Have you ever walked the spectacular Ikara – Flinders Ranges in South Australia? Well, if not, now’s the time to get out there and see this amazing region. Currently up for a World Heritage listing, this region is of huge cultural and geological significance. Above all else it is an extremely beautiful landscape to wander – and the sunrises, sunsets and starlit nights are something to behold! Our 5 day and 4-night Ikara – Flinders Ranges adventure will show you the highlights of this extraordinary place.
Our Walk at a Glance
Country – Adnyamathanha Country, represented by a group of Northern Flinders Ranges peoples.
Duration & Distance – 5 days and 4 nights, and around 45 kms (around 7 – 12 kms per day).
Departure Dates – Regular departures through May to September. Private groups as required.
Grade – This walk is grade 2-4 (“Easy to More Difficult”), mostly “Moderate” (see how we grade our walks).
Fitness – This walk is designed to be enjoyed by most adults and adolescents with a little preparation.
Accommodation – 4 nights in Rawnsley Station Cabins, a beautifully located sheep station.
Food – All food and snacks are provided by Park Trek, with opportunities to locally complement beverages.
Transfers – All transport and transfers ex-Adelaide CBD and returning to the same point of departure.
Required gear – Good hiking shoes, a small-multi-day pack (circa 10 – 20 litres), and a spirit for adventure.
Our promise – Beautiful walks, great connections and conversations, starlit skies, and lifetime memories.
Packing list – Refer to our detailed Trip Notes.
A Little About Ikara – Flinders Ranges
The Flinders are South Australia’s largest mountain range. Situated around 4-hours North of Adelaide (South Australia’s cultured and culinary capital), the ranges stretch over 400 km from Port Pirie to Lake Callabonna.
The Adnyamathanha (meaning “hill” or “rock”) people have lived here for tens of thousands of years. The region is of huge cultural and historical significance.
The heart of the Flinders is Wilpena Pound, or “Ikara” (meaning “meeting place”), a spectacular amphitheatre of sedimentary (not volcanic) geology. Formed 600 million+ years ago, it is earth’s only home to 350 million years of continuous fossilised life. This includes first multi-cellular life (Ediacaran period).
For walkers the region has spectacular and diverse landscapes. Days are marked by glorious sunrises, sunsets, and clear night skies that reveal bright galaxies above. Home to a huge array of flora and fauna, highlights include the yellow footed rock wallaby, and the spectacular and iconic blood-red Sturt Desert Pea.
In time it’s hoped the significance of the Flinders will result in World Heritage Status, like Yosemite, Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. Just recently, Ikara – Flinders Ranges was named as one of Lonely Planet’s top 25 must visit destinations for 2026 … but we already knew that!
Day 1 – Adelaide to Rawnsley Park Station
We leave Adelaide CBD at around 7:30am headed for Ikara-Flinders Ranges via the stunning Clare Valley wine region. On the way we generally stop at Auburn for morning tea and a tour briefing. We continue north to the charming historic town of Quorn for lunch, also home to the setting of iconic Australian movies like The Water Diviner, Gallipoli, and Sunday Too Far Away, Tracks and Sundowners. Quorn displays a range of other historical buildings and interesting sites for you to enjoy.
En route our first walk is Death Rock and Kanyaka Station Ruins. Whilst a relatively short walk, the 7-meter-high quartzite rock and spring fed waterhole are an impressive site. Rich with Aboriginal significance, this site sets the scene for the days to come. We continue to our accommodation at Rawnsley Park Station where we have some time to relax and enjoy the surrounding desert scape. Nibbles are served by your guides by the campfire, providing an opportunity to relax and connect with your fellow guests as the end of day light softly illuminates the nearby ranges. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a two-course meal prepared by your guides.
