Days
7 Days
Tour Type
Walking
$3,060 Twin Share
- Start
-
Adelaide
- Finish
-
Adelaide
- Physical Rating
- Moderate
- Tour Distance
- Approx. 54km
- Group size
- Min 4, Max 12
- Code
- FLIRAN
Overview
On this 7-day Flinders Ranges walking tour you'll enjoy a fantastic selection of walks in South Australia's longest, oldest and most fascinating mountain range. In a series of day walks, carrying only a day-pack, you'll discover a variety of areas within the Flinders Ranges, like Mt. Remarkable National Park, Dutchman's Stern, Wilpena Pound and the northern sections of the Flinders Ranges National Park. Walk through stands of northern cypress-pine, open woodlands, hilltop heath and amazing gorges, all the while enjoying vistas of sweeping plains and endless mountain ranges. Nature is truly at its best in the Flinders Ranges. There are some medium-hard sections on rocky terrain, but people with a moderate level of fitness can complete the walks. Preparation will make the experience all the more enjoyable. A mix of excellent home-made food, six restaurant meals, comfortable motel style accommodation and knowledgeable guides will complement your trip. Join us on our Flinders Ranges highlights tour and tick this amazing and diverse region off your bucket list.
Highlights of this walk
Discover one of Australia’s greatest mountain range regions with this seven-day guided highlights tour. The Flinders Ranges stretch north-south for about 430km – from about 200 km north of Adelaide up to Mt Hopeless. Our tour focuses on walks within the most spectacular 200 km section of the Flinders Ranges. This tour offers a variety of different walks to showcase all aspects of the Flinders Ranges.
Itinerary
With an 8am pick up in central Adelaide, we'll head north to the very start of the Flinders Ranges.
Our first stop is Crystal Brook for morning tea then on to Mt. Remarkable National Park via Melrose, where we'll enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch we'll head out to the beautiful Alligator Gorge for a short easy walk through the vivid red quartzite gorge.
Note, as we walk on the first afternoon, please wear your hiking clothes on the bus and bring your day pack ready to go.
Accommodation: Flinders Ranges Motel, Quorn (or similar)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we make our way north to our walk at Dutchman's Stern, near Quorn.
The walk today is a steep but steady incline through sugar gum forest to the top, where you will be rewarded with 360° views over the sweeping plains, Quorn and Lake Torrens in the distance. The path then makes its way through drooping she-oak woodlands back down towards the start of the walk. Along the way we cross paths with the famous long-distance Heysen Trail.
After our walk we head to Quorn, an old railway town, to have a quick wonder around and stock up on anything extra you may need. From here we make our way in to the heart of the Flinders Ranges.
Tonight we will be able to really make ourselves feel at home at our accommodation, Wilpena Pound Resort, as we will be staying for 5 nights.
Accommodation: Wilpena Pound Resort, Wilpena Pound (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will drive to Black Gap to commence our walk towards Bridle Gap and the natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound, following a part of the Heysen Trail.
The walk up to Bridle Gap can be quite steep and rocky in sections, but the views at the top are worth it. From Bridle Gap it's a gentle walk down in to the valley floor of Wilpena Pound through a variety of mallee, native pine and heath. These habitats provide excellent opportunities for keen naturalists to observe interesting local birds, including wrens, robins parrots and emus.
Accommodation: Wilpena Pound Resort, Wilpena Pound (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy the views along the Aroona Valley Scenic Drive as we make our way toward today's walks. The 8km Yuluna Hike begins with a bit of a climb, offering fabulous views of the Heysen Range and the outer edge of Wilpena Pound.
In the afternoon we drive through Brachina gorge, and take an easy stroll to check out rock layers and rock wallabies!
Accommodation: Wilpena Pound Resort, Wilpena Pound (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you'll walking straight from your accommodation to commence one of the more challenging walks of the week.
St. Mary's Peak stands proudly above the Pound below and is central to the Adnyamathanha creation story. Aboriginal people of the Flinders Ranges ask visitors not to climb to the summit of the peak and thus we will climb as far as Tanderra Saddle with stunning views of the surrounding ranges and plains.
