A magnificent place to visit and only two and a half hours drive from Adelaide, and one hour from the Clare Valley. The Southern Flinders Ranges would have to be one of South Australia’s most picturesque locations with an abundance of native wildlife, scenic locations and an assortment of activities, ranging from Bike Riding which in recent times has become quite popular, to bush walking and fishing, the region is home to the famous Spencer Gulf Red Snapper, People travel from all over the country at the chance to catch the big one, a 12kg Big Red.
For the keen 4WD enthusiast there are some exciting tracks to test your skills, it’s a great way to explore these magnificent ancient ranges; see our endangered yellow footed Rock Wallaby, an abundance of native fauna and flora. An exciting way to experience, one of South Australias most precious landscapes.
The Region has the best of both worlds the Southern Flinders Ranges to the East and Spencer Gulf to the West, with so much to offer one day is never enough to enjoy all its pleasures.
Enjoy the local cellar doors, and take the time to meet the families who own and operate their vineyards, who have established their own successful labels, they are a colourful bunch and all have a yarn to spin.
Today the region is a bustling location throughout the four seasons of the year with a spectacular landscape highly suitable to the Tourist and traveler with many ideal attractions for all to see.
Port Germein: boasts the longest man made jetty in the southern hemisphere ideally suited to someone wanting to wet a line and through the summer months it’s alive with blue swimmer crabs. |
If 4WD driving is in your blood then this track and the tracks running off it are an exciting alternative to the bitumen trails, discover pristine valleys and gorges and take in the breathtaking views across the plains and over Spencer Gulf. If you’re prepared to wait you will be rewarded with a magnificent sunset and those adventurous to do some night driving will experience the beautiful light display as each city in the Iron Triangle lights up the night sky. |
- For the keen campers and bushwalkers amongst us Wirrabara state forest is situated approximately 9km west of the Wirrabara township. Camping is permitted within this state forest at the designated camp sites, however a small fee is charged by the forestry office. This location is easy and accessibly throughout most of the years weather conditions and suits tent campers, caravans or camper trailers.
There are many walking trails that can be tackled within the forest and two of these are accessibly from the Ippinitchie camp ground, one in particular whilst quite long offers spectacular views to the west over Spencer Gulf. They are all pleasant walks, meandering through both pine and eucalypt forest plantations. Bird life is prolific and it is quite common to hear the Kookaburra laughing, the Cockatoo’s screeching and many Kangaroo and Wallaby species taking shade during particularly hot days. Various reptile species both Lizard and Snake are common in the warmer months. It becomes very hot here in the summer months therefore spring, autum and even winter are ideal times to visit. |
| The town ship of Melrose settled at the base of Mount Remarkable is the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges. Set in one of the most picturesque locations the traveler is welcomed to stay and absorb its fascinating history and colourful past. |
| The main tourist attraction is the old Gladstone Gaol, built between 1879-81 it was originally intended for inebriates, debtors and other prisoners. Containing 120 cells, the gaol never exceeded a maximum of 60 prisoners at any stage during it operational history. It is now open to the public for tours, back-packer accommodation and is available for functions. |
| The delightful town of Laura is nestled into the eastern slopes of the Southern Flinders Ranges on the banks of the southerly flowing Rocky River amidst stately red gums, a beautiful location to set down for the day and enjoy a picnic setting on the banks of the Rocky River. |
| Sits on the Northern boundary of the Clare Valley it hosts an incredible air show once every three years “Fly in and Air Spectacular”. Also home to the railway museum Jamestown provides for a good base in which to explore the Bundaleer Forest, this being the world first forest plantation established in 1876. |
| The Alligator Gorge is part of Mount Remarkable National Park. It is an area of particular beauty which is noted for its outstanding displays of wildflowers in the springtime. This is well worth visiting. There are steps into the gorge with resting bays at various points. At some places the gorge is so narrow Ferns and gum trees fight for light in this narrow and beautiful location. |
