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Best trails in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Best trails in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

4.4(2,551 reviews)

·

Australia
: 
#108 of 637 national parks

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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 - Arkaroo Rock Walk

    4.6(289)
    ·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...

  2. #2 - Bunyeroo Gorge Trail

    4.4(78)
    ·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...

  3. #3 - Yuluna Hike

    4.7(63)
    ·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...

  4. #4 - Wilcolo Circuit Hike and Bunyeroo Lookout

    4.7(49)
    ·Moderate
    ·6.2 mi
    ·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    This 10km (approx.) hiking loop starts by following a short section of Bunyeroo Road to the trail which then begins to head south and skirt the Bunyeroo Valley. With some open woodland and rocky escarpments all around this trail, like most in Flinders Ranges, provides amazing views on clear and calm days. At the half way point, be sure to spend some time at Bunyeroo Lookout before heading west to Wilcoco Creek and returning to the car park.

  5. #5 - Heysen Trail: Wilpena to Bunyeroo

    4.8(35)
    ·Moderate
    ·12 mi
    ·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    Section 58 of the Heysen Trail: Wilpena to Bunyeroo View the entire Heysen Trail here: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/heysen-trail--6 This section of the track follows the Wilcolo Track through Flinders Ranges National Park for the majority of the path. There are camping options along the path if you need to split the distance up across multiple days. Be sure to soak in the views from Bunyeroo Lookout along the way!

  6. #6 - Trezona Hike

    4.3(32)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.1 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    This moderate (approx 4 hrs) circuit connects the Trezona Track with the Yanyanna Track to explore the Trezona formation, a geologically significant area of the ABC and Heysen Ranges. This area was heavily grazed during the time it was a pastoral property, noted for the open grassland on this abutting area of the Heysen Range. This walk will showcase some of the earliest lifeforms on Earth as fossils in the rocky outcrops.

  7. #7 - Heysen Trail: Aroona Hut to Parachilna Gorge 

    4.3(34)
    ·Moderate
    ·11.3 mi
    ·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Section 61 of the Heysen Trail: Aroona Hut to Parachilna Gorge. This is the final section of the famous trail! Enjoy hiking along the Aroona Valley between ABC Range and Heysen Range. You will pass abandoned mines before arricing at the final stile at the Parachilna Trailhead. View the entire Heysen Trail here: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/heysen-trail--6

  8. #8 - Heysen Trail: Trezona to Aroona Hut

    4.7(28)
    ·Moderate
    ·8.7 mi
    ·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Section 60 of the Heysen Trail: Trezona to Aroona Hut View the entire Heysen Trail here: https://www.alltrails.com/lists/heysen-trail--6 This section of the trails follows Haywards Hike and Bulls Gap Track until Aroona Hut. Expansive views of the Pound and Heysen Range as you cross over the ABC range, along with other notable features like the Golden Spike near the creek at Trezona Campground.

  9. #9 - Wilcolo Track and Heysen Trail Loop

    4.3(26)
    ·Moderate
    ·5.9 mi
    ·Est. 2–2.5 hr

  10. #10 - Wilcolo Track

    4.4(18)
    ·Moderate
    ·10.6 mi
    ·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    This long point-to-point hike connects Wilpena Pound to the gentler side of the Flinders Ranges at Bunyeroo Gorge. You can start from either end and either arrange a car shuttle or make an overnight trip by staying at Twin Gums or Acraman Campgrounds. Starting from the north you will walk beneath the gentle slopes of the Bunyeroo Valley as you follow Wilcolo Creek. The terrain is mostly flat as it stays in the creekbeds and valleys, passing by silver wattle forests and amazing views of The...
Showing results 1–10 of 33
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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.

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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 Arkaroo Rock Walk, which has a 4.6 star rating from 289 reviews. This trail is 2.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 406 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 [CLOSED]. 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 [CLOSED] 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 Yuluna Hike with an average 4.7 star rating from 63 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 78 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 [CLOSED].

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 Red Hill via Bulls Gap Track, Mount Ohlssen Bagge [CLOSED], and Bridle Gap Hike [CLOSED].

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 Wilcolo Circuit Hike and Bunyeroo Lookout, Heysen Trail: Wilpena to Bunyeroo, Brachina Gorge Geological Trail - Driving Route, Cazneaux Tree, and Wangarra Lookouts [CLOSED].

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 Yuluna Hike, Heysen Trail: Aroona Hut to Parachilna Gorge , Heysen Trail: Trezona to Aroona Hut, Yanyanna Track, Haywards Hike, and Trezona Hike Loop, and Haywards Hike.

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, Yanyanna Track, Haywards Hike, and Trezona Hike Loop, and Hubert 50km 2021 [CLOSED].