Things To Do In The Flinders Ranges: Hidden Gems and Natural Wonders

Craving an escape? This is your sign to take the 5-6 hour drive up to the Flinders Ranges and live your best life in the great outdoors. There’s a range of accommodation for all adventure types, from outback camping for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature, to luxury eco-hotels if you aren't quite ready to give up too many creature comforts.

From stunning national parks, breathtaking scenery, bucket list private flights over magnificent canyons and amazing hikes to unique places to stay, these are the best things to do in the Flinders Ranges.

Wilpena Pound Resort

For all of the magic of camping, but without having to set up your own tent, book a stay at the Wilpena Pound Resort while adventuring through the Flinders Ranges. Unique to the property, guests are encouraged to take part in guided tours from the lands Traditional Owners, the Adnyamathanha people. The region is known for its history in geology and ancient Aboriginal art, and you will leave with a rich understanding of the cultural significance and importance of Ikara, known as ‘The Meeting Place’. The magnificent glamping safari tents are set against the backdrop of Wilpena Pound and come complete with air-conditioning and an en-suite for subtle and welcome luxury in the outback.

Wilpena Road, via Hawker

Rawnsley Park Station Eco Villas

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Flinders Ranges with the Rawnsley Park Station Eco Villas accommodation. The secluded location allows for complete privacy, with one or two bed villas offering a spacious and self-contained area with private verandahs, a retractable roof for star-gazing, and a swimming pool for guest use. Plus the Woolshed Restaurant is close by to take the hassle out of needing to travel for something delicious to eat. Need we say more?

Flinders Ranges Way, Hawker

Prairie Hotel

The bold, pink signage of the Prairie Hotel will be the first thing to catch your eye as you pull up to this highly awarded outback accommodation. Prairie Hotel's interiors have been reimagined to showcase a quirky yet elegant country style while a sun-drenched courtyard is the hero of the hotel's outdoor area. Their renowned restaurant isn’t one to miss either, with moreish dishes of modern Australian outback cuisine guaranteed to fill you up. Officially known as Australia’s Favourite Outback Pub, this is well worth a drive by, easily being one of the best things to do in the Flinders Ranges.

High Street and West Terrace, Parachilna

Holowileana Station & The Outback Blacksmith

No wifi, no services, just pure escapism as you relax around the campfire surrounded by nature. Hark back to the glory days of the outback at Holowileana Station’s unique and authentic Flinders Ranges bed and breakfast accommodation. This sheep station dates back to 1852, so history fanatics will love the guided tours loaded with fun and fascinating facts about life on the farm. Fancy waking up in the great outdoors? They have remote camping options too.

Cradock, Flinders Ranges

Arkaba Conservancy

Love the idea of going bush, but reluctant to forgo your luxuries? We hear you. Take a trip to the immense beauty of the Flinders Ranges and stay at the remarkable Arkaba Conservancy, an original 1850s sheep farming homestead sitting on a patch of almost 60,000 acres. Relax in front of the fireplace in deep leather armchairs in winter, or cool off in the swimming pool overlooking the Arkaba Creek as a chef prepares your menu from the very best of South Australian produce. With a high level of care and only 10 guests at the property at any one time, this one of the South Australia's most exclusive stays.

Flinders Ranges Way, Hawker

Arkaba Walk

For an experience you won’t forget, spend a night or two on the beautiful Arkaba Walk timber swag decks. Each deck is elevated with a screen around three sides with the fourth left open to the breathtaking views over the countryside, your roof being the twinkling night sky. And don’t worry – the deck has shelter in case the weather decides not to play ball.

Arkaba, Flinders Ranges and Outback

Flinders Bush Retreat Eco Tent

Now, while this is described as a ‘tent’, we think a touch of poetic licence may have been taken... The Flinders Bush Retreat Eco Tent (cough, cabin) is complete with an ensuite, solar powered lighting and other electrical goods including a fridge for cooling your bottle of local wine. Non-electrical benefits include the most breath-taking view out to the magnificent Flinders Ranges and complete privacy. It doesn't get more romantic than that.

