Ancient landscape full of stories to tell
The Flinders Ranges never leaves an adventurer unsatisfied. Dusty red roads bordered by towering granite peaks, an ancient landscape full of stories to tell.
On the outskirts of this beautiful ancient landscape you'll find quaint country towns with food, art and culture unparalleled by anywhere else in the country.
As the weather cools down, now is the perfect time to plan your journey and why not start at the hub of the Flinders Ranges in Hawker.
It's at the junction of roads from Port Augusta, Marree, Orroroo, Blinman and Wilpena Pound, but it also boasts some of the best food in the region.
Flinders Food Co. is a must, the newly opened eatery is located in a revamped old building and all food is sourced locally.
Using carefully selected coffee beans from Proud Mary and selling house made cakes, pastries as well as a delicious breakfast and lunch menu, it is definitely worth the visit when in Hawker.
After a quick bite to eat be sure to stop at the Jeff Morgan Gallery where you will see several of the largest painted panoramas in the Southern Hemisphere.
The charming town of Hawker offers plenty to see and do for those visiting the Flinders Ranges.
"There's nothing really like it," Gallery Owner Jeff Morgan explained.
"I just had two people in from Germany and they couldn't believe this would be here on the edge of the Outback.
"They weren't expecting it and that's usually the result we get when people go through the panorama.
"They come out and they are totally blown away."
Drive just 56-kilometres North of Hawker and you'll arrive at Wilpena Pound, a remnant valley floor from an ancient range of mountains that have been eroding away over millions of years.
This breath taking landscape is 800 million years old and has been home to Adnyamathanha people for tens of thousands of years.
Stay at the Wilpena Pound Resort, a haven of outback hospitality with 60 hotel rooms and 15 glamping safari tents.
There is so much to see and do with a range of 4WD tours, guided Aboriginal cultural walks, nature and bush walks, and our 'must do' scenic flights over Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges.
"The Flinders Ranges, it goes without saying, is just the most amazing ancient landscape."
- Susan Pearl
A trip to the Flinders Ranges wouldn't be complete without stopping in the historic and picturesque town of Blinman.
Although small, there's no shortage of visitors.
The convenience store doubles as a breakfast spot, specialising in bacon and egg rolls made with fresh bread every morning.
You'll often find the porch of the store packed to the brim, with people sitting on benches enjoying the soft, crusty bread and exchanging stories from their travels.
A tour of the Blinman Heritage Mine is one of the most unique experiences a traveller can have in the Flinders Ranges.
The underground tour gives visitors an interactive understanding of how the mine and the town worked from 1860 to 1907.
"There's a sound and light component to the tour, you hear sounds of mining happening and we tell lots of stories and we tell you a little bit about how this town survives today," Tour Guide Susan Peal said.
"We've got a little shop at the office where we sell a few things, souvenirs and our famous chocolate rocks."
The site also operates as a visitor information centre, happy to provide information about the region and help plan upcoming trips.
"The Flinders Ranges, it goes without saying, is just the most amazing ancient landscape," Susan said.
"We would love to see you, come and visit!"
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