Published for: Tuesday, 5/08/2008
Travel Guides -> Attractions -> South Australia -> Flinders Ranges
Port Augusta - A stone cairn marks the spot where Captain Matthew Flinders stepped ashore on 10 March 1802. The cairn was built in 1967 and named after Alan McLellan, an early historian of Port Augusta. The lookout is situated in Whiting Parade at the end of Edinburgh Terrace, and provides a good view of the Spencer Gulf, the Northern and Thomas Playford Power Stations and the picturesque Flinders and Bluff Ranges.
Wilmington - Alligator Gorge within Mount Remarkable National Park is the premier natural attraction in the Southern Flinders Ranges. This spectacular gorge cuts through ancient quartzite by the Alligator Creek is easily accessible to visitors. Toilet, picnic area and barbeques are provided for visitors who can spend an hour or a full day on the network of walking trails surrounding the gorge. Wildflowers and native orchids are abundant through spring.
Accommodation is available at Alligator Lodge (sleeps e... read more
Quorn - Arden Hills offers two distinctively different types of self drive off road experience for those who want to leave the beaten track and enjoy some of the Flinders Ranges unique scenery.
Track One – Arden Hills half day self drive tour.
Arden Hills is a four wheel drivers heaven with exhilarating climbs and breathtaking descents.
Arden Hills is a challenging experience that will leave you spellbound by the magnificent scenery. You will enjoy some of the most scenic country in the Flinders, ran... read more
Arkapena Scenic Adventure and Chace Range Spectacular
Hawker - Arkapena Scenic Adventure is a genuine four wheel drive vehicle experience. Drive along the base of the colourful Chace Range and wind through native pine forest to the top of the ABC Range. Relax at Prelinna lookout and be rewarded with spectacular views of the Flinders Ranges.
Also a genuine four wheel drive vehicle experience, the Chace Range Spectacular offers an abundance and variety of flora, fauna and the colourful rock faces of the Chace Range. Experience breathtaking views of Wilpena ... read more
Arkaroola Astronomical Observatory
Arkaroola - ArkaroolaAstronomical Observatory provides you with a rare opportunity to tour the universe by combining one of Australia`s largest privately owned astronomical observatories with new age Star Chairs.
Under the expert tuition of Arkaroola`s guides, this tour makes for the type of intergalactic experience that is not normally available to anyone but astronomers and scientists. You`ll find some of the best astronomical viewing conditions in the southern hemisphere – our night skies are free of a... read more
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Arkaroola - Located 600 kilometres north of Adelaide and 130 kilometres east of Leigh Creek, and situated in the more rugged and spectacular northern Flinders Ranges, this 610 square kilometre multi award-wining Wilderness Sanctuary is operated by the Sprigg family. The Sanctuary contains one of Australia`s most spectacular mountain views and numerous Advanced Ecotourism accredited guided tours.
Arkaroola features rugged mountains; towering granite peaks, magnificent gorges and mysterious waterholes, and ... read more
Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens
Port Augusta - Follow 12 kilometres of walking tracks through the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, a 250 hectare property with different arid zones showcasing beautiful, hardy but delicate, arid land flora, bird and animal life.
Here, you can gain a better understanding of arid land plants and their environments. The garden is committed to research, revegetate, preserve and conserve arid land flora and animal life and to show you what you can grow in your garden.
One of the garden’s features is Australi... read more
Melrose - Bartagunyah Estate cellar door is situated five kilometres from the township of Melrose in the Southern Flinders Ranges region of South Australia. The vineyard produces wine from shiraz, cabernet and viognier grapes grown at an altitude of over 400 metres above sea level. The wine is made from sparsely irrigated vines, producing distinctive and concentrated flavours.
Bartagunyah now has single track mountain bike trails and hosts the Adelaide Mountain Bike race on the October long weekend. Sho... read more
Blinman - Blinman is a nine hole, par 68 golf course with scrapes and is 5000 metres. Preferred lie on fairways with rugged creeks and hills surrounding.
Nestled in the picturesque Flinders Ranges, south of the Blinman township. An opportunity to play golf outback style.
Bluey Blundstones Blacksmith Shop
Melrose - Bluey Blundstone`s Blacksmith shop was built in 1865 in Melrose, South Australia. Melrose is the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges, first settled with the discovery of copper in 1846.