Willow Waters Road, Hawker

The Narrows at Alligator Gorge

Driving north from Adelaide to the Southern Flinders Ranges, Mount Remarkable National Park is a must-stop spot. With stunning scenery reminiscent of the Southwest USA, The Narrows at Alligator Gorge - with its rugged canyon towering walls and winding paths - has become a hiking haven and sought-after photo op. Seasoned hikers rave about 9km circuit, labelling it one of the best in South Australia, though there is a shorter, 2.5km route that hits the most gram-worthy parts of the gorge.

Wilmington, South Australia

Blinman Mine Tour

For those who love stepping back in time, the Blinman Mine is a copper treasure buried in the heart of the Flinders Ranges. In its 1862-1907 heyday, the town of Blinman thrived with a bustling population of 1500, fuelled by the copper discovered by shepherd Robert Blinman. Today, this historic town has a permanent population of 18 and stands as a living testament to resilience. The Blinman Heritage Tourist Mine, a labour of love by local volunteers, takes visitors into the underground of the past. Through storytelling, light displays, and experienced guides, this is a deep dive into the lives of 19th-century miners.

Mine Road, Blinman

Chinta Air Flights

Seeing the beautiful land of the Flinders Ranges by foot is one thing, seeing it stretch out before you in the air is a whole other story! Hop on board a flight with Chinta Air and take off from Rawnsley Park Station and soak in the stunning sights of the Flinders Ranges with a 20, 30, 45 or 60 minute flight. Further flight options include larger scenic flights across Wilpena Pound and Lake Eyre and 4WD adventures.

Flights depart from Rawnsley Park Station

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Lose yourself in the breathtaking rugged landscape of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, stretching out across approximately 95,000 hectares. There’s native wildlife, rich cultural heritage, beautiful bushwalks for all fitness levels and abilities and some of the most amazing sunsets in all of South Australia - Razorback Lookout provides one of the most stunning views imaginable.

There’s a range of accommodation options for all adventurous types, as well as BBQ and picnic areas, so don't fret if you can’t quite manage without electricity and running water. The rugged, mountainous landscape is expansive, so it’s a good idea to opt for the guided tours available if you’re a newbie.

Blinman, Flinders Ranges

Take a Hike

The expansive natural landscape of the Flinders Ranges is full of amazing hikes suited for all capabilities, from light walks through stunning scenery to full day trip hikes that aren’t for the faint hearted.

The St Mary’s Peak hike is a popular trail for those wanting a longer expedition. Officials recommend setting aside around nine hours to complete the circuit that runs between 14.6km (direct route) or 21.5km (loop route). This one is considered a hard hike and would be better suited to those with a good pair of shoes and a bit of hiking experience. For those who are after a shorter and easier option, the Sacred Canyon Walk could be the one. At around 30 minutes to hike the flat trail of roughly 800 metres, this is a lovely little route.

Lake Gairdner National Park

South Australia is home to some spectacular salt lakes, and Lake Gairdner National Park is one of the best. The large saline lake is the third largest in Australia, containing over 200 islands. Surrounded by the red sand foothills of the Gawler Ranges, it's remarkable kaleidoscope of colours is truly a natural wonder . Stock up on some food and drink supplies and pitch a spot by the magnificent lake to watch the day drift by in sheer bliss.

Lake Gairdner, South Australia

Outback Experiences at Arkaba

The Flinders Ranges are home to a wonderful array of native wildlife and flora and fauna. The Arkaba Conservancy offers a host of exciting activities that are complete must-haves for your trip, including safari-style explorations across their 60,000 acre conservation property. Book their safari drive, an open-top 4WD experience through Arkaba’s picturesque high ranges, valleys and creek lines, or explore the Flinders Ranges wilderness on foot as part of a walking tour.

Flinders Ranges Way, Hawker

Loving our list of the best things to do in the Flinders Ranges and eager to explore more natural beauty in South Australia? Why not explore the state’s best National Parks, or discover our 20 South Australian Bucket List experiences.