Wilpena
Town
Wilpena consists of a resort and caravan/camping park on the edge of Wilpena Pound, in Flinders Ranges National Park. In 1902 the Hill family, wheat farmers, built a homestead inside the pound, but abandoned it after a flood washed away the access road in 1914. The pound is a vast natural amphitheatre surrounded by peaks that change colour with the light, and is a fantastic destination for bushwalking.
Visitor Information
Wilpena Rd, via Hawker; (08) 8648 0048
Nearby national parks
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Flinders Ranges National Park
Flinders Ranges National Park covers a vast ancient landscape of rippled outback terrain and exposed ridges, culminating in the striking...more -
Lake Torrens National Park
The 250-kilometre-long ephemeral Lake Torrens is timeless, wild and starkly photogenic. Protected within Lake Torrens National Park, this is...more -
Vulkathunha Gammon Ranges National Park
At the northernmost end of the Flinders, the weathered Vulkathunha–Gammon Ranges are the last cluster of ancient mountains before the...more
Nearby towns
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Hawker
This small outback town was once a thriving railway centre, and historic buildings are still well preserved in its streets. Hawker was...more -
Blinman
During the 19th century numerous mining townships dotted the northern Flinders Ranges. Blinman is the sole surviving town surveyed at the...more -
Quorn
Nestled in a valley in the Flinders Ranges, Quorn was established as a town on the Great Northern Railway line in 1878. The line was built...more
In Town
Wilpena Pound Resort: partly powered by the largest solar-power system in the Southern Hemisphere (viewing area accessed by a walking trail). The visitor centre at the resort has extensive information on 4WD and organised tours, self-guide drives, scenic flights, bushwalking and hiking; (08) 8648 0004.
Nearby
Flinders Ranges National Park For thousands of years the ancient landscapes of the Flinders Ranges were home to the Adnyamathanha people – the 'people of the rocks'. Their Muda (Dreamtime) stories tell of the creation of the slopes and gorges that ripple across the landscape for over 400 km, from south-east of Port Augusta to north of Arkaroola. In the 1850s stock runs were established at Arkaba, Wilpena and Aroona. Foreign plant and animal species were introduced and the natural balance of the ranges was altered. Within 50 years of European settlement many endemic animals had been pushed to extinction. Today conservationists are trying to recover the natural balance of the area, and have had success in the recovery of yellow-footed rock wallabies. The central ranges are a fabulous place for hikers. There are 17 walks and hikes to choose from and the choice is difficult. All provide a different historical, geological or scenic look at the ranges. For a look into early European settlement take the 5.4 km return Hills Homestead Walk into the extraordinary natural rock formation of Wilpena Pound. Impressive rock paintings depicting the creation of the ranges can be seen on the Arkaroo Rock Hike (3 km loop track). And for nature lovers there is the Bunyeroo Gorge Hike, a 7.5 km return trail that follows the gorge and reveals fantastic wildlife and rock formations. There are also driving tours that reveal some of the park's most spectacular scenery. The popular Brachina Gorge Geological Trail is a 20 km drive that details the long physical history of the ranges, from when the hills were layers of sediment beneath an ocean, to when they were compressed and pushed up into the shape of mountains. Look out for the yellow-footed rock wallaby in the rocky upper slopes of this beautiful gorge. All the roads north of Wilpena are unsealed, but are generally 2WD accessible. Among all of this, at Wilpena, is some of the best accommodation and facilities north of Adelaide. Drop into the Wilpena Pound Visitor Information Centre for a park guide, book scenic slights and other tours; (08) 8648 0048. Sacred Canyon: Aboriginal rock carvings and paintings; 19 km E. Rawnsley Park Station: camping and holiday-unit accommodation, scenic flights, horseriding and 4WD tours; (08) 8648 0030; 20 km S on Hawker Rd. Moralana Scenic Drive: 22 km route between Elder Range and south-west wall of Wilpena Pound with lookouts and picnic spots en route; drive starts 25 km S.
