Stretching from the Clare Valley to the Northern Territory border, the Flinders Ranges and Outback is the biggest and, some would say, the most impressive, region in South Australia. The landscapes are as diverse as they are impressive, from flat salt lakes to the dramatic mountains at Wilpena Pound through to vast, open expanses of grazing country.
Ancient Landscapes
The Flinders Ranges and Outback is a region dominated by truly breathtaking landscapes and captivating features. Wilpena Pound, an icon of the region, includes St Mar Peak, the highest peak in the range and there are also several national parks, the Heysen and Mawson trails, all of which are ideal for bushwalkers and mountain bikers. To experience the full breadth of this country, plan a drive along the Explorer’s Way – a self-paced road trip guide stretching from Adelaide to the Northern Territory border.
History
Home to early European settlers as early as the mid 19th century, the Flinders Ranges and Outback is littered with memorabilia from the part. Extensive ruins on Farina Station are evidence of the once thriving town of Farina, and further south, the Blinman copper Mine was one of the most profitable mineral leases of its era. The Marree Man is a mysterious geolyph that appeared in the landscape near Finniss Springs in the late 1980s. To date, no one has claimed responsibility for its creation.
farinastation.com.au
farinarestoration.com
blinman.org.au
Indigenous Culture
Home to the Adnyamathanha people for tens of thousands of years, the Flinders Ranges holds significant cultural meaning for local indigenous people. Many of their stories are explored at Wadlata Outback Centre at Port Augusta as well as the interpretive centre in the Melrose Courthouse Heritage Centre. The Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park has a number of Aboriginal rock artworks, most notably a depiction of the creation of Wilpena Pound on Arkaroo Rock.
wadlata.sa.gov.au
community.history.sa.gov.au/
melrose-heritage-museum
environment.sa.gov.au/parks/find-a-park/Browse_by_region/flinders-ranges-outback/
ikara-flinders-ranges-national-park
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