THE FLINDERS RANGES
The Flinders Ranges & Outback is an ancient, sprawling landscape of rust-red mountains, vast salt lakes, and endless skies. It is the heart of South Australia’s wilderness and a land steeped in Aboriginal culture.
This region is a breathtaking spectacle where iconic Australian fauna roams freely. It’s an unforgettable journey into ancient geological history, offering deep solitude and unparalleled stargazing opportunities.
Most Popular Attractions
The Heart of the Flinders Ranges:
Wilpena Pound (Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park): A massive, naturally-formed amphitheater and the iconic center of the park, offering spectacular hikes and scenic flights.
St Mary Peak: The highest point in the Flinders Ranges, offering challenging hikes and unparalleled views of Wilpena Pound (note: traditional owners request visitors do not climb the summit).
Brachina Gorge: A geological trail through layers of rock dating back millions of years, excellent for wildlife spotting, including the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby.
Bunyeroo Gorge: A scenic drive offering stunning lookouts and views, including the popular Razorback Lookout.
Old Wilpena Station: A historical station offering insight into early pastoral life in the region.
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary: A privately-owned sanctuary in the northern Flinders, known for its rugged mountains, unique wildlife, and advanced astronomy observatory.
Rawnsley Park Station: A working sheep station offering accommodation and activities, including the Pugilist Track hike.
Outback Towns & Historical Sites:
Parachilna: A tiny settlement famous for the iconic Prairie Hotel and its unique outback menu.
Hawker: Known as the gateway to the Central Flinders Ranges, featuring the Jeff Morgan Gallery with panoramic paintings of the region.
Quorn: A historic railway town with well-preserved 19th-century architecture, used as a filming location for many Australian movies.
Pichi Richi Railway: A historic railway operating steam and diesel journeys between Quorn and Port Augusta.
Port Augusta: The ‘Crossroads of Australia,’ featuring the Wadlata Outback Centre, an interactive museum detailing the history of the Outback.
Beltana: A historic ghost town and former railway siding, offering a glimpse into the past.
Farina: A restored historical town and former railway settlement that comes to life during winter restoration efforts.
The Deserts & Salt Lakes:
Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park): Australia’s largest salt lake and lowest point, best experienced via a scenic flight to appreciate its immense scale and changing colors.
Oodnadatta Track: A famous unsealed, historical track following the route of the Old Ghan Railway and Overland Telegraph Line.
Marree: The starting point for the Oodnadatta Track and the closest town to Lake Eyre, home to the Marree Hotel.
Anna Creek Station: The world’s largest working cattle station (private property, viewing from the air or surrounding roads).
Coober Pedy: The “Opal Capital of the World,” famous for its underground dwellings, including churches, homes, and hotels.
The Breakaways Reserve (Coober Pedy): A stunning mesa landscape offering panoramic views and iconic Outback scenery.
Dog Fence (Dingo Fence): The longest continuous fence in the world, running for thousands of kilometers to protect sheep from dingoes.
Andamooka: Another opal mining town, known for its unique opal jewellery and desolate landscape.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the Iconic Wilpena Pound (Ikara): Trek into the enormous, natural, crater-like amphitheater—known as Ikara to the traditional Adnyamathanha custodians—for breathtaking views, including the challenging but rewarding climb to St Mary Peak.
Take a Scenic Flight: Experience the sheer scale of the landscape with a flight over Wilpena Pound, the deep gorges, and, if conditions are right, the vast, shimmering salt pan of Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre (North).
Go Stargazing in an International Dark Sky Sanctuary: Visit Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, one of the darkest places in the Southern Hemisphere, and use its astronomical observatories to explore the spectacular Southern Hemisphere night sky.
Explore Ancient Geological History: Drive the Brachina Gorge Geotrail or the Bunyeroo Valley Scenic Drive to witness rock formations dating back hundreds of millions of years, often requiring a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle.
