Nestled on the southern edge of Wilpena Pound, Rawnsley Park Station is one of the premier destinations in the Flinders Ranges, offering visitors the perfect blend of outback adventure and modern comfort. This working sheep station has been welcoming travellers for decades, providing a unique gateway to the rugged beauty, rich history, and unforgettable landscapes of the ranges.
Whether you’re seeking luxury eco-villas, a cozy caravan park stay, or the chance to explore vast hiking trails and scenic drives, Rawnsley Park is the ideal base to experience the best of South Australia’s iconic outback.
About Rawnsley Park Station
Founded in 1968, Rawnsley Park Station has grown from a traditional sheep-grazing property into one of the Flinders Ranges’ most sought-after tourism destinations. Still a working sheep station, it offers visitors an authentic taste of outback life while providing a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury eco-villas and holiday units to cabins and a well-equipped caravan park.
The station is renowned for its stunning views over Wilpena Pound and its commitment to sustainable tourism, blending modern comforts with the rugged natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. With a history deeply rooted in the land and the local community, Rawnsley Park remains a welcoming base for travelers seeking to experience the heart of the Flinders Ranges.
Accommodation Options Rawnsley Park Station
Rawnsley Park Station caters to all types of travellers, offering a wide variety of accommodation that blends comfort with the rugged charm of the outback. For those seeking luxury, the self-contained Eco-Villas provide stylish, sustainable living with spectacular views of Wilpena Pound—perfect for a romantic escape. Families and groups can enjoy the convenience of holiday units and cabins, equipped with all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
Travellers who prefer a more authentic outback experience can opt for bunkhouse-style accommodation, ideal for budget-conscious adventurers.
The Rawnsley Park Caravan Park is another popular choice, featuring powered and unpowered sites, modern amenities, and a relaxed atmosphere for caravanners and campers. No matter your style of travel, Rawnsley Park offers an option to suit every need, making it an excellent base for exploring the breathtaking Flinders Ranges.
We stayed at the caravan park on a powered site. The view out towards Wilpena Pound was spectacular, and it was a lovely spot to sit with a cup of coffee and take in the surroundings. It was a short walk to the amenities and the camp kitchen. Behind us was a BBQ and picnic tables that were under cover, and there were also fire pits scattered around the park. You can bring your wood with you or purchase wood from the reception. Collecting wood at the station is prohibited.
Things To Do At Rawnsley Park
- Scenic Flights – over Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges
- 4WD Tours – guided trips into the rugged outback landscapes
- Bushwalking & Hiking Trails
- Sunset on the Chace Range
- Wildlife Spotting – kangaroos, emus, wedge-tailed eagles, and more.
- Swimming Pool & Relaxation – for those wanting downtime.
- Dinner at the Shearing Shed
Walking Trails That We Did While Staying At Rawnsley Station
1/ Kangaroo Gap Walking Trail
Out past reception, we followed the track out to the Kangaroo Gap Lookout. It is a relatively easy walk beside a creek, which had no water in it when we were there. The walk is quiet among gum trees, and looking out for the different birds in the area. Once at the lookout, you can view out to the South, is the Hawker Ranges are in the distance.
Out to the South/South East, you can see the Chase range. To the West stretching from Elder Range to Wilpena Pound is the Hills of Arkaba.
2/ Clem Corner
From here, we continued onto Clem Corner. This trail is more difficult and starts with a steep incline. We were advised to do this loop starting from this direction, as if starting from the bush camp area, it is harder to find the track to Clem Corner. When completing this loop make sure that you take plenty of water with you and a snack. This walk took us roughly three hours, as we didn’t rush and stopped for a while and had our snack.
When doing this walk, it is wise to do it in the morning or late in the afternoon when it is cooler. As we were walking up to the Corner, we passed some nice rock formations. There are some lovely views as you walk along.
Stopping for a bit of a break to catch our breath and have a snack, we were joined by a red-breasted robin. It was very curious flying between a couple of trees near where we were sitting. I had never seen a robin in the wild before, and it was nice to watch it flying above us.
Clem Corner at Rawnsley Park Station is a much-loved gathering spot named in honour of Clem Smith, the previous owner from 1953 to 1985, whose hard work and cheerful spirit left a lasting mark on the property. Clem was known for his dedication to station life.
After spending a short time looking out from Clem Corner, we started the walk down towards the bush camping area at Rawnsley Park Station. The scenery had changed and we were walking down rocky areas beside a stream. There was also more cyprus trees along the way.
After walking for a while, we could see some caravans parked in the bush camping area. So we were reassured that we were heading in the right direction. It was then a flat walk through the camping area back to our van. We passed a dam and also met other people out walking along the tracks.
