Flinders Ranges 6 Days with Upgrade to Eco Villas

Self-guided

Group-guided

Self-guided

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OVERVIEW

The Heysen Trail runs for 1200km all the way from the Parachilna Gorge to Cape Jervis.  This walk provides 4 of the best walks the Northern Flinders has to offer. It traverses an unforgettable rust coloured landscape, one of the oldest geological landscapes in the world with its many hidden secrets that can only be discovered on foot.

This is a world-class walking experience. At the end of each day, you'll have the luxury of staying in the beautifully appointed Eco Villas. At Wilpena, we stay at the excellent Ikara Glamping Resort. Stretch out and relax after your day's walking, have a hot shower, a chef-prepared dinner and a good night's sleep ready for the next day's adventure.

Highlights

  • Great views of the Heysen Range and St Mary Peak, with beautiful forests and gullies
  • Reach the peak of Tanderra Saddle with unheralded views
  • Appreciate the range's sheer scale walking through Wilpena Pound
  • Astonishing views from Bridal Gap and Rawnsley Bluff, out over expansive plains
  • Stay in the award-winning Eco Villas at Rawnsley Park Station and glamping tents

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
6 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Walks that are longer than 12km with varied terrain. A moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended.
PRICE FROM
$ 2490

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 1140

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of a room when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6

DAY 1
RAWNSLEY PARK

Start at Rawnsley Park in the late afternoon where you can relax in your villa or take a short stroll around the property. There may be time to explore the various walks around the station that are available.  Rawnsley Park Station is located right at the foot of the mountains.

Walking: Easy walking around Rawnsley Park Station/ 3km or more

Meals: Dinner at Rawnsley Park Station

Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in the Eco Villas with an ensuite

DAY 2
YANYANNA HUTS TO WILPENA POUND ON HEYSEN TRAIL

Today’s walking is characterised by a great variety of landscapes, beautiful forests and gullies, including an exploration of the beginnings of Bunyeroo Gorge. Take in great views of the Heysen Range and St Mary Peak. The Flinders Ranges is also home to more than half of South Australia’s 3100 plant species, and is famous for the wildflowers that carpet the plains and foothills during spring.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / mostly flat terrain / 24km / 6 hrs

Elevation Gain –  620m (mostly gradual)

Elevation Loss – 495m

Meals: Continental breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner

Accommodation: Ikara Safari Camp in luxury safari tents with ensuites

DAY 3
ST MARY'S PEAK OUTSIDE AND INSIDE TRACK

Today’s walk is the most demanding of the week, as it involves traversing up the edge of the pound wall on a steep trail that winds back on itself again and again. But the payoff is worth it. The views back over the ABC and Heysen Range and over the pound (a huge natural amphitheatre) are unheralded. It’s worth stopping at the top to soak up the ambience. You can trace where you have walked from the trailhead at the top end of the snake-like ranges all the way back to where you stand.

Walks: Mostly moderate / 18km / 6.5 – 8hrs

Tanderra Saddle Elevation Gain –  522m

Tanderra Saddle Elevation Loss – 522m

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner

Accommodation: Ikara Safari Camp in luxury safari tents with ensuites

DAY 4
WILPENA POUND VIA BRIDLE GAP TO BLACK GAP ON HEYSEN TRACK

Walking through Wilpena Pound you’ll get to really appreciate even more what this place is all about and the sheer scale of it. Continue your journey across the valley floor totally surrounded by the impressive Wilpena Pound walls. Prior to European settlement, the indigenous people hunted here. The Aboriginal word Wilpena means ‘cupped hand’. Holding tremendous cultural significance and spiritually uplifting, this is an ancient place offering unparalleled sanctuary and tranquillity to disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself. At Bridle Gap, there are more astounding views to be had over the Pound and out to the Chase Range.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 13.3km / 4–5 hrs

Elevation Gain –  278m

Elevation Loss – 402m

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner at the Woolshed

Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in the Eco Villas with an ensuite

DAY 5
RAWNSLEY STATION TO RAWNSLEY BLUFF

This is the last of the Flinders Ranges walks and is a fantastic way to bid farewell to the Flinders Ranges with views looking back inside Wilpena Pound and over to St Mary Peak. But it’s at the last lookout that will have you mesmerized. From Rawnsley Bluff, you get to look out over the expansive plains below and out over the Chase and Elder Ranges to the south.  If you want a preview take a look at our website video as it features at the 35 and 45-second mark.