We will have both guides on today's walk to ensure the enjoyment and safety of everyone.
In the afternoon you may opt to do a scenic flight over the majestic ranges that we've been discovering on foot these last few days.
Accommodation: Wilpena Pound Resort, Wilpena Pound (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our walk starts at our accomodation today with a short but challenging walk, and one of the best views of Wilpena Pound. The Ohlssen Bagge requires a steepish but short climb, which is well worth it for the spectacular views of the area.
In the afternoon we are lucky to be able to enjoy a private tour at Sacred Canyon. Learn about the cultural significance of the site and the ancient rock engravings from the perspective of the Adnyamathanha people.
Accommodation: Wilpena Pound Resort, Wilpena Pound (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will make our way back to Adelaide via the picturesque Clare Valley where we'll pick up some lunch (own expense) before heading out to one of the local wineries. Here you can taste some wine (optional own expense) or discover some of the vineyard by foot.
We expect to arrive back in Adelaide at around 4.30pm.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
Meals
-
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Transport
-
All transport: private coach transport to and from Adelaide as well as transport to and from the track each day
Accommodation
Included activities
-
Professional guiding and support each day
-
Emergency support: guides carry satellite phones and a full first aid kit
-
Excellent itinerary and planning drawn from 19 yrs experience
-
Mount Remarkable National Park - Alligator Gorge walk
-
The Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park - The Dutchmans Stern hike
-
Ikara-Flinders Ranges - Black Gap to Wilpena Pound walk
-
Ikara-Flinders Ranges - Yuluna circuit hike
-
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park - Brachina Gorge
-
Ikara-Flinders Ranges - Tanderra Saddle (St Mary Peak/Ngarri Mudlanha) hike
-
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park - Mount Ohlssen Bagge walk
-
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park - Yura Mulka Sacred Canyon Tour with Local First Nations Guide
-
Clare Valley - Winery visit
Dates & Availability
$3,060 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $900 (subject to availability).
8 spots available
$3,060 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $900 (subject to availability).
6 spots available
$3,060 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $900 (subject to availability).
7 spots available
$3,060 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $900 (subject to availability).
8 spots available
$3,060 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $900 (subject to availability).
8 spots available
$3,060 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $900 (subject to availability).
8 spots available
$3,060 AUD
per person twin share
Want your own room? From an extra $900 (subject to availability).
7 spots available
Important Notes
- Start & End Times: The trip begins in Adelaide with a group meeting at 8am, and finishes upon arrival back into Adelaide at around 4:30pm on the last day. Please keep this in mind when arranging your arrival and departure flights. We recommend you book a night’s accommodation before and after the trip.
- Single Supplement: A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking.
FAQs
About Walking Tours In General
How hard are the walks?
The difficulty of the walks ranges from tour to tour, from easy to challenging. We design all of our walking tours to be achievable for those with a moderate level of fitness. We do recommend doing some training before most tours, because physical activity is always more enjoyable if you are physically prepared. We will send you information about how to train when you book.
When on tour we find that a positive mental attitude is most important and that if you focus on the scenery, the company and the moment, and not on the kilometres, then you find yourself reaching your destination with little problem. You can always have a day or sometimes an afternoon off to relax if you feel like it. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete a walk, give us a call or send us an email and we can talk you through it.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Do I have to twin-share accommodation? Can I have my own room?
Our tour prices are based on rooms being twin share (two single beds in one room) or double (one double/queen bed in a room, shared by a couple). If you are travelling alone, we will place you in a room with someone of the same gender. If you have opted for a single supplement, this means you will have your own room but we won’t always be able to guarantee your own bathroom and king/queen bed due to the types of accommodation we use for group bookings. Often we stay at 2 or 3 bedroom chalets so that we can cook and have a common area for the group to relax and mingle at the end of your days walk. If having your own bathroom is important, give us a ring and we will see if it is possible.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Will I hold up the group if I’m a slow walker?
