Everything you need to plan your Flinder Ranges escape, from the best time of year to visit, to the very best locations and everything in betweem.
We get asked all the time what are our favourite spots are in the Flinders Ranges, which is much harder to answer than you’d think.
Jess and I have been venturing to the Flinders since we were knee high to a grasshopper, so have seen and experienced our fair share of the Flinders Ranges Region
The Flinders Ranges is like no other part of Australia, harsh, rugged but full of life and colour (especially in spring when the wild flowers pop!). The region has so much more to offer than the famous Wilpena Pound, don’t get us wrong the pound is an amazingly impressive sight that is a must see, but it doesn’t end there!
Now we’d love to make it easy for you and go from 10 to 1 of places you have to put on the list if you're heading to the Flinders Ranges. But we just can’t rank them, they all need to be done! Even if it takes you a few trips to tick them all off. As a disclaimer, whatever you decide to check out on your travels through the Flinders, you will not be disappointed, the colours, wildlife and scenery is out of this world!
Alright let's go!
Jarvis Hill Lookout - Hawker
This short, and not overly difficult but well worth it hike is just over 5km out of the township of Hawker and ends with a very impressive view! It should only take you 15 minutes or so to get to the lookout which gives you a stunning vantage over the hawker township and the Flinders Ranges Region.
Cradock Hotel
Two things an outback pub needs, cold beer and good people! The Cradock Hotel not only has those two essentials it also has a awesome menu and even offers free camping (if you buy a beer) with some of the best toilet and shower facilities! There is a sweet playground and obstacle course for the kids! Well worth a drop in on your way up, even just for a quick pint or refreshment, mind you be careful because before you know it you’ll be stuck into the menu looking at dinner options!
Mt Little Station
There is no shortage of stations to experience throughout the Flinders region, but if we had to name our top 3, Mount Little Station would definitely be in it. There is so much to do, see, experience and explore at Mount Little, from four wheel drive tracks, to hikes, all year gorges, ruins, animals (native and farm variety, even camels) and some of the most spectacular spots to set up for sunsets. With a range of accommodation options from off grid camping to campsites near toilets and showers and even a
refurbished station homestead to book out, there is something for everyone.
Moralana Scenic Drive
Running from the Outback Highway through to the Flinders Ranges Way, Moralana Scenic Drive is about 30km and showcases some spectacular Flinders Ranges country! Skirting the southern edge of the Wilpena Pound range as well as the Elder Range the views and photo opportunities are endless. Pack lunch and spend the day lapping it up before finding a gorgeous spot parked under one of the giant ancient gums.
Brachina Gorge + Scenic Drive
Probably one of the spectacular, scenic, mind blowing, eye catching and breathtaking drives in the Flinders Ranges. Brachina Gorge and Bunyeroo Road are out of this world! Located within the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park, this scenic drive has everything from cliffs as high as the sky to some of the most ancient rock formations in the world. In the winter months after rain the gorge comes to life with flowing water, wild flowers and the animal life, if you’re quiet you might even spot a yellow footed rock wallaby!
Razorback Lookout
Aside from Wilpena Pound, this iconic section of road has to be one of the most photographed. The lookout is pretty special showcasing the heart of the rugged Flinders Ranges. our recommendation is to hit it up on the tail end of winter or spring when it's green and full of wildflowers and around dusk for a colourful spectacular. Found along the Bunyeroo Road which runs from Brachina Gorge Road to the Flinders Ranges Way.
Prairie Hotel
Ever heard of the outback pub that offers roadkill on a platter? Then you’ve heard
of Prairie Hotel. A gorgeous old hotel in the little town of Parachilna next to the old Parachilna railway siding (now a museum). The hotel offers cold beers and meals including their famous roadkill platter showcasing some tasty kangaroo, camel, goat and emu treats. The hotel has undergone some significant renovations, revitalizing the old outback character and charm.
Parachilna Gorge
Offering some of the best off grid camping, parachilna gorge runs from Parachilna (Prairie Hotel) to Blinman. Offering heaps of campsites, camping here is totally off grid with no facilities but by-gingoes is it impressive. Huge rocky cliffs, long winding river beds amongst the giant ancient gums paints one heck of campsite painting.
Alpana Station - Blinman
Earlier on we mentioned our top 3 stations in the Flinders region, Alpana Station is
definitely one of them too! Family owned and run offering some beautiful camping and accommodation, even setup for powered camping for caravans! With a heap to check out with four wheel drive tracks and walking trails plenty to explore for the whole family, and less than 5 minutes out of the blinman township, you've got everything you need for a week of adventure.
Farina Old Historic Town Restoration + Bakery
Farina is one of our all time favourites! Boasting some awesome camping and facilities all year round, the Old Historic town comes alive for 3 months of the year when the restoration society get together to continue rebuilding the old Farina township. There are maps available so you can go explore and lap up the history of the township. Now the Bakery, we love a good bakery, so we feel we’re qualified to make bold bakery claims. This has got to be one of the best Bakeries out. The restoration society run the bakery out of the original underground oven to fund the restoration of the historic township. The baked goods (pies, sausage rolls, pasties, bread and heaps of other delicious goodies) are a must try!
You literally can't lose, anything and everything you do in the Flinders Ranges will blow you away. Like any destination time of year is important, with sizzling summers we recommend visiting between May and October, as the region greens up after rain and the wild flowers pop!
Yes, we have 100% missed out some crackers, but make sure you get to the region and take your time, soak up the culture, history and rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges.
Happy Travelling
Jess + Mitch
The Adnyamathanha people are the traditional owners of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park Region. The natural features of the Flinders Ranges are still of strong cultural significance to the Adnyamathanha people and the geology, topography, flora, fauna and climate all feature in traditional stories and legends. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout the Flinders Ranges and their connection to the land. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.