Walking: Moderate with one challenging steep section / 11.5km / 4–5 hrs

Elevation Gain –  582m

Elevation Loss – 582m

Meals: Continental breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner at the Woolshed

Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in the Eco Villas with an ensuite

DAY 6
RAWNSLEY STATION END OF THE WALK

This holiday finishes in Rawnsley after breakfast. Check out is at 11 am so take your time. There are superb wineries on the journey back to Adelaide at Clair, so why not build a short stay at a Clair winery or at one of the many excellent bed & breakfast’s into your holiday.

Meals: Continental breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 30+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • All-inclusive 6-day pack free walking holiday
  • 5 nights’ accommodation in rooms with ensuites
  • Walk with a light day pack as we shift your luggage from accommodation to accommodation
  • All meals, including chef-cooked breakfasts, walkers lunches, and a la carte two-course dinners
  • National Park admission
  • Worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s navigation app, travel book, maps & info pack
  •  Insulated lunch bag and luggage tags
  • 24/7 support from Auswalk’s representatives on the ground

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

On this Flinders Ranges walk, you’ll stay in the award-winning Eco Villas at Rawnsley Park Station, with a fully appointed kitchen, ensuites and a lounge to relax in. At Wilpena Pound, we stay in the luxury glamping tents also with ensuites. All of these private accommodations are located in inspired locations and provide a welcoming and comfortable base to rest, relax and reflect on the day’s walking.

The two-course a la carte dinners and breakfasts at Rawnsley and Ikara are prepared by their in-house chefs.

Each day whilst you’re walking you’ll be provided with a substantial walkers lunch.  More importantly, you’ll get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A walkers lunch may include a high protein type salad, a roll or a wrap, a muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit. Each day is varied. The 2-course a la carte dinners and cooked breakfasts are all prepared by professional chefs.

There is also a focus on regional food and wine. Good wholesome food with kangaroo and emu occasionally on the menu. The region is remote, but world-class South Australian wine and a cold lager are within easy reach. We suggest that if you like wine then bring some if you want your own pre-dinner drinks. The restaurants where you eat are licensed.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

  • NIGHTS 1, 4 & 5

  • NIGHTS 2 & 3

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ~AVERAGE

Distance training should be a consideration in your overall training program, so take every opportunity you can to walk. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 16km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

TERRAIN

ROCKY TERRAIN

Whilst preparing for walking on rocky terrain, you must focus on the development of balance, strength, and agility.

Integrate targeted strength exercises, such as lunges, squats, and step-ups, to strengthen your leg muscles, with a particular emphasis on improving stability on uneven surfaces. Balancing exercises are essential. Undertake core strength activity, coupled with exercises such as planks and Russian twists to enhance balance. As you progress, include hikes on progressively rougher terrain if you can. Additionally, the appropriate footwear with good ankle support and tread for grip are essential. Stay mindful, watch your step, and use trekking poles for added stability.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

GENERAL INFO

This holiday starts and finishes in Rawnsley Park Station. Information on transport to the Flinders Ranges is available on request.

The Flinders Ranges walks are moderate to challenging with some rough tracks, where you’ll cover shorter distances. Full-day walks average about 19 km and 5-7.5 hours walking each day. The walking is over mostly flat, well-walked paths and bush tracks with some rocky sections. There are two days with steep sections. This is a great opportunity for fit walkers to challenge themselves, however, easier options are available on some days. This is a reasonably long and tough walk and we highly recommend that you incorporate a rest day.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

This holiday starts and finishes in Rawnsley Park. The best option by far is to use a vehicle. This will allow you the freedom to travel up to the walk at your own pace. There’s a stack of interesting places to visit that require no real deviation from your journey, including wineries. We highly recommend staying in Clare, South Australia’s primo wine destination on the way back. There are also a few walks on the way that can be explored.

