5
Moderate

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • 6 days walking
Accommodation
  • 5 nights accommodation
Meals
  • 5 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 5 Breakfasts

6 Days$3395AUD

View Inclusions
THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
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Trip Code: HFG

Heysen Trail Trip highlights

  • Soak up the beauty and grandeur of the scenic Wilpena Pound
  • Visit Alligator Gorge, one of the Flinders Ranges most spectacular natural attractions
  • Animal spotting for yellow-footed rock wallaby, euro and emu plus much more local wildlife
  • Relax each evening at unique, comfortable outback accommodation with all scrumptious meals provided

Why Book With Us

  • Trek our favourite sections of the famous Heysen Trail, including the very last leg: Section 61
  • Walk with just a day pack on this fully supported trip
  • Enjoy delicious food cooked on by our experienced guides

The North Flinders Ranges offers some of the most stunning scenery in Australia as well as some of the most attractive outback properties. This accommodated trek includes selected walks in Wilpena Pound and on our favourite sections of the Heysen Trail. The Flinders Ranges offer a rolling range of majestic peaks and rugged ridges, deep gorges and endemic plants and animals.

The world class trails combine exceptional views and achievable challenges to create unforgettable walking experiences. The forests of cypress pines create an almost alpine ambiance in these semi-arid ranges with the dry climate creating ideal conditions for walking. This trip is fully supported so you can enjoy walking with just a day pack. Each evening we stay at comfortable accommodation offering both stunning scenery and the best of outback hospitality.

Activities:

Itinerary

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We pick you up from your accommodation in Adelaide between 7-7:30am and drive north though South Australia’s agricultural districts to the small township of Wilmington on the footsteps of Mount Remarkable National Park. Our walk today is the Alligator Gorge Ring Route, one of the Flinders’ regions best kept secrets and part of the Heysen Trail. This walk takes us along the highlight sections of Alligator Gorge and through The Narrows – a peaceful gorge only a few metres wide that stretches for a couple of hundred metres. We can see ancient ripple fossils in the rocks of The Terraces. This unique walk is a magnificent beginning to our 6 days of Flinders Ranges walking. In the afternoon we transfer to our accommodation and enjoy a scrumptious dinner prepared by our guides. Tonight we will hear a briefing about the exciting adventures on the itinerary for tomorrow. We will stay at the historic Willow Springs Station or similar accommodation. Walking Distance: 3km | Walking Time: 1 hour | Driving Time: 6-7 hours. *You will need to arrive in Adelaide the day before your trip, ensuring that you arrive in time to attend the 3:00pm pre-trip briefing.

Meals:  L,D

Today we walk section 57 of the famous, 1200km Heysen Trail. Beginning at scenic Black Gap Lookout, the trail takes us north-east to Bridle Gap. From here we have views across the expansive Wilpena Pound, and back towards the Elder Range. We descend into the Pound itself and follow the trail straight through the middle – an unforgettable walking experience. A variety of mallee, native pine and heath habitats within the Pound provide excellent opportunities to observe interesting local birds including wrens, robins, parrots and raptors. We meet our bus at the Wilpena Visitors Centre and transfer to our accommodation. Walking Distance: 14km | Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, we have our own private cultural tour with a local business to learn about Indigenous culture. During this tour, we visit Sacred Canyon, an area of great cultural significance to the Adnyamthanha people, where access is only allowed when accompanied by an Aboriginal guide. In the afternoon, we hike one of the best short walks in the Flinders Ranges: Mount Ohlssen Bagge. Mount Ohlssen Bagge offers arguably the best view over Wilpena Pound and the surrounding mountain ranges. You start the walk through some of the surrounding bushland teeming with animal life. You might get lucky and spot an emu, echidna, or even a perentie lizard in the scrub. Quickly, you start your steep, rocky ascent to the summit. On the way up, you will be rewarded with sweeping, spectacular views over the land—it's the kind of view you only get in these vast Australian landscapes, being able to see as far as the eye can. We return following the same path. Walking Distance: 7km | Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

The Tanderra Saddle Walk begins on the outer edges of Wilpena Pound through Sheoaks and Grass Trees. Starting from Wilpena, we trek along the 'Outside Trail' which skirts around the foothills of Wilpena Pound's northern edge. As we ascend to the top of the saddle, our reward awaits us: utterly unbeatable views in all directions of the Central Flinders Ranges, Aroona Valley, and the salt plains to the west. The Tanderra Saddle Walk is a shorter but equally rewarding section of the St Mary's Peak walk. The Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges would prefer visitors not to climb to the summi, as it is important to the Adnyamathanha creation story. A picnic lunch on the Saddle gives us time to kick back and take it all in before we begin the descent, retracing our steps to Wilpena. We return to our accommodation and celebrate our walk with another scrumptious evening meal together. Walking Distance: 12km | Walking Time: 5 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we walk the official final leg of the Heysen Trail – section 61. After breakfast we leave Willow Springs and transfer north through Brachina Gorge to the Aroona Valley. The bus drops us off in the middle of the wilderness at Aroona Hut and we set off for a full day on the trail, walking along the valley between ABC Range and Heysen Range. The day's walk is gently undulating, taking us through bird life filled vegetation and past numerous abandoned mine sites. Reaching the trail head at Parachilna Gorge, we board the bus for a transfer back to our accommodation. Tonight we enjoy our final meal together as a group. Walking Distance: 17km | Walking Time: 6-7 hours | Driving Time: 2 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

After indulging in an early breakfast, we embark on a southbound journey, pausing for our final hike. Our destination is the captivating Arkaroo Rock, where we'll traverse a brief circuit to immerse ourselves in the mesmerising Indigenous rock art sites. This distinctive walk serves as a splendid conclusion to our enriching six-day Flinders walking experience. It provides a poignant moment to express our silent gratitude to the land and the enduring Indigenous culture that has nurtured it for millennia. Our journey concludes when we drop you at your Adelaide accommodation in the late afternoon between 4-5pm. Walking Distance: 3km | Walking Time: 1.5 hours | Driving Time: 6-7 hours

