The 14 Best Flinders Ranges Hikes

When it comes to hiking, Flinders Ranges has a lot of options. From first-timers to seasoned hikers, these Flinders Ranges Hikes offer something for everyone.

Lacking in time? Depending on your spare time and physical ability, shorter day treks may be sliced up from the more extensive walks.

If you’re looking for an active getaway, the Flinders Ranges and Outback are perfect. Get ideas for your next hiking trip from this Flinders Ranges Hiking Guide I put together, which includes descriptions of the most scenic trails and detailed route information.

You may also want to read our complete guide on Hiking in Australia before you start your adventure. This article talks about the best hikes around Australia.

It also discusses the tips and tricks when hiking, as well as what you need to bring. It is also important to know the dangers when hiking in Australia.

Hiking in Flinders Ranges 

If you were to drive across the Flinders Ranges and Outback, you would be excused for believing you were traversing the untouched surface of Mars. Rusty red roadways are surrounded by imposing old rocks and deep holes.

Imagine waking up to the sounds of the Flinders Ranges as they come to life each morning. But before anything else, a good rule of thumb is to plan your trip for the best experience in the Flinders Ranges based on the current weather.

The most incredible time hiking in the Flinders Ranges is between June and August when the weather is mild enough to enjoy a stroll of around 15 degrees Celsius.

Be prepared for temperatures as low as 3°C at night and in the early morning hours, so bring your winter attire! 

The Best 14 Flinders Ranges Hikes

1. Sacred Canyon

For history buffs or enthusiasts, the Sacred Canyon is one of the excellent hiking trails at the Flinders Ranges. Best of all, this trail is beginner-friendly.

To illustrate, the location features a short stroll along a creek bordered by gum trees. And lo and behold, you can marvel at the ancient Aboriginal rock drawings that have been discovered in sandstone walls. 

The main attraction of this trail is the ancient pictures that symbolise animal footprints, humans, and waterholes.

However, please keep in mind that hikers must not touch the engravings. Out of respect to the Adnyamathanha culture, it is best to honour the historical drawings without touching them.

What is more, for the best hiking experience, you can start your first or have your next Flinders Ranges Walk in the Sacred Canyon early in the morning or late afternoon. This one is a trail not to be missed!

2. Arkaroo Rock Walk

Flinders Ranges Hikes is rich not only in wildlife but also in cultural aspects. Another trail the location offers is the Arkaroo Rock Walk, which is brimming with history and art.

In detail, this place houses a remarkable collection of Aboriginal rock art. The site is considered to be 5000 years old and is also significant to the culture of the Adnyamathanha people, like the Sacred Canyon trail.

Witness the Adnyamathanha rock paintings, which feature ochre and charcoal pictures depicting Wilpena Pound’s creation tale.

Likewise, take in the breathtaking vistas of the Chace Range while you are at it. Moreover, you are in for a wonderful treat if you go during sunrise or sunset.

Although art is the primary attraction, the environment is spectacular, and the route is worthwhile in and of itself. So go ahead and bask in the dazzling beauty of the sunlight and the scenery.

With all that said, Arkaroo Rock Walk is one of the best walks in Flinders Ranges.

3. Heysen Trail

If you are planning to venture into the Bunyeroo Valley to reach the Yanyanna Hut, you might as well add the Heysen Trail to your list!

In particular, this is one of the easy hiking tracks located at the Flinders Ranges Walking Trail if you chose a shorter section of it.

However, if you wish to complete the Heysen Trail, it is 1,200 kilometres long that starts from the South of Cape Jervis up until the North of Parachilna Gorge, Flinders Ranges.

4. Bunyeroo Gorge Trail Hike

Hike through Bunyeroo Valley, a vast, picturesque gorge bordered by gum trees framed by impressive rock formations. This trail is one of the Flinders Ranges Best Walks.

Picture the serene and gorgeous gorge of this 7.5 kilometres trail. And not to mention the possibility of spotting native wildlife is something to look forward to.