The entire complex has been lovingly and authentically restored with the smithy`s shop now fully equipped with tools and machinery pertaining to that era. The work area alone is seven square metres with five metre high ceilings. The thick stone walls are constantly interrupted with doorways, a window and shelving... read more
Brachina Gorge Geological Trail
Hawker - Brachina Gorge is one of the Flinders Ranges National Park`s most popular and spectacular tourist attractions. The gorge is an important refuge for the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby as well as many species of birds and reptiles. The Brachina Gorge Geological Tour is a 20 kilometre self-guided trail that passes through 130 million years of earth history. Trail signage provides an insight into past climates, the formation of the ranges and the evolution of early life forms. The trail is best travelle... read more
Jamestown - Bundaleer Forest was Australia’s first plantation forest. Experience its textures, sounds and aromas and enjoy the cool tranquillity of a deciduous forest. It’s just 10 kilometres south of Jamestown on the Spalding Road, and offers delightful scenery and walks.
Walking trails that take in the Bundaleer Forest include the Heysen and Mawson Trails, Conservator’s Walk starting at the Arboretum on the Georgetown Road, and the Scenic Walk or Maple Walk, both starting from the Bundaleer picnic ground... read more
Laura - A larger than life copper sculpture of CJ Dennis stands outside the Biles Art Gallery as a memorial to the memory of the renowned poet and balladeer, whose boyhood home was Laura.
Crystal Brook - Built in 1875 as a bakers and butchers shop with a house attached. The premises now contain an underground bakehouse that is restored but not functional, which is unique.
The house is set out in the Victorian period, fully furnished with a bedroom and picture gallery on the upper floor while a large kitchen is located downstairs. A dress making room, music room and what was formerly the butcher`s shop is now fitted out as a pre-decimal general store.
Located in the grounds are a laundry, bathr... read more
Quorn - The bushwalk up to Devil`s Peak is steep in places and is recommended for experienced and fit walkers.
It may take one-and-a-half to two hours for the return journey but you will see a large variety of native vegetation, wild flowers, and birds and get fantastic panoramic views at the summit, which is 670 metres above sea level.
Devil`s Peak Walking Trail is closed from 15 October to 15 April each year due to fire danger season.
Hawker - The scenic wonders of this ancient mountain landscape, with its deep gorges and sheltered creeks offer some of the most magnificent scenery anywhere in Australia.
With attractions such as Wilpena Pound - a natural amphitheatre that holds spiritual significance for the local Aboriginal people and has inspired artists for generations - it’s no wonder. Flinders Ranges National Park is one of South Australia’s most popular places to visit.
Whether you’re into adventure, pioneering history, Aborigi... read more
Hawker - Situated at Hawker Motors is a museum, which Fred Teague built up over the years with relics from early settlers. There is a fine display of gemstones, minerals, fossils, photographs, antique bottles and memorabilia.
For 60 years or so, Fred had been an inveterate collector. It all began with some mineral specimens, which he discovered in the Flinders Ranges. The compact museum, which is open to visitors, is packed with geological and mineral specimens ranging from beryl and bornite to exquisit... read more
Port Augusta - Gladstone Square is located in the Port Augusta City Centre, on the corner of Jervois Street and Marryatt Street.
This picturesque square complete with rotunda, two gazebos, a barbecue area that provides a shady landscaped patch suitable for picnic lunches and a playground. All have been donated by the Lions Service Club.
Points of historical interest surround the square, including the Court House, Water Works Barracks, Presbyterian Church, Gateway Inn and several memorials.
Port Augusta - Before this bridge was built, ferry boats and barges were used to cross the Spencer Gulf. The only other way to get to the other side was by land, around the head of the Gulf, a distance of about 12 kilometres.
The Old Great Western Bridge opened in 1927 and was replaced by the existing bridge in 1972.
Today it is used only for recreational purposes. The stone used at each end of the old bridge was obtained from the ruins of the historical hotel in the township of Saltia, Pichi Richi Pass. It ... read more
Wilmington - A spectacular view of Spencers Gulf and the Port Augusta area can be seen from Hancocks Lookout, located at the top of the historic Horrocks Pass, seven kilometres off the road to Port Augusta (coming from Wilimington).
Large Sugar Gums and drooping Sheoaks give an indication of the former woodland vegetation.
From the open parking and picnic area sweeping western views can be seen of the Spencer Gulf, Port Bonython, Whyalla, Mount Laura, Middleback Ranges and Dutchmans Stern Range to the nort... read more
Port Augusta - A two hour Heritage Walk of Port Augusta and a Tourist Drive has been developed. Details of the walk and a map are included in the local Port Augusta Visitor Guide, available at information outlets. The Tourist Drive is also available as a separate publication.
The beginning of the tourist walk is located at the Wadlata Outback Centre, by turning right off National Highway One into Flinders Terrace.
Wilmington - Just west of Wilmington on the road to Port Augusta lies Horrocks Pass.