Take a 4WD Ridgetop Tour: Join the famous Ridgetop Tour at Arkaroola to traverse rugged mountain tracks in open-top vehicles, offering 360-degree views of the Timeless Terrain.
Visit the Opal Capital of Coober Pedy: Go underground to explore working opal mines, visit subterranean churches, and stay in unique dugout accommodation in this historic, sun-baked town.
Discover Aboriginal Rock Art: Walk the Arkaroo Rock Trail in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park to view ancient Adnyamathanha rock paintings, which tell the Dreamtime story of Wilpena Pound.
Spot the Rare Yellow-Footed Rock Wallaby: Hike quietly through gorges like Brachina or Bunyeroo, or visit sanctuaries like Arkaroola, for the chance to spot these beautifully coloured and elusive native animals.
Ride the Pichi Richi Railway: Take a historic steam or diesel train journey through the Southern Flinders Ranges between Port Augusta and Quorn, crossing ancient, scenic railway lines.
Dine on Feral Cuisine: Stop at an iconic outback pub like the Prairie Hotel in Parachilna to sample unique local fare such as the famous Feral Mixed Grill (FMG), featuring kangaroo, emu, and camel.
Follow the Oodnadatta Track: Embark on an epic 4WD adventure along this famous unsealed track that follows the route of the historic Old Ghan railway line, passing through remote outback towns and railway relics.
Visit the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden: Near Port Augusta, explore this unique garden showcasing the diverse and resilient flora of the vast Australian arid lands.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential (4WD Recommended): The Flinders Ranges is a 5+ hour drive north of Adelaide. A reliable vehicle is mandatory. While main roads to Wilpena Pound are sealed, many of the most spectacular gorges and scenic drives are on unsealed, corrugated roads, where a 4WD or a high-clearance 2WD is strongly recommended.
Long-Distance Train: The world-famous Ghan train travels through the region (Adelaide to Darwin), offering a unique perspective, but you will need to arrange local transport from the train stops.
Air Travel: Regional Express (Rex) operates flights from Adelaide to major outback hubs like Coober Pedy. You can also charter scenic flights from Adelaide or within the region to cover vast distances and see major landmarks like Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre.
Check Road Conditions: Unsealed roads can be closed or become impassable, particularly after rain. Always check road conditions via local visitor centers or the official Outback Road Conditions website before setting out.
Respect the Land and Culture: The Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and surrounding areas are the traditional lands of the Adnyamathanha people. The name Ikara means “meeting place.” Many tours offer Indigenous-led experiences, which provide invaluable cultural context—these are highly recommended.
Outback Safety: Distances between towns and services are vast. Never travel without a well-stocked emergency kit. Carry extra fuel, water (at least 5-10 liters per person per day), and food in case of a breakdown. Mobile phone reception is extremely limited; a satellite phone or UHF radio is recommended for remote travel.
“Outback Time”: Things run slower here. Fuel stations, shops, and attractions may have limited operating hours, especially on weekends or public holidays. Plan your itinerary with flexibility and generously estimate drive times.
Weather Extremes: The climate is one of extremes. Summer (Dec-Feb) is intensely hot (often 40°C/104°F+), making hiking dangerous. Winter (Jun-Aug) days are mild, but nights can drop below freezing. The best time to visit for hiking is the shoulder seasons (Spring/Autumn).
Hidden Gems:
- Nilpena Ediacara National Park: Explore the world-renowned fossil site showcasing the oldest complex life forms on Earth (Ediacaran fauna), often accessed via a guided tour.
- The Breakaways Conservation Park (Kanku-Breakaways): Just north of Coober Pedy, this is a spectacular, colourful landscape of sandstone tablelands. Visit at sunset for a stunning light show.
- Lake Frome: A massive, blindingly white salt lake on the eastern edge of the Northern Flinders Ranges, often viewed from the air or from the ridgetops of Arkaroola.
- Old Ghan Railway History: Explore the ruins of historic railway sidings and bridges along the Oodnadatta Track, a testament to the pioneering history of the region.
