SELF-GUIDED
6 DAYS
Moderate
to Challenging 
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.
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.
Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in the Eco Villas with an ensuite
Meals: Dinner at Rawnsley Park Station
Walking: Easy walking around Rawnsley Park Station/ 3km or more
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.
Accommodation: Ikara Safari Camp in luxury safari tents with ensuites
Meals: Continental breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner
Walking: Moderate to Challenging / mostly flat terrain / 24km / 6 hrs
Elevation +620m (mostly gradual) / –495m
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.
Accommodation: Ikara Safari Camp in luxury safari tents with ensuites
Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner
Walks: Mostly moderate / 18km / 6.5 – 8hrs
Elevation +522 / -522
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 Bridal Gap, there are more astounding views to be had over the Pound and out to the Chase Range.
Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in the Eco Villas with an ensuite
Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner at the Woolshed
Walking: Easy to Moderate / 13.3km / 4–5 hrs
Elevation +278 / –402
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.
Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in the Eco Villas with an ensuite
Meals: Continental breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner at the Woolshed
Walking: Moderate with one challenging steep section / 11.5km / 4–5 hrs
Elevation: +582 / – 582
This holiday finishes in Rawnsley after breakfast. Check out is at 11 am so you can 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
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).
The Eco Villas are tucked away in a secluded spot and offer breathtaking views over the Pound wall and Rawnsley Bluff. The Villas are fully self-contained and have spacious living and dining areas, separate bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and well-equipped kitchens. There is also a swimming pool for the exclusive use of villa guests.
The Eco Villas have Advanced Ecotourism accreditation and are designed to complement the natural environment and are energy-neutral. There is a retractable ceiling offering night-sky viewing from the comfort of your bed, a luxurious bathroom with guest-robes and a spacious living and dining area with a TV and DVD player and reverse-cycle air-conditioning.
The Eco Villas are tucked away in a secluded spot and offer breathtaking views over the Pound wall and Rawnsley Bluff. The Villas are fully self-contained and have spacious living and dining areas, separate bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and well-equipped kitchens. There is also a swimming pool for the exclusive use of villa guests.
The Eco Villas have Advanced Ecotourism accreditation and are designed to complement the natural environment and are energy-neutral. There is a retractable ceiling offering night-sky viewing from the comfort of your bed, a luxurious bathroom with guest-robes and a spacious living and dining area with a TV and DVD player and reverse-cycle air-conditioning.
The Eco Villas are tucked away in a secluded spot and offer breathtaking views over the Pound wall and Rawnsley Bluff. The Villas are fully self-contained and have spacious living and dining areas, separate bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and well-equipped kitchens. There is also a swimming pool for the exclusive use of villa guests.
The Eco Villas have Advanced Ecotourism accreditation and are designed to complement the natural environment and are energy-neutral. There is a retractable ceiling offering night-sky viewing from the comfort of your bed, a luxurious bathroom with guest-robes and a spacious living and dining area with a TV and DVD player and reverse-cycle air-conditioning.
The Eco Villas are tucked away in a secluded spot and offer breathtaking views over the Pound wall and Rawnsley Bluff. The Villas are fully self-contained and have spacious living and dining areas, separate bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and well-equipped kitchens. There is also a swimming pool for the exclusive use of villa guests.
The Eco Villas have Advanced Ecotourism accreditation and are designed to complement the natural environment and are energy-neutral. There is a retractable ceiling offering night-sky viewing from the comfort of your bed, a luxurious bathroom with guest-robes and a spacious living and dining area with a TV and DVD player and reverse-cycle air-conditioning.
The Ikara Safari Tents are perfect for singles or couples. The tents come with a modern ensuite bathroom, a king bed, reverse cycle air conditioning and their own private deck and fire pit. The location of the tents is another matter. They are located right at the foot of the Wilpena Pound Wall so at night as the sun goes down over the mountains you have the box seat on your verandah. The chef-prepared dinners are served in the resort’s restaurant as are the breakfasts.
The Ikara Safari Tents are perfect for singles or couples. The tents come with a modern ensuite bathroom, a king bed, reverse cycle air conditioning and their own private deck and fire pit. The location of the tents is another matter. They are located right at the foot of the Wilpena Pound Wall so at night as the sun goes down over the mountains you have the box seat on your verandah. The chef-prepared dinners are served in the resort’s restaurant as are the breakfasts.
The Ikara Safari Tents are perfect for singles or couples. The tents come with a modern ensuite bathroom, a king bed, reverse cycle air conditioning and their own private deck and fire pit. The location of the tents is another matter. They are located right at the foot of the Wilpena Pound Wall so at night as the sun goes down over the mountains you have the box seat on your verandah. The chef-prepared dinners are served in the resort’s restaurant as are the breakfasts.
The Ikara Safari Tents are perfect for singles or couples. The tents come with a modern ensuite bathroom, a king bed, reverse cycle air conditioning and their own private deck and fire pit. The location of the tents is another matter. They are located right at the foot of the Wilpena Pound Wall so at night as the sun goes down over the mountains you have the box seat on your verandah. The chef-prepared dinners are served in the resort’s restaurant as are the breakfasts.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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, or email us at info@stroll.com
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.
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.
Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in the Eco Villas with an ensuite
Meals: Dinner at Rawnsley Park Station
Walking: Easy walking around Rawnsley Park Station/ 3km or more
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.
Accommodation: Ikara Safari Camp in luxury safari tents with ensuites
Meals: Continental breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner
Walking: Moderate to Challenging / mostly flat terrain / 24km / 6 hrs
Elevation +620m (mostly gradual) / –495m
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.
