The Flinders Ranges in South Australia offer some of the most striking hiking experiences in the country.
Think rugged peaks, deep gorges, dry creek beds, and expansive views that stretch for days.
This region blends ancient landscapes with rich wildlife, making every trail feel like a proper adventure.
From short scenic walks to full-day summit climbs, these ten hikes showcase the best of the Flinders—perfect for anyone chasing epic scenery and a good dose of the outback.
Hiking in the Flinders Ranges
The Flinders Ranges are made for hiking—rugged peaks, deep gorges, and wide open plains that feel endless.
Trails range from easy loops to full-day climbs, each offering a unique experience.
You might walk to a quiet waterhole, scale a summit for big views, or spot ancient Aboriginal rock art along the way.
This is Adnyamathanha Country, and many walks pass through culturally significant sites—so tread with care and curiosity.
Wildlife is also part of the experience, with kangaroos, emus, and wedge-tailed eagles often crossing your path.
Sunrise and sunset light up the landscape in rich reds and golds, and the stillness out here is unforgettable.
Whether it’s a short stroll or a challenging trek, hiking in the Flinders connects you to something timeless.
1. St Mary Peak (Ngarri Mudlanha) – Hard (6–9 hours, 18-21 km loop)
St Mary Peak is the highest point in the Flinders Ranges at 1,171 metres, forming the edge of Wilpena Pound’s dramatic rim.
This full-day loop hike from Wilpena Pound Resort is challenging yet unforgettable, featuring steep climbs, rocky scrambles, and breathtaking views at every turn.
The trail starts gently through woodlands before climbing sharply up switchbacks and red rock slopes. Legs will burn, but the payoff is massive.
At Tanderra Saddle, just below the summit, the whole curve of Wilpena Pound opens up beneath you, framed by jagged ridges and endless outback beyond.
This is where Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners ask visitors to stop, as the peak is sacred.
The view here is already incredible—360° of rugged ranges, desert plains, and soaring wedge-tailed eagles.
It’s one of the most awe-inspiring spots in the ranges.
2. Mount Ohlssen Bagge – Moderate-Hard (2–3 hours, 6.8 km return)
Mount Ohlssen Bagge is ideal for anyone chasing summit views without the all-day effort.
Starting right from Wilpena Pound Resort, this 6.8 km return trail climbs sharply—about 420–465 metres of elevation gain in just a few kilometres. It’s a short hike, but it doesn’t hold back.
Expect a steep gradient, loose rock, and some scrambling near the top.
The track is exposed with wide-open views almost from the start.
Deep red rock, hardy desert scrub, and the occasional emu or euro make the walk feel appropriately wild.
Near the summit, the landscape opens up even more.
At 928–930 metres, the top delivers sweeping views across the entire basin of Wilpena Pound and beyond.
The ridgelines stretch for kilometres, and the outback plains roll off into the distance.
Early morning or just after sunrise, the light throws a golden wash across the ranges—worth the early start.
It’s a solid leg-burner, but with a massive payoff and a quick return.
A perfect option if time’s short but the craving for big scenery is intense.
3. Rawnsley Bluff – Moderate-Hard (3–4 hours, 10.5–11.3 km return)
Rawnsley Bluff delivers sweeping views of Wilpena Pound from the outside.
Starting near Rawnsley Park Station, the trail begins gently before rising sharply up a steep, rocky slope.
It’s a tough 480–584 metres climb—hands and legs both get a workout—but the path is manageable and well-marked.
Once on top, the trail flattens into a ridge walk with epic views in both directions.
On one side, Wilpena Pound spreads out below. On the other hand, the outback rolls to the horizon.
A signed detour to a lookout offers a fresh angle into the Pound and is well worth it.
The summit, marked by a stone cairn, gives a quiet, 360° view of the Flinders.
You might spot wedge-tailed eagles riding the updrafts.
Rawnsley Bluff is underrated, but the climb, solitude, and scenery make it an unforgettable experience.
4. Alligator Gorge (The Narrows) – Moderate-Hard (2–3 hours, 3–10 km options)
Alligator Gorge is one of South Australia’s most striking natural spots—tucked inside Mount Remarkable National Park in the Southern Flinders.
