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Heysen Trail and the Flinders Ranges

Land Tour

The North Flinders Ranges offers some of the most stunning scenery in Australia as well as some of the most attractive outback properties. This accommodated trek includes selected walks in Wilpena Pound and on our favourite sections of the Heysen Trail. The Flinders Ranges offer a rolling range of majestic peaks and rugged ridges, deep gorges and endemic plants and animals. The world class trails combine exceptional views and achievable challenges to create unforgettable walking experiences. The forests of cypress pines create an almost alpine ambiance in these semi-arid ranges with the dry climate creating ideal conditions for walking. This trip is fully supported so you can enjoy walking with just a day pack. Each evening we stay at comfortable accommodation offering both stunning scenery and the best of outback hospitality.
Tour details Collapse
Tour Provider Australian Walking Holidays
Number Of Days
6
Price From
$3,295
Start Location
Adelaide, Australia
End Location
Adelaide, Australia
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
7 to 12
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Expand all
Day 1 - Transfer from Adelaide to Flinders Ranges, Alligator Gorge circuit walk
We pick you up from your accommodation in Adelaide between 7-7:30am and drive north though South Australia’s agricultural districts to the small township of Wilmington on the footsteps of Mount Remarkable National Park. Our walk today is the Alligator Gorge Ring Route, one of the Flinders’ regions best kept secrets and part of the Heysen Trail. This walk takes us along the highlight sections of Alligator Gorge and through The Narrows – a peaceful gorge only a few metres wide that stretches for a couple of hundred metres. We can see ancient ripple fossils in the rocks of The Terraces. This unique walk is a magnificent beginning to our 6 days of Flinders Ranges walking. In the afternoon we transfer to our accommodation and enjoy a scrumptious dinner prepared by our guides. Tonight we will hear a briefing about the exciting adventures on the itinerary for tomorrow. We will stay at the historic Willow Springs Station or similar accommodation. Walking Distance: 3km | Walking Time: 1 hour | Driving Time: 6-7 hours
Day 2 - Trek Black Gap to Wilpena Pound
Today we walk section 57 of the famous, 1200km Heysen Trail. Beginning at scenic Black Gap Lookout, the trail takes us north-east to Bridle Gap. From here we have views across the expansive Wilpena Pound, and back towards the Elder Range. We descend into the Pound itself and follow the trail straight through the middle – an unforgettable walking experience. A variety of mallee, native pine and heath habitats within the Pound provide excellent opportunities to observe interesting local birds including wrens, robins, parrots and raptors. We meet our bus at the Wilpena Visitors Centre and transfer to our accommodation. Walking Distance: 14km | Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Day 3 - Mount Ohlssen Bagge, afternoon Cultural Tour
Mount Ohlseen Bagge is considered one of the best short walks in the Flinders Ranges offering arguably the best view over the entirety of Wilpena Pound and the surrounding mountain ranges. You start the walk through some of the surrounding bushland teaming with animal life. You might get lucky and spot an emu, echidna or even a perentie lizard in the scrub. Quickly you start your steep rocky ascent to the summit. On the way up you will be provided with sweeping spectacular views over the land. It’s the kind of view you only get in these vast Australian landscapes, being able to see as far at the eye possibly can. We return following the same path. In the afternoon we have our own private cultural tour with local business Wadna to talk and learn about indigenous culture. During this tour we visit Sacred Canyon an area of great cultural significance to the Adnyamthanha people, where access is only allowed when accompanied by an Aboriginal guide. Walking Distance: 7km | Walking Time: 3-4 hours
Day 4 - Tanderra Saddle Walk