Top Restaurants
The Prairie Hotel (Parachilna) [$30-$60] – A legendary outback pub at the edge of the ranges, famous for its “Feral Mixed Grill” (emu, kangaroo, camel) and house-brewed Fargher Lager. Bookings are essential for dinner.
The Woolshed Restaurant (Rawnsley Park Station) [$40-$70] – Located in an authentic Woolshed, this restaurant offers modern Australian cuisine with a focus on high-quality local produce, including Rawnsley’s own lamb, in a rustic yet refined setting.
The Blinman Hotel (Blinman) [$20-$40] – Known as the “pub in the scrub,” this historic hotel offers classic, hearty pub favourites and a welcoming atmosphere in the small, historic copper mining town of Blinman.
Marree Hotel (Marree) [$20-$40] – A classic, historic outback pub located where the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks meet, offering traditional pub fare and a rich history as the last stop before the dirt tracks.
Hawker Hotel (Hawker) [$20-$40] – A classic outback pub offering a relaxed dining room with a wood fire and a menu of standard pub classics, a great spot for a simple, generous meal.
Innamincka Hotel (Innamincka) [$25-$45] – Offers modern pub cuisine with generous serves in a classic outback setting near Cooper Creek, perfect for travellers on the remote tracks.
Transcontinental Hotel (Quorn) [$20-$35] – A classic, friendly pub in the historic railway town of Quorn, popular with locals and travelers for straightforward, satisfying pub food.
Mount Remarkable Hotel Motel (Melrose) [$20-$35] – A traditional pub offering a welcoming environment and classic pub meals, a popular spot in the Southern Flinders Ranges town of Melrose.
Roxby Tavern (Roxby Downs) [$20-$35] – Offers modern Australian pub fare in the contemporary town of Roxby Downs, popular with the local mining community.
Olympic Dam Village Tavern (Roxby Downs) [$20-$35] – A relaxed tavern providing standard Australian pub food and a communal atmosphere in the Olympic Dam village.
Italo Australian Miners Club (Coober Pedy) [$20-$35] – A local institution in Coober Pedy, offering an authentic, non-touristic atmosphere and hearty, straightforward meals.
Opal Inn Chinese Restaurant (Coober Pedy) [$15-$30] – Located in the Opal Inn, this restaurant offers a surprising but popular break from typical outback fare with classic Chinese-Australian dishes.
Outback Bar and Grill (Coober Pedy) [$25-$45] – A grill offering a refuge and substantial meals in the opal mining town, catering to hungry travelers and miners.
Gallery Restaurant at The Prairie Hotel (Parachilna) [$45-$80] – The more formal dining section of the hotel, offering a refined, modern Australian menu that heavily features native and “feral” meats with creative flair (subject to availability as the hotel sometimes closes for renovation).
Dining at Arkaba Homestead (Arkaba Conservancy) [$100-$150] – Part of the luxury, all-inclusive stay at the Arkaba Homestead, offering exceptional, seasonal, and creative “Michelin-style” meals based on local and Australian produce, often served communally or under the stars. (Note: Price is an estimate for the dining experience if purchased separately or representative of the high-end nature; dining is typically included in the accommodation package).
The Old Ghan Restaurant (Hawker) [$35-$60] – Located in a renovated railway station, this restaurant offers a step back in time with a set dinner service and menu, providing a more formal dining option in Hawker.
Two Farmers Daughters (Orroroo) [$25-$45] – Known for fresh, seasonal meals made with local Southern Flinders produce, providing a taste of the region’s agricultural output.
Chives (Roxby Downs) [$30-$50] – Offers modern Australian cuisine in Roxby Downs, a good option for a contemporary, sit-down dinner in the area.
Umbertos Restaurant (Coober Pedy) [$30-$50] – A highly-rated, more upscale dining option in Coober Pedy, offering international and modern Australian dishes.
Little Blessings Brewery (Laura) [$20-$40] – Primarily a brewery, but often offers a menu of pub snacks and meals to pair with their craft beers and gins, showcasing local brewing.