Aside from that, this track is primarily in the broad creek bed of Flinders Ranges. 

Expect that your experience will be more of a ramble along the creek bed than a walking trail.

And an interesting fact about the site is that Bullock teams and coaches traversed this ravine to reach the western plains in the nineteenth century.

Moreover, they used to haul copper, mail, and grain. Indeed, like the other trails at the Flinders Ranges hikes, this one is rich in history too!

5. Trezona Hike

Distance: 8.0 km

Elevation: 137 m

Difficulty: Moderate

If you are up for a challenging trail, Flinders Ranges Hikes offers you a track you will not be disappointed with.

Not only can you discover some of the Earth’s oldest living forms, but you can also have your senses stimulated during the challenging hike.

In detail, it could take about 4 hours for intermediate hikers to finish the Trezona Hike trail.

A little trivia about this trail is that the Trezona geological formation was intensively grazed when the park was still a pastoral estate.

Additionally, the Trezona Hike loop follows the 1,200-kilometre Heysen Trail section.

Hence, you may begin at Trezona Campground or start at one of the two spots where the route crosses Brachina Gorge Road.

Besides that, Fitness, historical features and outback adventures await you on this Flinders Ranges trail.

6. Bridle Gap Hike

Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, the Bridle Gap Hike has so much to unpack for you. This route in the Flinders Ranges Walks is part of the well-known Heysen Trail.

This track features a 19km trail. Moreover, this is considered a moderately difficult route to hike. And if you venture this Bridle Gap Hike, you will come across the floor of Wilpena Pound. 

Best of all, you will be immersed in the wide range of wildlife present in this environment. You will get to see the local birds, including wrens, robins, parrots, and raptors.

Likewise, see the mallees, native pines, and heaths. Indeed, this trail has a lot in store for nature and animal lovers alike.

7. Haywards Hike

Another challenging trail to conquer is the Haywards Hike trail. Indeed, Flinders Ranges hikes do not lack in adventures.

In detail, this is a 13.7-kilometre point-to-point path in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges. Technically, it could take you an average of 3 h and 30 minutes to finish hiking here. 

More importantly, this trail is great because if you want to camp away from other hikers, the site can offer you solace.

This is ideal for camping, hiking, and strolling because you will not run across many other hikers while exploring.

Unfortunately, though, you cannot bring your pet dogs here. They are not permitted on this route, so best to leave them at home.

8. Boom and Bust Hike

There is a lot to unpack from what the Boom and Bust Hike trail can offer.

For instance, your trekking experience will be educational because this trail takes pride in the rich flora and fauna of the environment.

In other words, you will get a chance to view the emu along with the other wildlife there.

Moreover, the Boom and Bust trail is a simple circuit walk in shaded woodland. Get your camera or phone ready because you will get the best viewing experience during dawn and sunset.

Additionally, this track can be added for a small additional distance if heading to the Mount Ohlssen Bagge trek.

9. Rawnsley Bluff 

To illustrate, this trail features spellbinding views throughout as you climb its summit. Not to mention, this is also an ideal place to have a picnic.

There is a beautiful flat space on top when you hike that provides a fantastic picnic place with views of the Chase and Elder Ranges.

Moreover, 1km of the route is purely debris and is not difficult to hike on. However, it could be difficult when going down for hiking beginners.

It is important to remember that this trail is steep from the start and remains so for most of the way to the top.

Nonetheless, if you are searching for spectacular views and a mesmerising hiking experience, then the Rawnsley Bluff trail at Flinders Ranges Walks will provide you with a rewarding experience. Despite being a challenging trek, hikers marvel at the wonderful vistas along the way.  

10. Mount Ohlssen Bagge

Hikers have a lot of good things to say about Mount Ohlssen Bagge Trail. And I can see why! Mount Ohlssen Bagge is a very short trek for such spectacular views and can be completed in a couple of hours.

Many hikers even find this track as one of the best walks in the Flinders Ranges. For instance, hikers are enchanted by the breathtaking views from the summit.

