Following breakfast and lunch preparation this morning, you’ll dive into South Australia’s most incredible outback wilderness. Follow the Morolana Scenic Drive — a 28-kilometre stretch of dirt road that hugs the southern wall of Wilpena Pound, the ABC Ranges and Black Gap Lookout — where you’ll be treated to majestic vistas of soaring river red gums.
You’ll begin your trek on the famous Heysen Trail. Negotiating the rocky gradient demands your attention, but the walk is well worth it. Start with a pretty creek walk through Black Gap, before a climb over Pound Wall to Bridle Gap, where you’ll find out-of-this-world vistas of Elder Range. Walk to the floor of Wilpena Pound itself, stopping off at Hills Homestead en route for lunch and a fascinating insight into the challenging life of 19th-century farmers.
The remainder of the day will be spent meandering across Wilpena’s magnificent million-year-old formations and visiting the Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre. The massive amphitheatre of mountains, a traditional meeting place for the Adnyamathanha peoples, is one of Australia’s most spectacular outback sites.
Don’t miss the opportunity to see this incredible formation from above with an optional scenic flight this afternoon.
Optional Activity:
- Scenic Flight: from A$180 per person. Departs from Rawnsley Park Station. Payable directly to tour operator.
Take in otherworldly native fauna and flora this morning as you tackle some of the Flinders Ranges ‘smaller’ walks. Over an incredible four hours and 8 kilometres, you’ll experience the breathtaking Yuluna Circuit at Aroona, where you’ll discover old pastoral ruins and pass through stark red rock formations and dense vegetation. At the old Aroona Homestead, a willow near the spring is all that remains of Frederick Hayward’s garden, along with the foundations of his house and the stone borders of the garden beds.
Nearer the creek, Eddie Pumpa’s homestead of pine and pug was built in 1925, and partially restored in recent years. Throughout this breathtaking nature walk, you’ll be afforded lovely views of the Heysen and Trezona Ranges.
Finish up the day exploring the geological masterpiece that is Brachina Gorge — also known as the ‘Corridors Through Time’ — a twisting trail that passes through 130 million years of history. Make your way over sawtooth ridges of quartzite as yellow-footed rock wallabies bound past you.
Tonight, be mesmerised by the Milky Way above as you’re treated to another incredible two-course dinner prepared by your guides.
This morning head to the outback town of Blinman, before a short drive to Agorichina village, where you’ll embark on a six-kilometre journey to the breathtaking Blinman Pools, a popular picnicking spot since the 1800s. Featuring cascading waterfalls and majestic river red gums, and the habitat of wedge-tailed eagles, the trail traces a trickling rocky creek and ascends to a cavernous gorge that has funnelled the fallout of millions of years of outback storms.
The soaring maroon cliffs afford shade from the outback sun en route and the wonderfully refreshing waters are your reward on arrival. Plunge into one of the two spring-fed pools, where you can float away for a while.
Return to your accommodation mid-afternoon, where you can take part in any local walks from Rawnsley Park or take some time to relax before dinner. Nibbles will be served this evening before an optional dinner at the onsite Woolshed restaurant (guest’s own expense).
This is it. Your final day traversing the spectacular Flinders Ranges has arrived. After breakfast this morning, you will begin your walk to Alligator Gorge, a hidden gem on the Heysen Trail. The narrow and breathtakingly beautiful gorge is located in the scenic Mount Remarkable National Park and follows a small creek that, over millions of years, has cut deeply into the rock face to create a natural artwork of mesmerising red hues.
Marvel at the varying shades of red in the cliff faces as you wander the length of the gorge, before enjoying a lunch stop in Melrose (guest’s own expense). Afterwards, you’ll be transported back to Adelaide’s Terrace Hotel around 5pm.