Description
Northern Flinders Ranges walking tour for women, showcasing Ikara Wilpena Pound
4 DAYS | 3 NIGHTS
Find Yourself | Be Yourself | Challenge Yourself
Overview
Northern Flinders Ranges walking tour for women
Gorges, Gaps and Galleries
Join our Northern Flinders Ranges walking weekender for women to Adnyamathanha Country.
Find Yourself Be Yourself Challenge Yourself on this 4 day weekender.
This Weekender brings stunning trails and spectacular views of Ikara ‘Wilpena Pound’ and surrounding ranges. Connecting you to this ancient landscape and yourself over 4 beautiful days.
Walking pack-free (day pack only) on selected moderately challenging day hikes, with freshly cooked meals and comfortable single room accommodation every night – every traveller has their own bedroom.
Professionally led by our qualified and experienced female bushwalking leader guides
Itinerary
Day 1 | Adelaide / Willow Springs
Leaving Adelaide this morning, we head north in our comfortable bus, ready for adventure in the stunning Northern 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 enter the Northern Flinders Ranges and our accommodation at Willow Springs. This afternoon we take you along a picturesque trail that adjoins our quarters.
Meals Included: Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 7km
Day 2 | Arkaroo Rock / Ohlssen Bagge
Today we enter Ikara (Wilpena Pound), but first we meet our Adnyamathanha guide at the base of Wilpena Range. Here, cleansing smoke prepares you to connect with this gorgeous country and indigenous songline.
Then, we take you on a gentle walk through culturally significant landscapes to Arkaroo Rock. Our Adnyamathanha guide shares creation stories depicted on the Rock Art here, and provides in-depth discussion about the Adnyamathanha and connection to this Country. Please note: If Arkaroo Rock is inaccessible we will visit Sacred Canyon instead.
Entering Ikara ‘Wilpena Pound’ we begin our next walk that is said to provide the best aerial views of this special place. Following Wilpena Creek on a pretty and easy to walk trail, then climbing to the peak of Mount Ohlssen Bagge. Although challenging, the views along the way make this one of the best trails in the Flinders Ranges. Upon reaching the top, you are again rewarded with beautiful vistas.
Lunch will be enjoyed either on top of Mount Ohlssen Bagge or near Wilpena creek.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 12km
Day 3 | Rawnsley Bluff
Today’s main walk is challenging but we do offer alternatives. The walk up to Rawnsley Bluff is rated moderate to difficult, but is also a lot of fun and adventurous on the rocky sections.
There are two great lookouts on todays hike that showcase Wilpena Pound from a different angle, and the ranges to the east.
Alternatively we offer an easier trail walk to Wangara Lookout in Wilpena Pound. Or you may like to take a scenic flight today (own expense and subject to availability and weather).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Trail Snacks, 2 Course Dinner
Walking Distance: 12km
Day 4 | Warren Gorge / Adelaide
Journeying south, we head to our next walk at Warren Gorge. A picturesque jaunt on the trails, and your chance to farewell this wonderful land and spot yellow-footed rock wallabies.
