Best of the Heysen Trail and the Flinders Ranges

We pick you up from the Majestic Roof Garden Hotel, 55 Frome Street, Adelaide at 6.30am and with a couple of coffee/snacks stops along the way we drive north to the small township of Hawker. We’ll have lunch at the start of our walk which is just outside of Hawker. We start our walk just outside of Hawker along a ridgeline that surveys the surrounding landscape and supplies incredible views of both the Elder Range and Wilpena Pound Range in the distance. Tonight, we stay at a private station campground where we enjoy a scrumptious dinner prepared by our guides and hear a briefing about the exciting adventures on the itinerary for tomorrow. We have our first opportunity to marvel at the incredible outback stars that will follow us throughout our trip. Walking Distances: 9.5km | Walking Time: 3-4 hours | Driving Time: 4-5 hours

Meals:  L,D

Today we walk section 57 of the famous, 1200km Heysen Trail. Beginning at scenic Black Gap Lookout, the trail takes us north-east to Bridle Gap. From here we have views across the expansive Wilpena Pound, and back towards the Elder Range. We descend into the Pound itself and follow the trail straight through the middle – an unforgettable walking experience. A variety of mallee, native pine and heath habitats within the Pound provide excellent opportunities to observe interesting local birds including wrens, robins, parrots, and raptors. Tonight, we walk straight into camp at the Wilpena Pound campground and enjoy another hearty meal with our group. Walking Distance: 14km | Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Mount Ohlseen Bagge is considered one of the best short walks in the Flinders Ranges offering arguably the best view over the entirety of Wilpena Pound and the surrounding mountain ranges. You start the walk through some of the surrounding bushland teaming with animal life. You might get lucky and spot an emu, echidna or even a perentie lizard in the scrub. Quickly you start your steep rocky ascent to the summit. On the way up you will be provided with sweeping spectacular views over the land. It's the kind of view you only get in these vast Australian landscapes, being able to see as far at the eye possibly can. We return following the same path. In the afternoon we have our own private cultural tour with local business Wadna to talk and learn about indigenous culture. During this tour we visit Sacred Canyon an area of great cultural significance to the Adnyamthanha people, where access is only allowed when accompanied by an Aboriginal guide. Walking Distance: 7km | Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

The Tanderra Saddle Loop Walk begins on the outer edges of Wilpena Pound through Sheoaks and Grass Trees. Starting from Wilpena, we trek along the 'Outside Trail' which skirts around the foothills of Wilpena Pound's northern edge. As we ascend to the top of the saddle, our reward awaits us: utterly unbeatable views in all directions of the Central Flinders Ranges, Aroona Valley, and the salt plains to the west. The Tanderra Saddle Walk is a shorter but equally rewarding section of the St Mary's Peak (Ngarri Mudlanha) walk. The Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges would prefer visitors not to climb to the summit, as it is important to the Adnyamathanha creation story. A picnic lunch on the Saddle gives us time to kick back and take it all in before we begin the descent now trekking along the 'Inside Trail' which takes us back through Wilpena Pound before arriving back at our campsite. We celebrate our walk with another scrumptious evening meal together. Walking Distance: 18km | Walking Time: 7-8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Walking out of Wilpena today we continue our walk further north through the Flinders Ranges on section 58 of the Heysen trail. This morning’s walk gradually takes us away from the Wilpena Pound Range that we have spent the last few days exploring and heads into more remote areas of the National Park. During the morning we walk along the multi-use fire trail that is shared with the famous Mawson Cycling Route. The trail explores the foothills of the range and offers towering views of St Marys Peak and other surrounding mountains above. In our final sections of today’s walk we continue onto a trail exclusively for Heysen trailer walkers that will climb to some viewpoints that offer 360 degree views of jaw dropping scenery before meeting our vehicle at Yanyanna Hut for a short transfer to tonight’s campsite. Walking Distance: 22.5km | Walking Time: 6-8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we finish section 59 of the Heysen trail which we started yesterday and complete section 60. We walk along the foothills away from the Wilpena Pound Range and towards the ABC, Trezona and Heysen Range with contrasting rock formations. We explore local bushland with local plant communities and low gullies surrounded by the magical birdlife. Keep an eye out you might spot the striking colours of the Mallee ringneck parrot or beautiful rainbow bee-eater. Learn the pastoral heritage of the area, following the footsteps of early shepherds and witnessing the ruins of some of the first pastoral runs. Tonight, we camp in the peaceful Aroona Valley and enjoy another night around the campfire with friends. Walking Distance: 24.5km | Walking Time: 7-9 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we walk the official final leg of the Heysen Trail – section 61. After breakfast we walk out of our campsite in Aroona Valley heading off into the middle of the wilderness around us. We set off for a full day on the trail, walking along the valley between ABC Range and Heysen Range. The day's walk is gently undulating, taking us through bird life filled vegetation and past numerous abandoned mine sites. Reaching the trail head at Parachilna Gorge. Tonight, we set up camp in the secluded Parachilna Gorge and celebrate completing the most northern sections of the Heysen Trail. Walking Distance: 17km | Walking Time: 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today’s explorations are full of incredibly unique and special areas in the Ikara Flinders Ranges. In the morning we walk through a winding dry riverbed before reaching one of the rare and beautiful waterholes of the area. This is the perfect spot for some afternoon tea and a quick dip for the brave. In the late morning we head back to our vehicle along the same track. We then transfer to Arkaroo Rock for a short afternoon stroll. This is a significant cultural site for the local indigenous peoples and features rock paintings depicting the creation story of Ikara (Wilpena Pound). Walking Distances: 15km | Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we leave the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park and head to Quorn, a small township further south. Today's challenge is to climb Devils Peak a short but sweet climb that overlooks the surrounding agricultural lands. During our ascent we get unique views of the rock face ahead of us before rising to the top and being rewarded with our final sweeping view of the Flinders Ranges landscape. On our descent be sure to keep an eye out for local reptiles and echidnas as it is a favourite spot of theirs. We return via the same track where we transfer to a local cafe to enjoy our final meal together as a group. After lunch we make our way back to Adelaide. Our journey concludes when we drop you at your Adelaide accommodation by 6pm. Walking Distances: 2.5km | Walking Time: 1-2 hours | Driving Time: 4-5 hours

Meals:  B,L