The Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park
- Introduction
- Fact file
Introduction
Located in the southern Flinders Ranges this conservation park is named after theprominent bluff that rises over 800 metres and resembles the stern of an old Dutch sailing ship. The rugged landscape features rough, red cliff faces, deep gorges, open plains and winding creeks lined with river red gums. Climate is varied, with arid conditions in the north and a more temperate environment in the south. A wonderfully diverse range of plants includes the rare Quorn wattle; and among the 51 documented bird species are laughing kookaburras, yellow-faced honeyeaters, scarlet robins and majestic wedge-tailed eagles. A hike (medium difficulty) up to the sugar gums scattered along the Dutchmans Stern ridge top rewards with magnificent views of the Spencer Gulf and Willochra Plain. You can also see Devils Peak and Wilpena Pound, the remains of some of the oldest ranges in the world. Pick up a trail information sheet for details on the landscape, plants and wildlife. On its meandering 1200-kilometre journey from Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges to Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Australia’s longest dedicated walk, the Heysen Trail, passes through Dutchmans Stern. On the western side of the peak there are a number of other trails, but take plenty of water as some are full-day walks. The area was once a sheep-grazing property so you may come across the old homestead, farm sheds, shearer’s quarters and shearing shed. Some of these are now used as visitor accommodation (bookings essential). Camping is prohibited during the fire ban period between November 1 and April 30.Campfires are allowed at other times but gas or fuel stoves are preferred.
Fact file
Camping
Marys Dam, Olympic Dam, Mallee Country, Black Oak Country, Little Rock; fees apply
Location
334 km north of Adelaide via Stuart Hwy; 3 km north-west of Quorn via Arden Vale Rd; 25 km north-east of Port Augusta
Park Information
DEH (08) 8204 1910 NPWSA Mambray Creek (08) 8634 7068
Size
3523 ha
Where to Stay
Old Homestead and Shearer’s Quarters (NPWSA) Quorn (08) 8648 6419
Campsites
The Dutchmans Stern camping area (bush camping)
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