Overview
Flinders Ranges Highlights Adventure
Pools, Climbs and Gorges
Come and experience the highlights of the Flinders Ranges on Nukunu, Banggarla and Adnyamathanha Country.
We take you to trails less travelled and through landscapes that will leave you in awe.
Walk pack-free along 6 spectacular trails in 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 on a geological trail and climb ranges with endless views.
Learn from the Adnyamathanha, connect deeply with nature, and enjoy beautifully prepared meals. Some shorter walks are also offered on this trip.
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 | Depart Adelaide / Arkaroo Rock / Flinders Ranges
Leaving Adelaide this morning, we head north in our comfortable minibus, ready for adventure in the stunning Flinders Ranges. After a stop for coffee and a leg stretch at Port Wakefield, we will notice the landscape change as the Flinders Ranges gradually rises on our eastern side.
Next stop is at Quorn, a pretty outback town and popular filming location. Here you will enjoy a fresh and healthy lunch.
Continuing further north, we arrive at Akurra Adnya ‘Arkaroo Rock’. A place to stretch your legs and connect with this gorgeous country and indigenous songline. Meeting us here and welcoming us to this Country is our Adnyamathanha guide for the afternoon. You will be taken on a gentle 2 hour walk through this culturally significant area, which is home to rock art that is more than 6000 years of age.
Then we continue north to our newly built private and peaceful accommodation, arriving in time for dinner.
Meals Included: Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 4km
Day 2 | Wilkawillina Gorge
This morning we head out to Wilkawillina for a stunning gorge walk that will leave you in awe.
Wilkawillina has a stunning section of gorge to walk, it is one of the biggest and best in the Flinders Ranges. This gorge has plenty of challenge plus the opportunity to spot Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies.
We pack lunch and plenty of snacks for this adventure, allowing 6 hours on this spectacular trail. One of the highlights of the Flinders Ranges.
We return to our accommodation to relax and unwind at sunset with a delicious nibbles platter and sumptuous dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 13km
Day 3 | Blinman Pools
Todays walk at Blinman Pools also offers challenge.
Our trail includes rock hopping as it climbs to the different levels of Blinman Pools. There are also seasonal waterfalls here. This trail is rated moderate-hard but is also a lot of fun and adventurous. We will enjoy a picnic lunch by these natural pools.
This afternoon we visit an authentic Adnyamathanha shop and gallery, and we drop into the historic Blinman Hotel for a drink.
As the sun sets we make our way to The Great Wall Of China. Here we experience the colours on show during sunset over the Ranges.
Then we return to our lodges to enjoy dinner and a night gazing up at the sky.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 12km
Day 4 | Wilpena Pound
We enter Wilpena Pound today for a couple of walks that provide the best aerial views of this special place.
First we climb to the peak of Mount Ohlssen Bagge. Although challenging, the views along the way make this one of the best trails in the Pound. Upon reaching the top, you are again rewarded with beautiful vistas.
Then we hike to Wangara Lookout. An easy stroll along a gorgeous trail that takes us to our lunch spot at the old homestead. Then its a short climb to the lookout, for panoramic views into Wilpena Pound.
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: 13km
Day 5 | Alligator Gorge / Drive to Adelaide
Today we farewell our beautiful accommodation and the northern landscapes as we head south to our final walk at Alligator Gorge.
This walk descends into the Gorge and follows the creek bed to the spectacular Terraces and Narrows. Then the trail winds back uphill to our start point. We have 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: 4km
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)
Activities
- Professionally guided walks
- Cultural experience with Adnyamathanha guide
- Flinders Ranges highlights over 5 days
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
- Big Heart Adventures journal
- Guided pre-departure training walks and or program (trip specific)
- Discount card 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 Highlights 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 13km and we walk 5 consecutive days on this adventure
- Trail 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.