The trail drops quickly from the car park into a deep sandstone gorge, with banded orange walls towering on both sides.
The short 3.3 km loop takes you straight to the Narrows and the Terraces, where the gorge squeezes into a narrow slot only a few metres wide.
It’s like walking through a mini canyon, with smooth boulders underfoot and ancient rock layers lining the path.
If there’s water after rain, don’t worry about keeping your shoes dry—splashing through makes it even better.
Cool shade, scattered ferns, and the occasional rock-wallaby or echidna give this walk a distinctly different feel from the dry, open ranges above.
For a longer option, the 8.8–10.2 km Ring Route loops back along the rim, though most of the magic happens inside the gorge.
It’s a short adventure that feels worlds away—unexpected, colourful, and packed with character.
5. Hidden Gorge – Moderate-Hard (5–7 hours, 18 km loop)
Hidden Gorge in Mount Remarkable National Park lives up to its name, offering a mix of rugged climbs, quiet creek beds, and striking canyon walls.
Starting from Mambray Creek campground, the 18 km circuit begins with a steep climb to The Battery, a rocky outcrop with sweeping views over Spencer Gulf.
On clear days, the water glints in the distance, with Port Augusta and Whyalla visible on the horizon.
A shelter and water tank up top make this an ideal spot for a short rest before heading down into the Gorge.
The descent leads into a secluded world of towering cliffs and dry creek beds scattered with boulders.
There’s no clear path here—expect some rock-hopping and winding between river red gums.
In the narrower sections, the walls rise close around you, creating a cool and calm atmosphere.
Wildlife is often spotted in the quieter stretches, from euros and grey kangaroos to colourful birdlife.
After rain, small pools form, adding to the Gorge’s charm.
Once out of the canyon, the track eases into a flat fire trail back to the campground, a welcome finish after the climb and creek walk.
6. Dutchmans Stern – Moderate (4–5 hours, 10.5–10.6 km loop)
Dutchmans Stern is a standout in the Southern Flinders, offering a solid climb and one of the best summit views in the region.
Just outside Quorn in Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park, this 10.5–10.6 km loop is usually completed anti-clockwise to tackle the steeper section early.
The trail winds through native pines and gums before rising sharply toward the rocky bluff that early explorers thought resembled a ship’s stern.
It’s a short, punchy climb, and before long you’re standing at 820–824 metres with a panoramic view that’s hard to beat.
Out west, the Willochra Plain spreads in golden patchwork.
To the east, the Flinders Ranges ripple into the distance—on clear days, you might even spot Wilpena Pound.
The return leg descends gradually with fresh views across the surrounding hills, and in spring, wildflowers add bursts of colour to the track.
Emus and kangaroos are common here, especially in the cooler parts of the day.
Dutchmans Stern packs a lot into a half-day hike—big views, varied terrain, and a peaceful bush setting that feels far from anywhere.
7. Devil’s Peak – Moderate–Hard (1.5–2 hours, 2.8 km return)
Devil’s Peak is short, steep, and seriously thrilling.
Just south of Quorn, this 2.8 km return hike climbs fast—about 275 metres in under 1.5 km—making it one of the most adventurous short trails in the Flinders.
The track begins gently through low scrub before quickly turning into a rocky ascent along a narrow spine.
As you near the summit, the marked trail fades and the final stretch becomes a hands-on scramble.
You’ll need to pick your way over boulders and ledges—nothing technical, but it does test your balance and nerve.
If heights aren’t your thing, stopping just below the top still gives incredible views. However, if you push on, the summit perch is something entirely different.
From the top, the landscape explodes in all directions.
Spencer Gulf glistens to the west, the Flinders roll endlessly to the north and east, and the drop-offs around you add a proper edge-of-the-world feeling.
It’s especially stunning at sunset when warm light spills across the ridges and plains.
There are no rails or barriers here—just raw rock and wide-open sky. Devil’s Peak might be small in distance, but it’s big on reward. Bring sturdy shoes and a bold mindset.
8. Blinman Pools – Moderate–Hard (3 hours, 12 km return)
Blinman Pools is a hidden gem tucked inside Parachilna Gorge—a peaceful walk that swaps summit climbs for cool, shady waterholes.
