Nestled in the heart of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound is the perfect place to begin a day of adventure. Surrounded by towering ridgelines and breathtaking landscapes, this natural amphitheatre offers unforgettable walks, lookouts, and cultural experiences that showcase the region’s beauty.
After a morning of exploring Wilpena Pound, the journey continues with one of the most iconic drives in the Flinders. The scenic route through Brachina Gorge. Known for its rugged cliffs, ancient fossils, and striking geological layers, this drive combines natural history with stunning outback scenery, making it a must-do experience for anyone visiting the area.
Starting Point: Wilpena Pound
Your adventure begins at Wilpena Pound, the crown jewel of the Flinders Ranges. This vast natural amphitheatre, shaped over millions of years, is surrounded by rugged peaks that create breathtaking views from every angle. Visitors can start the morning with a walk to one of the lookouts, such as Wangara Lookout, which offers sweeping panoramas over the Pound.
Whether you’re hiking, taking in the scenery, or simply soaking up the tranquillity, Wilpena Pound provides the perfect starting point before setting out on the scenic drive towards Brachina Gorge.
Wilpena Pound Morning Itinerary
Wilpena Pound is a short drive North of Rawnsley Park Station, where we were staying. Our first stop was to visit the information centre to get a National Park Permit. You will need to obtain one to see Wilpena Pound and to drive to Brachnia Gorge through the Bunyeroo Valley.
Here you can also learn about the walking trails and get a Map which shows the walks that start from Wilpena Pound, how long they take, and whether they are difficult or easy.
There is a store here that has basic groceries, takeaways, and souvenirs. You can purchase fuel, and there are toilets. Wilpena Pound offers accommodation ranging from a Caravan Park and Cabins. You can camp among the tall trees and relax beside the small streams.
Wangarra Lookouts Walking Trail
We chose to walk the Wangarra Lookouts trail at Wilpena Pound, which includes walking to Hill’s Homestead first, where we paused to learn about the early settlers who once tried to farm this rugged land. To this point, it is an easy walk with beautiful scenery, and if this is as far as you go, it is a 6.6 km return trip and will take about 2 hours.
If you want to reduce this further, there is a bus that can take you close to Hill’s Homestead. Ask at the information centre for more details.
From there, the track led us through bushland to the first lookout, which rewarded us with lovely views across the Pound. Keen to see more, we continued to the upper lookout, which extended the walk to about 7.8 kilometres return, and took 3 hours. This section was steeper and more challenging, but the sweeping panorama of Wilpena Pound made every step worthwhile. The mix of history at the Homestead and the breathtaking vistas from the lookouts made this walk a highlight of our visit.
Helpful Tip: At Hill’s Homestead, there are drop toilets. You will need to carry water and snacks; there are places to sit to rest and take a break.
Journey Into The Bunyeroo Valley
Driving into the Bunyeroo Valley felt like stepping into a natural masterpiece, with rugged ridges, sweeping valleys, and the raw beauty of the Flinders Ranges unfolding before us. The road itself is an adventure, winding through dramatic scenery that changes with every turn. As we descended deeper into the valley, the colours of the landscape seemed to intensify, with sharp rocky outcrops and the soft greens of native vegetation creating a truly breathtaking contrast.
It’s worth noting that the Bunyeroo Valley Road is unsealed, and while it’s usually suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles in dry conditions, it can become rough and slippery after rain. Drivers should take their time, especially around bends and on descents, as wildlife like kangaroos and emus often wander across the track.
Checking the weather and road conditions before setting out is a smart idea, and if you’re towing a caravan, it’s best to leave it behind and tackle the drive in just your vehicle. Being prepared ensures you can fully enjoy the journey and the incredible lookouts along the way without any worries.
Bunyeroo Valley Lookout
The Bunyeroo Valley Lookout is one of the most striking vantage points in the Flinders Ranges, offering a sweeping view down into the valley with the jagged peaks of Wilpena Pound rising dramatically in the distance. From this spot, the road seems to snake endlessly through the rugged landscape, framed by layers of ancient ranges that glow in earthy reds and ochres, especially in the late afternoon light.
It’s a place where you can truly appreciate the scale and raw beauty of the region, and it’s no wonder that photographers and travellers alike consider it a must-stop on the journey through the valley.
Razorback Lookout
The Razorback Lookout is without doubt one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Flinders Ranges, and for good reason. Standing at the lookout, you’re treated to an incredible panorama of the rugged ranges, with the road winding like a ribbon through the valley below. The ridgeline that gives Razorback its name cuts sharply across the landscape, creating a dramatic scene that looks like it’s been carved by time itself.