Next, a lunch stop at a cafe in Melrose that provides a fresh menu and freshly squeezed juices. After a fulfilling lunch, we take a scenic afternoon drive through the Clare Valley and arrive back into Adelaide at approx. 5:30pm. Please do not book flights for this evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Trail Snacks
Walking Distance: 6km
Need To Know
Inclusions
Travel
- Comfortable private vehicle transport
Meals
- All meals and snacks as per the itinerary
- 2 course dinners
- B x 3 | L x 3 | D x 3
Accommodation
- Willow Springs Station
- 3 nights single bedrooms (shared bathrooms)
Activities
- Professionally guided walks by our female Leaders
- Nature connection activities on trail
- Cultural walk with an Adnyamathanha guide
Safety
- Each trip has 2 female 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 head sock
- A charity contribution to our Give Back program
Exclusions
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance
- Meals and drinks not stated on itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
Trail Notes
We grade the overall walking on this itinerary as MODERATE-CHALLENGING
(see our grading system)
This grading is provided as general advice only, and is based on our assessment and also feedback from past participants. Please consider your level of fitness and experience in regard to this rating, and if you’re unsure please contact us for more information
Arkaroo Rock
Distance: 4km
Elevation Gain: 125m
Elevation Loss: 125m
Ohlssen Bagge
Distance: 8km
Elevation Gain: 450m
Elevation Loss: 450m
Rawnsley Bluff
Distance: 12km
Elevation Gain: 550m
Elevation Loss: 550m
Warren Gorge
Distance: 6km
Elevation Gain: 200m
Elevation Loss: 200m
Why choose us
10 REASONS TO WALK WITH US
Realistic Itineraries
we want you to love and be inspired by the Flinders Ranges. This tour itinerary is well-designed and realistic, allowing you to complete the full itinerary ….. we don’t over sell and under deliver
Be Fulfilled
this itinerary is designed to maximise your awe and leave you fulfilled. You will walk beautiful trails at Willow Springs, Arkaroo Rock, Ohlssen Bagge, Rawnsley Bluff and Warren Gorge, hear about Ikara-Wilpena Pound’s creation through ancient rock art with our Adnyamathanha guide, and stay in quiet shearers quarters. We’ve planned this 4 day itinerary so you get a full experience and time to relax ….. you won’t leave the Flinders Ranges feeling unfulfilled
Nature Connection
we want you to feel de-stressed and re-energised. So, our guides are also nature facilitators with skills to immerse you with your surrounds. Not only do we safely guide you and share our knowledge, we also provide invitations for you to slow down and connect deeper with nature whilst walking the trail (included activities such as an introduction to Shinrin-yoku ‘Forest Bathing’ ) <learn more about Forest Bathing here> ….. we’re pioneers of hiking with deep nature immersion
Group Fitness
we want you to succeed and maximise your enjoyment, so group chats online are provided leading up to your Weekender (included as part of the tour price). These will assist you to meet your guides and other group members, ask questions on what to expect, receive advice on the trail, travel, and the destination, and gauge your level of fitness ….. we invest in your preparation
Meaningful Moments
we will bring your Northern Flinders Ranges experience alive ….. a guide book, phone App, and interstate companies can’t do this as well as a local South Australian tour operator like us
Flexibility (2 guides)
our departures have 2 experienced female guides. Having 2 guides means we can better cater for group dynamics and individual needs. Factors such as walking pace, injuries and incidents can mean changes to the itinerary become necessary, and if there was only 1 guide then these changes will impact on your expectations and your level of enjoyment ….. avoiding this is why we always have 2 guides
Safety
our wilderness trained female guides from Adelaide carry comprehensive group first-aid kits, satellite communication devices, and safety equipment. In addition, safety procedures are in place, and constant communication is undertaken with local emergency services. There isn’t mobile phone coverage along sections of these trails ….. so for your safety, we always have multiple communication devices
Timing
we go at the best time of the year for comfortable walking conditions. We can’t guarantee perfect weather everyday, but you can book with confidence
Small Groups
a maximum of 9 only on each departure. Meaning, it’s better for the environment, and you won’t feel like you’re just a number in the crowd
Travel Assistance
our in-house travel specialists can assist you with travel insurance. If you’re arriving from interstate or from international destinations we can also package any accommodation, flights, and add-ons in addition to this tour. Package your Flinders Ranges Weekender with us and save stress, time and money
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: Weekenders For Women
- Adventure: Guided Northern Flinders Ranges walking tour for women
- Destination: Northern Flinders Ranges, South Australia
- Traditional Country: Adnyamathanha
- Group Size: Max 9 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 some rock scrambling, steep sections and loose ground
- We recommend you do some hilly walks (up to 15km) before this trip to maximise your enjoyment of the climbs and views
- Trip rating: Moderate-challenging
Important Information
- 10% Discount for Wise Women Walking Members JOIN HERE
- 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
- 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
- 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 single bedrooms with shared bathrooms
- Private transport to and from the Northern Flinders Ranges is included from Adelaide, with multiple pick up points available in transit between Adelaide and Hawker
- Private transport for our time at the Northern Flinders Ranges 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.
