Flinders Ranges – Ikara Guided Walk – 5 Days

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

Distance: 3.5km, 1.5hrs Walk (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 Walk (Approx.) Grade: 3–4 (Moderate to More Difficult)

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

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

Distance: 8km, 4hrs Walk (Approx.) Grade: 3–4 (Moderate to More Difficult)

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 1850s, 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

Day 4 – Blinman Pools and Wadna cultural centre

Distance: 12km, 6hr Walk(Approx.) Grade: 3–4 (Moderate to More Difficult)

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

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