The pass was named after the explorer John Horrocks who descended through the pass in 1840 on his ill-fated journey north.
A lookout at the historic Cairn at the top of the pass gives an excellent view of the pass.
Jamestown - The Jamestown Golf Club is 18 holes, par 70 course with scrapes. It has an Australian Course Rating of 67 and is 5,796 metres long. This challenging and well-designed golf course is set in the scenic Bundaleer Forest Reserve.
Open for competition during the winter months, with women`s on Wednesday and men`s on Saturday. Green fee players are very welcome as you are able to play at one`s own pace and enjoy this picturesque course.
Jamestown Railway Station National Trust Museum
Jamestown - Go the Jamestown Railway Station Museum to see a collection which includes a former ambulance/accommodation carriage, old farm machinery, ET Both designed iron lung and old medical equipment, local flourmill history and household items.
The museum also traces the history of nearby Bundaleer Forest and the origins of South Australian Farmers Union and MS McLeod Limited. Look through the photographic gallery with pictures of pioneer families and prominent citizens, or the collection of local news... read more
Kanyaka Station Homestead Ruins
Quorn - Major restoration work to arrest the decay of the remains of the stone ruins was completed in December 1987. Included in the refurbishing project were the homestead, various outhouses, shearing sheds and shearers` quarters.
Pastoralist Hugh Proby, the third son of a British Earl, established the Kanyaka run on 1 July 1851. Mr Proby died while crossing the flooded Willochra Creek the following year.
The property was then leased to Mr AWT Grant and Mr John Randall Phillips in 1853. In 1867, M... read more
Pekina - Taking your vehicle to Magnetic Hill is one of those things that you must do if you want to experience something that is just a little bit different from anything else. Park your car on the side of the hill and watch it role uphill.
Magnetic Hill was formerly known as Bruff`s Hill, a name that originated from 35-year-old James Bruff, of Willunga, settling on Section 206, Head of Black Rock Plain, in 1897.
Murray Catford, a former farmer of Tarcowie/Bully Acre, tells the tail of an acquaintance... read more
Melrose - The exhibition at the Melrose Courthouse Museum captures the significance of Goyder’s Line to the fortunes of farmers in the later nineteenth century and highlights the highs and lows of farming in marginal country. Following a settlement boom, the Melrose District suffered severe drought in the 1880s and this, along with the ravages of dust and mice and locust plagues, forced many people from the land. The exhibition at Melrose is located in a building made from stones collected from ruins of f... read more
Mount Remarkable National Park
Mambray Creek - Just a three hour drive north of Adelaide, Mount Remarkable National Park lives up to its’ name offering remarkable rock formations, deep gorges and dramatic scenery.
Alligator Gorge, on the eastern side of the park, includes deep gashes in red-brown quartzite rocks, forming gorges rich in colour while on the western side, Mambray Creek’s canopy of ancient Red Gums are framed by a collection of steep and rolling hills.
See spring wildflowers sprinkled throughout the landscape, and discover th... read more
Port Augusta - On the eastern side of the old bridge are the remains of the Number Four Barge. It was brought from Port Pirie in 1944 to support workmen who were strengthening the bridge for the erection of the Morgan to Whyalla pipeline.
The barge was said to be built in Morgan in the 1880`s for carting goods along the Murray.
In approximately 1910 Barges Number One and Number Four were purchased by the Adelaide Steam Tug Company to carry ore from Whyalla to the Port Pirie Smelters.
Hawker - Old Wilpena Station is one of the most scenically spectacular pastoral settlements in South Australia and has outstanding cultural and heritage significance. Preserved at Old Wilpena Station is the most complete group of early station buildings surviving in South Australia in an authentic pastoral landscape. An important pioneering pastoral run, Wilpena Station was established in 1851 and had a working life of 135 years, before it slipped into retirement in 1985. In 1988 the Wilpena Station land... read more
Paint Ball Skirmish Port Pirie
Port Pirie - Why Paintball Skirmish? Because it`s serious fun - This game will take you right to the edge of reality. Your pulse will be racing as you alternate from one engagement to the next. Your adrenaline will be pumping as you try to out-manoeuvre the opposition for posession of the flag. Armed with a gas powered paintball gun the only thing in danger of being wounded, is your pride. It`s shamelessly addictive fun.
It`s the game that matches team against team, as you battle it out over different game... read more
Peterborough - 18 hole mini golf course situated in the grounds of the Peterborough Caravan Park in the historic railway town of Peterborough.
The golf course is located alongside Victoria Park, with its man made lake and island, kangaroo and deer enclosure and modern playground.
