The Flinders Ranges are a dry mountain range northwest of Port Augusta in arid lands. In summer it is scorching hot. The best time to visit is in early spring after heavy rain when the whole region is alive with colourful wildflowers. The main activity to do is bushwalking. Take proper precautions and plenty of water in hot dry remote areas. 

A number of 4WD adventure tours leave from Adelaide. 

The Flinders Ranges & Outback South Australia Tourism Office is in Adelaide at 142 Gawler Place. Phone 08 8373 3430 or 1800 633 060. Open 8.30am to 5pm weekdays. 

The Wadlata Centre in Port Augusta has information - see Port Augusta page. 

This guide follows the road northwest from Port Augusta. 
 

Quorn is a quiet old town that has not seen much action since 1957 when the main railway line north was re-routed inaway from the town. 

Pichi Richi Railway has a historic steam train that doeas a 22km journey for tourists. It operates on public holidays and otherwise very infrequently. Phone 08 8276 6232 or for recorded information phone 08 8395 2566. 

u u ² The Mill Motel Quorn 2 Railway Tce. Phone 08 8648 6016. 12 units. Single $55, double $65. Light breakfast. 

u ² Transcontinental Hotel 15 Railway Tce. 08 8648 6076. 19 rooms. Single $29, double $49. Light breakfast. 

Andu Lodge 12 First St. Phone 1800 639 933. Comfortable youth hostel with excellent facilities. Dorm $14. 
 

This small town due to its vicinity to Wilpena Pound in the National Park has a few 2.5-star motels. We only list one. 

u u ² Hawker Hotel Motel Elder Tce. Phone 08 8648 4102. 20 motel units and 12 1.5-star hotel rooms. Single $25-$55, double $35-$65. 
 

Wilpena Pound (Flinders Ranges National Park) This wierd geographic formation is the highlight of the Flinders Ranges National Park. Eighty kilometres of mountainous cliffs ring the pound which only only one narrow entrance. Park entry is $5 per car. To see the sights you must walk. There are numerous good viewpoints in the park and Aboriginal carvings in Sacred Canyon. The park visitor centre has bushwalking maps amoung other things. There are lots of bushwalks of varying lengths. The area is hot dry and remote. Take proper precautions before you go. Take plenty of water. For safety fill in the log book before beginning your hike and upon returning or else a search party will be sent to find you.

Picture: Wilpena Pound

The visitor centre has a shop for basic supplies. 

u u ² Wilpena Pound Motel is the only accomodation at Wilpena. Phone 1800 805 802. Single $85, double $93. Pool. 

Otherwise bring your own tent or caravan and get a site at the camping ground at Wilpena Pound for $11. 

u u u ² Rawnsley Park Holiday Units, 21km south, has on-site vans for $36, $58 with air-con. Phone 08 8648 0030 for cabins or 08 8648 0008 for caravan park. The owners also operate a half day ($50) and full day ($80) 4WD safari. 
 

Arkaroola (617km north of Adelaide) u u ² Arkroola is a privately owned nature reserve at the northern end of the Flinders Ranges where the terrain is even drier with spectacular rugged mountainous landscapes and gorge. The 4WD half day Ridge Top Tour is fantastic ($50). There are 100km of roads in the reserve, most passable by conventional vehicles, which go close to most view points.

Picture: Arkaroola

The lodge has accomodation of varying standards ranging from $39 a double to 2.5 star rooms at $100 a double. Phone 08 8648 4848 or 08 8370 8454. There is also a campground by the creek. 

Arkaroola also has petrol, basic car repairs ad basic supplies available. The lodge has a good restaurant. 
 

From Arkaroola return to the main road at Leigh Creek. The adventurous seeking the real outback may consider heading north to Marree which marks the start of the famous Birdsville Track and Oodnadatta Track. The Strezlecki Track starts at Lyndhurst, between Leigh creek and Marree.

From Quorn return southwest to Port Augusta, the cross-roads of Australia, with road and rail tranport in every direction. Adelaide to 320km from there.