 Visit the Flinders Ranges and The Outback of SA
There is something very Australian about the Flinders Ranges and the outback of South Australia. Its a place where Aboriginal Dreamtime is strong, where precious opals lie hidden beneath the red soil, and where the word 'adventure' has real meaning. The Flinders rangers is nature on a grand scale.
There's something for all ages in the Flinders Ranges and the outback. The simple things of the outback can surprise, like multi-coloured rocks and stones, an eagle soaring overhead or tadpoles found in a creek. Older visitors love the easy pace and room to travel.
Although the Flinders Ranges seem a million miles away, the southern areas of the Flinders Ranges start only 220kms out of Adelaide and the famous Wilpena Pound is 449 kms and just five hours driving. The best way to see the ranges and outback is either by car or plane. Nothing will awaken your eyes to the size of this immense region like a scenic flight. There are several on offer operating out of Wilpena Pound and further north. At Wilpena Pound you will find all you need to know to walk and climb safely in the area. All levels of fitness and inclination are catered for, from the pure adventurous to those who prefer a shorter walk or just sit and take it all in.
If you are coming via the Southern Flinders and Port Augusta, at stop at the Wadlata Outback Centre is a must. Or jump aboard the Picki Richi steam train and jump back in time as you travel from Quorn through Woolshed flat and on to Port Augusta.
You may hear a lot about four wheel driving in the Flinders but did you know that much of the Ranges is accessible for two-wheel vehicles and there are many half and full-day tours that operate right across the region. Keep in mind it is essential that you check with both locals and police before you head out onto any of the Outback tracks.
There are a variety of indigenous example of artwork created at many cave sites throughout the region. The best known is Yourambulla Caves, south of the town of Hawker.
Australia's camel popular has its origins in the outback of South Australia. The only successful way of getting supplies north was with the Afghan handlers and their camels. This gave the "Ghan" railway its name. If you take the "Ghan" trip, you can experience one of the most fascinating great train journeys of the world. Enjoy the 2 nights aboard this great train and marvel at the spectacular Australian landscapes; from the rusty reds of the Red Centre, then north to Katherine and the tropical splendour of Darwin, or south to the countryside and rolling hills surrounding Adelaide. Both times, the "Ghan" cuts its way through the heart of the South Australian outback.
The largest privately owned observatory in Australia is located at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Coober Pedy is the opal Capital of the world and a place where you can still do some fossicing for yourself. Why not stay overnight in Coober Pedy and see how the locals have solved the heat problems of the dry outback by literally building their homes underground.
We think its fair to say that for pure adventure and natural beauty, the Flinders Ranges and Outback region of South Australia is one of this countries best places to see.
 Four Wheel Driving the Flinders Ranges and Outback
The Flinders Rangers and The Outback offers extraordinary four-wheel drive adventures. In recent years extensive tracts of terrain have been opened up for 4WD exploration in the Flinders Ranges, while the legendary tracks of the Outback make for a great adventure. Thinking of a four-wheel drive trip? Plan for April through to November.
One of the famous outback tracks is the Birdsville Track. This track starts in Marree, heads north and finishes past the Queensland border at Birdsville. Along the way head to Cooper Creek, generally wide and dry, but in flood you will cross the creek at Kopperamanna crossing. Further on, the Tirari and Stzelecki Deserts meet to form the Natteranie Sandhills, the most significant feature on the track. Beyond is Mulka Homestead and the gibber fields of Sturt Stony Desert. Tucked in along the Derwent Creek and waterhole, the Mungerannie Hotel is an oasis on the edge of the gibber plains. The track passes through overflow country of creeks and floodways and, then following alongside the Diamantina, heads for Birdsville and the famous Birdsville Pub.
Other famous tracks of the outback include the Oodnadatta Track, a 615km track that runs northwest from Marree on the Old Ghan Heritage Trail to Oodnadatta, once the head of the Old Ghan, and on to Marla on the Stuart Highway.
The Strzelecki Track, first struck by cattlemen, is 770kms long. It runs from Lyndhurst northeast and finishes halfway between Birdsville and Betoota. Some hours into the journey you pass the famous "dog fence', the longest man made barrier in the world, three times longer than the Great Wall of China, it is designed to keep the dingoes out of pastoral lands.
