Skip to main content
Back to Explore
Best trails in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Best trails in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

4.4(2,576 reviews)

·

Australia
: 
#70 of 637 national parks

All photos

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is located in the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. It is popular for its natural amphitheatre, Wilpena Pound, that encompasses the mountains' highest peak (St Mary Peak stands 1,170m tall), and also for the famous Heysen Trail and Mawson Trail that cross it. This semi-arid landscape is a haven for a variety of wildlife and along with an unbounding sense of space make this one of the most iconic destinations in South Australia. The Adnyamathanha people (meaning hills or rock people) are the traditional custodians of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and their connection and stewardship with the land stretches back thousands of years. Important sites showcasing ancient rock paintings and engravings can be seen across the park, with great examples available at Arkaroo Rock, Sacred Canyon and Perawurtina Cultural Heritage Site.

Top sights

Wangarra Lookout
Wangarra Lookout
Viewpoint
Hills Homestead
Hills Homestead
Ruins
Tanderra Saddle
Tanderra Saddle
Viewpoint
Arkaroo Rock Aboriginal paintings
Arkaroo Rock Aboriginal paintings
Archaeological site
Lower Lookout
Lower Lookout
Viewpoint
Aroona Spring
Aroona Spring
Attraction

Top trails

  1. #1 - Wangarra Lookouts

    4.6 (568)·Moderate·5.1 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Walk via the Pound Gap into Wilpena Pound, and up to the Wangarra Lookouts for panoramic views into the inside of Wilpena Pound. The walk begins the near at the Wilpena Visitor Centre. The start of the walk is through the Pound Gap, following Wilpena Creek through tall river red gums and pines. It continues past Hills Homestead, where you can read about the original inhabitants of the cottage, there are toilets and picnic tables here. From the homestead, the trail continues up to two lookouts...

  2. #2 - Wilpena Pound to Saint Mary Peak Loop

    4.7 (447)·Hard·10.8 mi·Est. 0h 0m
    Ascending the ancient walls of Wilpena Pound leads you to the spectacular Tanderra Saddle, offering sweeping views across the Ikara-Flinders Ranges. This circuit travels through a landscape of immense cultural significance to the Adnyamathanha people, who ask that visitors respect their heritage by stopping at the saddle rather than continuing to the summit of Saint Mary Peak. The journey showcases the dramatic shift between the rugged outer escarpment and the serene, hidden basin of the...

  3. #3 - Mount Ohlssen Bagge

    4.7 (406)·Strenuous·4.5 mi·Est. 0h 0m
    Sustained rock scrambling and a relentless vertical ascent define this classic climb to the rim of Wilpena Pound. Mount Ohlssen Bagge provides what many consider the best views in the Flinders Ranges, offering a 360-degree panorama of the "oval of mountains" and the vast outback plains. The track starts near the Wilpena Visitor Centre and begins climbing almost immediately over ancient sandstone and quartzite. You will navigate a series of rocky slabs and a sharp, exposed scramble before...

  4. #4 - Arkaroo Rock Walk

    4.6 (292)·Moderate·2 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Stunning ochre landscapes and deep cultural heritage define this immersive journey through the southern foothills of the Flinders Ranges. The Arkaroo Rock Walk meanders through rugged mallee scrub and native pines, offering constant views of the towering Rawnsley Bluff and the Chase Ranges. The undisputed highlight is the sacred Arkaroo Rock itself. A significant archaeological site featuring ancient ochre and charcoal paintings that illustrate the creation story of Wilpena Pound as told by...

  5. #5 - Tanderra Saddle

    4.7 (155)·Hard·7.5 mi·Est. 0h 0m
    Saint Mary Peak is central to the Adnyamathanha creation story. For this reason, the Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges would prefer that visitors refrain from climbing to the summit of the peak and stopping their journey at Tanderra Saddle. The shorter option to Tanderra Saddle also offers incredible views across the range. This hike is best started early in the morning to avoid midday heat and sun exposure. This is not a hike for novice hikers, as the steep and rocky terrain...

  6. #6 - Boom and Bust Hike

    4.5 (91)·Moderate·2 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Vibrant wildflowers and ancient geology define the Boom and Bust Hike, a brilliant introduction to the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Departing directly from the visitor centre, this loop is perfect for those seeking a shorter stroll that still captures the diverse essence of the South Australian outback. The trail offers a fascinating look at the local environment, with informative plaques along the way detailing the history and unique rock formations of the Wilpena Pound area. While...