The Tanderra Saddle Walk begins on the outer edges of Wilpena Pound through Sheoaks and Grass Trees. Starting from Wilpena, we trek along the 'Outside Trail' which skirts around the foothills of Wilpena Pound's northern edge. As we ascend to the top of the saddle, our reward awaits us: utterly unbeatable views in all directions of the Central Flinders Ranges, Aroona Valley, and the salt plains to the west. The Tanderra Saddle Walk is a shorter but equally rewarding section of the St Mary's Peak walk. The Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges would prefer visitors not to climb to the summi, as it is important to the Adnyamathanha creation story. A picnic lunch on the Saddle gives us time to kick back and take it all in before we begin the descent, retracing our steps to Wilpena. We return to our accommodation and celebrate our walk with another scrumptious evening meal together. Walking Distance: 12km | Walking Time: 5 hours
Day 5 - Trek Aroona Hut to Parachilna Gorge
Today we walk the official final leg of the Heysen Trail – section 61. After breakfast we leave Willow Springs and transfer north through Brachina Gorge to the Aroona Valley. The bus drops us off in the middle of the wilderness at Aroona Hut and we set off for a full day on the trail, walking along the valley between ABC Range and Heysen Range. The day's walk is gently undulating, taking us through bird life filled vegetation and past numerous abandoned mine sites. Reaching the trail head at Parachilna Gorge, we board the bus for a transfer back to our accommodation. Tonight we enjoy our final meal together as a group. Walking Distance: 17km | Walking Time: 6-7 hours | Driving Time: 2 hours
Day 6 - Arkaroo Rock Art Circuit Walk, transfer to Adelaide
After indulging in an early breakfast, we embark on a southbound journey, pausing for our final hike. Our destination is the captivating Arkaroo Rock, where we'll traverse a brief circuit to immerse ourselves in the mesmerising Indigenous rock art sites. This distinctive walk serves as a splendid conclusion to our enriching six-day Flinders walking experience. It provides a poignant moment to express our silent gratitude to the land and the enduring Indigenous culture that has nurtured it for millennia. Our journey concludes when we drop you at your Adelaide accommodation in the late afternoon between 4-5pm. Walking Distance: 3km | Walking Time: 1.5 hours | Driving Time: 6-7 hours
Inclusions Expand
5 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
Snacks and hot drinks
Professional wilderness guide and support staff
5 nights accommodation as per itinerary, usually in twin or multi share rooms in multi room cabins/cottages with shared bathroom facilities.
All entrance and national park fees
Emergency communications and group first aid kit
Transport during the trip
Hightlights
Soak up the beauty and grandeur of the scenic Wilpena Pound
Visit Alligator Gorge, one of the Flinders Ranges most spectacular natural attractions
Animal spotting for yellow-footed rock wallaby, euro and emu plus much more local wildlife
Relax each evening at unique, comfortable outback accommodation with all scrumptious meals provided
Departure dates Expand
Start End Availability Price
16 Jun 2024 21 Jun 2024 Available $3,295
30 Jun 2024 05 Jul 2024 Available $3,295
18 Aug 2024 23 Aug 2024 Available $3,295
08 Sep 2024 13 Sep 2024 Available $3,495
15 Sep 2024 20 Sep 2024 Available $3,495
13 Oct 2024 18 Oct 2024 Available $3,495
27 Apr 2025 02 May 2025 Available $3,495
04 May 2025 09 May 2025 Available $3,495
18 May 2025 23 May 2025 Available $3,495
25 May 2025 30 May 2025 Available $3,495
01 Jun 2025 06 Jun 2025 Available $3,295
15 Jun 2025 20 Jun 2025 Available $3,295
22 Jun 2025 27 Jun 2025 Available $3,295
06 Jul 2025 11 Jul 2025 Available $3,295
13 Jul 2025 18 Jul 2025 Available $3,295
20 Jul 2025 25 Jul 2025 Available $3,295
27 Jul 2025 01 Aug 2025 Available $3,295
03 Aug 2025 08 Aug 2025 Available $3,295
10 Aug 2025 15 Aug 2025 Available $3,295
31 Aug 2025 05 Sep 2025 Available $3,295
07 Sep 2025 12 Sep 2025 Available $3,495
14 Sep 2025 19 Sep 2025 Available $3,495

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