Heysen Trail (North Flinders Ranges)

Walk Overview

This four day itinerary involves using the Wilpena Pound region as a base for day walks in four different areas of the northern section of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. The selection of walks provides an experience that traverses the spectacular sections of the northern end of the iconic Heysen Trail.

This world famous trail covers a staggering 1200 km and is named after the acclaimed South Australian landscape artist Hans Heysen who drew much inspiration from this region, in particular the striking river red gum trees and the sculptural rock formations. Through his work, Heysen sought to depict the dramatic and ancient qualities of the Flinders Ranges landscape.

The Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is home to a combination of imposing mountain ranges, sheltered valleys, breathtaking lookouts, stunning rock gorges and diverse vegetation. It is a mixture of arid and fertile country which supports a profusion of wildlife, birdlife and plant species. This area also has enormous significance in terms of both indigenous culture and geological history dating back over 600 million years.

Day 1 of the itinerary involves the popular section of the Heysen Trail between Black Gap and Wilpena Pound. This involves ascending the southern slopes of the monolithic Wilpena Pound and walking along its valley floor. This unique and natural amphitheatre of mountains is surprisingly vegetated inside its bowl-shaped valley with cypress pine forest, mallee and giant eucalypts. This is a haven for parrots, robins, wrens, eagles, emus and kangaroos. The native wildlife also includes rare yellow-footed rock wallabies. Magnificent wide vistas of the rugged surrounds are on offer at Black Gap Lookout and the Bridle Gap saddle.

Day 2 of the itinerary involves walking from Wilpena to Tanderra Saddle which lies just below the summit of St Mary Peak, the highest mountain in the Flinders Ranges. This scenic track wends through alpine-like forests before arriving at the rocky saddle. Your efforts are rewarded handsomely with panoramic views across the nearby Heysen, ABC and Elder mountain ranges, the Aroona Valley as well as the expansive salt plains below.

Day 3 of the itinerary follows the final leg of the Heysen Trail from Aroona Hut to the trailhead at Parachilna Gorge. The walk along the remote Aroona Valley is gently undulating and showcases the valley’s picturesque wilderness surrounded either side by the looming mountains of the ABC Range and the Heysen Range.

Day 4 of the itinerary involves a hike to Lone Pine Lookout and Rawnsley Bluff summit. This climb to the escarpment of Wilpena Pound affords spectacular views over the Pound crater as well as the Chace and Elder mountain ranges to the south.

Further information:

• A three day itinerary is described below.

• For more information on walking in the Flinders Ranges, click the button below.

Itinerary

The walk takes 3 days to complete. An itinerary completing the entire track is shown below.

Day 1

Black Gap to Wilpena Pound

Distance: 14 km

Time: 5-6 hours

Accommodation: camping and various lodgings in region

Day 2

Wilpena to Tanderra Saddle (return walk)

Distance: 15 km

Time: 6 hours

Accommodation: camping and various lodgings in region

Day 3

Aroona Hut to Parachilna Gorge

Distance: 17 km

Time: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: camping and various lodgings in region

Walk Options

Guided

There are several tour operators offering fully guided multi-day walks in the northern section of the Flinders Ranges. Most of them include the walks shown in the itinerary above or longer variations of them. Many of the guided tours include ecological and cultural interpretations of the region. Several guided tours also include elements of walking in the southern section of the Flinders Ranges.

The Wilpena Pound region offers a variety of accommodation including camping, glamping, cabins, homestead stays, lodges and resorts.

Assisted self-guided

A number of tour operators offer self-guided multi-day walks in the northern section of the Flinders Ranges.

These self-guided packages typically include:

• A pack free walking holiday with all luggage transports and vehicle transfers

• Accommodation in rooms with en-suites

• All meals

• National Park admission

• Comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag and information pack

• 24/7 Support from local representatives on the ground

Independent

An itinerary along the lines of the itinerary shown above can be undertaken on an independent basis with a bit of planning. Having your own car is preferable however we can provide advice and assistance with transport operators. We can also advise on and book accommodation as well as providing detailed information on suggested walks.

Essential Information

Access

Wilpena Pound region is situated 429 km north of Adelaide and is about a 5 hour leisurely drive from Adelaide. There is a weekly bus service between Parachilna and Port Augustus stopping at Wilpena Pound.

Most tour operators include transfers from and to Adelaide in their holiday package. Some tour operators include flights from and to Adelaide in their holiday package. Private transport operators offer services in the Flinders Ranges area. Several tour operators also include walking in the southern Flinders Ranges in their tour package and hence break the journey into shorter segments.

Park entry

Fees apply in the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park and bookings can be made on-line.

Best time

The walking season in the Flinders Ranges is between April and September.

Accommodation

As mentioned above, the Wilpena Pound region offers a good variety of accommodation ranging from basic camping through to comfortable and luxury options. Walkers can choose between camping, glamping, cabins, B&Bs, motels, homestead stays, lodges and resorts.

We can assist walkers in choosing the accommodation options which best suit their needs.

Other activities

The Flinders Ranges offers many attractions in addition to the walks described here. Many walkers choose to add extra days to their trip so that they can further explore the region or just enjoy a rest day. There is a network of rewarding walks on offer, The stunning tracks through the dramatic rock gorges are particularly popular. Scenic flights and helicopter rides are also available and provide a wonderful opportunity for some aerial photography of this majestic and rugged landscape.

Assistance

We can assist walkers with various aspects of their walking holidays.