Fishing spots near town
Fitzgerald Bay 174 km
Snapper fishing has a language all of its own. In Queensland and NSW, anglers talk about small snapper as ‘squire’. In Victoria, small snapper are ‘pinkies’; in SA, they are known as... Find out morePoint Lowly 181 km
The Point Lowly lighthouse marks the southern extremity of Fitzgerald Bay. Near the lighthouse is a small community of shacks. These lighthouse cottages are cared for by the Uniting Church, and are available for hire. It... Find out moreWhyalla 192 km
Whyalla is snapper central for anglers. Every Easter the Australian Snapper Championships are based here and the top ten snapper weighed in are always over 10 kg. As you would expect with a destination where fishing is... Find out morePort Broughton 236 km
Port Broughton is a favourite destination for anglers wanting to fish from charter boats. The boat ramp in the sheltered harbour is next to a small pier complex and is popular for small fish including salmon, Tommy ruff,... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden 133 km
Located at Port Augusta West (at the head of Spencer Gulf) and spread over 200 hectares, this centre showcases the Australian arid landscapes and their vegetation. There are 12 kilometres of walking tracks, guided tours... Find out moreDiving with cuttlefish, off Whyalla 193 km
Every year between May and September, thousands of Australian giant cuttlefish converge on the rocky coastline between Fitzgerald Bay and False Bay at Whyalla (on the Eyre Peninsula’s north-east coast) to breed and... Find out moreArid Recovery Reserve 196 km
Initially a public relations exercise for BHP Billiton’s massive Olympic Dam mine, the Arid Recovery Reserve at Roxby Downs is now an excellent example of how industry, government and the community can work... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
Campsites around town
Cooinda camping area (walk-in camping) 5 km
A sheltered but no-frills walk-in site is tucked within Wilpena Pound, 12 km from the visitor centre; a permit is required. This camping area serves as a base for bushwalks to St Mary Peak and Edeowie Gorge. The views... Find out moreAcraman Campground 14 km
Nestled in the ranges, this site for self-sufficient campers is a handy base for exploring the Heysen Trail, Bunyeroo Gorge and the scenic majesty of Bunyeroo Valley and Wilpena Pound. From the visitor centre it’s... Find out moreWillow Springs camping area (bush camping) 18 km
This family-run sheep property just north-east of Wilpena offers a range of camping options as well as cottage accommodation. It’s also a popular destination for remote camping, bushwalking and adventure... Find out moreCambrian Campground 19 km
Self-sufficient campers will find 13 sites at this 4WD-access campground, off Bunyeroo Gorge Rd, 37 km north-west of the park HQ. This is a pleasant camping ground and is near the western end of Bunyeroo Gorge. The drive... Find out moreDingley Dell Campground 22 km
There is basic camping in the open hill country near Oraparinna, just off Blinman Rd, 31 km north-east of the visitor centre. Permit required.... Find out moreBrachina Gorge camping area (bush camping) 22 km
Through the twists and turns of the gorge there are several designated nooks for bush camping. Many have fine views of features like Heysen Hill and The Guardian, though in peak sightseeing times there can be a lot of... Find out moreTeamsters Campground 22 km
Teamsters is at the western entrance to Brachina Gorge, a short walk to some of the steepest and most colourful gorge faces. Located 42 km from Wilpena, it is not far from the Hawker to Leigh Creek road, and suits... Find out moreBrachina East Campground 22 km
The gateway to all the Brachina action, this campground for self-sufficient campers is accessible from the east by 2WD and is pleasantly situated on the banks of Brachina Creek. Signposted along Brachina Gorge Rd, 48 km... Find out moreTrezona Campground 22 km
This location on Brachina Gorge Rd, 44 km north of Wilpena, takes its name from the ancient shales and limestones of the craggy Trezona Range. There is a self-guided nature walk here as part of the Brachina Gorge... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Shoreline Caravan Park 131 km
This park has good facilities in a quiet, offthe- highway location. It has sea frontage and views of the Flinders Ranges. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out morePort Augusta Big4 Holiday Park 132 km
