Flinders Ranges

Nico,
You did not say what way you are coming from.
Wilpena Pound is very popular and thus you would want to avoid this or go after the rush. As long as you dont mind bumping into the odd person after that then rest of the area should not be too bad.

Basically there are 2 ways in:
1) From Hawker to Leigh Creek/Copley (this is bitumen as far as Lyndhurst now. This will let you turn off and go any way you want.
2) From Broken Hill - Adelaide turn off at Yunta on the Arkaroola Road. This is formed gravel and can get badly corrugated in places. You will have to drive to suit the conditions. Last July it took us a good solid 5hrs to do this 300km.

My suggestion would be to head to the Northern parts eg Blinman, Parachilna and Arkaroola as these should be a bit quieter. If you have a passion for a good old fashioned Bakery there is a good one at Copley.

Main towns for supplies are Hawker or Leigh Creek - fresh bread & fruit is subject to delivery truck schedules in Leigh Creek and you will need to be there at the right time.

Arkaroola is a privately owned resort has a "van" park which has reasonable facilities. They have fuel/shop/mechanical and sell cold ales. They have a number of 4WD tracks on the property.
Website is www.arkaroola.on.net. Also have a look at www.atn.com.au/sa/south/parks-h.htm as well as on this site(ExplorOz)

Regards

Pete G

Hi nico,
PeterG was spot on. We spent 3 days at Arkaroola and two days at Wilpena. Not enough time, I do suggest the Arkaroola area for interest and 4Wdriving. Must see Chambers Gorge and do Skytrek (Willow Springs). There is plenty to see and lots of driving, and with only three days, we only saw a small part of what is on offer. I hope it rains before you go, it was very dry last Sept. Have a look at the trek notes, they are very helpfull.
Thommo.

Nico, I live close by!
Agree with comments so far. One correction Orroroo, Carrieton, Cradock, Hawker road now totaly sealed. Sealed to Wilpena. Would recommendRawnsley Park (15kms S of Wilpena) as place to be based. Top Tourist park, and full range of facilities down to bush camping.
Including Skytrek there are 6 4WD day pay as you go treks, all vg.
Coming from Victoria, Wilpena Visitor Info centre will have all details.
Flinders NP has a vg bush camps of 4WD and 2WD (kept apart!). Good ones are to E of Brachina Gorge, Aroona, and in vicinity of Bunyeroo Gorge. Outside Park at N end of central region Parachilna Gorge, or CP at Angorichina.
In Gammon ranges main camping is at Arkaroola which is vg. Nearby is Chambers Gorge.
Finally! SA has system of Public Access Routes (Par's). Two very good ones off Glass' Gorge.
Any further info please get back. I hope this not too much info. A good choice,
regards
Mike

Nico
you don't mention how many days you will be in the Flinders.
Trust me, "every man and his dog" will be at the popular tourist spots at Easter eg.Rawnsley's, Wilpena, Brachina, Aroona....
If you want to get away from the multitude try a couple of the PAR's Nico mentioned ie through Hanagans Gap on Moolooloo Station and across Waraweena Station to Sliding Rock and Beltana. Could rush the trip in a day or take a leisurely 3 days. Not hard going, no 4 wd'ing but good clearance needed. If interested I can give you contact details of the lessees, what maps needed etc. and if you are adventurous - other trips in the area where you can "get away from it all".

Gooday Nico
If you give me a bus. and a/h phone no. we can start the ball rolling.