From the moment we checked in with the kids, it felt like the little details had been thought through. We stayed in one of the family rooms, complete with a super comfy queen bed for the adults and king single bunk beds that our kids instantly claimed as their own. The bed was honestly one of the comfiest we’ve slept in, and after a big day exploring (or in our case, shopping up a storm at nearby Westfield Marion), everyone was more than happy to climb in for an early night. The kids were delighted to find colouring packs waiting in the room, while the gorgeous Appelles kids toiletries were a lovely touch that made them feel just as special as the grown-ups.

Then there’s the food… and if you know 91¹û¶³´«Ã½, you’ll know the Hurley Group rarely misses when it comes to great hospitality. Whether you’re fuelling up with breakfast before a busy day, grabbing a casual bite after exploring the city or settling in for a relaxed family dinner, there’s something for everyone. Parents can even sneak away for sunset drinks at Wonderland in the stunning rooftop bar (18+), while the sports bar and restaurant also make it easy to enjoy quality food without having to head back out once you’ve checked in.

We also loved how convenient the location is. You’re only a short drive from the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ CBD, Glenelg Beach, Westfield Marion, Flinders Medical Centre, 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Oval and many of 91¹û¶³´«Ã½’s biggest attractions, yet the hotel still feels relaxed and removed from the hustle and bustle. Add in free parking, a modern gym, stylish interiors and genuinely welcoming service, and it’s easy to see why Hotel Panorama is set to become a favourite with families.

If you’re looking for accommodation that’s super modern, affordable, comfortable and makes travelling with kids just that little bit easier, Hotel Panorama is well worth adding to your list.

Location: 625 Goodwood Road, Panorama
Phone: 08 7428 3000
Find them on Ìý´Ç°ùÌý

The Clare Valley is famous for its wine and for good reason. But beyond the cellar doors, this charming region is full of rolling hills, country vibes, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. And with right in the heart of it all, it’s the perfect base to truly soak up everything this beautiful region has to offer.

And while the adults may be here for the riesling, the kids? They’ll think this adventure is entirely about them from the second you check in. There’s a bouncing pillow (yes, the adults tried it, very funny), plus the biggest pump track we’ve ever seen at a holiday park. Two pools, including a heated one, plus the basketball court, painted on hopscotch, and a big tub of sporting equipment (cricket sets, balls, racquets and more) provide the kids with even more opportunities to be active and outdoors. Everywhere you look, kids are running, jumping, riding and exploring and parents can actually relax a little knowing there’s so much to keep them entertained.

The splash park deserves a paragraph of its own. EPIC is the only word that does it justice. Two waterslides, a giant tipping bucket, a squirting kangaroo and koala, interactive jets and water play galore. If you’ve got aqua-loving kids (like me), this is their version of paradise.

The main camp kitchen is right near the pool and sports area, creating a central hub where families naturally gather. Travellers cook, chat, and share stories while the kids play nearby. There’s also plenty of grassy space for picnics, and if your crew wants a bit more adventure, you can hire e-bikes, pedal bikes or karts to explore the park and even hop on the Riesling Trail, a gorgeous way to see the region without moving the car.

We stayed in a Deluxe 2-Bedroom cabin – sleeps 4, which was perfect for families. Spacious, clean, and thoughtfully designed, it had everything you could need: a fully equipped kitchen for cooking meals, all linen and towels supplied (so no hauling your own), an electric blanket on the main bed (hello, cosy nights!), and block-out double blinds for lazy mornings. The cabin was perfectly positioned between the playground and splash park, which meant the kids could dash from one activity to the next. For families or travellers on a budget, there’s also plenty of space for caravans and tents, as well as smaller cabins, making the park accessible and affordable for all kinds of visitors.

Despite the not-so-perfect weather, the kids didn’t care. They still loved every element of the park, from pools to splash park to bouncing pillow. When it rained, the Discovery Kids Activity Booklets from reception kept them happily occupied with puzzles and colouring while we sipped Clare Valley Shiraz and enjoyed wood-oven pizzas from Mr Micks, who parks his mobile pizza setup onsite on Friday evenings. A little rain never felt like a letdown here.

If you’re planning a Clare Valley getaway, or maybe just making your way through SA, make sure is on your list. It’s the kind of place where kids make instant friends, families come together, and everyone leaves a little tired, a little messy, but very happy. Wine country is great, but this is where the whole family can truly soak up the country charm… and a little chaos too.

