Spring Creek Gully and loops back beneath Gibraltar Rock and into Melrose. If you don’t want to bring your own gear, Over The Edge offers tours and has 40 bikes (both conventional and e-bikes) for hire.

3. Visit Flinders Ranges ghost towns

Couple explore Farina Historic Town — Find a bakery operating in the ruins of the Farina Historic Town during the winter. (Image: Tourism Australia)

When winter rains come to the Flinders Ranges, the rust-coloured mountains are covered with a low carpet of greenery, and the local fauna quickly multiplies to take advantage of the abundant food. A boom and bust cycle has also characterised human settlements in the region, many of which disappeared once drought hit or mineral seams were mined out.

Stroll the empty streets of once-thriving townships like Hammond and Beltana, and you can only imagine their former glory, while a visit to the ruins of the remote Nuccaleena Mine is a decidedly eerie experience. Just beyond the northern tip of the ranges, a team of volunteers in Farina is helping to reverse the decline by bringing the ruins to life and operating a bakery for eight weeks every winter.

4. Disappear into the gorges of Ikara-Flinders Ranges

the scenic Brachina Gorge in Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park — The scenic Brachina Gorge is tucked at the northern end of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

From afar, the Flinders Ranges look like an impenetrable fortress, but once you begin exploring the area, you’ll discover innumerable gullies, gulches and gorges worn through the rock over millions of years.

The steep-sided walls of Brachina Gorge at the northern end of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park don’t merely provide a convenient way to cut through the mountains. They also lay bare 130 million years of geological history. A 20-kilometre Geological Trail points out the fossils, folds and faults that shaped this landscape, and the trail includes a Golden Spike that marks the official boundary between geological eras (the only one in the Southern Hemisphere).

Further north, scenic Parachilna Gorge connects the centre of the ranges with the flat red plains of the outback beyond. Filled with striking rock formations and gum-lined creekbeds, this photogenic spot is one of the best free campsites in the Flinders Ranges. If you visit in the early morning or late afternoon, you may even be lucky enough to see yellow-footed rock wallabies hopping between the rocky outcrops.

5. Tackle one of the many Flinders Ranges walks

Kids in Ikara-Flinders Ranges — There are walks and tours to suit even the youngest explorers. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Winding all the way from the Fleurieu Peninsula to Parachilna Gorge, the 1200-kilometre Heysen Trail is one of the longest hiking trails in the world, and the mountainous northern reaches take in some of South Australia’s most spectacular scenery.

But if you don’t want to commit to a multi-day trek, there are plenty of shorter Flinders Ranges walks worth tackling as well. It only takes an hour to reach the vibrant ochre and charcoal paintings at Akurra Adnya (Arkaroo Rock) or the narrow defile between sandstone walls at Alligator Gorge.

Those up for a more challenging option can follow a rocky creekbed to a series of tranquil permanent waterholes filled with shockingly cool water at Blinman Pools, while the strenuous climb up to Rawnsley Bluff rewards hikers with expansive views out over the surrounding ranges.

6. Stargaze at Arkaroola Observatory

the Arkaroola Astronomical Observatory under the starry night sky — Discover the secrets of the cosmos. (Image: Maxime Coquard)

Ever looked up at the night sky and wondered how the great explorers of old used the heavens to navigate? Or how civilisations from the Greeks to the Aztecs turned the stars into a connect-the-dots picture book of larger-than-life heroes? You can ponder these and other, bigger questions while falling asleep under the night sky at campgrounds across the Flinders Ranges. Or you can unlock the secrets of the cosmos at Arkaroola Observatory .

The complete absence of light pollution means that you won’t need any help to see the dark emu hidden in the smear of stars that make up the Milky Way, and specially designed reclining chairs and powerful observatories provide the perfect setting for passionate guides to reveal the mysteries of the star-filled sky.

7. See supersized murals at the Jedd Morgan Gallery

No matter how much time you set aside to take in the sweeping views of this colourful eroded mountain range, it’s never quite enough. But you can make them last a little longer by stopping in at Hawker on the way home and visiting Jeff Morgan Gallery .

Among the supersized murals on display is a breathtaking 360-degree panorama that covers 46 metres of canvas and has its own lookout tower. It’s a chance to enjoy this spectacular landscape without the flies or heat, and Morgan’s brushstrokes help to soften the edges of this sometimes harsh landscape. Even better, the pieces for sale let you enjoy the glorious views from home.

8. Take the 4WD tracks off-road for a different perspective

an aerial view of a 4WD driving along Bunyeroo Valley, Flinders Ranges — Drive some of the finest 4WD tracks in Australia, including Bunyeroo Valley. (Image: Emile Ristevski)

Rocky terrain, razor-thin ridges and some seriously steep slopes mean the best 4WD tracks in the Flinders Ranges rank among Australia’s finest. Things go from mild to wild quickly, but novice 4WDers can get their bearings on graded roads through Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges.

More experienced offroaders can tackle tracks on private properties, including Willow Springs Station , Bendleby Ranges and Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, which let you undertake a real challenge, safe in the knowledge that help is never too far away.

But if you want to visit the most spectacular lookout point in the entire Flinders Ranges, you’ll need to let a guide take the wheel. That allows you to take your eyes off the road and enjoy the scenery as the Arkaroola Ridgetop Tour crawls above sheer drop-offs into terrifyingly deep valleys before emerging at the breathtaking Sillers Lookout, which affords views deep into the ranges and out over the seemingly endless plains beyond.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

8 awe-inspiring things to do in the Flinders Ranges