Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park lies about 430 km north of Adelaide. The park was renamed in 2016 to recognise its significance to the Adnyamathanha people, the Traditional Owners, and it is co-managed with them. Ikara is the Adnyamathanha name for Wilpena Pound.

Geology and the Ediacaran

The Flinders Ranges preserve an extraordinary record of Earth's history. Fossils of some of the earliest complex animal life, known as the Ediacaran biota, were found in the ranges, and the Ediacaran Period — about 635 to 539 million years ago — was named after the Ediacara Hills. The Brachina Gorge Geological Trail passes through layers of rock representing millions of years of history.

Highlights

• Wilpena Pound — walks to Wangarra Lookout, the Hills Homestead and Tanderra Saddle.
• Brachina Gorge — the geological trail and yellow-footed rock-wallabies.
• Arkaroo Rock — Adnyamathanha rock art.
• Sacred Canyon — rock engravings.
• Bunyeroo Valley and Razorback Lookout — a classic drive with sweeping views.
• Heysen Trail — the long-distance trail passes through the park.

Camping and accommodation

Wilpena Pound Resort offers accommodation and a campground. Bush camping areas are available along the park roads.

Seasons

April to October is best. Summers are hot; winter nights can be cold.

Wilpena Pound (Ikara)

Wilpena Pound is a vast natural amphitheatre ringed by peaks, about 17 km long and 8 km wide. From the outside, its walls rise steeply; inside, the floor slopes gently towards a single gap at Wilpena Creek. In Adnyamathanha tradition, the Pound was formed by two giant serpents (Akurra). Early pastoralists grazed sheep in the Pound, and the Hill family farmed wheat there in the early 20th century until a flood destroyed their access road. The restored Hills Homestead is on the walk to Wangarra Lookout.

Walks

• Wangarra Lookout. A popular walk past Hills Homestead to lookouts over the Pound floor.
• Arkaroo Rock. A loop walk to a rock shelter with Adnyamathanha paintings in ochre and charcoal.
• Sacred Canyon. A short walk into a narrow gorge with rock engravings.
• Tanderra Saddle and St Mary Peak. A challenging day walk to the saddle, with views across the ranges. The Adnyamathanha ask visitors to consider not climbing to the summit of St Mary Peak, out of respect.
• Brachina and Bunyeroo gorges. Short walks among river red gums and rock walls.

Wildlife

The park is one of the best places in Australia to see yellow-footed rock-wallabies, especially in Brachina Gorge. Euros, red kangaroos, western grey kangaroos and emus are common. Birdlife is abundant, including wedge-tailed eagles, ringneck parrots and fairy-wrens.

Drives

The Bunyeroo, Brachina and Stokes Hill drives offer views of the Pound and ranges. Most park roads are unsealed and close after rain. Check park alerts before setting out.

Fees and visitor centre

Park entry and camping fees apply and can be paid online. The Wilpena Pound Visitor Information Centre has information on walks, conditions and cultural tours.

Getting there

Wilpena Pound is about 430 km north of Adelaide, roughly five hours' drive via Port Augusta and Hawker. The roads to Wilpena are sealed. Continue north to Leigh Creek and the outback tracks.

Suggested three days

Day one. Walk to Wangarra Lookout and visit Hills Homestead.

Day two. Drive Bunyeroo Valley and Brachina Gorge, looking for rock-wallabies, and walk the geological trail.

Day three. Visit Arkaroo Rock and Sacred Canyon, then head north or south.

Respect

Stay on tracks, never touch rock art and take all rubbish with you. See rock art sites.

Adnyamathanha culture

The Adnyamathanha people's name means "hills people" or "rock people". Their stories explain the creation of Ikara and the surrounding ranges, and many sites in the park are culturally significant. Adnyamathanha-led tours operate in the region and offer insights into culture, bush foods and the land. See our Aboriginal-led experiences guide.

Camping and accommodation options

Wilpena Pound Resort has hotel rooms, safari tents and a large campground with powered sites. Bush campgrounds along the park's unsealed roads, such as those in Brachina and Bunyeroo areas, offer a quieter experience with basic facilities. All camping must be booked online. Stations around the park also offer accommodation.

Blinman and Parachilna Gorge

North of the park, Blinman is a small historic copper-mining town, with heritage mine tours that have operated at the old Blinman Mine. West of Blinman, the scenic drive through Parachilna Gorge follows a creek lined with river red gums to Parachilna on the plains, home of the Prairie Hotel. Roads are a mix of sealed and unsealed; check SA outback road warnings after rain.

Night skies

The Flinders Ranges have very dark skies, and stargazing is a highlight of camping in the park. Further north, Arkaroola has run astronomy tours. On clear winter nights the Milky Way is spectacular, but temperatures drop sharply, so pack warm layers.

Drones and photography

Drone use in South Australian parks is regulated by National Parks and Wildlife Service SA, and you may need permission; cultural sites such as Arkaroo Rock and Sacred Canyon are not appropriate places to fly. The ranges glow red at sunrise and sunset, especially from lookouts such as Razorback.

Related guides

• Marree
• Strzelecki Track

Planning a trip? See our Flinders Ranges itineraries for 3-, 5- and 7-day plans.

Also in outback SA: Gawler Ranges National Park and the South Australia road trip.