(Use code KIDSINADL25 at check out for 15% discount until Nov 2026 t&c apply)

Location: 8511 Horrocks Hwy, Clare SA 5453
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This content was created in partnership with Discovery Parks

If you’re planning a trip to Victor be sure to put a few of these on your ‘to do’ list.

Due to the algal bloom, we recommend checking the authorised SA Government Algal Bloom update page , before attending any beaches or entering the water.

Victor Harbor Playgrounds

GT Fisher Playground

We have to admit, the GT Fisher Playground (or the Train Playground) on the foreshore has been a favourite for what feels like decades (because it has been decades….that is how old we are!). Renovated a couple of years ago to transform this iconic spot into a fantastic nature playground, incorporating the old train still, it works so well as a destination spot to tuck into some lunch during your Victor day trip.

We love the fully fenced section for the little kids, whilst having a more open area (plus lots of grass to kick the footy) for the older ones. A beautiful spot with all the facilities you need!

For all the info on one of our faves, click here.

Victor Harbor Youth Park

If your kids are a bit old for the new GT Fisher Playground at Victor, or you need a spot where kids can play on equipment and also have a skate and shoot some hoops this is a great spot right on the foreshore. This area is suited more to older kids. The playground equipment (called the Teenranger) includes two circular climbing frames, flying fox and lots of things to balance on and hang from. The skate park is best for kids who are confident on their wheels, although when the bowl is quiet smaller kids will enjoy it too.

 This spot is great for the bigger kids and is well worth a read here.

Muwerang-Kent Reserve

You know what we love about Kent Reserve? It is solid. Not spectacular, but solid. Heaps of equipment for all ages, nothing flash but lots of good stuff for a range of ages. Then you add in some really good facilities like BBQs and toilets, then throw in the proximity to the beach (like 5 metres away) and you have yourself a great alternative to the usually busy foreshore area. Keep this one in the back of your mind if you are looking for a big quiet spot, close to the heart of Victor, to take the kids for a BBQ dinner and a play on the sand.

Check out our visit here.

Goolwa Nature Play Space

Goolwa! Only about 10 minutes down the road from Victor and if you can tear yourself away from the fabulous Sunday markets, then the kids will thank you if you get to their new(ish) nature playground. The Bristow Smith Reserve is headlined by a 10 metre long wooden boat, which your nautically inclined kids will be all over. Speaking of being all over, be wary this one is right on the waters edge and is not fenced, but the views of the mighty Murray will bring back memories of watching Storm Boy as a kid. If your kids haven’t seen it, get them onto some classic SA movie history.

Check out our visit to this great playground here

Commodore Reserve, Pt Elliot

Need to work off one of Port Elliot Bakeries ‘Donut of the Month’? Why not pop down to Horseshoe Bay and check out a family spot with it all! Commodore Reserve has a cool little playground, which overlooks the beautiful Horseshoe Bay (close to our heart this one…we did nippers here many, many years ago!). Nearby walks along the coastal tracks make this a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, especially during whale season. If you are keen for a bit of whale spotting, check out all the info here.

A fantastic spot and although the playground is only a small one, the location, beach and trails (oh and bakery) make this really good for the whole fam. All the playground info here.

Starfish Park

Flying fox, sandpits, climbing rope towers and so much more! No wonder this is so popular over at Hayborough (just that little suburb near the Aldi as you come into Victor), but it also has some fab facilities to host a kids party or Sunday family BBQ with a huge grassed area to boot. 

Keen to know more about our visit? Click here!

Soldiers Memorial Playground

Picture this, you are at the foreshore, just been to Granite Island and want a little playground to rest but GT Fisher is cranking and crowds….meh. Literally 100m in the other direction is the Soldiers Memorial Playground, one of the little KiA crew’s favourites down that way. Some great climbing equipment for the under 10s is what you will find here, plus easy access to the beach and great views of Granite Island and The Bluff. Check out our write up here!

Victor Harbor Beaches

Due to the algal bloom, we recommend checking the authorised SA Government Algal Bloom update page , before attending any beaches or entering the water.

The beaches along the coast at Victor are beautiful but some spots are waaaay better than others (looking at you foreshore seaweed mountains). Make sure you’re aware of the tidal movement if you’re out in a kayak as there can be some rips that pull you out. There are very few waves as Granite Island tends to block these, which makes it a lovely place for children to play in the water, fly kites and build castles and forts.