Rawnsley Bluff Car Park
Later, one afternoon, we drove out the short distance to the Rawnsley Bluff car park. Here you will find the start of three walking trails. Trail No. 1 is to Rawnsley Bluff Lookout and Wilpena Pound Lookout. This trail is rated as difficult, and depending on which one you wish to walk could take you between 4 and 5 hours. So make sure you are prepared before walking these trails.
Trail No. 2 leads to Ferntree Falls, which is rated as moderate and it takes about 2 hours return. We did not walk this trail as we were told that the falls weren’t flowing.
We did walk Trail No. 3, which was to Twidale Top, which is classified as Easy, taking under 1 hour. It is a flat walk across to the hill you will walk up. As it was in the afternoon, kangaroos were feeding on what they could. They are quiet and don’t seem to worry about what’s going on around them.
The walk up the hill is rocky, but it is only a short distance. From here, you can look across to Rawnsley Bluff to the North, and to the South, you can look back over the caravan park.
Station Hill Lookout
Perched at an elevation of approximately 460 meters, the lookout delivers sweeping views across the iconic mountain ranges: to the north lies the dramatic Wilpena Pound Range (Akurra Ngami), while to the east and west you’ll see the Chace and Elder Ranges, respectively.
Thanks to its peaceful, panoramic setting, Station Hill Lookout is a favorite for visitors seeking a serene moment amid the Outback. It’s conveniently reachable via a well-graded, unsealed road from Flinders Ranges Way, only a few kilometers from Rawnsley Park Station’s caravan park.
Ideal for capturing sunrise or sunset, it also offers interpretive signage that enriches the experience by identifying and contextualizing the surrounding geological features
In short, Station Hill Lookout is a must-see gem at Rawnsley Park Station: effortless to reach, yet offering some of the most breathtaking and tranquil views across the Flinders Ranges.
Eating At The Woolshed Restaurant
Tucked within a genuine Australian corrugated-steel woolshed on Rawnsley Park Station, the Woolshed Restaurant serves up a celebrated slice of modern Australian cuisine crafted from fresh, local produce, especially lamb reared right on site.
As it is a popular place to dine you will need to make a reservation for dinner. In peak times, it is wise to book in when you book your accommodation, as the restaurant can be booked out for a couple of weeks in advance.
The setting is authentically outback, with cozy interiors featuring a combustion stove in winter and a spacious deck perfect for dining under the open sky. Menu highlights include hearty staples like the Rawnsley Station lamb shank, Angus sirloin, Barramundi, roo (kangaroo) dishes, and a range of vegetarian and vegan options. Leo and I both enjoyed the lamb shank with vegetables, and we would highly recommend this dish.
For a more immersive experience, the restaurant hosts Lamb Tasting Dinners. Four courses featuring their own station lamb paired with local South Australian wines, hosted by the station managers themselves. If staying at Rawnsley Station at the time of one of these events, you will be sent an email inviting you to the dinner.
Why Stay At Rawnsley Park Station
Nestled at the southern edge of Wilpena Pound in South Australia’s breathtaking Flinders Ranges, Rawnsley Park Station provides an exceptional base that blends rustic charm with modern comforts. From Eco-accredited luxury villas with retractable star-gazing roofs to cozy cabins, powered and unpowered Bush campsites, caravan park sites, and a welcoming homestead, there’s an accommodation style to suit every traveller.
What truly sets Rawnsley Park apart is the perfect balance it strikes between rugged remoteness and practical convenience. You’re immersed in outback serenity, yet enjoy creature comforts such as modern bathrooms, grocery and fuel services, coin laundries, a camp kitchen, and a refreshing pool.
As a gateway to the natural wonders of the region, the station places you minutes from iconic landmarks like Arkaroo Rock, Rawnsley Bluff, and Wilpena Pound itself, making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, scenic flights, and 4WD adventures.
In short, staying at Rawnsley Park Station offers more than just a place to rest. It’s an invitation to experience the Flinders Ranges in comfort, convenience, and genuine outback spirit all at once.
Rawnsley Park Station: In Conclusion
Rawnsley Park Station is more than just a place to stay. It’s an experience that captures the true essence of the Flinders Ranges. From its breathtaking lookouts and rugged walking trails to the warm hospitality and mouth-watering meals at The Woolshed Restaurant, every moment here immerses you in the beauty and character of the outback.
Whether you’re camping under the stars, relaxing in a luxury Eco-villa, or setting out on an adventure to explore Wilpena Pound and beyond, Rawnsley Park offers the perfect blend of comfort and connection with nature. A stay here is not only memorable but also the ideal way to discover one of South Australia’s most iconic landscapes.