Best camping spots in the Flinders Ranges

South Australia’s Flinders Ranges is one of those iconic Aussie bucket-list destinations. Without having to venture too far into the outback, it has a great deal to offer, including spectacular sights, challenging 4WD tracks, walking trails, beautiful mountain ranges and magnificent native wildlife.

It is the perfect place to learn about Aboriginal art and culture and the region also has many activities on offer for families with children. If you’re after a four-wheel driving adventure, the Flinders Ranges has you covered. Trails include the Arkapena 4WD Scenic Adventure and the Arden Hills 4WD track.

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is 400km north of Adelaide and is accessible from The Outback Highway and offroad areas to the east and north. The park features multiple natural highlights that are accessible by well-maintained gravel tracks as well as adjoining walking trails that go deeper into the ranges. As with any outback area, the best time to visit Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is between April and October to avoid high temperatures and unforgiving conditions.

The region is dominated by the folded quartzite and sandstone ranges that define the landscape — most prominently the Heysen Range, the Elder Range and the iconic Wilpena Pound, which is a huge natural amphitheatre that contains many of the highest peaks in the area. The Flinders Ranges themselves are thought to have been formed during the Cambrian period 540 million years ago, and since then have been exposed to heavy and persistent erosion, so even though they are not particularly high, they are visually entrancing.

While there isn’t a labyrinth of 4WD tracks to seek out throughout the park, the existing ones will deliver you to all of the major scenic attractions, of which there are plenty. Wilpena Pound is a highlight from afar and close up, while the drive through Brachina Gorge and Bunyeroo Valley is one of the best tracks in the Flinders Ranges. There are multiple lookouts to stop at and soak in the views along the way, as well as countless campgrounds in idyllic surrounds.

With its impressive geological features Wilpena Pound looks very much like the crater of an extinct volcano, or a depression caused by a massive meteor strike, but it is in fact the product of millions of years of geologic pressures and erosion.

What we now see as nearly 500km of north-south running mountain ranges began as deposited sediments some 1400 million years ago. These sediments have been given nature’s hard treatment, while selective erosion has left hard sandstone and quartz ridges standing out above valleys of softer materials.

In the Wilpena area the folding and erosion has created radical shapes, with breadknife serrations along some ridges, and hillsides with graduated slopes on one side and sheer drops on the other. St Mary Peak, on the eastern rim of Wilpena Pound, is the highest point in the Flinders Ranges at over 1160 metres.

Bushwalking at least some of the 20 hiking trails in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is the best way to see the country. A section of the Heysen walking trail runs through the heart of the park: from Wilpena to Parachilna Gorge.

There are short walks from Wilpena into The Pound and to Wangara Lookout, with a longer walk around the rim also available. There is also a loop walk at Aroona ruins, as well as a short walk to the lookout.

For a longer trip, there is a full day walk through Wilkawillina Gorge that is on the way to Arkaroola. Some people walk the gorge from the car park and get picked up at the end of the gorge by a non-walking traveller. Less energetic exercise can be done at the various station ruins in the park, with one of the highlights being the beautifully restored main building and outhouses at Old Wilpena.

There are plenty of opportunities for camping within the national park, ranging from resort-style accommodation to remote bush campsites. The Wilpena Pound Resort features resort rooms, glamping and a campground, as well as plenty of extras such as fuel, a store, a restaurant and more.

There is also a long list of camping areas both within in the heart of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park as well as the broader Flinders Ranges. Each has different facilities and offerings only a short walk away. Please keep in mind that not all sites permit tents or camper trailers, so you will need to pick the right ones. Fortunately, A247 has done the research for you, so all you need to do is pack your 4WD and enjoy your camping trip!

(Chinaman’s Creek Road, Miranda, SA)

This free camp features beautiful views, a drop toilet facility, fishing, walking trails, camper trailers, tents and caravans. Swimming is permitted.

(Barndioota Road, Hawker, SA)

Don’t want to leave Rover at home? This free camping area allows pets. Located near the Three Sisters Range, it also permits caravans, tents and camper trailers. This campsite does not have phone reception so keep this in mind when planning your travels.

(Flinders View Drive, Nelshaby, SA)

This camp also permits pets. It offers toilets, drinking water, barbecue, picnic tables and walking trails. Fires are allowed, however only caravans are permitted to enter. 

(Forest Road, Wirrabara, SA)

This free campsite offers toilets and permits pets. Fires are allowed and caravans, camper trailers and tents are all welcome.

(Parachilna Gorge Road, Parachilna, SA)

Pets are permitted at this free campsite, which allows tents, caravans and camper trailers. Please note there are no facilities at this campsite, however a short drive down the road leads you to Angorichina Tourist Village that has a shop and public toilets.

(Horrocks Pass Rd, Nectar Brook, SA)

Fires are permitted at this free camp, and you are most welcome to bring pets. This site allows caravans, camper trailers and tents.

(Unnamed Road, Blinman, SA)

This free camp permits pets and fires. It also offers numerous 4WD trails.

For more information visit the Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre. Located near the Wilpena Park Caravan Park. You can contact the centre on 08 8648 0048.

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