Accommodation: Ikara Safari Camp in luxury safari tents with ensuites
Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner
Walks: Mostly moderate / 18km / 6.5 – 8hrs
Elevation +522 / -522
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 Bridal Gap, there are more astounding views to be had over the Pound and out to the Chase Range.
Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in the Eco Villas with an ensuite
Meals: Cooked breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner at the Woolshed
Walking: Easy to Moderate / 13.3km / 4–5 hrs
Elevation +278 / –402
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.
Accommodation: Rawnsley Park Station in the Eco Villas with an ensuite
Meals: Continental breakfast, walkers lunch and a chef-prepared a la carte dinner at the Woolshed
Walking: Moderate with one challenging steep section / 11.5km / 4–5 hrs
Elevation: +582 / – 582
This holiday finishes in Rawnsley after breakfast. Check out is at 11 am so you can 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
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).
The Eco Villas are tucked away in a secluded spot and offer breathtaking views over the Pound wall and Rawnsley Bluff. The Villas are fully self-contained and have spacious living and dining areas, separate bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and well-equipped kitchens. There is also a swimming pool for the exclusive use of villa guests.
The Eco Villas have Advanced Ecotourism accreditation and are designed to complement the natural environment and are energy-neutral. There is a retractable ceiling offering night-sky viewing from the comfort of your bed, a luxurious bathroom with guest-robes and a spacious living and dining area with a TV and DVD player and reverse-cycle air-conditioning.
The Eco Villas are tucked away in a secluded spot and offer breathtaking views over the Pound wall and Rawnsley Bluff. The Villas are fully self-contained and have spacious living and dining areas, separate bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and well-equipped kitchens. There is also a swimming pool for the exclusive use of villa guests.
The Eco Villas have Advanced Ecotourism accreditation and are designed to complement the natural environment and are energy-neutral. There is a retractable ceiling offering night-sky viewing from the comfort of your bed, a luxurious bathroom with guest-robes and a spacious living and dining area with a TV and DVD player and reverse-cycle air-conditioning.
The Eco Villas are tucked away in a secluded spot and offer breathtaking views over the Pound wall and Rawnsley Bluff. The Villas are fully self-contained and have spacious living and dining areas, separate bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and well-equipped kitchens. There is also a swimming pool for the exclusive use of villa guests.
The Eco Villas have Advanced Ecotourism accreditation and are designed to complement the natural environment and are energy-neutral. There is a retractable ceiling offering night-sky viewing from the comfort of your bed, a luxurious bathroom with guest-robes and a spacious living and dining area with a TV and DVD player and reverse-cycle air-conditioning.
The Eco Villas are tucked away in a secluded spot and offer breathtaking views over the Pound wall and Rawnsley Bluff. The Villas are fully self-contained and have spacious living and dining areas, separate bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and well-equipped kitchens. There is also a swimming pool for the exclusive use of villa guests.
The Eco Villas have Advanced Ecotourism accreditation and are designed to complement the natural environment and are energy-neutral. There is a retractable ceiling offering night-sky viewing from the comfort of your bed, a luxurious bathroom with guest-robes and a spacious living and dining area with a TV and DVD player and reverse-cycle air-conditioning.
The Ikara Safari Tents are perfect for singles or couples. The tents come with a modern ensuite bathroom, a king bed, reverse cycle air conditioning and their own private deck and fire pit. The location of the tents is another matter. They are located right at the foot of the Wilpena Pound Wall so at night as the sun goes down over the mountains you have the box seat on your verandah. The chef-prepared dinners are served in the resort’s restaurant as are the breakfasts.
The Ikara Safari Tents are perfect for singles or couples. The tents come with a modern ensuite bathroom, a king bed, reverse cycle air conditioning and their own private deck and fire pit. The location of the tents is another matter. They are located right at the foot of the Wilpena Pound Wall so at night as the sun goes down over the mountains you have the box seat on your verandah. The chef-prepared dinners are served in the resort’s restaurant as are the breakfasts.
The Ikara Safari Tents are perfect for singles or couples. The tents come with a modern ensuite bathroom, a king bed, reverse cycle air conditioning and their own private deck and fire pit. The location of the tents is another matter. They are located right at the foot of the Wilpena Pound Wall so at night as the sun goes down over the mountains you have the box seat on your verandah. The chef-prepared dinners are served in the resort’s restaurant as are the breakfasts.
The Ikara Safari Tents are perfect for singles or couples. The tents come with a modern ensuite bathroom, a king bed, reverse cycle air conditioning and their own private deck and fire pit. The location of the tents is another matter. They are located right at the foot of the Wilpena Pound Wall so at night as the sun goes down over the mountains you have the box seat on your verandah. The chef-prepared dinners are served in the resort’s restaurant as are the breakfasts.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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, or email us at info@stroll.com
The scenery was beautiful and the diversity of the walks made each day different which was great. Including a visit to a wombat rescue place, winery and museum added to the experience. Eating at local places was a great idea – good for the local economy – and GREAT for the walkers as the food was exceptional. My Flinders Island experience was filled with great walking, exceptional food and interesting experiences.
It was my first Stroll trip- I don’t think it gets any better. The walks were stunning, the lodge was so comfy, and the food was so delicious. A perfect holiday!
Maree G
The scenery was beautiful and the diversity of the walks made each day different which was great. Including a visit to a wombat rescue place, winery and museum added to the experience. Eating at local places was a great idea – good for the local economy – and GREAT for the walkers as the food was exceptional. My Flinders Island experience was filled with great walking, exceptional food and interesting experiences.
Maria H
It was my first Stroll trip- I don’t think it gets any better. The walks were stunning, the lodge was so comfy, and the food was so delicious. A perfect holiday!