The Northern Flinders Ranges offers some of the most diverse wilderness trekking in Australia. We experience some of the most spectacular and special sections of the northern parts of the Heysen Trail.
To explore the Flinders Ranges is to experience the essence of our great country. Sir Hans Heysen remarked it was akin to seeing ‘the bones of nature laid bare’. With its’ rugged mountain peaks, immense gorges, its sweeping arid desert country and alpine-like forests, the Flinders is a truly unforgettable experience. The Heysen Trail is rated as one of the premier long distance walks of the world and Trek Tours Australia takes you to the heart of it – the Northern Flinders Ranges. In February 2016 the Flinders Ranges National Park was officially renamed the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park, in recognition of its traditional Aboriginal owners. The new name incorporates an Adnyamathanha word, Ikara, which means “meeting place” reflecting the traditional name for Wilpena Pound — a natural amphitheatre of mountains forming one of the most prominent features of the Ranges. It has always been a significant part of Adnyamathanha culture and the traditional owners maintain Dreamtime stories about the Pound and how it was formed.
Our all inclusive, fully accommodated trek has been designed to showcase the highlights of this world class walking trail. Sharing our passion and local in-depth knowledge we give you a truly memorable walking experience.
Itinerary Summary
Day 1 : Pick up Adelaide, drive to Flinders Ranges, trek Alligator Gorge | 9kms
Day 2 : Summit Dutchman’s Stern, Loop walk Warren Gorge | 17kms
Day 3 : Walk Bridle Gap, Wilpena Pound| 13kms
Day 4 : St Mary’s peak trek | 20kms
Day 5 : Walk Yuluna Loop, Brachina gorge | 12kms
Day 6 : Summit Devils Peak, drive to Adelaide| 5kms
What’s Included
- Transport from Adelaide and return.
- 5 nights cabin style accommodation (2 nights Quorn, 3
nights Northern Flinders Ranges) – twin shared rooms.
- 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners.
- All delicious snacks on the trail.
- Services of professional wilderness guides.
- Emergency communication
- Group first aid kit
- Alcohol is not provided. Please bring any alcohol you
wish to enjoy or it can be purchased during the week.
This is a small group walking tour – maximum 10
people.
DAY 1: DEPART ADELAIDE, WALK ALLIGATOR GORGE
Picking you up from your Adelaide accommodation between 6:00 and 6:30am, we drive north out of the city to the Mt Remarkable National Park in the Southern Flinders Ranges. Alligator Gorge is one of the Flinders best kept secrets. A truly stunning walk which takes us into lush gorges, meanders between water holes and ascends into stands of Native Pine and massive River Reds. A magnificent start to our week’s walking in the Flinders Ranges. Transfer to Quorn, stay in motel/cabin-style accommodation, enjoying real country hospitality.
9kms
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2: SUMMIT DUTCHMANS STERN, LOOP WALK WARREN GORGE
After a big healthy breakfast, a short transfer takes us to the Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park. Named by the earliest explorers in the region, it was thought to resemble a Dutch sailing vessel’s rear end. A very well thought out trail – this section of the Heysen provides maximum reward of views over the Southern Flinders Ranges for a minimum effort. From the summit we are treated to spectacular views of Mt Brown, Spencer Gulf and the nearby township of Quorn. Later in the day a short transfer takes us to Warren Gorge, a haven for the once endangered Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby. A sunset loop walk of the gorge provides us with our best opportunity to get up close to the magnificently marked wallabies. Stay in motel/cabin-style accommodation in Quorn.
17kms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3: WALK BRIDLE GAP, WILPENA POUND
After a delicious breakfast, we transfer to the heart of the magnificent Flinders Ranges, continuing our trek on one of the world’s finest long distance walking trails. Ascending the southern range of Wilpena Pound to Bridle Gap, we experience the vast rugged beauty of the Northern Flinders. Upon reaching the saddle we are rewarded with the first magnificent views of the interior of the pound. Following a gentle slope down, large stands of Cyprus Pine, River Red Gums and Mallee surround us. The vast flat interior of the pound is home to many kangaroos and emus and an abundance of native bird species. Keep your eye out for Wedge Tailed Eagles and the brilliant Red Capped Robins. We may even be lucky enough to spot the newly introduced native Quoll. Time to explore the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park Headquarters at Wilpena Pound or enjoy a scenic flight (optional extra). A short transfer takes us to our cabin accommodation tonight, set amongst the landscapes of the magnificent Flinders Ranges.
13kms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: ST MARY PEAK TREK
Today we explore the highest mountain in the Flinders Ranges – St Mary Peak (1,171 metres). Beginning our day on the Heysen Trail we turn off and take the trail leading to the peak, passing through incredible alpine-like forests with inspiring views of the peak. St. Mary Peak stands proudly above the Pound below and is central to the Adnyamathanha creation story. For this reason the traditional owners of the Flinders Ranges ask visitors not to climb to the summit of the peak and thus we will climb as far as Tanderra Saddle just below the summit. The saddle offers spectacular views of the surrounding ABC, Heysen and Elder Ranges and plains. We will then descend from the saddle via a different route from the steep morning ascent, completing a loop hike exploring more of the stunning flora, fauna and scenery that the pound has to offer. Back at our cabin accommodation there is plenty of time to relax around the camp fire, and enjoy another tasty meal prepared by your guides.
20kms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: WALK YULUNA LOOP, BRACHINA GORGE
Early morning light on the Heysen Range. It’s hard to put into words the colours, the peace and the quiet. A loop walk back takes us through one of the most magnificent gorges in the entire Flinders Ranges and explores more of the beautiful scenery of the Heysen Trail. The Yuluna loop walk may only be 8kms, but every single one is a gem. Weaving through Coolabah, towering Gums, Pines and Silver Wattles, we encounter a plethora of birdlife and a profound sense of peace and quiet. For many of our guests this is their favourite walk of the trip. We transfer to the world renowned Brachina Gorge, a geological phenomenon which is a haven for the once endangered Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby. There is time to explore this magnificent gorge and a chance to discover some of the most significant fossil sites in Australia. Return to our cabin accommodation for our final delicious dinner.
12kms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: SUMMIT DEVILS PEAK, TRANSFER TO ADELAIDE
An early start this morning followed by another delicious breakfast, before a short transfer to the start of our trek today. A climb to the top of Devil’s Peak (670 metres) is an awesome opportunity to take in our final views of the magnificent Southern Flinders Ranges and is a fitting finale to an outstanding week of walking on the Heysen Trail. Transferring back to Adelaide, we enjoy a tasty lunch in a scenic spot on the way, returning to your Adelaide accommodation at approximately 5pm.
5kms
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
While our 6 day Heysen Trail trek is a day pack walking holiday it is a demanding walk – we advise you to do as much training as you can before your tour with us. The more you train for the walk the easier you will handle the terrain and the more you will enjoy this wonderful part of the world. It’s also important to come along with an open mind, ready for an awesome experience whatever the weather, whoever the group. It is very important that you bring the right gear for the conditions. A comprehensive gear list is included in this brochure. If you are at all concerned about your ability to complete this walk, please contact us for more information/advice.
The 1,200 kilometre hiking Heysen Trail passes through some of South Australia’s most diverse and breathtaking landscapes, traversing coastal areas, native bushland, rugged gorges, pine forests and vineyards, as well as rich farmland and historic towns.
The trail passes through some of the most scenic parts of the state including national parks, state forests and internationally acclaimed tourist destinations, including the stunning Wilpena Pound.
Note: This itinerary is subject to change with any change in community regulations as well as governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
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