a guide to the ikara-flinders ranges

The Ikara-Flinders Ranges of South Australia are an ancient, rugged land owned and cared

for by the Adnyamathanha people. It is home grand mountain-scapes, abundant wildlife and

the rich culture left by the ancestors of its traditional custodians. Take to the Ranges in the

winter months to experience cool sunny days and clear stary nights. Prepare to feel small as

you absorb the divine magnificence of this natural world around you.

Explore - Wilpena Pound

At the heart of the Flinders Ranges lies ‘Ikara’, also known as Wilpena Pound, the

centrepiece of the Ranges and a towering natural amphitheatre stretching the length of

17km. The outer rim is believed the eroded remains of mountains from past millennia

reaching similar heights to the Himalayas. The Wangarra Lookout Walk is a 7.5km return

track along Wilpena Creek to the inside of the Pound and passes the historic Hills

Homestead. Both the upper and lower lookouts provide breathtaking panoramic views of

the inside of the amphitheatre. Alternatively, take to the sky on an early morning scenic

flight to truly experience sheer scale of this geological wonder from above.

Learn – Sacred Land

Ikara-Flinders Ranges is a part of the sacred land of the Adnyamathanha people and is a

significant site to connect to country. The Arkaroo Rock trail guides you through the foothills

of the ranges to several rock shelters and red caves covered in detailed ochre and charcoal

Dreamtime stories of Ikara. The Sacred Canyon is a cultural site of extreme significance and

is only accessible via tour from an Adnyamathanha guide. Follow your guide through the

gorge to see ancient carvings etched into the smooth sandstone and learn about the stories

behind the traditional imagery. Keep an eye out for friendly echidnas foraging by the creek.

Both of these walks are best completed during the softened light of the morning and

afternoon.

Experience – Heli-camping

This is your ticket to experience the Flinders Ranges on a whole other level. Take a dusk

helicopter flight over Wilpena Pound and then land on Chance Range to watch the

remaining golden light melt over the entire park. Rawnsley Park staff will set up your luxury

swag under the stars and camp for the night, then leave you with prepared bush meals for

you to cook. After full night’s sleep under the outback sky, wake to the glorious sunrise over

the range then enjoy breakfast with a cliff-top view made from the provisions left for you.

Feast - Prairie Hotel

After a long day of adventuring, revitalise yourself and your tastebuds with an eating

experience highly unique to this area. The Prairie Hotel specialises in truly provincial and

frankly unforgettable ‘feral feasts’: dishes staring outback meats such as smoked Kangaroo

and Camel sausage accompanied with bush tomato chilli jam and red wine, native pepper-

leaf jus. Enjoy this culinary adventure with a pint of local SA craft brews or a glass of

specialty wine from the Barossa.