Jacka Bros Brewery (Melrose) [$20-$40] – Offers locally brewed craft beer, regional gin, and wood-fired pizzas with a view of Mount Remarkable, a great spot for a relaxed evening meal.
The Flinders Ranges Motel Restaurant (Quorn) [$30-$50] – Offers a quality, sit-down dining experience in Quorn with modern Australian menu options.
Dining at Wilpena Pound Resort (Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park) [$35-$60] – The main dining option within the National Park, offering a mix of traditional and modern Australian dishes, often featuring local ingredients, in a unique and convenient location.
The Flinders Food Co. Dinner Experience (Hawker) [$40-$70] – While primarily a cafe, they often host special evening events, catering, or dining experiences focused on sophisticated, seasonal dishes.
Pink Roadhouse (Oodnadatta Track) [$15-$30] – A quirky, famously pink landmark on the Oodnadatta Track, offering the essential “Oodnaburger” and classic roadhouse meals for travelers.
William Creek Hotel (William Creek) [$20-$40] – Located in South Australia’s smallest town, this iconic hotel offers classic pub meals and cold brews, serving as a vital stop on the Oodnadatta Track.
Leigh Creek Bar and Grill (Leigh Creek) [$20-$35] – Offers steakhouse favorites like burgers, schnitzels, and steaks in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere at the Leigh Creek Outback Resort.
Copley Pub (Copley) [$15-$30] – A typical outback pub providing a cold beer and simple, satisfying counter meals in the small town of Copley.
Pimba Roadhouse (Pimba) [$15-$30] – A necessary refueling and food stop on the Stuart Highway, offering standard roadhouse grill options and snacks.
Glendambo Roadhouse (Glendambo) [$15-$30] – Another essential stop on the Stuart Highway, offering reliable roadhouse fare for long-haul travelers.
Wadlata Outback Centre Cafe (Port Augusta) [$15-$25] – Located within the Outback Centre, it offers light meals and is a great starting or ending point for the region, with a focus on local information.
Port Augusta Hotel (Port Augusta) [$20-$35] – A major pub in Port Augusta offering classic Australian pub fare in the gateway to the Flinders and Outback.
The Augusta Courtyard Restaurant (Port Augusta) [$25-$45] – Offers a more traditional restaurant setting in Port Augusta with a varied menu.
Quorn Cafe & Ice Creamery (Quorn) [$10-$20] – A simple cafe offering light lunches, coffee, and ice cream, a local favorite for a treat.
The Buckleboo Hotel (Buckleboo) [$15-$30] – A small, remote hotel offering classic country pub hospitality and simple, hearty meals.
Wirrabara Hotel (Wirrabara) [$15-$30] – A traditional country pub in the Southern Flinders offering standard pub meals and local charm.
Iron Baron Hotel (Iron Baron) [$15-$30] – A pub catering to the local community and offering simple, no-fuss pub meals.
Poochera Hotel (Poochera) [$15-$30] – A classic, simple outback pub offering cold drinks and basic counter meals to travelers.
The Coober Pedy Underground Restaurant (Coober Pedy) [$30-$50] – A more formal underground dining experience, often offering a set menu or a step above typical pub fare in a unique setting.
The William Creek Diner (William Creek) [$25-$45] – Offers an alternative dining option to the pub in William Creek, often with a focus on grill items and larger meals.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Prairie Hotel: Found in the tiny settlement of Parachilna, this iconic hotel and brewery is a must-visit for its “feral food” menu and well-stocked bar, offering a sophisticated outback experience with a selection of regional drinks.
Desert Cave Hotel Bar: Located in Coober Pedy, this is an authentic underground bar (dugout) where you can enjoy a cold drink, including cocktails, in the cool earth, escaping the intense outback heat.
Flinders Food Co: Situated in Hawker, this modern café and restaurant, known for its native-inspired cuisine, also features a bar offering a selection of drinks, including local beverages and house-made sodas like Quandong Soda.