The contrast of colours, the ochre-red rocks, the muted greens of the vegetation, and the deep blue of the sky make this a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light softens the landscape. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop, take a breath, and just marvel at the timeless beauty of the Flinders.
Driving Towards Brachina Gorge
Continuing our journey from the dramatic ridges of the Bunyeroo Valley, we made our way towards Brachina Gorge, a drive that felt like travelling back through time with its striking rock formations and layered colours revealing millions of years of geological history. As we followed the winding track, we kept our eyes peeled for local wildlife, and it wasn’t long before we were rewarded with an unforgettable sight, our very first yellow-footed rock wallabies.
These rare and beautifully marked creatures, with their distinctive striped tails and golden-brown fur, seemed perfectly at home among the rocky outcrops. Spotting them in the wild was a real highlight of our trip, a reminder of just how unique and special this part of the Flinders Ranges truly is.
Driving Through Brachina Gorge
Driving through Brachina Gorge is an awe-inspiring experience, often described as a journey through time. The gorge cuts deep through the Flinders Ranges, exposing ancient rock layers that date back more than 500 million years, making it a fascinating drive for both nature lovers and geology enthusiasts.
The unsealed road winds between towering cliffs and rugged outcrops, with interpretive signs along the way explaining the geological significance of the formations. As we made our way through, the sheer scale and colour of the gorge were breathtaking, and the sense of remoteness added to its raw beauty. Combined with the chance to spot wildlife like euros, emus, and the elusive yellow-footed rock wallaby, this drive is easily one of the most memorable in the region.
Stokes Hill Lookout
After our drive through Brachina Gorge, we stopped off at Stokes Hill Lookout. We had been told that it was worth having a look at, and it was worth driving out to the Lookout. There was a great view from the top. On top of the Lookout, there is a model that shows the view from above the Flinders Ranges.
Stokes Hill Lookout is located along the road between Blinman and Hawker. Closer to Wilpena Pound, you will discover the Cazneaux Tree.
Cazneaux Tree
The Cazneaux Tree is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks in the Flinders Ranges, celebrated for its striking beauty and connection to Australian photography history. This magnificent giant red gum gained fame after renowned photographer Harold Cazneaux captured its image in 1937, creating a photograph that has since become an emblem of the Australian outback.
Today, the tree stands as a living tribute to both the rugged landscapes of the Flinders and Cazneaux’s artistic legacy. Visitors are drawn to its sprawling branches and weathered trunk, often pausing to take photos and appreciate the serene, timeless beauty of this natural icon amidst the surrounding ranges.
There is also a walking track here that takes you on a journey with information boards to read as you walk. This trail is called “The Spirit of Endurance Trail” and follows the track that Harold Cazneaux took when he took the famous photograph.
Practical Information When Visiting Wilpena Pound And Brachina Gorge
When planning a visit to Wilpena Pound, Bunyeroo Valley, and Brachina Gorge, it’s important to be prepared for the conditions. Many of the roads in the Flinders Ranges, including Bunyeroo Valley and Brachina Gorge, are unsealed. So driving slowly and carefully is essential, particularly after rain when tracks can become slippery or corrugated. As these places are very popular for tourists, take care as sometimes you may need to stop to let oncoming traffic pass in narrow spots.
The best time to visit is during the cooler months from April to October, when temperatures are more comfortable and the landscapes are at their most vibrant.
Always carry plenty of water, sun protection, and a map, and be alert for wildlife on the roads, including kangaroos, emus, and yellow-footed rock wallabies. If you’re venturing into more remote areas or longer walks, let someone know your plans and take a fully charged mobile phone or satellite communication device. These precautions will ensure you enjoy the stunning scenery safely and comfortably.
Concluding Our Day Trip To Wilpena Pound, Bunyeroo Valley And Brachina Gorge
Our journey through Wilpena Pound, Bunyeroo Valley, and Brachina Gorge offered a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and wildlife. From walking the trails to Wangarra Lookouts and exploring the historic Hill’s Homestead. Soaking in the panoramic vistas of Bunyeroo Valley and spotting our first yellow-footed rock wallabies in Brachina Gorge. Every moment showcased the Flinders Ranges at its finest.
The dramatic landscapes, ancient geological formations, and abundant wildlife make this region a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable outback adventure. Whether you’re driving, hiking, or simply taking in the scenery, the Flinders Ranges leave a lasting impression, inviting you to return and uncover even more of its timeless wonders.