Not many people know this but there is actually more than one Great Wall of China! Yes, aside of the very long wall that can be seen from the moon, there is actually another Great Wall of China located in the outback of Southern Oz. The second ‘Great Wall’ is a rocky escarpment found in the Flinders Ranges!! But then Australia is full of surprises and Flinders Ranges are no exception. 

Here is a region that digs deep to the roots of Aussie, an area renowned for its striking geographical features dating some 500 million years and should you be lucky enough to go there you will not be disappointed. No flash brash city life here, just Australia in all its essence, just as you had wanted to imagine it but wondered if it existed and best of all, it is only a 4 hour drive or so from Adelaide. 

When you visit the area the first thing that you will probably be struck by is the vastness of the landscape, the wide open spaces where you can drive 50 km or more and not pass another vehicle, where you can open your lungs and shout at the top of your voice and still feel as though you’ve disturbed no-one but the local wildlife. Ok, so there are some places in the area that tourists do tend to congregate but then there is everything in between and it is the in-between that will perhaps prove to be the most adventurous and memorable part of your trip. 

So keep an open mind and open eyes and prepare yourself for a taste of true Australian outback life. Witness the changing colours of the Ranges as the sun moves, be surprised at the wealth of bird and animal life present in the area and make sure you take the time to have a good yarn to any locals you come across as they are as colourful as the landscape, nay more so! One of the best places to find them is in the local pubs, some of the most isolated pubs in the world, so settle with a pint of local brew and be prepared for some amazing tales. 

What to do in Flinders Ranges

Whether you walk, drive or ride, Flinders Ranges is one big outdoor play area so if you’re happier tucked up cosy indoors this isn’t the place for you! Here you’ll discover nature on a grand scale, a place for explorers, adventurers and those who appreciate the wonders of the natural world. Wildlife is abundant and you’re very likely to see kangaroos, emus, lizards and wedge-tailed eagles. If you’re even luckier you might spot a yellow footed rock wallaby or a colourful Painted Dragon!

National Parks

Craggy mountain ranges that stretch for mile after mile, vast spectacular salt lakes, creeks lined with red gum trees, plains dotted with wildflowers, arid desert, native bush, jaw-dropping gorges – the diversity of the landscape is quite unforgettable. All of this is waiting to be discovered amidst the several National Parks that cover a huge part of the area, each with its own appeal. 

Flinders Ranges National Park is a good place to start, with plenty of walking trails to get your heart pumping as you marvel at the magnificent gorges and the playfulness of the abundant birds and animals. You could tackle a section of South Australia’s longest walking trail – The Heysen – or map out a trail to discover some of Australia’s most impressive Aboriginal rock art. 

Or you could make your way to Coongie Lakes National Park, a mystical place holding deep spiritual links for Aboriginal tribes. Perhaps you will feel the peace and serenity of the area in the same way the Aboriginals do and come away totally rejuvenated. Coongie Lakes National Park is also a twitcher’s paradise, being an internationally recognised area for its abundant bird life. It is actually located within Innamincka Regional Reserve, which in itself is an area of outstanding natural beauty. 

If you’re driving a 4WD, you’ll be able to access Lake Eyre National Park, home to Australia’s largest salt lakes rumoured to be about the size of Holland! Whilst the lake remains dry for most of the year, it is still one of Southern Australia’s jewels, a shimmering bed of salt crystals stretching farther than the eye can see. At those times when the lake does fill with water, it takes on a different beauty, thriving with masses of water birds that flock there to breed. 

Some of the best bush walking can be found in Mount Remarkable National Park. This park contains some of the most diverse landscape of all and there are also camp sites here that are only accessible by walking, making it a perfect place for multi-day trails, spending peaceful nights camping in the bush under a star filled sky. Camp fires are permitted here so you can rub two sticks together and have a go at conjuring up your own authentic bush tucker! 

For more enchanting trails, take a trip to Witjira National Park, a culturally significant reserve jointly managed by the Irrwanyere tribe. Here you can visit Dalhousie Springs, Australia’s largest complex of artesian springs. 

4WD Tracks

The Australian outback has some of the greatest desert 4WD tracks in the world and the Flinders Ranges area was made for 4WD enthusiasts! Before you set off, carry out your usual vehicle checks and make sure you are well prepared for the unknown.
 
Now you can really put on your explorer’s hat, your best bushman’s pose and set off to discover parts of the outback that others cannot reach! As you drive, remember that you’re driving down tracks steeped in history and days of settlers old: the original explorers, stockmen and ancient tribes. 

A good number of outback stations have now opened up tracks crossing their land, enabling 4 wheel drivers to discover regions previously sealed off to them. You can find a copy of accessible 4WD tracks from visitor centres in the area or download a copy ahead from the internet. 

One of the greatest driving trails is the Oodnadatta Track. This all dirt trail runs for 600km along the western shores of Lake Eyre. The track is bumpy in areas but that’s all part of the fun of off-roading!! You will also come across the famed ‘Dog Fence’ , the longest fence in the world, built to keep the dingoes of Central Australia away from the prolific herds of sheep in the South! 

Riding

Make a four legged friend your best pal and book yourself in for a half day or even better, a multi-day safari to explore the area by horse-back.....or even on the back of a camel! 

Australia’s camel populations has its origins in the Flinders Ranges areas, being one of the only ways back then to carry supplies through to the isolated and difficult to reach areas. So go with the sway of a sure footed camel and be enchanted by the experience as much as the inspiring backdrop passing by. 

If you’re already a keen rider, then perhaps you’ll fancy trying your hand as a steer hand? Don’t miss the biannual Great Australian Cattle Drive where you can help drive the cattle on horseback, down the famous Oodnadatta Track. 

Scenic Flights

Once you’ve seen it all from the ground, you’ll want to put the grandeur of the place into perspective and the best way to do that is from the bird’s eye view of a scenic flight over the Ranges. You’ll be able to take in the true diversity of the landscape and be amazed by the sheer contrasts of this captivating part of the world. If you arrive at one of those rare times that Lake Coongie has flooded, take a flight then and you’ll be treated to the natural spectacle of thousands of birds flocking there.

Bush Art

The Flinders Ranges area is steeped in Aboriginal history and culture and is a fine place to see indigenous artwork recorded over centuries in many caves in the area. The best way to see them is to take one of the available tours, whose guides will lead you straight to these rich and inspiring areas. The best known site is Yourambulla Caves, which will give you a real feel for this ancient art.

Food and Wine

The area is a treasure for foodies and grape lovers too! Head for the Southern Flinders Ranges to place yourself at the centre of the food and wine production area. Here you will find bush food plantations, specialty gourmet meats, honey production and wineries, welcoming you with open arms to taste their fayre. You certainly won’t go hungry or thirsty in this region and you’ll taste food you never knew existed, like the iconic quandong pies!!

Sleeping

Fancy a true outback experience camping out under the stars and cooking up a storm over the camp fire? That can be a reality in the Flinders Ranges region, creating lasting memories. Or perhaps you want a taste of authentic stock farming? Well, that can be arranged too, in fact you can even bed down in one of the sheep shearer’s quarters! 

Maybe the lap of luxury is more your style? Then book into one of the area’s boutique lodges where the orchestra of insect and bird song is the only noise that will wake you. 

Whatever ideas you have for sleeping in the outback, you’re bound to find something to suit here, so pack your swag and begin the adventures of a lifetime.