From Alligator Gorge to Blinman Pools, discover that landscapes that inspired Hans Heysen
Australian artist Hans Heysen travelled to the Flinders Ranges when he was 49 years old and was captivated by the landscape. Over the next twenty years he made 10 more trips to the Flinders Ranges and what he found there inspired him to create some of his finest artworks.
The Flinders Ranges in South Australia is a stunning wilderness of rocky creeks, rugged deserts and dramatic gorges – a colour palette of rust, sand and dusty green, backed by clear blue skies.
Hiking in the Flinders Ranges, there are several highlights that you won’t want to miss, starting with Wilpena Pound. It is a natural amphitheatre, a curved rocky mountain range that holds some of the most spectacular scenery in the ranges. The area inside the amphitheatre is a natural catchment, so there is plenty of native flora and fauna here – you will almost certainly encounter western grey kangaroos, red kangaroos and wallaroos. Birdlife is rich and varied – emus, galahs, mallee ringneck parrots and wedge tailed eagles are all at home in the area and reptiles include goannas, bearded dragon lizards, peninsula dragons and geckos.
The rocky slopes of Brachina Gorge are home to Australia’s largest population of the vulnerable yellow footed rock wallaby. The gorge itself is red, rocky and picturesque – Hans Heysen painted this gorge many times.
The first of the Blinman Pools is a stunning natural pool surrounded on three sides by vertical rocky walls. The walk to the pool will take you along the route of Blinman Creek, with some rock hopping and strenuous climbing along the way. At the first pool you can rest under the red gums, take a dip in the chilly waters or walk on to the beautiful second pool.
The hike to Alligator Gorge is a real highlight. This walk takes you through the Narrows – a narrow chasm between two rock faces – and to the Terraces, a series of rock platforms that the water of the creek tumbles across.
Park Trek’s guided walking tours of the Flinders Ranges offer a perfect way to immerse yourself in this rugged, remote and peaceful wilderness.
Park Trek’s Flinders Ranges walking tours
Park Trek offers three trips which explore the rich landscapes of the Flinders Ranges.
Flinders Ranges 5-day walking tour
Our classic Flinders Ranges walking tour visiting the highlights of the region and staying in comfortable lodgings each night. **Last minute trip? There are still 3 places available on the 26 June 2019 departure**
Flinders Ranges 7-day walking tour
An in-depth walking tour in the Flinders Ranges, this women’s only trip is run in partnership with Adventurous Women.
Flinders Ranges with camels 9-day walking tour
Our longest Flinders Ranges adventure uses camels to carry our camping gear, food and luggage as we walk each day and camp in the wilderness each night. Our next tour is departing 14 September.
