Description
Experience far North Flinders Ranges and relax each night in a peaceful private lodge
5 DAYS | 4 NIGHTS
Challenge | Discover | Fulfil
Overview
Flinders Ranges Grand Adventure
Waterholes, Gorges and Lodge Accommodation
Come and experience the highlights of the Flinders Ranges on Nukunu, Banggarla and Adnyamathanha Country.
We take you to remote trails less travelled and through landscapes that will leave you in awe, plus you stay in exceptional private lodge accommodation.
Walk pack-free along spectacular trails through the splendour of the Flinders Ranges. This holistic experience samples everything you want when visiting this ancient land. Explore rocky gorges, traverse remote creek beds, step back in time and climb ranges with endless views.
Learn from the Adnyamathanha, connect deeply with nature, and enjoy beautifully prepared meals in the private dining room.
Each night enjoy a drink on the raised deck or settle into the alfresco lounge by the fire. Watch the sun colour the ranges with 360 degree endless views from your accommodation. Enjoy the peace and quiet and the solitude that only Gum Creek Lodge can offer.
Experience the best of the Flinders Ranges on this small group (max 8) experience. The alfresco fire and glowing outback skies await on this exclusive 5 day adventure.
Professionally led by our qualified and experienced adventure leaders.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Adelaide to Northern Flinders
Leaving Adelaide this morning, we start our comfortable journey to the spectacular northern reaches of the Flinders Ranges.
A stop for morning tea is in Port Wakefield then our next stop is at Quorn, a pretty outback town and popular filming location. Here, you can purchase any additional items you may need prior to lunch.
Continuing further north, we arrive at The Jeff Morgan Gallery. Here, through huge 360 degree panoramic paintings of the Flinders, we will provide an orientation talk. Then we continue north to Cazneaux Tree and our peaceful and secluded accommodation at Gum Creek Lodge.
On arrival the colours will be on show over the Ranges, and this can be enjoyed with a nibbles platter and a drink from the raised deck.
Meals Included: Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 1km
Day 2 | Glass Gorge Cultural Site
Importantly, a ‘Welcome to Country’ and traditional smoke cleansing precedes our first walk. This will be provided by our Adnyamathanha guide at the trailhead to the Glass Gorge Cultural site. A special place accessible only with our guide for the morning. You will be taken on an educational 3 hour walk through this culturally significant area, which is home to ancient petroglyphs, scar trees and artifacts left by Adnyamathanha ancestors.
A sit-down lunch will be provided at The Miners Crib Café Bakery’. Here there is a range of fresh food including Miners Pasties (pastie one end and apple the other). Following lunch we venture underground on a tour of the old Blinman Mine, to learn about the early European Pioneers to the area.
This afternoon we climb to the top of Mount Mary and the spectacular ‘Great Wall of China’ rock formation, for views over the ranges.
We return to our accommodation to relax, unwind and enjoy a sumptuous dinner.
Maybe prior to dinner, follow the private walking trail on the property to the lookout and watch the sunset.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 5km
Day 3 | Blinman Pools
Todays walk at Blinman Pools is beautiful and also offers challenge.
Our remote trail includes rock hopping as it climbs to different levels, and there are seasonal waterfalls here too. Although rated moderate-hard, this trail is also a lot of fun and adventurous. We will enjoy a picnic lunch and connect with nature upon reaching the permanent waterhole.
This afternoon we visit an authentic Adnyamathanha shop and gallery on our return journey. Here, artwork, traditional carvings, handmade crafts, bead earrings, bush medicine supplies, organic jams and teas are on display, with the majority made by family artists.
Upon returning to the lodge, a platter and a drink by the Alfresco wood fire will be perfect this evening if the weather is fine.
Tonight, maybe leave the skylight uncovered in your room and spend some time gazing up at the sky.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 10km
Day 4 | Ikara Wilpena Pound
We enter Ikara Wilpena Pound today for a walk that is said to provide the best aerial views of this special place.
First we follow Wilpena Creek on a pretty and easy to walk trail, then we climb to the peak of Mount Ohlssen Bagge (altitude gain of 443m). Although challenging, the views along the way make this one of the best trails in Ikara. Upon reaching the top, you are again rewarded with beautiful vistas. As an option, we also provide an easier walk to Hills Homestead and Wangara Lookout instead.
Lunch will be enjoyed either on top or at the base of the mountain before an easy stroll along a gorgeous trail takes us back to the trail head.