They also enjoy the fun and exciting course that leaves no room for a dull moment.

What is more, the deep red rock and desert atmosphere set the vibe for your hiking experience.

Another thing is that the path is fairly exposed, so if you will hike during the warmer months, it is better to go early or late.

Moreover, the trail is very steep, and there are a handful of scrambles, so beginners have to watch out for that. Nevertheless, this is the ideal trail for hikers who do not mind a steep ascent and pretty rugged terrain.

11. Malloga Falls Hike

In particular, the Malloga Falls in Flinders Ranges hikes are a pair of breathtaking twin falls that are usually dry.

This trek is 23.2km long, and it could take about 9 hours to complete. Moreover, the tracks can be difficult to follow in some places.

For that reason, this trail is only advisable for experienced hikers. 

You may reach the more isolated route out to Malloga Falls and Edeowie Gorge by traversing the bottom of the Pound and heading out to the deep northwestern border.

Likewise, you can explore the long, level route that runs through the Wilpena Heysen Trail’s floor to Edeowie’s stunning rock faces.

12. Wilkawillina Gorge Hike

Distance: 12.7 km one way

Difficulty: Hard

Home to the native Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby, the Wilkawillina Gorge Hike is 12.7 kilometres long and would take about 12 hours to finish.

This track is worth the challenge for experienced hikers because of the rewarding experience.

Witness the unique geological landscapes shimmering under the sunrise or sunset. What is more, in contrast to its dry surroundings, this trail has a permanent water source.

Although this is one of the most challenging trails to trek in the Flinders Ranges Hikes, it is not impossible to conquer.

For a more feasible route plan, it would do you good if you would begin at the Mt Billy Creek Trailhead and trek to the eastern end of Wilkawillina Canyon, where the path exits the gorge and heads south.

13. Arkaba Walk

With this Flinders Ranges hike, you’ll get to enjoy four days of excellent trekking with a bit of luxury thrown into the mix.

Situated in the Flinders Ranges National Park, on a secluded 60,000-acre private wildlife conservancy, you’ll discover the park’s hidden treasures with the help of an expert tour guide.

Wilpena Pound and the Elder Range provide stunning scenery for this incredible tale to reverberate throughout the trek.

Dry stream beds dotted with River Red Gums and jagged sandstone cliffs offer a classic outback setting. 

As a bonus, you have the satisfaction of knowing about Australia’s unique ecosystem and how to conserve, manage, and rewild it as well as the tales of founders who struggled to make a living from the rugged but beautiful land.

Moreover, the breathtaking scenery speaks for itself when it comes to the trips that take place regularly.

14. Mount Remarkable National Park Summit Loop

Mount Remarkable National Park is most recognized for its rocky landmasses, stunning gorges, steep forested valleys, and stark red quartzite cliffs, some of which date back 800 million years.

With its prime location between the Spencer Gulf and the southernmost portions of Adelaide’s Flinders Ranges, this is an ideal weekend getaway from the city.

The thought of wandering through lush greenery and past towering red stone cliffs, all the while getting up close and personal with native animals and birds, is appealing to many people.

Not to mention, campground facilities include hot showers and flushing toilets at Mambray Creek.

Take note that the Hidden Gorge Hike is not for the faint of heart unless you’re an experienced walker. This gruelling trek will take you roughly four hours to complete.

Walking this trail takes at least a full day, but it is well worth it for the scenery and the chance to see a yellow-footed rock wallaby, which you can see in the area.

The Wrap-Up: Flinders Ranges Hikes

The Flinders Ranges National Park indeed has a lot to offer. From outback experience to varieties of hikes and walks. Along these walking trails, we can also get a chance to experience and see yellow-footed wallabies as this is their natural habitat.

Hiking in Flinders Ranges is not so easy as there are some challenging hikes. Before you proceed, make sure you check the weather condition first and your hiking gear. I hope you will enjoy Flinders Ranges as much as I did.

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