Explore the Best Things to Do in the Flinders Ranges
Looking for a weekend of rewarding hikes, outback stretching for miles or luxury lodgings? You're in the right place! Here are the best things to do in the Flinders Ranges.
Craving an escape? This is your sign to take the 5-6 hour drive up to the Flinders Ranges and live your best life in the great outdoors. There’s a range of accommodations for all adventure types, from outback camping to luxury eco-hotels if you aren't quite ready to give up too many creature comforts.
With stunning national parks, breathtaking scenery, bucket list private flights over magnificent canyons, amazing hikes and unique places to stay, these are the best things to do in the Flinders Ranges.
Best Things to Do in the Flinders Ranges: Explore
The Big Winch at Coober Pedy
Built by Claus Wirries in the 1970s, The Big Winch has become a popular stop on any Flinders Ranges trip. Despite the original winch being knocked down by a cyclone, this site, and the story behind it, are an intriguing part of Coober Pedy's history.
Dive deeper into the history of the opal town with a world-class 360-degree cinema experience immersing you in the heart of the outback with surrounding visuals and sounds. Before heading off to explore the fascinating underground lifestyle and 20+ opal stores in Coober Pedy, visit the cafe for a bite to eat.
Italian Club Hill Road, Coober Pedy
Arkaba Walk
For an experience you won’t forget in a hurry, take part in one of the Great Walks of Australia, and spend a few days trekking through the outback on the beautiful Arkaba Walk. Iconic, historic, and fully guided, your hiking efforts are rewarded each evening with deluxe bush camps set up and complete with meals, snacks and amenities. On the last night of the walk, you'll lavish in a private guest room at the Arkaba Homestead.
Operating from March to October
Arkaba, Flinders Ranges and Outback
Experience Melrose
A wellness retreat in the heart of the outback, surrounded by nature, gourmet food and like-minded people? We're in. Developed in 2022 following Covid (and recognising the dire need for connection with others and self), Experience Melrose provides space and experiences for individuals, couples, families and friends to escape, unwind, reflect and reconnect.
The 3-day Wellness Retreat includes cosy accommodation, art sessions, nutritious and delicious meals, daily movement, cooking classes and more.
Sitchu tip: There are only a few retreats a year, so keep an eye on socials for 2025 dates!
Melrose, South Australia
The Narrows at Alligator Gorge
Driving north from Adelaide to the Southern Flinders Ranges, the Mount Remarkable National Park is a must-stop spot. With stunning scenery reminiscent of Southwest USA, The Narrows at Alligator Gorge - with its rugged canyon towering walls and winding paths - has become a hiking haven and sought-after photo op.
Seasoned hikers rave about the 9km circuit, labelling it one of the best in South Australia. Short on time? There is a shorter, 2.5km route that hits the most gram-worthy parts of the gorge.
Wilmington, South Australia
Blinman Mine Tour
For those who love stepping back in time, the Blinman Mine is a copper treasure buried in the heart of the Flinders Ranges. In its 1862-1907 heyday, the town of Blinman thrived with a bustling population of 1500, fuelled by the copper discovered by shepherd Robert Blinman.
Today, this historic town has a permanent population of only 27 and stands as a living testament to resilience. The Blinman Heritage Tourist Mine, a labour of love by local volunteers, takes visitors into the underground of the past. Through storytelling, light displays, and experienced guides, this is a deep dive into the lives of 19th-century miners.
Mine Road, Blinman
Take a Scenic Flight
Seeing the beautiful land of the Flinders Ranges by foot is one thing, seeing it stretch out before you in the air is a whole other story! Hop on board a flight with Chinta Air, take off from Rawnsley Park Station and soak in the stunning sights of the Flinders Ranges with a 20, 30, 45 or 60-minute flight. Further flight options include longer scenic routes across Wilpena Pound and Lake Torrens.
Flights depart from Rawnsley Park Station
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
Immerse yourself in the rugged landscape and take in the views of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, stretching out across approximately 95,000 hectares. There’s native wildlife, rich cultural heritage, beautiful bushwalks and mountain bike trails for all fitness levels and some of the most amazing sunsets in all of South Australia - Razorback Lookout provides one of the most stunning views imaginable.
Bunyeroo Valley and the Bunyeroo Gorges provide picture-perfect ops, and the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail (an important refuge of the Yellow-Footed Rock wallabies) will take you back through geological history dating millions of years.
There’s a range of accommodation options for all adventurous types, as well as BBQ and picnic areas, so don't fret if you can’t quite manage without electricity and running water. The rugged, mountainous landscape is expansive, so it’s a good idea to opt for the guided tours available if you’re a newbie.
Blinman, Flinders Ranges
Take a Hike
The expansive natural landscape of the Flinders Ranges is full of amazing hikes suited for all capabilities, from light walks through stunning scenery to full-day hikes that aren’t for the faint-hearted.