  7. #7 - Bunyeroo Gorge Trail

    4.4 (79)·Moderate·4.8 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Magnificent red cliffs and ancient river red gums define this out-and-back trail through the heart of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. This relatively flat but rocky hike follows a historic corridor once used by 19th-century bullock teams to deliver mail and copper. Along the way, informative geological signage provides a fascinating look into the area's deep history, making it as much an educational experience as a scenic one. The trail is straightforward and kid-friendly, winding...

  8. #8 - Yuluna Hike

    4.7 (62)·Moderate·5.5 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    This hike can be started from either Aroona Spring or Koolaman, as shown here on the map. Heading anti-clockwise from Koolaman campground you will pass through Yuluna Creek (from the Aboriginal word 'Yurla' meaning Kingfisher) which holds water and frogs in the warmer months. Pass a stone cairn where you can detour to the ruins of Brendowta Hut. Head north to the junction with Bulls Gap Track where you turn left to head west towards Aroona camp. At Aroona camp follow the signposts for the...

  9. #9 - Bridle Gap Hike

    4.3 (52)·Moderate·11.8 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    A traverse from rim to rim of the iconic Wilpena Pound. Mostly flat with simple navigation following the Heysen Trail through the floor of the Pound. Along the way, get expansive desert views to the Elder and Arkaba Ranges and salt flats of Lake Torrens. The last stretch of trail leading to Bridle Gap does get a bit rocky, so good footwear and poles can help. The keen-eyed bird watchers will note wrens, parrots, and robins through the combination of mallee, pine, and heath that line the trail.

  10. #10 - Heysen Trail: Moralana Drive to Wilpena Pound

    4.7 (49)·Moderate·8.4 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Section 57 of Heysen Trail: Moralana Drive to Wilpena View the entire Heysen Trail here: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/heysen-trail--6 From Moralana Drive, continue onto Black's Gap, off the Moralana Scenic Trail. Next, walk up and over Bridle Gap and across the base of Wilpena Pound to the Wilpena Tourist Centre. The initial walk is somewhat rocky and steep, but the end of the walk is very flat. Great views and wildlife along the way, lots of reptiles through these sections in...
Showing results 1–10 of 33
Explore more trails

Visitor info

Passes & fees
Fee required

A Park Pass is required to access the Flinders Ranges National Park and can be purchased at the Wilpena Pound Visitor's Centre. A Multi Park Pass valid for 12 months is also available.

Get details from the park
Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is Wangarra Lookouts, which has a 4.6 star rating from 568 reviews. This trail is 5.1 mi long with an elevation gain of 767 ft.

What is the longest trail in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is Hubert 100km 2021. This trail is estimated to be 62.0 mi long.

How many trails are in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park?

There are 33 trails in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.These trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park?

Hubert 100km 2021 has the most elevation gain with 6,594 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mawson Trail: Rawnsley Park to Blinman, which has 4,898 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 20 camping trails in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and the most popular is Wilpena Pound to Saint Mary Peak Loop with an average 4.7 star rating from 447 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 9 running trails in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and the most popular is Bunyeroo Gorge Trail with an average 4.4 star rating from 79 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 biking trail in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park which is Mawson Trail: Rawnsley Park to Blinman with an average 3.9 star rating from 7 community reviews.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a waterfall in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park: Malloga Falls Hike.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, including Mount Ohlssen Bagge, Bridle Gap Hike, and Red Hill via Bulls Gap Track.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park?

Yes, there are 10 trails with scenic viewpoints in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, including Wangarra Lookouts, Wilpena Pound to Saint Mary Peak Loop, Tanderra Saddle, Bridle Gap Hike, and Heysen Trail: Moralana Drive to Wilpena Pound.

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with archaeological sites in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, including Arkaroo Rock Walk and Perawurtina Cultural Heritage Trail.

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park?

Yes, there are 11 trails with historical ruins in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, including Wangarra Lookouts, Wilpena Pound to Saint Mary Peak Loop, Yuluna Hike, Bridle Gap Hike, and Heysen Trail: Moralana Drive to Wilpena Pound.

Are there any trails with huts in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with huts in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, including Trezona Hike, Heysen Trail: Bunyeroo to Trezona, Hubert 50km 2021, and Yanyanna Track, Haywards Hike, and Trezona Hike Loop.