More information on transport to the Flinders Ranges is available on request.

WEATHER

The best time to go is April through September as it is the best weather for hiking in the Flinders Ranges. The temperature is still very comfortable to walk in but warm clothes are necessary as the temperature drops at night. October is good but its average temperature is about 26 degrees C so it can get hot. This holiday is not available over the hot summer months of December to February as it is way too hot with temperatures in the high 40s.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

Flinders Ranges mean temp graph

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions about the Flinders Ranges walks., tracks or the Flinders Ranges tour as a whole, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Apr 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2490

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1140
    BOOK NOW
  • 1 Apr 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2590

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1185
    BOOK NOW

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

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  1. Rowena Stewart

    19 September, 2024 at 6:43 PM
    5

    This 6 day (4 walking days) walk was fantastic! Auswalks had everything perfectly organised. From the get-go the team had great communication with us. Their partners, Rawnsley Station and Wilpena Resort, were excellent. The Eco units at Rawnsley Station were fabulous. Ultimate in comfort and really kept to being green – down to loose tea, compost bin and no plastic packaging on food items. Wilpena’s Glamping Tents were also terrific. Very comfortable, quiet and fabulous views. The restaurant was really good at Wilpena. All staff at both resorts were excellent.
    As for the walk, the notes were invaluable (big congrats to the writer of the notes – we felt you were there with us!) and the app really does let you know when you go off track! The route for the walk took us through varied beautiful country. Walking day 1 was the least varied and long. Good views at the beginning of the day’s walk. Walking day 2 was the climb to St Mary’s Peak. So worthwhile and great fun with rock scrambles toward the top. Walking day 3 was across the Pound then up and over the southern wall. The different vegetation you walk through on such flat ground is astonishing! Walking day 4 gave us different iconic views. All fabulous!
    This is not an easy walk. It can be challenging, giving a good work out. But without a doubt the whole trip was rewarding. We loved it! Thank you Auswalks – and Rawnsley Station and Wilpena Pound Resort.

    Reply

  2. LIsa E

    5 July, 2024 at 4:04 PM
    5

    A beautiful way to experience the magnificence of the Flinders Ranges! There is no better reward then to experience the spirit of a place then by foot and of your own volition ! Once you get used to spotting the markers its easy peasy and the book notes and App are invaluable . We unfortunately began with some pre existing leg issues so we found the first day very challenging but we made it through and were able to make some necessary changes to the walking program to better suit us personally. We were very grateful too for the day of rest we had scheduled after the first big day of walking, and in hindsight, on a personal note, as we are in our 60’s and so we could really experience and take in the spirit of certain spaces without worrying we would complete the long distance in time, we would probably ensure we book hikes of around 10-12km per day. But having said that we are elated that we did it and got to experience spaces we would not have if not for this beautifully curated hike, the friendliness, and kindness of all the staff in both Rawnsley Park and Ikara Resort!
    In closing, we highly recommend booking in an extra day whether for rest or just to take it all in!

    Reply

  3. Jennie L

    11 November, 2020 at 2:00 PM
    5

    Well organised , maps and information were great. A business that values its clients and makes booking with them a pleasure. I would certainly recommend Auswalk.

    Reply

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Overview

OVERVIEW

The Heysen Trail runs for 1200km all the way from the Parachilna Gorge to Cape Jervis.  This walk provides 4 of the best walks the Northern Flinders has to offer. It traverses an unforgettable rust coloured landscape, one of the oldest geological landscapes in the world with its many hidden secrets that can only be discovered on foot.

This is a world-class walking experience. At the end of each day, you'll have the luxury of staying in the beautifully appointed Eco Villas. At Wilpena, we stay at the excellent Ikara Glamping Resort. Stretch out and relax after your day's walking, have a hot shower, a chef-prepared dinner and a good night's sleep ready for the next day's adventure.