We return to our accommodation for our final night at the lodge where a delicious sumptuous meal awaits.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 8km
Day 5 | Alligator Gorge / Adelaide
Today we farewell our beautiful accommodation and the northern landscapes as we head south to our final walk at Alligator Gorge.
Steps descend us into the Gorge then we follow the creek bed to the spectacular Terraces and Narrows. We have a picnic lunch here with time to enjoy the vantage points overlooking this beautiful site.
Leaving the Flinders Ranges, we journey back to Adelaide with a comfort stop at an iconic Australian bakery known for gourmet pies and quandong tarts. We then take a scenic afternoon drive through the Clare Valley and arrive back in Adelaide at around 6pm.
We provide multiple drop off points including most CBD hotels dependent on traffic.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks
Walking Distance: 3km
Need To Know
Inclusions
Travel
- Comfortable private vehicle transport
Meals
- All meals and snacks as per the itinerary
- 2 course dinners
- B x 4 | L x 5 | D x 4
Accommodation
- Gum Creek Lodge
- 4 nights twin share private lodge (2 single or 1 king bed for couples)
Activities
- Professionally guided walks
- Cultural experience with Adnyamathanha guide
- Historical Blinman Mine with local guide
Safety
- Each trip has 2 Guides/Leaders
- Group First Aid kit and emergency communication device
- Leaders certified in Remote Area/Wilderness First Aid
- Qualified Bushwalking Leaders
Environmental
- Small group guided experience
- Leave No Trace principles
- Invitations to connect with nature
- Reduce waste through recycling, reusing and composting
- National Park entry fees
Big Heart Extras
- Big Heart Adventures designed ioMerino hiking top
- Big Heart Adventures designed head sock
- 5 guided pre-departure training walks and or program (trip specific)
- Discounts for pre-departure purchases at Exurbia
- A charity contribution to our Give Back program
Exclusions
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Meals and drinks not stated on itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
Packing List
A detailed packing list is provided prior to travel
- Gear you will need:
- Rainproof jacket and pants
- Daypack (35 litre approx.)
- Water bottles/hydration kit (min 2Ltrs)
- Personal medications
- Clothing suitable for walking that is quick drying and breathable – consider merino/synthetic clothing
- Sun protection such as hat, sunglasses and suncream, insect repellent
- Sleeping attire
Accessibility
There are stairs, uneven surfaces and moving luggage to and from accommodation, plus walking bush trails on this trip. Please talk to us about your accessibility needs before booking
Details
- Type: Challenge Trek Guided
- Adventure: Flinders Ranges Grand Adventure
- Destination: Flinders Ranges, South Australia
- Traditional Country: Nukunu, Banggarla and Adnyamathanha
- Group Size: Max 8 plus leaders
Fitness Requirement
- A good level of fitness is required to walk the trails on this trip
- You will be walking pack free (day packs only)
- You will walk on a variety of surfaces including undulating trails, steep sections, rock scrambling, and loose ground
- Our longest walking day is 10km and we walk 4 consecutive days on this adventure
- Trip rating: Moderate
Important Information
- *Eligible Past Traveller Discount applies if you’ve travelled with us on any of our guided tours which were 5 days duration or longer
- Read terms and conditions before booking
- Itinerary and price subject to change at any time
- Travel Insurance is recommended. Get a quote from Covermore or Go Insurance
- Note weather, group member welfare and a range of circumstances outside our control can mean last minute changes to our itinerary are necessary once on tour
- A limited number of single rooms are available on a first-come basis
- Please contact us before booking any flights. Depending on flight arrival and departure times extra nights accommodation may be required at own expense
- A minimum number of travellers are required for this trip to depart so ask someone to join you. If minimum numbers aren’t reached, we may decide to still go or we will provide a full refund
- Training walks start 8 weeks prior to departure. We recommend you attend these walks to maximise your enjoyment and for the groups welfare when away
- If this trip departs during Fire Ban Season – last minute changes to our itinerary or walking days may be required for safety reasons
- Rooming is 2 person lodge with ensuite (2 single or 1 king bed)
- Private transport to and from the Flinders Ranges is included from Adelaide, with multiple pick up points available in transit between Adelaide and Hawker
- Private transport in the Flinders Ranges plus daily trail transfers is included
- If you have additional needs please connect with us, we’re committed to being inclusive and accessible
Adventure Leaders
Our team is qualified, experienced and super friendly. We will ensure you have a fun and connecting adventure. Leaders are certified in Remote or Wilderness First-Aid. All leaders carry a group first-aid kit, emergency communications device, emergency documentation and equipment.