Meals:  B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 5 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
  • Snacks and hot drinks
  • Professional wilderness guide and support staff
  • 5 nights accommodation as per itinerary, usually in twin or multi share rooms in multi room cabins/cottages with shared bathroom facilities.
  • All entrance and national park fees
  • Emergency communications and group first aid kit
  • Transport during the trip

  • Airfares
  • Accommodation in Adelaide prior and post trip
  • Items of personal nature such as laundry and postage
  • Backpacks
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser

Accommodation

Cabin Accommodation

During the trip we experience a delightful outback property. This simple outback homestead has been chosen for its location, charm, history and character. Our usual accommodation is noted below, but on some departures we will use alternate, similar style accommodation.

We will stay in the Shearer’s Quarters in Willow Springs Station in Hawker. The rooms here are a mix of twin and multi share. There are shared bathroom facilities.

Most groups are made up of a mixture of single participants and couples. If you are travelling alone you will share a room with someone of the same gender, this usually sorts itself out naturally. The guides will prepare all the meals and run the catering, however you will be asked to contribute by assisting around mealtimes. Participation will make for a more enjoyable experience for everybody. When single rooms are available, these will be in a shared cabin or in the shared Shearer's Quarters.

Trail Surface

Expect rocky, uneven surfaces

A majority of the terrain in the Flinders Ranges is rough and rocky, particularly on high ground, in gorges, creek and river beds. The ground is often distorted with embedded or loose rock depending on the trail variations.

The trail conditions of the Flinders Ranges are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains, undulating areas and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterised by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain.

Suitability

Moderate

5

To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking terrain, altitude and the length of the trek. The Heysen Trail trek is a 6 day trek graded moderate. This trek involves 6 – 8 hours walking each day over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. The trails are characterised as rocky, stony and mountainous terrain requiring you to be walking each day over rugged sometimes narrow terrain with some steep ascents and descents. Some days will be quite active involving steep walks for most of the day. In order to complete this trek we advise that you undertake regular three or four times a week for at least three months prior to your departure. Hill walking with a daypack is recommended. At least once a week, you should walk with a weighted day pack (5–7kg) for several hours for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. You will need to be prepared to use your upper body to climb, scramble and push along ledges. The best way to train for an active holiday is to simulate the activity you will be undertaking on the trip. Train for uneven terrain by finding a rough narrow bush track, even just your local park or sports field, and go for a lovely long walk in your trekking boots.

Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
Note:
A high season supplement applies from 1 April to 31 May and 1 September to 31 October, and for any trips that overlap with a public holiday.

Priceper person from

$3395AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementAUD$200
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Heysen Trail and the Flinders Ranges trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Not frequently. Sporadic reception can be received depending on your carrier. Wilpena Pound has Telstra coverage. Hawker and Blinman have Optus reception.

No. Guides will provide you with drinking water each day.

The guides will prepare and cook all of your evening meals, and cater for a wide range of dietary requirements.

A majority of the terrain in the Flinders Ranges is rough and rocky, particularly on high ground, in gorges, creek and river beds. The ground is often distorted with embedded or loose rock depending on the trail variations.

The trail conditions of the Flinders Ranges are rocky, rugged, hard surfaced and dry. While a number of sections of the trail wind through open plains, undulating areas and relatively flat country, overall, the trail is characterised by rocky, stony and mountainous terrain.

You will need a moderate level of fitness for this trek on the Heysen Trail. You need to be capable and prepared for 6 – 8 hours walking each day over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. The trails are characterised as rocky, stony and mountainous terrain requiring you to be walking each day over rugged sometimes narrow terrain with some steep ascents and descents. Some days will be quite active involving steep walks for most of the day. Previous experience on multi day walks is highly recommended. If you have any questions about your suitability please give us a call and speak with one of our staff members. We are more than happy to discuss additional information about what you can expect.

Our Flinders Ranges trekking season runs from April to September, when trekking conditions are most favourable. Autumn and Spring are arguably the best time to experience the trails, as it offers prime trekking conditions, more stable temperatures and endlessly blue days.

Generally speaking, the weather is fine in the Flinders Ranges and there is plenty of sun. We go in the coolest part of the year as this is the most comfortable time for walking. Daytime temperatures in April - May are mild while June - July can be cool to cold. From August to October the days get progressively warmer and late in the season the occasional hot day may require us to modify the day's trekking to suit the conditions.

Night time temperatures can be cold at any time of year. From late May through to early August, the evenings can be very cold (down to minus 5C°/24F°). On rare occasions, rain can force us to alter our schedule. Though rain is unlikely, please be prepared for cold and wet weather at all times of year.

You must arrive in Adelaide the day before your trek begins.

The trek is fully vehicle supported. You will carry just a day pack containing the items you need during the day (including water, sun hat, snacks, lunch, camera, waterproof and warm layers, etc). This is likely to weigh between 5-7kg.

Any excess luggage can be stored at your pre/post tour accommodation in Adelaide.

Yes. The terrain on this trek is rugged. For your comfort, you must have high supported boots with a heavy duty grip. There are lots of rocky, uneven and unstable sections, so ankle support will be beneficial.

Hiking poles can definitely assist you with going up and down the inclines and for stability. If you have not used them previously, we recommend that you do some training with them before you head out on the hike.

You will be able to charge your devices at your accommodation each night.

Heysen Trail Trip reviews

Heysen Trail Videos

What's it like trekking the Heysen Trail in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia?

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.