Highlights

  • Great views of the Heysen Range and St Mary Peak, with beautiful forests and gullies
  • Reach the peak of Tanderra Saddle with unheralded views
  • Appreciate the range's sheer scale walking through Wilpena Pound
  • Astonishing views from Bridal Gap and Rawnsley Bluff, out over expansive plains
  • Stay in the award-winning Eco Villas at Rawnsley Park Station and glamping tents

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
6 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Walks that are longer than 12km with varied terrain. A moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended.
PRICE FROM
$ 2490

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 1140

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

DOWNLOAD PDF
Departure Dates
Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6

DAY 1
RAWNSLEY PARK

Start at Rawnsley Park in the late afternoon where you can relax in your villa or take a short stroll around the property. There may be time to explore the various walks around the station that are available.  Rawnsley Park Station is located right at the foot of the mountains.

Walking: Easy walking around Rawnsley Park Station/ 3km or more

Meals: Dinner at Rawnsley Park Station

Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in the Eco Villas with an ensuite

DAY 2
YANYANNA HUTS TO WILPENA POUND ON HEYSEN TRAIL

Today’s walking is characterised by a great variety of landscapes, beautiful forests and gullies, including an exploration of the beginnings of Bunyeroo Gorge. Take in great views of the Heysen Range and St Mary Peak. The Flinders Ranges is also home to more than half of South Australia’s 3100 plant species, and is famous for the wildflowers that carpet the plains and foothills during spring.

Walking: Moderate to Challenging / mostly flat terrain / 24km / 6 hrs

Elevation Gain –  620m (mostly gradual)

Elevation Loss – 495m

Meals: Continental breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner

Accommodation: Ikara Safari Camp in luxury safari tents with ensuites

DAY 3
ST MARY'S PEAK OUTSIDE AND INSIDE TRACK

Today’s walk is the most demanding of the week, as it involves traversing up the edge of the pound wall on a steep trail that winds back on itself again and again. But the payoff is worth it. The views back over the ABC and Heysen Range and over the pound (a huge natural amphitheatre) are unheralded. It’s worth stopping at the top to soak up the ambience. You can trace where you have walked from the trailhead at the top end of the snake-like ranges all the way back to where you stand.

Walks: Mostly moderate / 18km / 6.5 – 8hrs

Tanderra Saddle Elevation Gain –  522m

Tanderra Saddle Elevation Loss – 522m

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner

Accommodation: Ikara Safari Camp in luxury safari tents with ensuites

DAY 4
WILPENA POUND VIA BRIDLE GAP TO BLACK GAP ON HEYSEN TRACK

Walking through Wilpena Pound you’ll get to really appreciate even more what this place is all about and the sheer scale of it. Continue your journey across the valley floor totally surrounded by the impressive Wilpena Pound walls. Prior to European settlement, the indigenous people hunted here. The Aboriginal word Wilpena means ‘cupped hand’. Holding tremendous cultural significance and spiritually uplifting, this is an ancient place offering unparalleled sanctuary and tranquillity to disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself. At Bridle Gap, there are more astounding views to be had over the Pound and out to the Chase Range.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 13.3km / 4–5 hrs

Elevation Gain –  278m

Elevation Loss – 402m

Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner at the Woolshed

Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in the Eco Villas with an ensuite

DAY 5
RAWNSLEY STATION TO RAWNSLEY BLUFF

This is the last of the Flinders Ranges walks and is a fantastic way to bid farewell to the Flinders Ranges with views looking back inside Wilpena Pound and over to St Mary Peak. But it’s at the last lookout that will have you mesmerized. From Rawnsley Bluff, you get to look out over the expansive plains below and out over the Chase and Elder Ranges to the south.  If you want a preview take a look at our website video as it features at the 35 and 45-second mark.

