Flinders Must see's
Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 15:24
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member-skippyking
Hi all,
We have only 2 days to
check out the
Flinders Ranges as we are passing thru from
Marree enroute from WA . Like the sound of the SkyTrek, (reading the tour promo’s) but it is a full day. Also plan on a countery at the Parachilna pub. I imagine everyone has their favourite Flinders spot/s but would welcome suggestions on must see’s.
We will be in the Jack and have 2 daughters (8 & 12 y/o
farm kids) who are fit, walking wise, but we don’t really want to spend half a day getting to and from a
scenic lookout, unless it is absolutely un-missable.
I’ve read a fair bit but as with most tourist blurbs, everything is worth seeing and mustn’t be missed. :~)
We have the “Hema
Flinders Ranges” map and guide, purchased of course from the excellent ExplorOz
Shop.
Thanks. Looking forward to your replies.
SK
Reply By: Member - Pedro (SA) - Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 15:43
Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 15:43
Howdy skippyking,
Returned from
Flinders Ranges a few weeks ago. Skytrek is
well worth a visit. If you stop and look at every point along the way it will take you about 6hrs. We did it in 4hrs felt we missed nothing out and were very impressed. Great 4x4ing and wonderful sights of the whole area. A must is a drive through one of the many gorges. Perhaps after luch at the Parachilna Pub off through Parachilna Geroge to
Brachina Gorge down the hwy till you hit the
Moralana scenic drive, which would bring you back to stay at Wilpena or
Rawnsley Park. But then again Arkaroola is pretty impressive! Sorry. Hope this helps.
Have a great time.
PedroCounting the sleeps!!
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21733
Reply By: Member - Sam (NSW) - Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 15:45
Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 15:45
Skip,
Are you heading to Parachilna directly from Maree or just as part of your look around the Flinder's?
Wilpena Pound is a must in my opinion. The walk into the pound (and the lookouts)from the Resort is only short and
well worth it.
Arkaroola is also worth a visit, but if you are limited for time, and depending on your route, might not be possible. Same for Wilpena.
Leigh Creek Mine will be worth a poke around.
cheers,
Sam.
AnswerID:
21734
Reply By: Pipeliner - Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 17:37
Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 17:37
If you don't want to spend all day at Skytrek there is another good track at
Arkaba Station - costs $30 payable at Wilpena
Visitor Centre.
Arkaba is about 15-20km south of Wilpena off the
Hawker road. Track will take you 2-3 hours and has some interesting parts and some great
views.
Or from Parachilna, head towards
Parachilna Gorge, then turn north and there's a track through
Moolooloo Station up to an old copper
mine.
AnswerID:
21745
Reply By: Brad - Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 18:26
Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 18:26
In the Flinders 12 months ago. My 2 cents worth:
1. Any of the gorges are great. The furthur north you are (near Arkaroola) the better they are.
2.
Italowie gap which you drive thru from
Leigh Creek to Arkaroola is stunning. Stop and have a cuppa there.
3.Parachilna pub is over-priced and over-rated. The best food and grog we had was at the bistro at Wilpena.
Regards,
Brad.
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21751
Reply By: Member - Rick - Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 22:59
Tuesday, Jun 03, 2003 at 22:59
Skippyking,
Pretty tough ask - the best of the Flinders in 2 days. Nothing wrong with the other suggestions, but here's my two bob's worth. Bit of driving, but this will give you a good grasp of the lie of the land. Plan to do the Gammons later- it is very different to the Central Flinders. The Jack will be OK.
Anyway, here goes:
If you are coming from
Marree:
Down to
Copley.
Drive through
Italowie Gorge, heading east to
Balcanoona.
Check out the contrast of
the gorge to the bare sweeping plains to the mighty
salt lake, L. Frome.
Then head south, into Chambers
Gorge, if time permits. Spear through Wearing
Gorge, then west, through to
Blinman ,through the
Parachilna Gorge & into Prarie hotel at Parachilna- yeah, do the countery. You only live once.
Try and then head eastish back into the central Flinders to go through
Brachina Gorge,
Bunyeroo Valley, maybe Wilpena. Poke back west thru the
Moralana drive, which is moderate if you have seen these other sights, but still a very scenic route.
Then down through
Hawker to your other destinations.
Top it off with a visit to the
Cradock pub - very good value, top tucker & top barman, Dave. Tell him Rick sent you.
Enjoy
Rick
Rick (S.A.) - ' It is better to travel hopefully than arrive'
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