Flinders Ranges

Submitted: Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 15:11

ThreadID: 89036 Views:2341 Replies:6 FollowUps:4

This Thread has been Archived

Flinders Ranges

The Flinders Ranges is semi-arid, harsh yet beautiful. There are many unique features here including gorges, ramparts and dry creekbeds.

Flinders Ranges

Section: Treks

The Flinders Ranges is semi-arid, harsh yet beautiful. There are many unique features - gorges, ramparts and dry creekbeds.This is the region that Hans Heysen loved to paint and is a popular part of

Kids in tow

Hi all,

I'll be in the Flinders Ranges late September with my 3 boys and I was wondering am I crazy to include Wilpena and the Arkaroola area in this time frame? I'm starting to think (after reading all of the fantastic comments) that it might be more enjoyable to concentrate my time around Wilpena, given this is our first time to the area. How long is the drive from Wilpena to Arkaroola?
Thanks for any advise!

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator Share

Reply By: Hairs & Fysh - Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 16:17

Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 16:17

Hi Kids in tow,
After the National gathering at Silverton, we'll be heading towards Wilpena Pound from Yunta, got 6 days to kill, before we head off south to Adeliade and on towards the Great ocean rd.
We've got no idea yet where to stay or what to do. Going to play it be ear.
If you come across an Silvery/Gold 80 series dragging an old Jayco Swan, yell out.
Safe travels and enjoy your trip.

Jon

AnswerID: 465095

Follow Up By: Kids in tow - Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 17:00

Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 17:00

Hi there H & F,

I miss my 80 series, I had to part ways with my old favourite and take up with a 100 series. All good so far, looking forward to having more adventures in this one. There are some lovely spots on the GOR - a couple of lovely ones are Johanna Beach (free, stunning and behind the dunes - no fires though), Aire River (my favourite, free, lots of koalas and fires are ok) and if you want a commercial campground try Bimbi Park south of Apollo Bay (gum forest, koalas, horse riding, wood pizzas and rustic outdoor cinema Wed and Sat nights - very sweet little place). Or closer to Lorne is Cumberland River which is lovely and right on the river, but watch the wind, it can get a little blowy through the gorge.
My landy is white and I'll be towing a (very) old Finch, will probably see you up there!

Happy travels,

Kim

FollowupID: 739058

Follow Up By: Hairs & Fysh - Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 21:06

Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 21:06

Hi Kim,
Thanks for the heads up on those places ,Really appreciate it. Cheers.
My wife Karen(Fysh), has wanted to travel the Great Ocean rd for many many years, We've finally been able to plan a trip that will take it in.
I'm going to ask as many questions as I can at the Gathering, on where to go in the Flinders, what to see and where to stay,
Wish we had longer, oh well, next time lol. :)

Take care, hope you guys have a great time.

Jon

FollowupID: 739095

Reply By: Member - John and Val - Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 16:52

Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 16:52

Hi,

Depends on how long you have to spend in the Flinders, and of course the age of your boys, how you are travelling/camping/caravanning. We (grey spirits, no kids in tow!) spent a week in the Flinders a couple of months back and thoroughly enjoyed the scenery. We wasted half a day going to Arkaroola to find that it is a ridiculously expensive, privately operated tourist trap. Drove in (quite a few km), looked at the price tags, drove out again.

We traveled both Brachina and Parachilna Gorges - absolutely fabulous scenery, and also thoroughly enjoyed a couple of days a Aroona. This is the heart of Hans Heyson country and thoroughly recommended.

Cheers

John

J and V
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein

Lifetime Member
My Profile My Blog Send Message

AnswerID: 465102

Follow Up By: Kids in tow - Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 17:10

Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 17:10

Hi John,

I have an old beat up but well loved Jayco Finch and like you I'll only have a week. My boys love road trips and long stints in the car aren't a problem (most of the time!), but it sounds like we may be better off finding one area to explore and come back for more another time. I'm hoping I can get into the Brachina Gorge towing my camper and we can escape the potential crowds just before the school holidays!

Thanks for the tips, will definitely check out your favourites.

Kim

FollowupID: 739060

Follow Up By: Gronk - Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 17:11

Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 17:11

We are going to Arkaroola ...on our way to Wilpena area, and while its expensive....we don't plan on spending any money there except for camping fees down by the creek bed....

Its a sort of place that's worth seeing....keeping in mind things like the lookout tour are way overpriced...

FollowupID: 739062

Reply By: Member - Graham N (SA) - Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 19:41

Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 19:41

Hi Kids in tow,

We camped at Koolaman camp ground at Aroona in the East end of Brachina Gorge two nights ago and we were one of two campers camped there.

There is plenty to do with out going to Wilpena, there is drives through Brachina and Parachilna Gorges, Moralana scenic drive, bush walking in Bunyeroo gorge and Blinman pools to name a few, guided tour of the copper mine at Blinman, counter meal at Blinman, 4WD drives through Willow Springs, Arkapeena, Horse Shoe Range and Arden Hills. VisitKanyaka ruins, Probey's grave and Warren Gorge closer to Quorn and a ride through the Flinders on the Pitchi Ritchi Steam Train.

There is a lot more to do but that was what I could quickly think of. By all means visit Wilpena but don't plan to spend money there.

Cheers

Graham

AnswerID: 465119

Reply By: Member - Charlie M (SA) - Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 19:56

Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 19:56

Rawnsley Park station has powered and unpowered sites, can camp in the trees with a couple oh toilets on site. Good walking trails.

Hawker is worth a trip through the panoramic art gallery $7.50 per adult not sure on kids prices.

Caves with paintings Quorn side of Hawker.

Sacred canyon from Wilpena

Walking trails in abundance around Wilpena as well.

Cheers
Charlie

Member
My Profile Send Message

AnswerID: 465121

Reply By: Dave B ( BHQ NSW) - Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 21:46

Thursday, Sep 15, 2011 at 21:46

Kids in tow, if you only have a week, don't worry about Arkaroola.
Plenty to see in the central Flinders area with the Blinman Mines and Brachina gorge with all the interpretive sings along the way.
Glass Gorge from Blinman to Parachilna is a great drive.
Walk in to Wilpena Pound.
Appealinna ruins.
Kanyaka ruins.
Plenty to see around that area.

cheers

Dave