Walking: Moderate with one challenging steep section / 11.5km / 4–5 hrs

Elevation Gain –  582m

Elevation Loss – 582m

Meals: Continental breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner at the Woolshed

Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in the Eco Villas with an ensuite

DAY 6
RAWNSLEY STATION END OF THE WALK

This holiday finishes in Rawnsley after breakfast. Check out is at 11 am so take your time. There are superb wineries on the journey back to Adelaide at Clair, so why not build a short stay at a Clair winery or at one of the many excellent bed & breakfast’s into your holiday.

Meals: Continental breakfast

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  • All-inclusive 6-day pack free walking holiday
  • 5 nights’ accommodation in rooms with ensuites
  • Walk with a light day pack as we shift your luggage from accommodation to accommodation
  • All meals, including chef-cooked breakfasts, walkers lunches, and a la carte two-course dinners
  • National Park admission
  • Worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s navigation app, travel book, maps & info pack
  •  Insulated lunch bag and luggage tags
  • 24/7 support from Auswalk’s representatives on the ground
Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

On this Flinders Ranges walk, you’ll stay in the award-winning Eco Villas at Rawnsley Park Station, with a fully appointed kitchen, ensuites and a lounge to relax in. At Wilpena Pound, we stay in the luxury glamping tents also with ensuites. All of these private accommodations are located in inspired locations and provide a welcoming and comfortable base to rest, relax and reflect on the day’s walking.

The two-course a la carte dinners and breakfasts at Rawnsley and Ikara are prepared by their in-house chefs.

Each day whilst you’re walking you’ll be provided with a substantial walkers lunch.  More importantly, you’ll get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A walkers lunch may include a high protein type salad, a roll or a wrap, a muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit. Each day is varied. The 2-course a la carte dinners and cooked breakfasts are all prepared by professional chefs.

There is also a focus on regional food and wine. Good wholesome food with kangaroo and emu occasionally on the menu. The region is remote, but world-class South Australian wine and a cold lager are within easy reach. We suggest that if you like wine then bring some if you want your own pre-dinner drinks. The restaurants where you eat are licensed.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

  • NIGHTS 1, 4 & 5

  • NIGHTS 2 & 3

Fitness Guide

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ~AVERAGE

Distance training should be a consideration in your overall training program, so take every opportunity you can to walk. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 16km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - ABOVE AVERAGE

Elevation training is a major consideration in your overall training program. You must include walks with serious hill climbs.

If you do not have access to hills, it is essential to replicate the elevation level you will be undertaking in any way possible such as on a treadmill or stair climber. Walking up and down stairs at work, at a local oval with a grandstand, or up and down small hills is incredibly useful. Also, prioritising resistance weight training will help you develop overall muscle strength.  Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems, opposed to distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking.

If high altitude is a factor, incorporate sessions at a higher altitude to acclimatise your body to reduced oxygen levels if you are able to. Ensure you can comfortably walk the average elevation per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

TERRAIN

ROCKY TERRAIN

Whilst preparing for walking on rocky terrain, you must focus on the development of balance, strength, and agility.

Integrate targeted strength exercises, such as lunges, squats, and step-ups, to strengthen your leg muscles, with a particular emphasis on improving stability on uneven surfaces. Balancing exercises are essential. Undertake core strength activity, coupled with exercises such as planks and Russian twists to enhance balance. As you progress, include hikes on progressively rougher terrain if you can. Additionally, the appropriate footwear with good ankle support and tread for grip are essential. Stay mindful, watch your step, and use trekking poles for added stability.

MOUNTAINOUS / UNDULATING TERRAIN

As terrain associated with mountain climbs is often somewhat uneven and rocky, balancing and core exercises are vital.

Try to also include some form of elevation in more than 50% of your walking and prioritise resistance training, whilst incorporating stairs anytime you can. Walking up mountains or hills, up and down stairs at work, or up and down at a local oval with a grandstand is incredibly useful. Elevation is often where walkers encounter problems not distance, as it uses an entirely different set of muscles to everyday flat walking. Concentrate on doing lots of squats and lunges to build your glute muscles.

General Info

GENERAL INFO

This holiday starts and finishes in Rawnsley Park Station. Information on transport to the Flinders Ranges is available on request.