Day 2 – Heysen Trail Region and Wilpena Pound
Today we travel the Moralana Scenic Drive to Black Gap. The area is striking for its River Red Gum woodlands, a habitat of kangaroos, euros and emus, all with the spectacular Ikara-Flinders Ranges as a backdrop. Our first walk is along the Heysen Trail, named after Sir Hans Heysen who was a famous Australian landscape painter inspired by the natural beauty of the region. The trail leads us to Wilpena Pound starting with a pretty creek walk through Black Gap, before climbing a section of the Pound Wall to Bridle Gap.
Spectacular views of the Elder Range are revealed to the west. We walk along the floor of Wilpena Pound, pausing for lunch at Hills Homestead to gain a better understanding of how challenging life was for the 19th century pioneer farmers. From here it’s a pleasant stroll to Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre. There is an opportunity for guests to take a scenic flight over the pound. Nibbles back at our accommodation are served by your guides followed by a delicious two-course meal.
Day 3 – Heysen Trail, Brachina Gorge & Wadna
Today we walk the Yuluna Circuit with pastoral ruins, contrasting rock formations, and diverse vegetation. The ruins of the Aroona Homestead, built in the 1850’s, remind us of the difficult times when European farmers unknowingly settled this arid area (later demarcated by the Goyder Line). The trail affords spectacular views of the Heysen and Trezona Ranges, with a scenic gorge, towering rock formations and a picturesque creek where Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies are common. We explore Brachina Gorge, a spectacular area renowned for its rock formations and unique geological history. Formed over millions of years as water and wind eroded the layers of rock, creating a deep and narrow canyon.
In the afternoon we are immersed in Aboriginal culture with Adnyamathanha man Kristian Coulthard of Wadna. Kristian will share his traditional knowledge on bush tucker, bush medicine, plants, animals and Adnyamathanha stories. Once back at our accommodation, guests enjoy nibbles with fellow guests followed by a delicious two-course dinner prepared by your guides.
Day 4 – Blinman Pools
Today we enjoy a return journey to the beautiful Blinman Pools. Fed by a series of cascading waterfalls, these tranquil and refreshing swimming holes are both stunning and perfect for cooling off on a hot day. The water is crystal clear and relatively shallow. The pools, bordered by majestic river red gums, have been used by the Andyamuthanha people for thousands of years, and have been a popular picnic spot since the 1800s. There are several lookouts offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
There are opportunities to spot native wildlife such as kangaroos, emus, and various bird species. After our walk we may visit the Wadna centre, providing an opportunity to purchase unique artisan works. Returning to Rawnsley, there is time to explore local walks or simply relax before dinner. Tonight, we enjoy fireside nibbles before dining out at the Rawnsley Woolshed restaurant.
Day 5 – Alligator Gorge to back to Adelaide
After breakfast we pack up and depart for our last day of walking. We travel to Wilmington via Hawker, then on to Alligator Gorge. Today’s walk encompasses a real gem of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges region – Alligator Gorge in the Mount Remarkable National Park. This walk has some of the most visually stunning scenery you’ll come across in the region. Immerse yourself in the dramatic beauty of high ochre ridges, deep gorges and watercourses lined with river red gums. Alligator Gorge is one of the premier natural attractions in the Southern Ikara-Flinders Ranges, with Alligator Creek cutting through ancient ABC quartzite.
Our Journey Home
From Alligator Gorge we head south stopping for lunch in Melrose, or time permitting, one of the famous vineyards along the route (such as Seven Hill Clare Valley). We then begin our final return leg to Adelaide, arriving around 5.00 pm at the Terrace Hotel where we bid our goodbyes.
This is a truly spectacular walk in one of Australia’s most visually spectacular regions. If you have any questions about the walk, please contact the team on info@parktrek.com.au or 03 9997 0500. We’d love to walk with you in Ikara – Flinders Ranges.
Explore our full range of walks at Our Walks, or email or call us to discuss your requirements.
Happy Walking,
Charles & The Park Trek Team
Park Trek acknowledges and pays its respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which we wander as a walking company. We recognise the unique place held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original custodians of the lands and waterways across our continent, with histories of continuous connection dating back more than 60,000 years. We are proud to live on the planet’s oldest continent with the oldest continuous living culture. We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart.