The Flinders Ranges provide an emotionally uplifting and tranquil travel destination. To explore the Flinders Ranges is to experience the essence of Australia. On our 11 day Flinders Ranges Holiday we experience amazing landscapes, fascinating history and meet interesting “local characters”.

Day 1 (L,D) HOME, ADELAIDE, HAHNDORF

After Melbourne metropolitan home/hotel pick up we transfer to Melbourne Airport for our flight to Adelaide (interstate passengers may fly direct to Adelaide, depending on schedules or via Melbourne). Our Young at Heart coach awaits us. Lunch and a short Adelaide tour, then to Hahndorf, where we visit The Cedars, home of the late Sir Hans Heysen. Here we join a fascinating guided tour of his studio and home. Time to browse in the many craft shops in Hahndorf. Home tonight, the Manna of Hahndorf.

Day 2 (B,L,D) HAHNDORF, BURRA, PETERBOROUGH

We travel via Birdwood and through the delightful scenic rolling hills of the Barossa. We continue to Kapunda and Burra with a later lunch at the Burra Bakery. During the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating and historic copper mining town, a major contributor to the South Australian economy. Later we make our way to Peterborough and our home tonight, the Peterborough Motor Inn.

Day 3 (B,L,D) PETERBOROUGH, HAWKER

This morning we tour Peterborough, view its three railway gauges and St Cecilia’s, once the Roman Catholic bishop’s palace and Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre, a museum with a difference. Following lunch we continue to Magnetic Hill and the world’s largest red gum, with a 10 metre girth and 900 years old. On to Hawker and our home for tonight, the Outback Chapmanton Motor Inn.

Day 4 (B,L,D) HAWKER, WILPENA POUND

This morning we visit the remarkable Wilpena Panorama and take the Moralana Scenic Drive to Wilpena Pound (road conditions permitting). Home for three nights is the Wilpena Pound Resort. During the afternoon visit the nearby Cazneaux Tree, named “Spirit of Endurance”.

Day 5 (B,L,D) WILPENA POUND

If you wish, take a spectacular early morning flight (own expense) over the Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound. Following breakfast we enjoy a walk into the Pound, a natural ampitheatre. Lunch at the Resort before we journey to beautiful Brachina Gorge and the Aroona Valley historic homestead ruins.

Day 6 (B,L,D) BUNYEROO & BRACHINA GORGES 4WD TOUR, SACRED CANYON

A highlight of our holiday this morning as we join a remarkable 4WD tour of the Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges. A fascinating “Corridor of Time” geological tour. Following lunch we spend the afternoon visiting nearby Sacred Canyon.

Day 7 (B,L,D) BLINMAN, WIRREALPA STATION, ARKAROOLA

Travel north to Blinman, once the site of an extensive copper mining operation. A morning cuppa here before continuing on to Wirrealpa Station where we meet the owners of this large sheep station. Enjoy a special treat: salt bush mutton lunch. On to the Gammon Ranges, arriving at our home for tonight, the Arkaroola Resort Wilderness Sanctuary.

Day 8 (B,L,D) ARKAROOLA, LEIGH CREEK

Another highlight today! The 4WD Ridge Top Tour takes us into the spectacular Gammon Ranges to Sillers Lookout. Stunning scenery. Following lunch we depart for Leigh Creek. Home tonight, Leigh Creek Tavern.

Day 9 (B,L,D) LEIGH CREEK, HAWKER, QUORN, PORT AUGUSTA

From Leigh Creek we journey south, morning cuppa at the Prairie Hotel at Parachilna, to Hawker. Following lunch we visit Kanyaka Ruins, once a thriving grazing and cropping property, Proby’s Grave and Warren Gorge on route to Quorn. Visit the Pichi Richi railway station. A short journey to Port Augusta and our overnight home, Standpipe Golf Motor Inn.

Day 10 (B,L,D) PORT AUGUSTA, CLARE

Visit the Arid Land Botanic Garden and Flinders Redbank Lookout before enjoying a self-guided tour of the Wadlata Outback Centre in Port Augusta, a fascinating award-winning story of the early development of the area and the original Ghan. During the afternoon we travel to Clare. Home tonight, the Clare Country Club.

Day 11 (B,L) CLARE, ADELAIDE, HOME

We return to Adelaide, lunch on route, for mid-afternoon flights home. Melbourne passengers will be transferred to metropolitan home/hotels. Interstate passengers may fly direct to their home state or via Melbourne, depending on airline schedules. Thus concludes a most enjoyable holiday in one of Australia’s most scenic area, the Flinders Ranges.