In the Flinders Ranges National Park, we will see Wilpena Pound from Wangara Lookout

The Flinders Ranges National Park and Wilpena Pound is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the outback and it is one of South Australia's most visited national parks.

Flinders Ranges National Park encompasses 94,908 ha (234,518 acres) of the central ranges. Its centrepiece, Wilpena Pound, is an enormous natural amphitheatre measuring 11 km (7 miles) by 5 km (3.1 miles) and rimmed by battlement-like ridges, which on their outer edge plummet as much as 300 m (1000 feet) to the surrounding plains. The highest point in the pound, 1188-m (3898-foot) St Mary Peak, is also the tallest mountain in South Australia.

Wilpena Pound

The Aboriginal name Wilpena is said to mean 'cupped hand' -a highly appropriate description, while the epithet 'pound' derives from the landform's use as a natural stock enclosure by pioneer graziers.

The national park has an extensive network of walking tracks which range from short ten-minute walks to more challenging hikes lasting for several days – it’s okay we aren’t going on one of these big ones.

Wilpena Pound is the main centre within the national park and is home to the information centre. Many of the walking tracks within the park originate from here. Wilpena Pound is a spectacular natural basin ringed by steep cliffs with some rewarding hiking trails. Perhaps the most popular short hike is the two-hour walk to Wangara Lookout that offers dramatic views – this is the one we will go on.

The region is also home to fascinating Aboriginal rock paintings. If you're going on the walk, remember to take plenty of water. At least a litre is essential.

Old Homestead and Wangara Lookout

This takes between 1-2 hours and is a relatively easy walk which goes through the Pound Gap, past the old Hill homestead and up the easy edge of the Pound so that, by the time we reach Wangara Lookout, we will have good panoramic views across the Pound.

Flinders Ranges

Have a look at our Tamworth Tour where Flinders Ranges National Park is included as part of your tour.