Hiking at Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges

The Flinders Ranges are the largest mountain range in South Australia. Starting roughly 200km north of Adelaide at Port Pirie the range stretches for over 400km up to Callabonna. Given the vast area these mountains cover there are a lot of great spots to hike, run and explore so it can be kinda overwhelming deciding where to go, especially if you're short on time.

We visited the Flinders Ranges in a few spots and did a couple of great hikes. Our highlight however would have to be spending a few days at Wilpena Pound and exploring around there. There are hikes for all ages and fitness abilities

We stayed at Wilpena Pound Resort, and at $26 per night for an unpowered site - hot showers, coin laundry, IGA, camp kitchens, included on site we thought it was pretty good value. Apparently there is a pool on site too, although we didn't go looking for it as it rarely got above 10 degrees whilst we were there. Wilpena Pound was also in a wonderful location, close to plenty of trails for day hikes, as well as the super-long multi day Mawson and Heysen trails passing right through the campground here.

​There is also a large amount of national park campground available throughout the Flinders.

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Hiking (or trail running) Routes:

• St Mary's Peak
• Wangara Lookouts
• Boom and Bust Loop

Ones we forgot!

• Mount Ohlssen Bagge

Also in the area:

• Mawson Trail
• Heysen Trail

NOTE: 

A lot of the hikes in this are are closed from November 30th to March 1 each year due to fire danger. Always check park alerts before setting out.

St Mary's Peak

At 1171m St Mary's Peak is the highest mountain in the Flinders Ranges, and the views along the way showcase it.

The hike can be completed as a 14.6km out and back, or a 21.5km loop. We did the loop as a trail run, we went up the outside trail and down the inside track (anticlockwise).

As the peak and its subsequent panoramic views are sacred to the local indigenous people they request that you do not hike to the peak. You can instead take in the views at the Tanderra saddle, 1.6km below the peak.

Map, elevation profile & walking trail facts taken from the Running SA website.
Head to the Walking SA website for more information on this hike here

Wangara Lookout Hike

The hike is a 7km out and back from the Wilpena Visitor Centre. The first 3kms of the trail are easy, undulating and wide. The last 500m up to the 2 look outs is steep and rocky, but worth it for the gorgeous views of the pound.

I ran it one day and came across a gorgeous little emu family!

Map, elevation profile & walking trail facts taken from the Running SA website.
Head to the Walking SA website for more information on this hike here

Boom and Bust Loop

This is a great short loop walk that again leaves from Wilpena Pound Visitors Centre.

The hike climbs a short way over a mix of trail and rock step, but it is accessible for all ages.

​Along the way there are signs explaining how different plant and animal life are affected by drought (bust) years vs heavy rainfall (boom) years.

Heysen Trail & Mawson Trail

Also passing through this are both the Mawson Trail and Heysen Trail.

The Heysen Trail is a 1200km hike from Cape Jervis, Fleurieu Peninsula to Parachilna Gorge, Flinders Ranges. You can hop on and off all throughout this region and do as much or as little as you'd like. Check out more info on it here.

The Mawson Trail is a 900km bike trail (recommended for gravel or mountain bikes) starting just north of Adelaide and travelling to the Outback town of Blinman in the Flinders Ranges. Check out more info on it here.

We've done sections of both of these trails on foot and on bike in various locations throughout South Australia. Some of the areas these trails pass through are simply stunning - and you'll get most of it to yourself!

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So far we've been super impressed by what South Australia has to offer and we can't wait to explore more of it!