Starting near Angorichina Tourist Village, the 12 km return trail follows a rocky creek bed through classic Flinders country.
The route isn’t heavily marked, but it’s easy to follow—stick with the creek and make your way around boulders and rock shelves.
The gentle climb is broken up by short bursts of rock-hopping, making the walk feel like an off-track adventure.
After about 5 km, the first Blinman Pool appears like a mirage—clear, still water surrounded by cliffs and river gums.
It’s an ideal spot for lunch, a rest, or dipping your feet after a walk.
With a bit of luck, you might spot a yellow-footed rock-wallaby on the ledges or birds darting down to drink.
Some walkers push further, looking for a second pool, but sheer rock walls make progress tricky.
Most turn back at the first pool, and honestly, that’s the real highlight.
The return leg feels fresh with new angles, changing light, and the same quiet beauty.
Blinman Pools is a refreshing detour from the more challenging trails—no crowds, no peak-bagging, just the gentle sounds of water and wildlife in a gorge all to yourself.
9. Arkaroo Rock – Moderate (1.5 hours, 3.1–3.2 km loop)
Arkaroo Rock is a short, peaceful walk that weaves together scenery, wildlife, and deep cultural significance.
Just south of Wilpena Pound, this 3.1–3.2 km loop is gentle and well-graded, making it an excellent option for families or an easy afternoon outing.
The trail climbs steadily through mulga scrub and native pine, with the occasional kangaroo or emu rustling through the bush.
As you gain a bit of height, glimpses of Wilpena Pound’s rugged walls start to appear through the trees. It’s a slow reveal that adds to the anticipation.
The highlight is the Arkaroo Rock shelter, home to ancient Adnyamathanha rock art.
Painted in ochre and charcoal, the artworks tell creation stories of the Flinders Ranges.
Interpretation signs offer insight into the meanings and importance of this sacred site.
It’s quiet, moving, and a rare chance to connect with Country in a meaningful way.
On the way down, the views stretch wide over the ranges, and if you time it right for sunset, the light on Wilpena Pound’s cliffs is stunning.
The entire walk takes under an hour but offers a wealth of experiences—history, nature, and that golden outback glow.
10. Wilpena Pound Hills Homestead & Wangara Lookout – Moderate (3–3.5 hours, 7 km)
This trail offers a gentle way to explore the heart of Wilpena Pound, with no challenging climbs to contend with.
Starting from Wilpena Pound Resort, the 6 km return walk leads through shady bushland to the historic Hills Homestead, with an optional 1 km return spur to Wangara Lookout for those chasing views.
The path is flat and family-friendly, winding through forest and creek beds, with signs of wildlife often appearing along the way.
You might catch sight of kangaroos resting in the shade or emus wandering the scrub.
At the end of the main trail, the old Hills Homestead sits quietly under the Pound’s towering walls.
Dating back to the late 1800s, this small stone building tells the story of the Hill family, who once tried to farm this isolated landscape. Info panels outside share their struggles and determination, giving the place real meaning.
From the homestead, it’s a short but steep climb to Wangara Lookout.
The view at the top is worth every step—a full sweep of Wilpena Pound’s bowl of greenery ringed by rugged cliffs.
You’ll often spot mobs of kangaroos grazing far below, and late in the day, the whole scene glows under the sunset light.
The walk back in the afternoon or twilight brings even more wildlife out—echidnas, euros, and bird calls filling the air.
It’s a relaxed, scenic walk that captures everything special about this part of the Flinders.
Conclusion: Ready to Hit the Trail?
The Flinders Ranges deliver the kind of hiking that stays with you—dramatic landscapes, quiet gorges, cultural depth, and wild encounters all in one.
Whether you’re chasing summit views, exploring ancient rock art, or cooling off at a hidden waterhole, these ten trails offer an authentic taste of the outback.
No matter your fitness level or hiking style, there’s a track here that’ll match your pace and leave you feeling connected to something bigger than yourself.
Now it’s your turn—pick a trail, lace up your boots, and start planning your Flinders Ranges hike today.
