Outback South Australia

Description

The Flinders Ranges is South Australia’s largest mountain range. Its iconic natural amphitheatre, Wilpena Pound, is a rough diamond in a vast landscape. As one of Australia’s most recognised outback destinations, the Flinders Ranges is the perfect base for exploring the outdoors.

Learn about the outback’s Aboriginal history by following the self-drive Aboriginal Dreaming Trail. See 5000 year old cave wall paintings at Arkaroo Rock. Visit rock carvings at Chambers Gorge. Try the cultural tour of Lake Eyre and the Oodnadatta Track. You will learn about the Adnyamathanha people, bush medicines and taste “bush tucker”.

If you travel down the 620 kilometre Oodnadatta Track, stop at Lake Eyre. In the middle of the desert, it’s the largest lake in Australia but only fills with water occasionally. At other times, it becomes a giant salt pan, stretching across 9,500 kilometres.

Escape the heat at Coober Pedy and head underground. This outback town is the opal capital of the world and is also famous for its dugout homes. Due to the searing temperatures above ground, (it often averages over 40 degrees Celsius in summer), many homes are carved into the hillside. Stay at one of the underground hotels. “Noodle” (fossick) for opals. Play golf at night with glowing golf balls on a desert course.

Put on your bushwalking boots and venture into Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Hike to mountain top ridges for spectacular views of the land below. With 610 square kilometres of wilderness to cover, see more in a short space of time by taking a four wheel drive tour (4WD).

Arkaroola’s granite peaks, gorges and waterholes are home to over 160 species of birds and the endangered yellow-footed rock wallaby.