As the sun rose on day five of our outback adventure, we set out from Burra, bound for Bendleby in the southern Flinders Ranges. Our route took us through former railway towns, each with the whispers of a bygone era of steam trains. A quick detour led us to Farrell Flat, where we were amazed at the detailed silo.
The rain began to fall as we made our way, accompanied by epic winds. Not enough rain to dampen our spirits as we stocked up in Burra, a town we’ve grown to love for its country charm and welcoming locals. A stop at the famous ‘Midnight Oil house’ and a photo op in the almost abandoned township of Terowie broke up the trip.
Our next camp found us nestled in Hidden Valley at Bendleby Ranges, a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Our campsite offered a perfect base for exploring the rugged terrain, with 4WD tracks ready for adventure. From Gum Creek Drive to Billy Goat Ridge, each track presented its challenges and rewards, with steep climbs and breathtaking vistas awaiting every turn.
We bid farewell to Bendleby Ranges and made our way to Rawnsley Park Station, a place that holds a special place in our hearts. The scenic beauty of the Flinders Ranges never fails to amaze us, and Rawnsley Park’s bush camping options provide the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the beautiful and rugged Rawnsley Bluff. A lunch stop at The Cradock Hotel and an afternoon of ‘housekeeping’ rounded out the day.
A highlight of this trip to the Flinders saw another bucket list item ticked off. We boarded the Pichi Richi Railway from Port Augusta to Quorn and back. Celebrating 50 years of operation, the railway is a testament to the dedication of its volunteers, who have preserved this piece of history for future generations. Lunch at the Transcontinental Hotel in Quorn provided a welcome break before we continued our journey.
Next for our Flinders adventure we found ourselves drawn to Wilpena Pound, where we stumbled upon an exhibition of Flinders Ranges art in the old shearing shed. A stroll around the historic homestead and a visit to the North Blinman Hotel added to the day’s adventures before we headed to Moolooloo Station for the first time.
Our time at Moolooloo was spent exploring Ferguson Gorge and Artimore ruins, soaking in the region’s natural beauty. As we bid farewell to Moolooloo Station, we headed north to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.
The Flinders Ranges never fail to disappoint, and there are always new adventures to be had!
Norris Around Australia 