Flinders Ranges

Leaving Burra we continued our journey northwest through green valleys and small country towns such as Terowrie, Peterborough and Orroroo with the South Flinders Ranges gradually rising majestically ahead until we reached Hawker, our base for the next few days. The following day we drove to Wilpena Pound where we boarded a small 6 seater Cessna for a 30min scenic flight over Wilpena Pound, Arkaba Station, the dry Lake Torrens, Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, St Mary’s Peak, the Elder Range, the ABC Range and the Heysen Range which make up the South Flinders Ranges. WOW! is the best way to describe the aerial view of this world- renowned National Park. The young female pilot was excellent and executed a very smooth take-off and landing on the dirt runway.

To gain a good insight into the history and geology of the Flinders Ranges NP we also joined a whole day tour run by Derek’s 4WD Tours. We travelled in the “Enamel Camel” (specially fitted out 4WD vehicle) north to Wilpena Pound, passing the Elder Range and Chace Range before entering the Flinders Ranges National Park. We continued driving through an area of natural pine forests before turning off onto a dirt road through the ABC Range towards Bunyeroo Valley. We soon had beautiful views of the outside walls of Wilpena Pound and down over the Valley of Bunyeroo Gorge. Stopping for morning tea at Razorback Lookout our guide gave us our first lesson on the geology of the area which helped us understand how these mountains were formed.

Continuing down into Bunyeroo Gorge we began to appreciate the beauty of the Flinders Ranges and saw our first emus and kangaroos as well as wedge tailed eagles hunting for prey. We travelled through the Bunyeroo Valley and along the dry creek beds of Brachina Gorge lined with magnificent River Red Gums. This area lay between the Heysen and ABC Ranges which are often referred to as "The Backbone of the Flinders Ranges". Here there was further evidence of the sedimentary layering and uplifting from the period between 520 and 640 million years ago as well as meteorite debris from 480 million years ago, stromatolites which are some of the earliest algae formed in the world and fossilised remains of plant and animal life. Stopping for lunch in Brachina Gorge we managed to spot a few rare and endangered yellow footed rock wallabies - as well as a couple of rabbits. We continued on a leisurely drive through Brachina Gorge, with lots of photo stops along the way, before a final lookout view back towards Wilpena Pound. Another great travel experience! We finished off a long but enjoyable day with another satisfying Outback meal (read very generous helpings!) at the Old Ghan Restaurant which is located in the lovely old stone buildings which were once Hawker Railway Station.