Middleton and Port Elliot are close by if you have kids who are interested in body-boarding or surfing, plus these are the nicest beaches by far when it comes to the sandy beaches you think of back in town.  The waves here are great for those learning to surf as the waves aren’t too large and the water is shallow quite a long way out. Please be aware that the tidal pull here is extremely strong. Even though the water looks very shallow it can drag children out very, very quickly and sweep their feet from under them. It is very important you keep a close eye on your children.

As you head along the coast past the Bluff, the beaches can get rather rough as the full force of the Southern Ocean pounds the coast, but the views and the walk are sensational.

We included the fab Victor Heritage Trail along the Bluff and the coast in our bushwalking feature….check it out here.

Family Friendly Restaurants and Cafes in Victor Harbor

Port Elliot Bakery

A South Australian icon and you can’t go to Victor without getting a pie, pasty or sausage roll from there! There are often line ups so that pretty much explains just how awesome this place is. I’ve always figured that the energy and kilojoules it takes lining up balances it all out!

The Causeway Cafe

We love the Causeway Cafe because it offers a perfect blend of great food, stunning views, and a welcoming atmosphere.

Families visiting Victor Harbor should visit this cafe for its delicious menu that includes options for everyone, quality coffee, and homemade treats. The outdoor seating with views of Granite Island, along with the friendly staff and family-friendly vibe, make it an ideal spot for a relaxing meal or snack.

You can read our full review here

Family Friendly Things to Do and See in Victor Harbor

Cockle Train

The Cockle Train is truly a unique rail journey. Starting at the Riverside town of Goolwa, where the mighty Murray River meets the rails. This section of railway track from Goolwa to Port Elliot was the first iron railway in Australia and was opened in 1854, and you can travel on it! the next section of track from Port Elliot to Victor Harbour is full of stunning views. On one side are the hills overlooking the bay! The other side is the Southern Ocean with its lovely white beaches and playful surf awaiting you to take the plunge or even just a toe. At Victor Harbour one can wander through the streets or ride the horse drawn tram on the causeway to Granite Island. This journey can be taken from both directions.

Whale Watching

From May until around October make sure you plan at least one whale watching weekend with the kids in Victor Harbor, it’s SUCH a thrill to see them and there’s plenty of info on our website about when and where to go, and also a link to the SA Whale Centre whale sighting log so you can see how many are around.

click here for where to see whales in Victor Harbor

SA Whale Centre

The South Australian Whale Centre is South Australia’s largest marine focused interpretative centre.

Visitors can experience the natural wonders of the deep, explore the world heritage listed railway building, and gain further knowledge about Victor Harbor and South Australia’s marine treasures. The centre provides whale sighting information, education and research support services through a range of mediums. The centre brings together a unique collection of historic treasures, marine, cultural, and aboriginal heritage to deliver an inspiring and enjoyable experience for every visitor.

Be sure to let the kids have a dig in the Dig Pit and search for fossils!  Make sure you check out their  and  for exciting new exhibits and talks!

Find out more by clicking here. 

Horsedrawn Tram

The horsedrawn tram is an iconic feature of Victor Harbor! The clydesdale horses pull the swaying tram across the new causeway  to Granite Island and back again. Kids LOVE going on the tram, or even just watching the horses being fed and groomed. The beautiful horses are magnificent, and the olden-days tram is a nice change of pace for kids.

Girdlers Family Amusements

Located at the end of the causeway in Victor Harbor, Girdlers Family Amusements in on-site throughout the School Holidays,
and most long weekends and public holidays. Ride the ferris wheel and other thrill rides, dodgem cars, inflatable balls and play sideshow games. There are food trucks where you can grab a good fish and chips and delicious strawberries and cream!

Granite Island

Granite Island is a short walk (or horsedrawn tram ride!) across the bridge from the main part of Victor Harbor. There are steep stairs and dusty walking paths that kids love exploring as they wander around the island. Be aware that prams can go across to the island but the walk around it is not suitable for young children (unless carried) or prams. Older children love it though and it’s not a long hike. Sensible shoes are recommended.

Look out for the famous Granite Island fairy penguins that inhabit the island

Urimbirra Wildlife Park

The Urimbirra Wildlife Park is around 5 minutes drive out of Victor Harbor. There is lots the kids will love, and it’s a great place to go if you have had enough of the beach! There are koalas, birds, lizards, snakes (gah!), wombats and also farm yard animals. It’s worth packing a picnic and spending the day in the park. Guaranteed winner with the kids!