With very good facilities, this place is strategically based at the junction of the Eyre, Princes and Stuart highways. It can get quite busy here, even in the low season. The park is about 1.5 km from the town centre.... Find out morePeterborough Caravan Park 162 km
This is a tidy park located off the main road in a quiet part of town, adjacent to the town’s swimming pool. The park has modern amenities and is conveniently positioned for an overnight stop between Broken Hill... Find out moreNuttbush Retreat Caravan Park 165 km
This park adjoins the huge Pandurra sheep and cattle station, 40 km south-west of Port Augusta on the Eyre Highway. The park has very good facilities, including a licensed bar and restaurant.... Find out morePort Pirie Beach Caravan Park 191 km
This beachfront caravan park is just 1.5 km from the town centre and offers a range of facilities to suit most travellers. Nicely angled drive-through sites, clean amenities and friendly staff make this our pick of the... Find out moreDiscovery Holiday Parks – Whyalla Foreshore 193 km
Now part of the Beston Group, this large park close to town has most amenities for tourists. Bookings are required at Easter.... Find out moreCrystal Brook Caravan Park 205 km
This is a small, neat council-owned park just on the edge of town. It is a very pretty park with large red gums, a creek alongside, and lawn sites. We find it good value.... Find out morePort Broughton Caravan Park 239 km
A large park on the waterfront at the small town of Port Broughton, this is ideal for a quiet break or for fishing and crabbing. Bookings are required in peak periods, and a minimum-length stay period applies at Easter... Find out moreBurra Caravan and Camping Park 240 km
This picturesque park is situated alongside a creek just two minutes walk from the centre of Burra, a historic mining town. The park has good basic facilities and plenty of large shady trees. It is an excellent base from... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Taking in secluded valleys and lofty ranges on the eastern border of Flinders Ranges National Park, Willow Springs pioneered the private off-road adventure with its ‘Skytrek’ drive. A manager’s... Find out more
Tucked among the shady river red gums beside Wilpena Creek, this landmark resort has been a magnet for Flinders Range’s travellers for more than 50 years. It offers unrivalled access to Wilpena Pound, with walking... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Rawnsley Park Station 13 km
Eight modern strawbale eco-villas with grand views perch on this sheep station, on the southern slopes of Wilpena Pound. Tourism is now the main industry on the property, and the one- and two-bedroom eco-villas are the... Find out moreWillow Springs Station, near Wilpena Pound 18 km
Another working sheep station, Willow Springs on the edge of the national park is home to the legendary six-hour 4WD route Skytrek, passing through Bunkers Conservation Reserve and culminating at the 921-metre-high... Find out moreRest areas around town
Tent Hill Rest Area 127 km
36 km N of Port Augusta (R) or 137 km S of Pimba (L) Large area just off the highway surrounded by scrub. Limited shade. GPS: S32 14.531 E137 32.759... Find out moreIronstone Lagoon Rest Area 132 km
103 km N of Port Augusta (L) or 70 km S of Pimba (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 43.149 E137 13.867... Find out moreWilmington Park Area 133 km
South side of town Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 39.11 E138 06.06... Find out moreHancocks Lookout Rest Area 141 km
T/O 18 km SE of Princes Hwy (R) or 4 km W of Wilmington (L) Large area 7 kilometres south of the highway at the lookout. Excellent views over the surrounding countryside. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S32 42.20... Find out moreGoyders Line Rest Area 146 km
17 km S of Wilmington (R) or 4 km N of Melrose (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S32 48.06 E138 12.30... Find out moreYunta Rest Area 148 km
Middle of town Town park opposite the hotel. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 34.908 E139 33.749... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Wilpena Under the Stars: black-tie dinner and dance to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service; March.
Tastes of the Outback: Apr.
Flinders Ranges Event Program: events run in autumn and spring, including guided walks, tours and cultural activities; details from visitor centre.
