The Flinders Ranges & the Outback
North of the wine country, ancient red-earth country — ranges hundreds of millions of years old, the amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound, and the opal town of Coober Pedy.
The Flinders Ranges & the Outback
North of the wine country, South Australia opens into ancient, red-earth country. The Flinders Ranges rise in folds of rock hundreds of millions of years old, crowned by Ikara (Wilpena Pound), a vast natural amphitheatre on Adnyamathanha Country. Further out lies Coober Pedy, the opal town where people live underground to beat the heat, and beyond it the tracks and salt lakes of the true outback. It’s a world away from Adelaide — and unforgettable.
Flinders & Outback Highlights
Ikara (Wilpena Pound)
A vast natural amphitheatre of rock at the heart of the Flinders Ranges — walk it, drive it or fly over it.
Gorges & Rock Art
Ancient gorges, fossils and Aboriginal rock art tell a story hundreds of millions of years long.
Coober Pedy
The opal capital, with underground dugout homes and hotels and the lunar Breakaways nearby.
Outback Wildlife
Emus, kangaroos, yellow-footed rock wallabies and big skies of birdlife across the ranges.
Outback Guides & Tours
Flinders Ranges & the Outback — FAQ
What are the Flinders Ranges known for?
Some of the oldest landscapes on earth — ancient ranges, gorges and the vast natural amphitheatre of Ikara (Wilpena Pound), on the Country of the Adnyamathanha people, with rich wildlife and Aboriginal rock art. See the Flinders Ranges guide.
What is Coober Pedy known for?
Coober Pedy is the “opal capital of the world”, famous for its underground “dugout” homes and hotels carved into the rock to escape the desert heat, plus the lunar Breakaways. See the Coober Pedy guide.
How far are the Flinders Ranges from Adelaide?
About five hours’ drive north to Wilpena Pound (Coober Pedy is 8–9 hours) — too far for a day trip, and best explored over several days. Regional flights and guided tours shorten the journey.
When is the best time to visit the outback?
The cooler months (roughly April to October) are far more comfortable; summer inland can be dangerously hot. After rain, wildflowers can be spectacular.
South Australia, Planned Around You
Adelaide, the wine country, Kangaroo Island and the outback — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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