The Bluff

The Bluff is a long bike ride, walk or scoot along the coast, with a steep track to the top for awesome views. Or you can take the car and enjoy it too! It’s a great spot to look back towards Victor Harbor and examine further down the coast.

Main St Sculpture

Head to the end of Main St after dinner to check out the light up sculpture at night! It makes for a great selfie spot. Our sources tell us it’s meant to be a jelly fish – but we’ll let you be the judge of that once you’ve seen it!

Where to stay in Victor Harbor

If you’re after a truly family friendly accommodation option we cannot recommend Victor Harbor Cabin and Holiday Park more. We’ve stayed a few times now and our kids L-O-V-E it! You almost don’t need to organise any other activities because it’s ALL right there at the park.
Two swimming pools, jumping pillow, playground, onsite cafe, bike hire, pedal karts, games room and more!

There plenty of cabins available at a range of prices as well as powered and unpowered sites, and even ensuite sites!

Click here to find out more.

File this one under ‘wasn’t sure if it would be interesting but it actually wasn’t bad’, because seeing (and hearing!) these colossal structures up close is really quite awe inspiring. It is also the windiest place on Earth (hence the wind farm being built here I suppose), but you can get within a fairly close distance to the windmills at the designated viewing platform.

You will find Wattle Point just out of Edithburgh, which you can easily see just south of the township. Well worth a drive and those who are interested can read up on all things wind farm tech, or you can just stand and admire how big they are. Chuck it in the itinerary for your day at Yorkes, it takes 5 minutes and is rather cool and unique.

Located in the heart of Edithburgh (you can’t miss it on your morning walk), you can take your pick from a large under cover area, indoor seating or even out on the grass if the weather is nice enough. Full of coastal town charm, the friendly staff will have you covered for a good quality meal at very budget friendly prices. Plenty on the menu too for the kids, so even the fussiest little eaters will be looked after.

We really liked our brunch here, finding it a really relaxing environment to enjoy a good quality meal, with our little mate having a lot of room to explore after he smashed down his breakfast.

Open Wednesday til Sunday, from 9am til 8pm, this will sort of become the one stop shop for your morning coffee and family meals during your Edithburgh stay.

Where: 15 Edith Street, Edithburgh

Phone: (08) 8852 6023

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The Whispering Wall can be found near Williamstown in the Barossa Valley, under one hours drive from the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ CBD. Honestly it is worth the trip just for this stop alone. Constructed in the very early 1900’s, it is actually the retaining wall of the Barossa Resevior that will carry your voice, and yep even the quietest of whispers, all the way to the other side.

If your kids are like our kids, they will delight in the opportunity to heckle each other, sneak in a swear word or two, sing, laught, coo-ee and yell from end to end. Thankfully we had the entire wall to our selves on our recent visit.

How does it work? Apparently it is all due to the ‘parabola’ effect. Something something about the wall forming part of a perfect circle and the soundwaves bouncing off of it or jumping from one end to the other easily. It’s fascinating.

So what else is here? Nice clean toilets, an SA Water drik refill station, a large carpark, some information boards and some lovely natural bushland. There is also a free Wifi hot spot. There is also a small man made shelter shed and BBQ’s. It’s a great FREE ACTIVITY (no bookings required) activity and a MUST SEE on any Barossa with Kids itinerary.

The Whispering Wall experience is open to the public 7 days per week from 8.30am to 5pm and until 6pm during day light savings. Gates are closed on Mt Lofty fire ban days and Christmas Day, because for one day of the year turkey is more important.

A short hike (more of a rock scramble – achievable with kids) to the summit rewarded us with uninterrupted views over the area and would make for a pretty cool sunset spot.

For the inquisitive (not my kids on this occasion), an interpretive self-guided walk around the base of the granite outcrop will reveal some of the secrets of Mount Monster.

We saw some pretty fascinating wildflowers, bird life and kangaroos in the distance. It is apparently not uncommon to come across wallabies, echidna, woodland birds, and reptiles. Our highlight was skimming rocks in an old water filled quarry.

A great spot for a picnic and we highly recommend a meal or refreshment break at the near by. (We knocked back a dozen oysters and some wood oven pizza – and it surely is an unexpected country pub, kinda in the middle of no where with character)

Please keep younger kids safe. Surfaces can be slippery and uneven with some steep faces.

Access the hike from  off Riddock Highway, 14km south of Keith.