The Flinders Ranges walks are moderate to challenging with some rough tracks, where you’ll cover shorter distances. Full-day walks average about 19 km and 5-7.5 hours walking each day. The walking is over mostly flat, well-walked paths and bush tracks with some rocky sections. There are two days with steep sections. This is a great opportunity for fit walkers to challenge themselves, however, easier options are available on some days. This is a reasonably long and tough walk and we highly recommend that you incorporate a rest day.

For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

This holiday starts and finishes in Rawnsley Park. The best option by far is to use a vehicle. This will allow you the freedom to travel up to the walk at your own pace. There’s a stack of interesting places to visit that require no real deviation from your journey, including wineries. We highly recommend staying in Clare, South Australia’s primo wine destination on the way back. There are also a few walks on the way that can be explored.

More information on transport to the Flinders Ranges is available on request.

WEATHER

The best time to go is April through September as it is the best weather for hiking in the Flinders Ranges. The temperature is still very comfortable to walk in but warm clothes are necessary as the temperature drops at night. October is good but its average temperature is about 26 degrees C so it can get hot. This holiday is not available over the hot summer months of December to February as it is way too hot with temperatures in the high 40s.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

Flinders Ranges mean temp graph

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

CONTACT

If you have any questions about the Flinders Ranges walks., tracks or the Flinders Ranges tour as a whole, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

Map

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Apr 2025 - 31 Oct 2025
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2490

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1140
    BOOK NOW
  • 1 Apr 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2590

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $1185
    BOOK NOW
Reviews

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

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  1. Rowena Stewart

    19 September, 2024 at 6:43 PM
    5

    This 6 day (4 walking days) walk was fantastic! Auswalks had everything perfectly organised. From the get-go the team had great communication with us. Their partners, Rawnsley Station and Wilpena Resort, were excellent. The Eco units at Rawnsley Station were fabulous. Ultimate in comfort and really kept to being green – down to loose tea, compost bin and no plastic packaging on food items. Wilpena’s Glamping Tents were also terrific. Very comfortable, quiet and fabulous views. The restaurant was really good at Wilpena. All staff at both resorts were excellent.
    As for the walk, the notes were invaluable (big congrats to the writer of the notes – we felt you were there with us!) and the app really does let you know when you go off track! The route for the walk took us through varied beautiful country. Walking day 1 was the least varied and long. Good views at the beginning of the day’s walk. Walking day 2 was the climb to St Mary’s Peak. So worthwhile and great fun with rock scrambles toward the top. Walking day 3 was across the Pound then up and over the southern wall. The different vegetation you walk through on such flat ground is astonishing! Walking day 4 gave us different iconic views. All fabulous!
    This is not an easy walk. It can be challenging, giving a good work out. But without a doubt the whole trip was rewarding. We loved it! Thank you Auswalks – and Rawnsley Station and Wilpena Pound Resort.

    Reply

  2. LIsa E

    5 July, 2024 at 4:04 PM
    5

    A beautiful way to experience the magnificence of the Flinders Ranges! There is no better reward then to experience the spirit of a place then by foot and of your own volition ! Once you get used to spotting the markers its easy peasy and the book notes and App are invaluable . We unfortunately began with some pre existing leg issues so we found the first day very challenging but we made it through and were able to make some necessary changes to the walking program to better suit us personally. We were very grateful too for the day of rest we had scheduled after the first big day of walking, and in hindsight, on a personal note, as we are in our 60’s and so we could really experience and take in the spirit of certain spaces without worrying we would complete the long distance in time, we would probably ensure we book hikes of around 10-12km per day. But having said that we are elated that we did it and got to experience spaces we would not have if not for this beautifully curated hike, the friendliness, and kindness of all the staff in both Rawnsley Park and Ikara Resort!
    In closing, we highly recommend booking in an extra day whether for rest or just to take it all in!

    Reply

  3. Jennie L

    11 November, 2020 at 2:00 PM
    5

    Well organised , maps and information were great. A business that values its clients and makes booking with them a pleasure. I would certainly recommend Auswalk.

    Reply
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