The Ultimate Flinders Ranges Itinerary

HIT THE ROAD WITH OUR MUST-DO ITINERARY through the best of the Flinders Ranges.

See the rugged ridges of Bunyeroo Valley and the ancient ramparts of Wilpena Pound on a road trip through South Australia’s Flinders Ranges. Embark on an unforgettable journey through this timeless land and discover rich Aboriginal cultural sites, outback towns that appear frozen in time and sprawling national parks just waiting to be explored. 

Where to stay

Jacka Brothers Brewery

Ease into your Flinders Ranges adventure with a night in the region's oldest town, Melrose. Nestled below the stunning Mount Remarkable, this tranquil town is home to the heritage-listed Jacka Brothers Brewery, an almost 150-year-old site that has been lovingly restored to include accommodation, function spaces and a taphouse. The original bottling shed has been converted into the Brewery Guesthouse - a boutique B&B perfect for small groups of travellers and those looking to soak up the region's rich history.

Rawnsley Park Station

Located a five-hour drive from Adelaide, Rawnsley Park Station is a mainstay of the Flinders Ranges. With a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, keen road-trippers can set up camp and stretch their legs in the caravan park, while luxe travellers can wash the red dust off in an Eco Villa - complete with bathtub and over-bed skylights. After a day on the road, watch the sun set over the horizon and let the sounds of the bush lull you to sleep.

Wilpena Pound Resort

In the heart of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, you'll find Wilpena Pound Resort. Here, craggy mountain ranges appear close enough to touch, and blue expanses of sky stretch overhead, bringing nature right to your doorstep. The star of this outback haven is the Ikara Safari Tents - combining the creature comforts of a hotel room with awe-inspiring views of Wilpena Pound, these weather-proof tents take glamping to the next level.

Where to eat and drink

The Woolshed Restaurant

What first began as a camp-oven 'Aussie tea' at Rawnsley Park Station in the 1990s, quickly turned into one of the region's most iconic dining experiences. Today, The Woolshed Restaurant remains a must-do gourmet destination in the Flinders Ranges. With a focus on local produce (including the station's home-grown lamb), this shearing-shed turned restaurant serves up hearty meals alongside magnificent views of Wilpena Pound and surrounds.

THE PRAIRIE HOTEL

Ever eaten emu liver parfait? How about kangaroo tail or a goat steak? After working-up an appetite exploring 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 Prairie Hotel have artfully married the fine and feral. From a 'feral antipasto' featuring roo pastrami, to a feral feast banquet with a selection of quirky cuts, the Prairie is Australia's most bizarre dining destination. Writers tip: A must-try is the goat curry and pakoras. Don't let the classic country pub exterior fool you - their food is just as delectable as any inner-city tapas haunt. 

If you can't get enough of the food at the Prairie, consider booking one of their very comfortable rooms on your next trip to the Flinders. We won't judge you for spending your whole trip at the Prairie's restaurant — it really is that good. 

Flinders Food Co

Fuel up on delicious coffee, brunch and boutique beer and cider at this bustling outback eatery. Flinders Food Co in Hawker is the love child of owners Doogal and Louise. Flinders Food Co wouldn't look out of place if you stumbled across it in Adelaide, but in one of the most remote parts of the state, this modern shopfront is an urban oasis. With a keen interest in showcasing native ingredients, the pair are also the creators of the famous Qandong Soda - a drink made from native Qandong fruit, handpicked on Adnamatna land and served in the Flinders Food Co beer garden.

What to do

Mountain biking with Experience Melrose

Cyclists: say goodbye to weekday traffic and hello to red-dirt trails that weave through ancient hills and valleys. Luckily, you don't need to be a professional pedaller to explore the Flinders Ranges by bike - Experience Melrose offers a range of mountain biking tours for even the most uncoordinated rider, encouraging travellers to break the drive and gain a new perspective on Melrose's natural surrounds. Marvel at ancient red gums and catch a glimpse of kangaroos, as you pedal around the base of Mount Remarkable - before grabbing a cuppa at local cafe and bike shop, Over the Edge. Writers tip: This place has some amazing vegan treats for your morning tea needs! 

Watch the sun rise along Bunyeroo Valley Road

Wake up before the sun rises, fill your thermos and drive to Bunyeroo Valley Road in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. This stunning 600-million-year-old stretch of land was once on the bottom of the ocean. Now it’s arguably the best place in the Flinders Ranges to watch the sun rise above deep red ravines and towering cliffs. Snap some pics, then sit back and take it all in.

Embark on an Aboriginal cultural tour

The Flinders Ranges and Outback are of immense cultural significance for the Adnyamathanha people who have lived in the Flinders Ranges for tens of thousands of years. Join one of Wilpena Pound Resort's Aboriginal cultural walks and discover ancient rock art, voyage into timeless gorges, and learn about the landscape and biodiversity from the perspective of the Adnyamathanha people.

Step back in time at Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Rugged mountain ranges, dramatic gorges and abundant wildlife are just the beginning of what awaits in the 95,000-hectare Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Spend the morning hiking through one of South Australia’s most spectacular destinations. The main attraction here is Wilpena Pound: a gigantic natural amphitheatre encompassing the Flinders Ranges' highest point, St. Mary Peak.

Sleep under a blanket of stars with Heli-Camping

Departing from Rawnsley Park Station, the Heli-camping experience will take you on a late-afternoon helicopter flight past Rawnsley Bluff and over Wilpena Pound, before landing in the awe-inspiring Chace Range. Perch yourself cliff-top and feast your eyes on otherworldly sunset views. A guide will help you set up your swag for the night and prepare your two-course camp oven dinner. Fall asleep with galaxies shining overhead, then wake up to a bush breakfast as the sun rises from behind the range. Return by helicopter to Rawnsley Park Station and continue the journey.

Linger Longer...

Can’t get enough of the Flinders Ranges? Venture further into South Australia’s ancient Outback. Discover the mysterious Painted Desert, take a dip in the Coward Springs natural mineral spa and reach epic heights on the Arkaroola Ridgetop Tour.Prairie HotelHeli Camping