I needed a break. Call it what you like, Mum’s Time Out, Girls Night Away, Mum Break, Me Time, You Time; the name of 24 hours off grid from EVERY THING and every one doesn’t really matter. The opportunity to actually do it is so damn healthy yet so damn hard to pull off for some of us. I was determined to make it happen and I found the ultimate place to disconnect when I visited in the Clare Valley. Gather a girl tribe or go it alone (as I did), it is the deeeeee-vine self indulgence that I was badly craving.

At Bukirk you will get a REAL glamping experience. It is not a cabin or a half done tent in a holiday park that you can’t stand up in or that flaps around your head while you try to sleep. It’s isolated and quiet, divine and the highest of quality. Bonus – you just roll in and it’s all set up for you.

Five fabulously appointed en-suited glamping tents sit unassumingly on the sweetest property on outskirts of Clare. Think chic spaces, rustic country side, uber comfy new beds, abundance of fresh air and an opportunity to enjoy being in nature, in luxurious comfort. A magical vibrant clash of two opposites; nature and luxury. Yes, that’s it. That’s what this place is.

Sleeping in fresh air and camping in general will always appealed to me. A wine under the stars, an outdoor bath under the old windmill and a fancy communal kitchen space provided by the fire pit (lit when it is well out of fire season) tick many further boxes.

Given I was on a mission to have some ‘Mum Time’ I loved that Bukirk actually isn’t for kids. Perfect. We need places like this. It is an adults only oasis that accommodates just five couples (or singles in the case of my visit) at a time. When is the last time you spent some time just on you?

Set around a quality camp kitchen that offers some basic amenities and communal space, I spent my evening watching the sun set and pouring a local Riesling (or two) with owner Alison (Chook), who was only too happy to give me her pointers on the best of the region. I love that she’s local and not some pretentious eastern states investor who might potentially over charge and under deliver. This talented lady has both work ethic and Clare Valley in her veins and you’d be hard pressed to find a better host any where.

My visit fell in summer and it was a HOT day. On arrival I was really thinking ‘Bishop, what have you bloody done’ and that I might be in for a hot night. Nope. Once that sun sets in the Clare Valley the temperature drops and it is delightful. Until that time you can cool off in the open air bath. Sure, you can also book a portable air conditioner for nominal fee – but honestly, I didn’t even need to sleep with my in-tent fan on. On the flip side there is a quirky fire pit for the cooler months and cute gas heaters in all tents. I’m going back in May to star gaze and sip some red wine around that fire pit. A.L.R.E.A.D.Y booked.

So, let me tell you a little bit about the five tents. Why not book them all out and have a celebration here? Two have king sized beds and the others queen. There is an option to stay in the king tents with the beds zipped apart (for a small housekeeping fee). Each tent is named after a different type of chicken and very subtly themed that way (think silkie, frizzle, araucana etc etc.) You see, owner/manager Alison is more commonly known as ‘Chook’ in these parts and yep if you guessed it “Bukirk” comes from the noise a hen happily makes (bok bok bok bukirk….)

The tents are spacious and lavishly furnished with delightful rugs, devine linen, cushions and throws (something most blokes have little appreciation for lets face it). The beds – oh so new and wonderful. Each tent has a mini bar fridge with some choccies and drinks and an honestly system to place your lemonade bottle change in the jar if you take something. Loads of easy breezy windows and doors for access and fresh air ensure you wont forget that you are in the great out doors and yep, there are lamps for night time (but bugs like light so keep zipped up) although I kept mine off most of the night. Each tent has a modern en-suite with toilet, sink, mirror, power and a full sized rain water shower. (Prepare for soft hair!)

I loved LOVED my stay here. It goes with out saying that I didn’t want to leave. I have told every one who will listen about how great it is (honestly it runs rings around any glamping experience I have personally seen here in Australia). Finally – when I return in May I plan to take some interstate girlfriends and artist Caroline Fox to give us a (think sip and paint led by a talented fun artist). So good.

PS Special shout out to my first ever real life pig experience. Resident ‘Kevin Bacon’ made my stay even more memorable. Who knew pigs had such amazing friendly personalities? Hilarious.

So, if you have ever been ‘glamping curious’ or even if you haven’t – look them up and book in a stay. Bukirk would also make a wonderful gift voucher say for a wedding present or a group present for a 40th or special occasion.