The St Mary’s Peak hike is a popular trail for those wanting a longer expedition. Officials recommend setting aside around nine hours to complete the circuit that runs between 14.6km (direct route) and 21.5km (loop route). This one is considered a hard hike and would be better suited to those with a good pair of shoes and hiking experience.
For those who are after a shorter and easier option, the Sacred Canyon Walk could be the one. At around 30 minutes to hike the flat trail of roughly 800 metres, this is a lovely little route. For something in between, the 3km Arkaroo Rock Hike is a 3km circuit, best taken in the morning to see the incredible Aboriginal rock art.
Lake Gairdner National Park
South Australia is home to some spectacular salt lakes, and Lake Gairdner National Park is one of the best. The large saline lake is the third largest in Australia, containing over 200 islands. Surrounded by the red sand foothills of the Gawler Ranges, the remarkable kaleidoscope of colours is truly a natural wonder. Stock up on some food and drink supplies and pitch a spot by the magnificent lake to watch the day drift by in sheer, unbothered bliss.
Lake Gairdner, South Australia
Best Things to Do in the Flinders Ranges: Stay
Wilpena Pound Resort
For all of the magic of camping, but without having to set up a tent, book a stay at the Wilpena Pound Resort while adventuring through the Flinders Ranges. Unique to the property, guests are encouraged to take part in guided tours from the land's Traditional Owners, the Adnyamathanha people. The region is known for its history in geology and ancient Aboriginal art, and you will leave with a rich understanding of the cultural significance and importance of Ikara, known as ‘The Meeting Place’.
The magnificent glamping safari tents are positioned to enjoy inspiring views of Wilpena Pound from bed and come complete with air-conditioning and an en-suite for subtle and welcome luxury in the outback.
Wilpena Road, via Hawker
Coward Springs Camping Ground
We are often seeking touches of luxury in the outback, but let’s be real – we know a visit to the Flinders Ranges comes with the perk of getting away from it all. Sometimes, a little stint of camping and getting back to nature is just what the doctor ordered. So, if you need some escapism, why not pitch your tent or park up the van in the shaded sites at eco-friendly and heritage-listed Coward Springs Camping Ground?
It's the perfect base for exploring surrounding bushland and national parks, natural springs and picturesque walking trails. Campsites are equipped with fires and showers and there’s usually a coffee van on site to keep you caffeinated. The best part? The natural ‘spa’ at the edge of the wetland has water sitting at a toasty 29 degrees all year long and is naturally high in mineral salts – it's not the worst place to relax and star gaze!
Stuarts Creek, South Australia
Arkaba Conservancy
Love the idea of going bush, but reluctant to forgo your luxuries? We hear you. Stay at the remarkable all-inclusive Arkaba Conservancy, an original 1850s sheep-farming homestead sitting on a patch of almost 60,000 acres. Relax in front of the fireplace in deep leather armchairs in winter, or cool off in the swimming pool overlooking the Arkaba Creek as a chef prepares your menu from the very best of South Australian produce. With a high level of care and only 10 guests at the property at any one time, this is one of South Australia's most exclusive stays.
The Arkaba Conservancy offers a host of exciting activities that are complete must-haves for your trip, including safari-style explorations. Book their safari drive, an open-top 4WD experience through Arkaba’s picturesque high ranges, valleys and creek lines.
Flinders Ranges Way, Hawker
Rawnsley Park Station Eco Villas
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Flinders Ranges with the Rawnsley Park Station Eco Villas accommodation. The secluded location allows for complete privacy, with one or two-bed villas offering a spacious and self-contained area with private verandahs, a retractable roof for star-gazing, and a swimming pool for guest use. Plus the Woolshed Restaurant is close by to take the hassle out of needing to travel for something delicious to eat. Need we say more?
Flinders Ranges Way, Hawker
Prairie Hotel
The bold, pink signage of the Prairie Hotel will be the first thing to catch your eye as you pull up to this highly awarded outback accommodation. Prairie Hotel's interiors have been reimagined to showcase a quirky yet elegant country style while a sun-drenched courtyard is the hero of the hotel's outdoor area.
Their renowned restaurant isn’t one to miss either, with moreish dishes of modern Australian outback cuisine guaranteed to fill you up. Officially known as Australia’s Favourite Outback Pub, this is well worth a drive-by, easily being one of the best things to do in the Flinders Ranges.
High Street and West Terrace, Parachilna
Holowileana Station & The Outback Blacksmith
No wifi, no services, just pure escapism as you relax around the campfire surrounded by nature. Hark back to the glory days of the outback at Holowileana Station’s unique and authentic Flinders Ranges bed and breakfast accommodation.
This outback sheep station dates back to 1852, so history fanatics will love the guided tours loaded with fun and fascinating facts about life on the farm. Fancy waking up in the great outdoors? They have remote camping options too.
Cradock, Flinders Ranges
Loving our list of the best things to do in the Flinders Ranges and eager to explore more natural beauty in South Australia? Why not explore the state’s best National Parks, or discover our South Australian Bucket List Experiences?
