ATTRACTIONS BARNDIOOTA SA

The Flinders Ranges National Park is one of South Australia's most popular destinations. This area is world-renowned for its geological history, Aboriginal rock art sites, impressive fossil remains and its ruins of early European settlement. Aboriginal people have lived in the Flinders Ranges for tens of thousands of years. For the Adnyamathanha - the hills or rock people, the ranges are still of immense cultural significance. While geologists use science to explain the formation of the Flinders, the Adnyamathanha people understand the land through their Yura Muda stories, which endow the physical features of the ranges with spiritual meaning. The park is located in the Flinders Ranges between the townships of Hawker and Blinman. The park offers a wide range of activities for all interests. Drive through the scenic Bunyeroo Valley to the magnificent Brachina Gorge or hike some of the many walking trails of varying lengths and fitness levels including Bunyeroo Gorge, Bridle Gap and the challenging St Marys Peak. You can also enjoy camping (fees apply), bird watching and Aboriginal and European cultural experiences. Please refer to website for park entry and camping costs.

Situated at Hawker Motors is a museum, which Fred Teague built up over the years with relics from early settlers. There is a fine display of gemstones, minerals, fossils, photographs, antique bottles and memorabilia. For 60 years or so, Fred had been an inveterate collector. It all began with some mineral specimens, which he discovered in the Flinders Ranges. The compact museum, which is open to visitors, is packed with geological and mineral specimens ranging from beryl and bornite to exquisite scholzite crystals from Reaphook Hill. There is a wide range of regional items from a pedal radio to a camel's shoe. A number of pieces come from the now-deserted town of Waukaringa.

Brachina Gorge is one of the Flinders Ranges National Park's most popular and spectacular tourist attractions. The gorge is an important refuge for the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby as well as many species of birds and reptiles. The Brachina Gorge Geological Trail is a 20 kilometre self-guided trail that passes through 130 million years of earth history. Trail signage provides an insight into past climates, the formation of the ranges and the evolution of early life forms. The trail is best travelled from east to west, commencing at the Brachina Gorge/Blinman Road junction. A geological map and more detailed information on the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail are available from the Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre.

Arkapena Scenic Adventure is a genuine four wheel drive experience through some of the most spectacular scenery of South Australia's Flinders Ranges. The Arkapena track follows old mustering and fire trails on the 12,000 hectares Arkapena Station to the south and east of Wilpena Pound. The track begins with gentle slopes of dodonea bushland, arid native pine forest and Redgum creeks, among the foothills of the Chace Range. Here the geological history of the Flinders Ranges unfolds. Ancient sedimentary deposits of sand and silt have solidified and been molded into the rugged slopes of the surrounding Chace, Wilpena and Elder Ranges. Arkapena Scenic Adventure culminates in the Prelinna Lookout (679 metres) where you are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding Flinders Ranges. Allow approximately four hours to complete the 40 kilometre track.

A spectacular self-guided track in the heartland of South Australia's Flinders Ranges, Skytrek is an awesome rite of passage for four wheel drivers. Features include sheep country, an old pug and pine hut, rugged rocky ranges, river red gum lined creeks, ochre cliffs, groves of native pines and panoramic views of Wilpena Pound. Experience the exhilarating views from Upalinna Lookout where the Eagles view of the surrounding landscape gives a breathtaking and unforgettable experience. An exciting and diverse adventure, Skytrek begins from Willow Springs Station, a 70,000 acre sheep property, 21 kilometres north of Wilpena Pound. This six-hour track can be self-driven or join an approved tour operator. Please refer to property website for self drive entry costs.