Route summary: Adelaide – Quorn – Rawnsley Park Station – Blinman – Wilpena Pound – Adelaide
Ready to swap screens for scenery and create memories that will last a lifetime? This family-friendly itinerary through South Australia’s iconic Flinders Ranges has you hiking to scenic lookouts, immersing yourself in Indigenous culture, marvelling at 350 million years of geological history and basking in the stillness of the outback.
Day 1
Adelaide – Quorn
Driving distance: 336km
Morning:
- Hit the National Highway to Quorn, with a pit-stop in Port Pirie to stretch the legs and refuel.
Afternoon:
- On arrival in Quorn, make a beeline for the Qandong Cafe to enjoy a delish home-cooked lunch with a decent dose of friendly, country service!
- Check in to the Qandong Apartments (conveniently located just next door to the Qandong Cafe!)
Evening:
- Eat in your apartment or pack a picnic lunch to take out this evening.
- Take in the Quorn Silo Light Show at dusk. Every night at sunset, Quorn puts on a spectacular light show projected onto the silo at the Railway Precinct. The show features local stories, images and stunning artwork and is accompanied by a soundtrack which you can tune into on your car radio. Get there 20 minutes early to park your car and set up your picnic.
Image credit:: Heidi Who Photos via South Australian Tourism Commission | Quorn
Stay: Qandong Apartments (two nights)
You’ll feel right at home in your family-friendly two-bedroom apartment at Quandong Apartments. With modern amenities and a fully self-contained setup, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and recharge after a big day of exploring.
Image credit:: Quandong Apartments
Day 2
Quorn
Morning:
- Enjoy breakfast in your apartment before heading out for the day.
- Ride the Pichi Richi Railway – a half-day journey on a vintage steam train through the scenic Pichi Richi Pass.
Afternoon:
- Head to Teas on the Terrace for one of their famous pies or pasties. They make a mean scone too, so make sure you leave room for dessert!
- If you’re keen for a physical challenge, set off to explore Devil’s Peak Walking Trail, a 2.4km hike with expansive views of the Flinders Ranges from the summit.
- Alternatively, take a stroll through the town of Quorn and check out some of the quaint stores.
Evening:
- Tuck into a pub dinner at the Transcontinental Hotel – the oldest hotel in town. This classic Aussie pub caters for kids too, so you can relax and enjoy a good Schnitty in peace!
Image credit:: Pichi Pichi Railway | South Australian Tourism Commission
Day 3
Quorn – Rawnsley Park Station
Driving distance: 102km
Morning:
- Eat breakfast in your apartment and take a final stroll through town before checking out.
- Make a pit stop en route in Hawker to check out the murals and model cars at the Jeff Morgan Gallery.
Afternoon:
- Lunch in Hawker at Flinders Food Co is an experience not to be missed. This foodie oasis in the outback is all about native flavour and local stories.
- Set off for Rawnsley Park Station to relax for the afternoon and explore the station.
Evening:
- Dinner is sorted at the Woolshed on-site at Rawnsley Park Station. Be sure to pre-book this as it’s very popular. And if you’re a lover of red meat, check out their dates for their famous Lamb Dinner… you won’t be sorry!
Image credit :: Rawnsley Park Station via South Australian Tourism Commission | Woolshed Hotel
Stay: Rawnsley Park Station (two nights)
Overlooking the southern side of Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park Station provides the perfect base for exploring South Australia’s beautiful Flinders Ranges. There’s a range of accommodation on offer, from luxury eco-villas to family cabins and caravan sites, so take your pick!
Image credit :: Wipena Pound | South Australian Tourism Commission
Day 4
Rawnsley Park Station
All day:
- Today, you can do as much or as little as you like, with a whole day at the station. Take advantage of the surrounding hiking and mountain bike trails, enjoy a splash in the pool and spot wildlife to your heart’s content.
Evening:
- Pre-book a sunset 4WD tour to enjoy the spectacle of colour as the sun sets over the mountains and cliffs. This is an experience that will be etched in your memory forever.
- Pick up a barbecue pack from the Woolshed Restaurant and cook your own dinner, then kick back around the firepit to stargaze and share stories until bedtime!
Image credit :: Woolshed Hotel | Emile Ristevski via South Australian Tourism Commission
Day 5
Rawnsley Park Station – Blinman – Wilpena Pound
Driving distance: 140km
Morning:
- Depending on the type of accommodation you’ve chosen to stay in at Rawnsley Park Station, you’ll either have breakfast provisions provided, or you can pick up groceries at the caravan park store.
- Check out of your accommodation and set off on the one-hour drive to Blinman Mine for a fascinating guided underground tour. It’s fun, safe and educational for the kids!
- Make a stop at the Great Wall of China Lookout — a magnificent rocky ridge line just outside the Flinders Ranges National Park.
Afternoon:
- Enjoy a pub lunch at the North Blinman Hotel, where they serve up the best steak sangas in the Flinders!
- Hit the road headed for Wilpena Pound, where you’ll check in to your accommodation for the next two nights.
- Book ahead for a guided walk to learn about the history of the region. You’ll take in Wilpena Creek, the Old Hills Homestead and Wangarra Hill Lookout, before enjoying coffee and cake back at the Homestead as a reward for your effort!
Evening:
- Dine in style at the resort restaurant, where the menu includes quintessentially Australian dishes such as barra, roo and croc, or choose to pick up some supplies at the general store and cook your own barbecue.
Image Credit :: Heidi Who Photos | South Australian Tourism Commission
Stay: Discovery Resorts – Wilpena Pound (two nights)
The only accommodation within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, this resort has a range of options from glamping tents to resort rooms and caravan sites. It’s the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding ancient outback landscape.
Day 6
Wilpena Pound
Morning:
- Cook up your own brekky (groceries are available to purchase at the general store within the resort).
- Join an Adnyamathanha guide on a cultural walk, as they identify flora and fauna along the track to Akarroo Adnya (Rock). Gaze at the beautiful scenery as your guide interprets the ochre cave paintings, sharing creation stories of their ancestors. Note: You will need to book this tour in advance through the resort.
Afternoon:
- Pack a picnic lunch and find a spot to stretch out and enjoy the scenery.
- Spend the afternoon relaxing at the resort pool, or head out on one of the many walking, hiking or mountain biking trails for something more energetic!
- Optional: Take a scenic helicopter flight over Wilpena Pound (for older kids and adults, this is an unforgettable experience!)
Evening:
Spend your last evening in the outback on an adventure to one of the best vantage points to see the sunset over Wilpena Pound. Marvel at the changing colours as the sun sets over the Ikara-Flinders Ranges while enjoying sunset drinks and canapés inspired by local flavours.
Image Credit :: Adam Bruzzone | South Australian Tourism Commission
Day 7
Wilpena Pound – Adelaide
Driving distance: 431km
Farewell the Flinders Ranges and head home to Adelaide. Take the opportunity to break the journey in Clare Valley, with so many fabulous restaurants and wineries to choose from for a lunch stop… or you could extend your holiday and spend a few days enjoying the famous Riesling Trail!
