Explorers Way: Wilpena Pound to Port Augusta

PREPARE FOR AN EPIC AUSTRALIAN ROAD TRIP THROUGH THE HEART OF THE OUTBACK ON THE EXPLORER'S WAY.

The breathtaking scenery of the outback is beautifully entwined with the history of South Australia along the Explorer's Way. The 3000 kilometre journey from Adelaide to Darwin takes you through the Clare Valley, one of South Australia’s famous wine regions, before making its way to the spectacular Flinders Ranges and into the outback. The vast untouched wilderness, far-reaching skies and the wide open road stretching out in front of you make this epic outback journey unlike any other in the world. We've collated all the best things to see and do along the Explorers Way, between Wilpena Pound and Augusta. 

Download Explorers Way road trip map 

WILPENA POUND TO PORT AUGUSTA

Wilpena Pound and Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park 

Journey deeper into the Flinders Ranges to perhaps South Australia’s most iconic national park, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Quintessential road trip and camping country, the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is a remote wilderness with towering clifftops, deep craters, jaw-dropping mountain ranges and dusty, red roads. Pitch your tent and fall asleep under a blanket of stars with a number of camping options available for your stay at Wilpena Pound. Choose to set up camp in the designated the campgrounds in a tent or caravan (with facilities) or slightly more glamorously with the glamping options available at Wilpena Pound Resort. For the early risers, wake up with the sunrise to traverse the ancient peeks of the 800-million-year-old Wilpena Pound or jump on a scenic flight to appreciate its magnitude and beauty. Other highlights include Rawnsley Bluff, Razorback Lookout in Bunyeroo Gorge and Stokes Hill Lookout.

RAWNSLEY PARK STATION, FLINDERS RANGES

Pull up the car at Rawnsley Park Station and kick back for a few nights in a luxurious eco Villa, tucked in pristine bushland in the shadows of Wilpena Pound. With incredible views of the surrounding ranges, each fully self-contained villa boasts a spacious living and dining area, bedrooms with over bed skylights and a well equipped kitchen. Pop a glass of bubbly and watch the blazing outback sunset from your own private verandah.

Prairie Hotel

Ever eaten an emu egg omelette? How about kangaroo tail soup or camel sirloin? After working up an appetite in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, hit the road for an hour before arriving at the Prairie Hotel, a quintessential outback pub with a few surprises up its sleeve. Listed as one of the top 100 gourmet experiences in Australia, the Praire Hotel’s 'feral menu' gives you a slightly bizarre, yet totally exclusive, chance to chow into some seriously left-of-centre dishes only found in the depths of the outback.

For the confident 4x4 driver, continue the journey with a detour via Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary 

Drive deeper into the wilds of the Flinders Ranges and arrive at your next destination, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Pull up the car and pitch your tent, you’ll want to spend a few days exploring this fully accredited ecotourism hot spot that is known for its wild landscapes and prime stargazing opportunities. Famed as having some of the Southern Hemisphere’s clearest skies, and home to one of Australia’s largest privately-owned astronomical observatories, Arkaroola has front row seats to the most spectacular lightshow on earth. With camping and caravan facilities plus rooms available, spend a weekend with the stars and during daylight hours, explore the 63,000 hectares of rugged Australian bush abound with wildlife and adventure. Please note, you must be an extremely confident off-road driver to take the alternative route to Arkaroola or to traverse from Arkaroola to Coober Pedy via William Creek. This is an extremely remote area, please consult our Flinders Ranges and outback driving safety tips guide before heading off.