10 Best hikes and trails in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

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Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Best trails in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

4.3(2,123 reviews)

Australia
:
#71 of 638 national parks

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 trails

#1 - Wangarra Lookouts

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 - Wilpena Pound to Saint Mary Peak Loop

Saint Mary Peak is central to the Adnyamathanha creation story. For this reason the Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges would prefer that visitors do not climb to the summit of the peak and stop their journey at Tanderra Saddle. The shorter option to Tanderra Saddle also offers incredible views across the range.

#3 - Mount Ohlssen Bagge

4.7(334)

•Hard

•4.4 mi

This walk follows the steep and rocky trail to the summit of Mount Ohlssen Bagge, which provides incredible views over the Wilpena Pound range (especially at sunset). The ascent can be strenuous and best handled early in the morning or evening to avoid the midday heat. A few sections of the trail require some light scrambling (both on the way up and the way down), so be prepared to use your hands if necessary. You'll likely see a variety of reptiles sunning themselves on the rocks on and...

#4 - Arkaroo Rock Walk

This relatively short walk leads to Arkaroo Rock, an important Aboriginal art site in the Flinders Ranges featuring ochre and charcoal images depicting the creation of Wilpena Pound. This rock art site showcases the rich cultural history within the park and the importance of place and Country to the Adnyamathanha.

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 - Boom and Bust Hike

This is a short walk from the visitors centre that during spring is full of colourful flora and brilliant wildflowers. There are many informative plaques along the trail that detail the recent history and geology of the Pound and surrounding ranges. If you're feeling fit and have the time, you can extend this loop to include a trip to the summit of Mount Ohlssen Bagge and back, an extra 4km and lots of uphill.

#7 - Bunyeroo Gorge Trail

This is a really nice, easy hike through the Bunyeroo Gorge with lots of beautiful red cliffs and nice shade throughout the walk. Make sure you look out for the goats hiding in the cliffs, along with other native wildlife! In the 19th century, bullock teams would use this corridor to access the western plains and deliver mail, copper, and other goods. The walk itself is straightforward, and you can return to the car park at any time making this a great option for children as well.

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.

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...

#10 - Heysen Trail: Moralana Drive to Wilpena Pound

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...

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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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Trail reviews for Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

2,862 trailgoers Busiest in April

Daniel Wood

Jul 7, 2024•Hiking

Easy to parkGreat views

One of my favourite hikes in Ikara-Flinders Ranges. Amazing views of Wilpena Pound and surrounding ranges from the top. The orange rock and green foliage along with the different birds and views makes this a very special hike. It is steep and some rock scrambling involved. There are blue markers on the rocks making it pretty easy to navigate. I'd love to come back and do this at sunrise or sunset. It is rated hard because it is steep and you'll work up a sweat, however, if you're reasonably fit and mobile, and take your time, you'll be fine.

Parking: Medium lot

Difficulty: Hard

Mount Ohlssen Bagge

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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 Wangarra Lookouts, which has a 4.6 star rating from 437 reviews. This trail is 5.0 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 61.8 mi long.

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

There are 32 trails in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. These trails have an average 4.3-star rating from 2,123 AllTrails community reviews.

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

If you're looking for elevation gain, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park has you covered. Hubert 100km 2021 boasts the most elevation gain with 6,640 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mawson Trail: Rawnsley Park to Blinman, which will get you 4,898 ft of elevation gain.

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

According to AllTrails.com, there are 16 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 381 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 59 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 4.1 star rating from 6 community reviews.