We find a lot of people who haven’t been on a walking tour before worry about this, but it’s rarely an issue. We keep a comfortable steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest and take in the scenery along the way. Usually the group will spread out over a couple of hundred metres as we walk.
Normal walking pace on a formed surface like a road or footpath is around 4.5 – 6 km per hour and we tend to average just over 3 km per hour on bush tracks. It’s not a stroll but it’s not a brisk walk either. If you feel you may be slower than this, try some longer training walks to increase your walking fitness.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
What is the average age of Inspiration Outdoors’ guests?
About 80% of our walkers are aged between 45 – 75, but we welcome all adults on our tours. We get a roughly 60/40 female to male split.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs
What’s the food like? Can you cater for my dietary needs?
We serve simple, nutritious and delicious food on tour prepared by our guides, using fresh and local ingredients as much as possible. Sometimes we also eat out at restaurants. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, fresh fruit, pre-dinner nibbles and a two course evening meal are all included. We are happy to adapt our menu to suit many dietary needs including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diets – please ask when you book.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Are your walking tours just for “bushwalkers”?
Our walks are for anyone who enjoys walking and nature – bushwalkers or not. Our walks are conducted in safe, supportive and fun environments and you don’t need specialised equipment or experience to undertake them. We give you information about what you will need to bring and how you should prepare for each tour and we’re always here to answer any questions or concerns.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General, Day Walk FAQs
Do I have to walk every day on tour?
Of course not – it’s your holiday and you should do what you feel! Relax at the accommodation, come for a drive, get dropped off in town or go for a stroll of your own. On some days there is also the opportunity to walk for part of the day. This last option depends on whether there is vehicle access to the track.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
What do I have to carry when I walk?
Very little. A water bladder or bottles, lunch/snacks/fruit for the day. a rain jacket, some personal first aid supplies and, on some days, lunch. You will probably want a camera as well. We return to accommodation each evening so there is no need to carry a large backpack.
Posted in: About Walking Tours In General
Not sure if this is the right tour for you?
At Inspiration Outdoors, we understand that choosing the right tour can be a difficult decision. That’s why we’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible. If you still have questions, give us a call or drop us a line. Whether it’s a question about the tour itinerary or your fitness level, our customer care team is ready to answer it. We have product specialists for every tour who are eager to share their knowledge and help you plan your next adventure.
What our customers say
Our Booking Process
What happens after I book?
After you have filled in a registration form, we will send you all extra information you may need, including a list of what to bring and how best to prepare for the tour.
Payment in full is required at least six weeks prior to the tour (bookings can still be made within six weeks of tour start date if there are places available). We will email or call you to remind you when this is due.
Finally, we will contact you prior to your tour to confirm pick-up times and locations. If you have any questions or concerns at all before or after you have booked, please don’t hesitate to get in touch so we can go through them with you.
What are my payment options?
Payment can be made by:
- Direct deposit
- Cheque
- Credit card
Can I cancel my booking?
If you need to cancel your tour;
(a) 84 days or more prior to departure, we will refund your deposit minus $50 administration fee;(b) 30 and 84 days prior to departure, loss of deposit
(c) between 24 and 29 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 25% of the total booking cost;
(d) between 15 and 23 days prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 50% of the total booking cost;
(e) 14 days or fewer prior to departure, we charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking cost.
If you have any concerns about cancelling, please take out travel insurance covering this contingency. This policy will be adhered to despite the most compelling and compassionate circumstances.
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Accommodation is allocated on a double or twin share basis. If you are a solo traveller we will room you with another solo traveller of the same sex. Limited single supplements are available at an additional charge. Please ask for details and availability if interested.
We stay in two locations for the duration of the tour – Quorn and Wilpena Pound.
In Quorn we stay one night at the Flinders Ranges Motel. Each room has an ensuite bathroom. Fairly basic accommodation, but always clean and comfy for our short stay.
For the other five nights we will base ourselves at the Wilpena Pound Resort in double/share hotel rooms. Each room has an ensuite bathroom. We will enjoy breakfast and dinner at the hotel restaurant each day.