Exploring South Australia’s amazing Flinders Ranges

It’s not just ancient peaks, red rocks, arid salt pans - this 430km oasis is a truly special place, and you can it all to yourself.

Exploring South Australia's amazing Flinders Ranges

Ancient peaks, 360-degree views of red rock, and creeks that lead you along the continuous mountainous terrain. Just when you thought Mother Nature couldn’t put on more of a spectacle, the sun sets. That early dusk glow softens the cascading mountain tops until darkness makes them disappear, for a few hours.

This is a special place and, no, it’s not the Grand Canyon. It’s right on your doorstep, approximately 300km from Adelaide – the Flinders Ranges. South Australia’s largest mountain range is hallowed ground for hikers and adventurers. And while there’s nothing quite like challenging yourself physically, ascending these unforgiving peaks, it’s not the only way to see the region.

Buckle up, and get a bird’s eye view instead, from the intersection where the mountains meet the clouds.

A 430-KILOMETRE DESERT OASIS… ALL TO YOURSELF

Home of the Adnyamathanha people

The Flinders Ranges has long attracted the young (and young at heart), ready to push their limits and connect with the great Australian outback. For trekkers, it’s not just a hike or a holiday. It’s a time to explore the deep understanding of South Australian heritage that equally teaches and enthrals, with its 650-million-year history.

For tens of thousands of years, the Adnyamathanha people have lived in the Ranges. Their culture remains a significant part of the region’s personality. To the Adnyamathanha people, “Wilpena” translates to ikara, meaning “meeting place”. This sentiment lives on today, as travellers from all walks of life come together to explore this region.

Experience its magnitude from above

Formed from an ancient mountain range that’s eroded over millions of years, Wilpena Pound spans 100km of the national park. The sheer size of the amphitheatre can only truly be put into context from above. Take a scenic flight over Wilpena and see all the nooks and crannies that are not accessible by car or foot.

Air Wilpena offers three options: a 20-minute, 30-minute and one hour flight. See the eclectic mix of colours and textures of this ancient landscape, including spots like the western plains of Wilpena Pound, Parachilna Gorge, Bunkers Range and Copper Mine.

Just when you thought your day couldn’t get sweeter, head up north a little to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, the giant 10,000 square kilometre salt pan. Peer out the side window and let your eyes flirt with the terrain as the white crystals reflect the sunlight.

If you’re lucky and it’s rained recently at the lake, you’re in for a treat. Thousands of birds fly to the edge to drink the water and catch fish that are swept down from inland rivers. The surrounding red-brown landscape transforms into waves of green grass, flowers and foliage. As the desert surface starts to “drink” the water, the lake changes colour again, with the millions of brine shrimp that call it home all year giving it striking pink-red hues. This experience is a gentle reminder of how magnificent and powerful this world we live in actually is. Your mind is bound to go on a journey too, if you let it.

WrightsAir flies over the region daily. From one hour to full day options, you choose how many kilometres you’d like to see of the region.

Great Australian Tours is another company that can’t get enough of the region. Their tours last for four days, departing from Adelaide, and the all-inclusive adventure will whisk you away to Adelaide, Woomera, Coober Pedy, Breakaways, William Creek, the Oodnadatta Track, Marree, Ochre Pits, Parachilna and the Flinders Ranges, before finishing with the Clare Valley. You’ll learn interesting facts like how Lake Eyre drains from an area that’s one sixth the size of the entire continent.

If you’ve got the time and want to see the region with the rocks crunching under your boots, organise a guided hike. Alternatively, if that’s too overwhelming and you’re unsure about your fitness levels, hop on the back of a camel… and go on a safari. Rated among South Australia’s Top 100 Bucket List Experiences, trek along Clayton River to Lake Eyre, and on through the Tirari Desert. Dine on delicious camp oven tucker, sleep under a starry sky, and marvel at Lake Eyre from ground level.

When the outback is virtually out the back of the city, there’s no reason not to take a few days to see one of the state’s most rugged regions. Get the true outback experience, just a few hours from Adelaide, and do it in luxury in your own private plane. Watch the sky (and water) change colours before your eyes. Just don’t forget your camera.

You’ll probably only get one chance to visit one of the most ancient landscapes on earth.

Originally published as Exploring South Australia’s amazing Flinders Ranges