The Woolshed Restaurant at Rawnsley Park: Located at Rawnsley Park Station near Wilpena Pound, the restaurant features a bar offering a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a drink after a day of exploring the magnificent ranges.
Big Winch 360 Cafe & Wine Bar: Perched atop a hill overlooking Coober Pedy, this spot offers a bar with expansive 360-degree views, making it a perfect spot for sunset wines or pre-dinner drinks.
Sky Tavern: A pub and bar located in Port Augusta, serving as a social hub for the northern part of the region, known for its Sports Bar atmosphere and range of beers and spirits.
Tassie Tavern: Situated in Port Augusta, this hotel and bar offers a family-friendly spot to unwind with a cold beer, wine, or spirits, often hosting various activities and events.
Western Hotel: Found in Port Augusta West, this historic “local favourite” features a warm, welcoming bar with a wide range of beer on tap, wine, and spirits, perfect for a quiet drink or a catch-up.
The Roxby Tavern: A modern venue in Roxby Downs, offering a contemporary atmosphere and a well-stocked bar popular with the local mining community and visitors.
Umbertos Restaurant Bar: A dining spot in Coober Pedy that offers a selection of beverages to complement its international cuisine.
John’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant Bar: Located in Coober Pedy, this popular eatery also features a bar area where patrons can enjoy a casual drink with their pizza and pasta.
Outback Bar & Grill: Situated in Coober Pedy on the Stuart Highway, this venue serves as a major rest stop with a full bar offering, often creating a lively atmosphere in the evenings.
The Green Lizard Room at Birdsville Hotel: While the Birdsville Hotel is in Queensland, it is a quintessential “Outback” experience for those traversing the Birdsville Track and serves as a major social centre, with this room providing an alternate space to the main bar.
Copley Hotel: A classic outback pub in Copley, known for its friendly atmosphere and cold beer, offering a quintessential remote Australian drinking experience.
Leigh Creek Tavern: Located in Leigh Creek, this is a central watering hole for the town and surrounding areas, providing a typical outback pub experience with a bar and dining.
Birdsville Hotel Front Bar: Australia’s most iconic outback pub (just across the border in QLD, but essential to the Outback travel guide), its historic front bar is a club-like social epicentre during big events, famous for its hat wall and legendary atmosphere.
The Oval Hotel Bar: Located in the town of Quorn, this heritage hotel’s bar is a popular meeting place, often bustling and acting as a lively social hub for locals and travellers passing through the Flinders Ranges.
Transcontinental Hotel Bar: Another popular spot in Quorn, the bar of the “Trans” is a traditional pub that gets rowdy on weekends, serving as a lively social venue for the area.
Opal Inn Hotel & Caravan Park Bar: Located in Coober Pedy, this is a major hub with a bar and bistro that attracts travellers and locals alike, creating a vibrant, social atmosphere, especially in the evenings.
Woomera Hotel Bar: The bar at this historic hotel in Woomera is a key social hub, reflecting the town’s unique history and providing a lively spot for a drink and a chat with locals and tourists.
Wirrabara Hotel: A traditional country pub in the small town of Wirrabara, known for its welcoming atmosphere and classic pub nightlife, which serves as a central social point.
Italo Australian Miners Club: A dedicated social club in Coober Pedy, this is a great place for a drink and often hosts events that create a lively, club-like atmosphere for the local community and visitors.
Beltana Hotel: An historic hotel and bar in the remote town of Beltana, its bar is a classic outback experience where travellers stop for refreshment and conversation, often becoming quite social on busy nights.
Olympic Dam Village Tavern: Located in Roxby Downs, this is a modern pub with a bar that is a busy social venue due to the concentration of workers in the area, offering a lively nightly atmosphere.
Marree Hotel Bar: Located in Marree, a town rich in history as a former railhead and gateway to the Oodnadatta and Birdsville tracks, its bar is a famous rest stop and social hub, filled with stories and character.