The Simpson Desert is the worlds largest parallel sand-due desert, 500km between Mount Dare and Birdsville. With more than 1,200 red sand-dunes, it is an extreme 4WD challenge. You travel from Oodnadatta, north to Hamilton and across the desert via the French Line. Along the way you will encounter gibber plains, the steamy mineralised waters of Dalhousie Springs, the scalding artesian waters of Purnie Bore, then the gypsum hills near Lake Tamblyn and the brass plaque at Poeppel Corner that signals the intersection of the three State borders. Many rugged kilometres on – Big Red, a 40 metre high dune just 36kms out of Birdsville. Going west-east is easier, but east-west saves the soothing waters of Dalhousie Springs for last. Allow 3-5 days for this trip.
There are five Public Access Routes in the Flinders Ranges linking places of interest, Artimore, Hannigans Gap, Mount Hack and Patawarta. As well, many station properties have developed self-drive tracks and tag-along tours.
 Caravan and Camping in the Flinders Ranges and Outback
Nothing could be better than camping under a crystal clear stary night of the Flinders Ranges and the outback of South Australia. There are a wide choice of areas to camp in from national parks, pastoral properties and caravan parks. Those towing a caravan can access most popular areas in the Southern, Central and Northern Flinders, but if you want to travel deeper into the outback you will need a caravan built specially for off-road use.
The National Parks and Wildlife South Australia run well maintained campgrounds in a number of Flinders parks including the Flinders Ranges, Mount Remarkable and Cammon Ranges national parks, and the Telowie Gorge, Dutchmans Stern and Mount Brown conservation parks.
In the Outback you can camp in Witjira National Park, the Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve, Lake Eyre National Park and the Innamincka Regional Reserve. Some station owners in the Flinders and the Outback allow camping on their properties for a fee but it is essential to check with the owner before setting up camp. Some station owners will provide keys to allow you access to beautiful camping spots.
In the Desert Parks, a Dessert Parks Pass must be purchased and is valid for 12 months. The pass comes with a very valuable information pack including detailed maps and a handbook making it well worth the modest price charged. Visitor should stay clear of the desert parks in the summer months when temperatures can sore to over 50ºC.
Permits are required for camping in all the Outback parks, the Flinders, Gammon and Mount Remarkable national parks. Shooting, or the possession of firearms is prohibited in parks or reserves. Don't shoot on stations without permission from the owners and you MUST have a license.
National Parks and Wildlife South Australia states that the spirit of good camping is to leave as little impact on the land as possible. It is essential that you remove all your rubbish with you when you leave. Firewood is now a major issue in the Outback. Little exists and it is very slow to regenerate. Firewood plays an important role in the arid land's ecosystem so if you need to use an open fire consider bring your wood with you from home. The best thing is to use a gas stove for cooking. In the Flinders you are not permitted to collect wood from the parks. You can purchase wood in some areas like Wilpena campground.
Many roads in the Flinders and Outback are unsealed. However it is possible to explore these areas in a conventional vehicle. When travelling off the main roads in the Outback or tackling any of the off-road tracks in the Flinders you will need a four-wheel-drive. Remember, after rain road and track conditions can be severe.
Bushwalking in the Flinders Ranges
The key bushwalking areas of the Flinders are located in the parks run by the National Parks and Wildlife South Australia. The Flinders Ranges, Gammon Ranges and Mount Remarkable national parks have walking tracks ranging from gentle strolls to extremely tough walks.
Flinders Ranges National Park has 17 trails in total. A full list of these spectacular trails is available from the Wilpena Pound Interpretive Centre and Wadlata Outback Centre in Port Augusta.
Mount Remarkable National Park has 8 marked trails from Mambray Creek, Alligator Gorge and Melrose. While some of Australia's toughest, but most rewarding, bushwalking is at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and the Gammon Ranges National Park in the Northern Flinders Ranges.
Cycling in the Flinders Ranges
Cycling in the Flinders Ranges is not for the faint hearted. The awe inspiring scenery that is unique to this part of the world will leave you challenged. Start your cycling adventure with a ride around the Wirrabara Forest. Have a pie at the famous bakery in the town of Wirrabarra, head south to the town of Laura with its arts and crafts or you can carry on along the Mawson Trail to Melrose. There is something for everyone when cycling in the Flinders Ranges. You can pack your bike on the back of a caravan or ride the Mawson Trail on your way to completing 900kms of the most spectacular off-road cycling in the word. You will need a sturdy bike to ride as you explore the gorges, forests and encounter the wildlife of the Flinders Ranges.
For more information regarding South Australia's National Parks and Conservation Parks please visit SA National Parks and Wildlife Service.
This information was compiled with the help of resources available from South Australia Tourism. Please visit their website at www.southaustralia.com for a more detailed rundown of this exciting region and others.
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