The town of Peterborough is only a 10 minute walk away and offers a link to its railway past at the Steamtown Railway Preservation Society unique Railway Carriage Information Centre and old sandstone buildings, many of which have b... read more
Quorn - All aboard the Afghan Express or the Pichi Richi Explorer for a charming rail journey through the glorious Flinders Ranges!
The Pichi Richi Railway operates between Quorn and Port Augusta. Trains use steam locomotives or historic diesels and genuine timber-body carriages up to 115 years old.
The Pichi Richi Railway is narrow gauge and the last remaining operating portion of the famous Ghan railway. Built in the 1870s, it meanders past deep rock cuttings, superb stone wall embankments and spec... read more
Port Pirie National Trust Museum
Port Pirie - The Port Pirie National Trust Museum incorporates: the old Customs House which was opened in 1882 to cater for the increased shipping in the harbour; the Railway Station building completed in 1902, a fine example of Victorian Pavilion style architecture, which served as a railway station until 1967; and the former Central Police Station, built 1892.
The buildings are now owned by the National Trust and house exhibitions of local history. Displays include: recreated room settings set at about 19... read more
Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery
Port Pirie - Port Pirie Regional Art Gallery is located in the Port Pirie Regional Tourism and Arts Centre, adjacent to the silos and wharf area in the City of Port Pirie.
The Gallery conducts a diverse program of exhibitions annually, with the emphasis on regional South Australian artists. It hosts national touring exhibitions from major Australian cultural institutions and develops exhibitions of topical and community interest.
The Gallery aims to provide opportunities for regional South Australian arti... read more
Port Pirie Regional Tourism And Arts Centre
Port Pirie - Experience for yourself the `city of friendly people` by visiting the Port Pirie Regional Tourism and Arts Centre. Formerly the Port Pirie Railway Station, the Centre has been redeveloped to reflect Port Pirie`s heritage with architectural features and artworks interpreting the city`s industrial, maritime, transport and agricultural history.
Also a nationally accredited Visitor Information Centre, you will experience a team of enthusiastic volunteers who provide a dynamic information service ab... read more
Quorn - The town of Quorn was settled in 1878 and the quarry, at the site of the reserve, was opened to supply the town with stone for buildings.
In 1891 the site was proclaimed a stone reserve placing the site under council care and protection. Humans have never impacted upon the majority of the reserve significantly.
In 1992 it became established as the Flora Reserve.
Murray Town - Remarkable View Wines cellar door is situated just north of Murray Town on the Main North Road (260 kilometres north of Adelaide). The cellar door has magnificent views from the tasting area and patio of Mount Remarkable which it was aptly named after. The cellar door is family run and we are friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating. This is a broad acre farming property which has diversified into the wine industry.
Taste fine wines of the Southern Flinders wine region- one of South Austral... read more
Sculpture Of Beetaloo Reservoir Hotel
Laura - The sculpture celebrates the life of poet CJ Dennis, creator of the Sentimental Bloke. Father, James Dennis, was licensee of the Beetaloo Reservoir Hotel from 1892 to 1909. A similar sculpture resides at the Auburn Hotel.
Both were also commissioned by the Rocky River Historic and Art Society to commemorate the 110th birthday of CJ Dennis on 1986, an event that won a Tourism Award.
Hawker - A spectacular self-guided track in the heartland of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, Skytrek is an awesome rite of passage for four wheel drivers.
Following old mining, mustering and fire trails and a section of purpose-built track over Mount Caernarvon, Skytrek rewards the adventurous traveller with a rooftop view of the Flinders Ranges.
At the Mount Caernarvon summit, four wheel drivers are treated to breathtaking views of Wilpena Pound, the Finders Ranges National Park, the Bunkers and di... read more
Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre
Peterborough - See steam and diesel locomotives, carriages dating back to the late 1800s, freight wagons and more at the Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre.
Steamtown is a museum endeavouring to maintain a working link with Peterborough`s predominantly narrow gauge railway heritage. Peterborough is noted for the existence of three gauges residing at the one location - broad gauge, standard gauge and narrow gauge.
It is also the site of the Peterborough Rail Heritage Museum, which contains an ever increasing numb... read more
Talc Alpha Rink Outback Rep-Public Art Gallery
Lyndhurst - An open-air Talc Stone Carving display of about 60 permanent works of art, depicting the thoughts of Cornelis Johan (Talc Alf) Alferink. His Nissan hut home sits on a rise of red land. A combined modern Aboriginal and Southern Cross flag has been on permanent display since 1988. A wind and bicycle powered washing machine is in a shade house and there are more talc statues than locals.
