First Oz Trek - Flinders Ranges

Marko,

No problems travelling alone. UHF repeaters cover the area pretty well. Make sure you also fit in time to go up to the gammon ranges and Arkaroola in your plans.
There are many beutifull spots to lokk at. I am sure Willem will tell you of lots of places worth a visit.

Marko,

You won't have any problems travelling on your own in the Flinders, you will probably have other travellers nearby at most places anyway.
A couple of great drives (will cost though) are Arkaba Station, Skytrek at Willow Springs, and Arkapeena Scenic Drive.
All can be done alone.

Have a look at Artimore ruins and Nuccaleena Mine as well, well worth a look.
Get directions from the store in Blinman, they will help you.

Enjoy your trip, and I hope you get good weather, as it canl be hot in March.

There are many good camp sites in the Flinders, so you won't have any trouble camping.

Geoff.

Hi Marko,

It sounds like your in for a great trip!

Just a couple of points come to mind. Firstly you don't need a Sat phone in the Flinders Ranges. I have no trouble getting coverage with my CDMA since they put the tower in at Hawker. Also the Flinders are not as remote as they once were, there are people everywhere, and you'll have no trouble contacting one of the local cocky's with your GME radio if you get into strife.

If your in for some four wheel driving, you could check out the Bunkers Range and do the Sky Trek from Willow Springs Station. It's the highest place you can drive to in South Australia.
http://members.bettanet.net.au/~conody/Bunkers%20Block%20Camping%20Trips.htm

There are lot's of camping sites in and around the National Park and some excellent walk's if your fit enough. My wife and I often stay in the Flinders on our own for up to two weeks at a time and have never had any problems in that area. We like to camp at Edeowie and The Bunkers and do day trips from there into the many georges in the area.

You can get more onfo from the Mobil servo in Hawker on all the tourist stuff.

Have a great trip.
Chaz

Hi Marko you are in for a great trip.
We did 16 days Club trip at Easter 04, I could email the itinerary to you if you want & some costings re treks & camp fees.
Mt Samuals trek & some other areas require good ground clearance, there is also some good PAR's tracks.

What are you driving & where are you from ??

Cheers

Marko

All of the above tracks and places are well worth a visit. Do come out to Warraweena where there are good camping facilities and some very good 4x4 tracks. Check out more details here on Exploroz as mentioned by Juliana.

Our preference for travelling North is through Clare, Laura, Melrose, Quorn, Hawker- it is much prettier than through Pt Augusta.
I like the Morolana Track which is a doddle and free. Do it from the east then return by Bracina or Parachilna Gorges. Great camping in Parachilna Gorge. It will still be HOT at that time of year so you may not have too much competition. (Perhaps the down side of this as you get more remote is that there will be fewer passersby if you have trouble)
' Eat bush food' at the Parachilna pub and go on to Copley and then Arkaroola if you can stand the heat and dry conditions. The roads to get there are in great condition and the 4WD drives are really speccy. Fresh food is in short supply there though.

Don't for one minute forget that you are in desert at a hot time of year. Vehicle coolant and personal water supplies are to be taken very seriously. The "short" walk with out water could turn very nasty. Make yourself a personal flynet to use on your hat unless you like the little critters a lot (they cost about 13 bucks in Hawker where you are a captive audience).
You will have a great time afer all this is South Oz and desert at that!

In the Barossa check out the small wineries. In this day and age with huge conglomerates taking over the industry it is difficult to find the products of small wineries in Liquor stores and they produce such individual stuff. Try Jenke, Cimicky, Turkey Flat, Bethany (great views) Charles Melton, Rockford(not open Sun.) Grenock Creek, Don't forget to spit when you taste – it makes you look sooo professional!

Cheers,
Camper

Yes make sure u fit skytrek in your plans.........and the blinman pub lol........Some of the best sunsets you will see in the flinders.

What a great thread and just at the right time as me and the missus are relocating from Sydney to Leigh Creek.
A bit of a sea, er desert change if you like!

We were up that way last August had a great time, I well reccommend the feral mixed grill at the Prairie hotel.

cheer 3LB

Hi Bernie, wouldnt mind a copy of that itinerary too if U please to:

optimist35atoptusnet.com.au

Agree the Flinders is a great spot not too far from home either.

Hi Marko you,ll love it up there mate, great part of sth oz we stay out at parachlina gorge for 3 reasons not to mention it,s a great spot but it,s free, you can collect fire wood on the spot as you are not allowed to collect it within the np so if u want wood it,s a matter of going out side the NP to get it ,and the last thing is that you are not far from the PRAIRIE HOTEL which is great for a meal have the FMG it,s fantastic ,have a great trip cheer,s GREENDOG

Thank you all for your replies. I have had to make a few changes to the itenary but am looking forward to it even more so now!

Thanks once again!