You'll find Bukirk Glamping at
88 Stradbroke Road, Stanley Flat South Australia (Clare Valley)
For more info and to book visit

Follow them on Instagram
Like them on Facebook
Phone them on  0455 666 177 
Email at glamping@bukirk.com.au 

Just a short drive from 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ you are treated with spectacular snorkelling and diving locations, whale watching areas and great fishing spots.

Stretching from Fleurieu Peninsula to the north-eastern coast of Kangaroo Island and the Coorong, the park provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the diverse marine life including leafy sea dragons, Australian sea lions, dolphins and southern right whales.

Camping Options

National parks which you can stay in which border Encounter Marine Park

• eep Creek Conservation Park
• orong National Park

Glamping Options

Check out one of our favourites Victor Harbor Holiday & Caravan Park

Along the shoreline boundary of the marine park there are numerous, council and privately owned, facilities that might be useful to marine users especially jetties, boat ramps and carparks. 

Jetties

• Port Noarlunga
• Normanville
• Second Valley
• Rapid Bay
• Cape Jervis
• The Bluff
• Granite Island (Encounter Bay)
• Kingscote (Kangaroo Island)
• American River (Kangaroo Island)
• Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island)

Drive on beaches

• Moana
• Aldinga
• Sellicks
• Goolwa

Getting there …

Encounter Marine Park stretches for many kilometers of coast and has multiple access points, try these popular locations: 

• Port Noarlunga 
• Aldinga
• Rapid Bay
• Cape Jervis
• Victor Harbor
• Port Elliot
• Bashams Beach 
• Antechamber Bay (Kangaroo Island)
• Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island)
• American River (Kangaroo Island)
• Kingscote (Kangaroo Island

What can I do at Encounter Marine Park?

Before you think it is too cold for a Marine Park visit thin again… Winter sees the arrival of whales as they find a place to give birth. Whilst the stormy shoreline has hundreds of natural treasures washed up by the surf .

Visit the Victor Harbor Whale Centre and learn about marine life, traditional owners, and whaling history

Explore the different sized rocks at Myponga Beach and keep an eye out for shorebirds

Wander along the Moana Beach shoreline and see what types of shells, sponges and seaweed you can find

At low tide explore the rockpools at Aldinga and see how many dome-shaped Limpets you can find (round striped shells attached to rocks)

When it turns warmer….

Explore Port Noarlunga Reef, by snorkeling or using goggles to spot the marine life beneath the surface

Spend a day at Horseshoe Bay and be sure to get an ice-cream or some fish and chips

Go swimming in Port Noarlunga Reef with friends

Some other great information we found includes:

Dogs are welcome in marine parks but please check with the relevant local council as by-laws may vary.

Offering everybody the opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of picturesque Normanville beach, there are two beach wheelchairs available for short term loan. The  have large balloon-like tyres which make for easy access on soft sand and in shallow water

B

Get back to nature with one of South Australia’s key nature spots.. Ikara-Flinders Ranges.

*Cover image by Department of Environment & Water

So tell me more….

This park is home to the iconic Wilpena Pound, rugged mountain landscapes and peaceful tree lined gorges. The park is rich with wildlife and is a photographers dream with breathtaking views around every corner. There is so much to see and do with Aboriginal cultural experiences, walking and cycling trails, camping, four-wheel driving, and birdwatching on offer. You’ll likely need a few days to explore this special place.

There are a variety of facilities available in the park, including: toilets, disabled toilet, an information office, showers, accommodation, picnic areas, kiosk,
campfire areas, caravan sites, BBQ areas, guided tours and campsites.
Old Wilpena Woolshed is available to hire for a fee.

Getting there …

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is situated approximately 450 kilometres north of 91¹û¶³´«Ã½, in the central Flinders Ranges. 

From 91¹û¶³´«Ã½, take one of several routes to Hawker, then follow the signs to Wilpena. 

If travelling from Leigh Creek in the north, head south to Parachilna, and enter the park from either the north or the west. You can also head east from Leigh Creek towards Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park, then follow the signs south to the park. 

If approaching from Broken Hill, turn north at Yunta on the Arkaroola Road and follow signs to Blinman.

The main road through the park and into Wilpena Pound is sealed. Unsealed roads with changing surfaces occur throughout the park and may be affected by weather conditions. All public roads are accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles, caravans and trailers.

The park is located 45km north of Port Pirie. Access is from National Highway One via Mambray Creek.

