Trek Notes - Australia

Flinders Ranges & Heysen Trail 6 days 5 nights

Stretching northwards from Adelaide is an ancient mountain range, the Flinders Ranges; a fractured, furrowed landscape where deep valleys covered with twisted Cyprus pines drop away into sheltered creeks lined with majestic river gums. With the vibrant red and purple colours of the outback and some of the oldest rocks on earth, we hike through this sculpted landscape, which will take your breath away again and again.

Wildlife abounds in this special wilderness, and the yellow-footed Rock wallaby, once near extinction, is now thriving in the Flinders Ranges National Park. Kangaroos, euros, wallabies, emus, colourful parrots, kites and eagles all call the Flinders Ranges home. The traditional landowners of the Flinders Ranges have a rich cultural heritage and their connection with this place is passed from generation to generation through mythological tracks and song lines, which give spiritual meaning to the Flinders' physical landforms. This timeless land is very much alive.

INCLUDES

Tour guide, transport ex Adelaide, full vehicle support, park entry fees, meals as indicated

START/FINISH

Adelaide, SA

ITINERARY

Day 1

We depart Adelaide on our seven-hour journey to the Flinders Ranges via the townships of Port Wakefield, Port Augusta, Quorn and Hawker. We have our first introduction to the Flinders Ranges and the outback when we visit the Wadlata Outback Interpretive Centre en-route.   We arrive at our accommodation at Rawnsley Park, a large outback-pastoral property near Wilpena Pound, in time to settle in and enjoy our first outback sunset over a glass of wine. (D)

Day 2

Approx 9.2 km (5 hours return walking) our first hike into the Flinders Ranges. We walk through one of the most peaceful and scenic gorges in the Flinders Ranges, the Bunyeroo Gorge. With its permanent water supply, the gorge provides great opportunities for observing wildlife and interesting rock formations. Bullock teams and coaches transporting copper, mail and produce used the gorge in the 19th century to access the western plains. From Bunyeroo Gorge we make our way to the Wilcolo Valley, giving us stunning views of Wilpena Pound's Eastern Wall. (B, L, D)

Day 3

Approx 9 km (4 hours return walking) we drive to Aroona Ruins, where the famous Australian artist Sir Hans Heysen, after whom the Heysen Trail is named, stayed on painting trips. We follow the Heysen Trail as it heads east over the Red Hill lookout and then turns south towards Brachina Creek. The views towards Wilpena Pound are superb! We hike along the beautiful Yuluna Creek back to Aroona. (B, L, D)

Day 4

Approx 10 km (5 hours return walking) today we visit the historic copper mining town of Blinman, where its namesake, Robert Blinman, discovered copper in 1859. The copper mine was the largest in the Flinders and was operational until 1908. Many of the early settler cottages and buildings remain in the town. We continue our journey, through the Glass Gorge and in the afternoon we have the choice of hiking along the creek to Blinman Pools or exploring Wilpena Pound. Tonight we enjoy local hospitality and a restaurant dinner at a Flinders Ranges favourite, the Woolshed at Rawnsley Park. (B, L)

Day 5

This morning we will enjoy a short walk around the Rawnsley Park surrounding area, before traveling to the Southern Flinders Ranges. Alligator Gorge is in the aptly named Beautiful Valley area, and we take a delightful walk through the Gorge. Tonight we stay overnight in Melrose; a picturesque town nestled at the base of Mount Remarkable. Our accommodation is at the North Star Hotel, the oldest licensed hotel in the Flinders Ranges. (B, L)

Day 6

Approx 10 km (5 hours walking) An early start this morning to hike to the summit of Mount Remarkable, where you'll experience the sweeping views over the Willochra Plain and Spencer Gulf. We depart for Adelaide this afternoon, along the way passing through quaint and historical towns, along with the Clare Valley, where we'll stop at Sevenhill Cellars, the oldest winery in the Clare Valley founded by Jesuits in 1851, with the purpose of producing sacramental wines. It has since expanded to produce red, white and fortified wines, as well as wines for religious use. We will arrive in Adelaide at approximately 6.30pm after a wonderful taste of the Flinders Ranges. (B)