Ikara – Flinders Ranges Guided Walk – 5 Days

Our Walks Are All Inclusive

All Our Walks Include

• Small Group of 10 or less
• You only carry your daypack, we’ll take care of the rest
• Guided walks designed to immerse you in the region’s beauty, history and wildlife
• Two experienced and accredited guides – safety gear equipped and full of knowledge about the region
• Return transport and tour transfers included

Plus, This Walk Includes

• 4 nights fantastic accommodation
• Breakfasts, lunch & two-course dinners, plus heaps of snacks, fruit & non-alcoholic beverages on & off the trail
• Entry to Wadna or Wilpena with a guided tour of ancient sites
• All National Park Entry Fees
• Carbon Offset Program in line with our commitment to sustainability

ITINERARY

DAY 1 – Adelaide – Death Rock – Kanyaka Ruins – Rawnsley Park Station

Distance: 3.5km, 1.5hrs walking (Approx.) Grade: 2 (Easy)

We depart Adelaide at around 7:30am headed north towards 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 then continue north to the charming historic town of Quorn for lunch.

From here, we make our way to our first walk location, Death Rock and Kanyaka Station Ruins. This is a relatively short walk, however 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. Additionally, the remnants of the station offer a compelling narrative of their own historical legacy.

After our walk we will continue on to our place of stay at Rawnsley Park Station. We unpack and relax, and nibbles are served by the campfire followed by a two-course dinner prepared by your guides. Overnight accommodation at Rawnsley Park.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station

DAY 2 – Heysen Trail – Black Gap to Wilpena Pound

Distance: 12km, 6hrs walking (Approx.) Grade: 3–4 (Moderate-Hard)

After breakfast and lunch making we travel along the Morolana Scenic Drive, where we pass through magnificent River Red Gum woodland, the habitat of many kangaroos, euros and emus, all with the spectacular Ikara-Flinders Ranges as a backdrop.

We begin our walk on the famous Heysen Trail, leading us into Wilpena Pound. This is one of the very special sections of the Trail, 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 as we walk.

We walk along the floor of the Wilpena Pound and pause for lunch at Hills Homestead to gain a better understanding of how challenging life was for the 19th century pioneering farmers. From here it is a pleasant stroll to the Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre. There is an opportunity this afternoon for a scenic flight from Rawnsley Park. Your guides will provide you with this information. Nibbles back at Rawnsley Park are served by your guides followed by a delicious two-course dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station

Wilpena Pound.

DAY 3 – Yuluna Circuit, Brachina Gorge and Dingley Dell Wadna cultural tour

Distance: 8km, 4hrs walking (Approx.) Grade: 3–4 (Moderate-Hard)

After breakfast and lunch making, we depart Rawnsley Park for our day’s walking.

We begin the day with the Yuluna Circuit at Aroona, where we discover old pastoral ruins and pass through contrasting rock formations and vegetation. The ruins of the old Aroona Homestead, built in the 1850’s, serves as a reminder of the difficult early years of European settlement. This walk affords lovely views of the Heysen and Trezona Ranges and winds through a scenic gorge, past towering rock formations and a picturesque creek where Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies are commonly seen resting among the rocks.

We then explore Brachina Gorge which is one of the park’s most popular and spectacular attractions. Brachina Gorge meanders its way through sharp sawtooth ridges of resistant quartzite. This spectacular gorge was once used as a pass-through which bullock teams pulled their loads. From here we meet Adnyamathanha man Kristian Coulthard from Wadna at Dingley Dell. Dingley Dell is an ancient site which has a number of engravings. Kristian will share his traditional knowledge on bush tucker, bush medicine, plants, animals and Adnyamathanha stories.

After returning to Rawnsley Park Station, guests can take the opportunity to rest, or take part in any of the local walks from the accommodation.

Nibbles are served at Rawnsley Park by your guides followed by a delicious two-course dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station

Aroona Circuit.

DAY 4 – Blinman Pools and Wadna cultural centre

Distance: 12km, 6hr walking (Approx.) Grade: 3–4 (ModerateHard)

After breakfast and lunch making, we head off to the outback town of Blinman, before driving to Angorichina village, to start our adventure. Today’s walk is a return journey to the beautiful Blinman Pools. The pool makes for a great place to stop and relax under the magnificent river red gums or have a swim. These pools are bordered by majestic river red gums and have been popular picnic spots since the 1800s.

In some places on the trail, sheer cliffs rise almost straight up from the creek bed, providing a spectacular backdrop. The two spring-fed creeks keep the pools filled with water all year round.

We finish our walk mid afternoon and visit the Wadna cultural centre enroute to our accommodation where guests can take part in any local walks from Rawnsley Park or take some time to relax before dinner. Nibbles will be served before dinning out at the onsite Woolshed restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner at local restaurant
Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station

Wadna Cultural Visit.

DAY 5 – Alligator Gorge

Distance: 3km, 1.5hrs walking (Approx.) Grade: 2 (Easy)

After breakfast we pack up and depart for our last day of tour. Today our walk encompasses a gem of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges – 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 lunch stop is in Melrose before continuing south to arrive in Adelaide around 5.00 pm.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Return transfer: Adelaide

Alligator Gorge.

Accommodation

For the duration of this walk we will stay at Rawnsley Park Station. The property is overlooking the southern side of Wilpena Pound and is the perfect base for exploring the area. Here we stay in comfortable two-bedroom cabins, with a centralised living area, kitchen and one bathroom. Each cabin also has a balcony for you to sit and enjoy the surrounding views and spectacular sunsets after a day of adventure. Communal dining will take place in our guides open plan cabin a short walk away.

Accommodation style: We stay in superior cabins built in 2018 with an open-plan kitchen, living and dining space, bathroom and separate toilet.

Rooming: Each cabin has two bedrooms with a mix of twin and queen beds.

Bathrooms: Each cabin has one bathroom with a separate toilet. You will be sharing the bathroom with other guests in your cabin.

Single Supplement: If you book single supplement this means you will have one bedroom in the two-bedroom cabin and could be sharing the cabin with one or two other guests.

Other: All towels and linen are provided. Each cabin also has a TV and DVD player, split-system air-conditioners and ceiling fans, as well as outdoor decks and well-equipped contemporary kitchens and bathrooms.

Rooming upgrades for a private cabin is subject to availability with the accommodation provider for an additional surcharge. Please contact our team to discuss your options.

Guest Notes

Getting there – Tours depart and return from Adelaide. Direct flights are available through most airline operators.

Pick up location & time – We depart from Terrace Hotel Adelaide, meeting at 7:15am for a 7:30am departure.

During the walk – Each day we provide breakfast, lunch and dinner (where applicable) as well as fruit, snacks and beverages to keep us full of energy throughout the walk. At the end of each day, we return to the evening’s accommodation to freshen up, relax, enjoy pre-dinner nibbles, and enjoy the local scenery. Each evening, our guides offer insights into the day’s walk, and talk through our upcoming adventures, using maps to give you greater insights into the journey.

Single stays (solos) – Single stay availability is limited on this tour, and while we can offer you your own room if available, facilities such as bathrooms and living areas may be shared with other guests. Contact our team for availability to upgrade to private facilities.

Drop-off location & time – We return to Adelaide at around 5:00 pm on the final day of tour. If you plan to fly out on the last day of the walk, please book your return flight for after 7pm.

When making your accommodation arrangements, please contact Park Trek if you would like discount & other information on our recommended provider Terrace Hotel in Adelaide.