Living at Lyndhurst, a former Overland Telegraph post and Ghan train stop at the beginning of the Strzelecki... read more
The Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park
Quorn - The Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park is named after the stern of an early Dutch sailing ship that it resembles. The park comprises 3,750 hectare of steep ranges, rock outcrops, deep gorges and footslopes. The wide range of habitats within the park conserve an abundance of flora and fauna.
In this park you will see changes in vegetation that reflect the associated rock type, the slope aspect and its altitude. There is a self-guided tour brochure available, which helps visitors to discover and a... read more
Vulkathunha Gammon Ranges National Park
Leigh Creek - You’ll feel like you’ve stepped on to another planet when you enter Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park.
Deep red rock, ancient hills and moon-like landscapes make up this remote Outback wilderness 750 kilometres to the north of Adelaide.
Try not to get dizzy staring up at the near perpendicular cliffs of Italowie Gorge one of the major highlights of the park along with four-wheel driving.
Take in the parks towering cliffs and freshwater springs along the Weetootla Gorge Hike, one of the... read more
Port Augusta - The interactive hands-on Wadlata Outback Centre takes you through the evolution of the Flinders Ranges and Outback South Australia through a vast series of entertaining displays. This is a journey you will never forget.
Discover the Outback, relive the Aboriginal Dreamtime and tales of explorers and settlers, and learn what the vast and varied land means to the people who live and work there today.
Enter the time tunnel and step back 15 million years to the Greentime, when lush rainforests inh... read more
Port Augusta - Surrounded by lovely gardens this tower was built in 1882 to provide a pressure water supply for the residents of Port Augusta West. From the balcony at the top of this tower, excellent views of the town, the Spencer Gulf, the Flinders Ranges and the outback can be seen.
Blinman - Located north of the Flinders Ranges, Wild Lime Cafe and Gallery, awaits you. The gallery has on show paintings by Phil Matthews and a variety of indigenous artists. Pick yourself up a stunning piece of jewellery by Robyn Holtham and Bronwyn Pratt or perhaps some funky beaded jewellery and accessories by Lisa von Muller. Take home a tin lizard by Dudley Siviour or some wonderful photography by Peter MacDonald. Many other pieces are also available.
You can also choose a light lunch from our ext... read more
Wilmington - Follow the Wilmington Heritage Walk, a trail that gives you a chance to take a trip back in time to discover the township of Wilmington. You`ll find 25 information plaques along the way which cover more than 100 years of Wilmington`s history.
Nestled in the Flinders Ranges, surrounded by park lands and the Willochra Plain, Wilmington was first known as Beautiful Valley by the pioneers who settled in the region in the mid 1850s.
Wirrabara - Wirrabara Forest in the Southern Flinders Ranges offers walking trails, scenic drives, picnic grounds and more.
See the King Tree, a gnarled 400 year old Red Gum, over 11 metres in circumference, sitting 150 metres off the King Tree Road. The Old Nursery - established in 1877 and now abandoned - contains a diversity of tree species. There are walking trails leading from the picnic ground to the Old Nursery. Another trail does a loop from the picnic ground to the King Tree, to Ippinitchie Campin... read more
Wirrabara Golf Club Incorporated
Wirrabara - A picturesque town in the southern Flinders Ranges, Wirrabara is distinctive for its large pine forests, timber mill, peach orchards and the variety of bird life.
The Wirrabara Golf Club facilities include an 18-hole golf course, par 71. The golf course has an Australian Course Rating of 64, and is 5538 metres.
Wirrabara - The Wirrabara Producers Market showcases the produce of the Flinders Ranges. It is a genuine producers only market and items available range from fresh and dried fruit and meats to superb olive oils and baked goods. Garden plants and local woodwork, as well as live poultry can also be found.
Key stallholders include Paul and Denise Kretschmer whose biodynamic stone fruit and value added produce meets strong demand; Kaye and Ian Jaeschke`s organic lamb; Meredith Kleinig and Bruce Kennewell`s org... read more
Yacka - Situated two hours drive north of Adelaide alongside the River Broughton, Yacka is a picturesque nine-hole course with scrapes, Par 70 with an Australian course rating of 66 and is 5,537 metres long. Yacka is one of the few clubs outside of the metropolitan area that have artificial Supertee blocks installed. The course is immaculately kept although only playable in the months of April through to September.
The clubhouse has recently been extended and the bar facilities prove popular. Men`s co... read more
Yourambulla Caves Historic Reserve
Hawker - Yourambulla Caves Historic Reserve has a walking trail, which leads to the stairs at the base of the cave.
Once inside, there are Aboriginal paintings on rocks inside the cave to see. There is also an interpretive sign showing the meaning of the painted symbols used.
The time it takes to walk there is approximately one-and-half hours.
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