Alligator Gorge can be reached via a picturesque – but sometimes challenging – drive commencing 1km south of Wilmington on Main North Road. This road is very steep and is unsuitable for caravans, camper trailers and buses.

You can walk into the park from the adjacent town of Melrose, which lies at the foot of Mount Remarkable.

Please note: There are no public roads that pass through Mount Remarkable National Park. Horrocks Pass and Port Germein Gorge are the nearest public roads to the park where you can pass over the Flinders Ranges in an east-west direction.

What can I do at Ikara-Flinders Ranges ?

Camping

Scenic mountain views, kangaroos browsing on grasslands, cries of cockatoos and shaded woodland sites are some of the features on offer at the 10 campgrounds in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park… yes that is right 10 campgrounds!!!

Several campgrounds provide a base from which you can explore the park and take in the landscape. Many sites cater for vehicle-based camping, while others can only be accessed by foot. Campsites need to be booked prior to arrival

If camping is not your thing…there is alternate accomodation from resorts to working sheep stations, you’ll be sure to find an accommodation experience to suit you where you can enjoy the rugged outback. Your accommodation provides you with an ideal base to explore the network of bush walking trails that wind through the park’s rolling hills. 

Mountain Bike Riding

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park has fantastic mountain biking opportunities for visitors. The Mawson Trail and several roads provide access to some of the most stunning scenery in the park.

For a great cycling experience, the long distance cycling trail, the Mawson Trail, traverses the park uses many fire access trails that offer spectacular views. The Mawson Trail is accessible from Wilpena, Yanyanna and Trezona. 

The park also contains sections of the Flinders Ranges by Bike loop. Contact the Visitor Centre for information on the cycle loop. Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park partners with neighbouring land holders to promote the Flinders Ranges by Bike loop.

These trails cater for all ages and levels of fitness, varying in length and difficulty from challenging overnight treks and the long distance Heysen Trail to the easier and shorter walks at Alligator Gorge and Mambray Creek.

Scenic Drives

There are several spectacular scenic drives on offer in the park. Highlights include the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail, a 20km 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 forms of life.

Another popular scenic drive is the Bunyeroo-Brachina-Aroona Scenic Drive. This route combines the best the park has to offer – spectacular scenery, great opportunities for observing wildlife, interpreted geological history and European heritage.

Bushwalking

There are four walks and 14 hikes within the park. Check out the map The maps on the website are a guide only. Please collect further maps, brochures and information on the walking trails from the Wilpena Visitor Centre.

With so many options you may be wondering where to start?

1. Select a walk or hike to suit your ability.
2. Allow enough time to comfortably complete your hike before dark.
3. Be prepared, and carry relevant maps, a compass, whistle, jacket and plenty of water (at least four litres of water per person for walks of more than two hours).
4. Enter your details into the Bushwalkers Register at the Wilpena bushwalking trailhead if you are planning a walk of three or more hours.
5. Inform a responsible person of your planned route and expected time of return. Searches will only be initiated if staff are informed that walkers are overdue.
6. Study the trailhead signs and familiarise yourself with the checkpoints and landmarks. Hint: take a photo of the map and refer to it while hiking.
7. Follow the markers, keep to the trail and enjoy!

What do the Ranger’s recommend?

1. Admiring Adnyamathana rock paintings or etchings at Arkaroo Rock or Perawurtina cultural heritage sites. 2.
2. Setting up camp at Aroona or Koolamon Campgrounds and viewing early morning light on the Heysen Range
3. Taking a scenic drive through Bunyeroo Gorge to include Razorback Lookout for panoramic views of Wilpena Pound Experience the park by mountain bike and ride the long distance Mawson Trail which traverses the park using many fire access trails that offer spectacular views.
4. Strolling along Wilpena Creek to Hill Homestead and then taking the hike up to Wangara lookouts for a unique view of the inside of Wilpena Pound.
5. Visiting Brachina Gorge in the late afternoon to view a colony of yellow-footed rock-wallabies at Scree Slope

Do Not Forget Your…

• Marshmallows for roasting by the campfire
• Gumboots for all the flowing creeks and secret paths you might discover
• Camera to capture the beauty in winter and any wildlife friends you might make!
• Torch for fun camping games
• Pack a picnic for a great outing
• Bikes
• Board Games for camping fun

Know before you go …

Every national park is different, each has its own unique environment, it is important to be responsible while enjoying all the park has to offer.
Please ensure that you:
1. Leave your pets at home
2. Do not feed birds or other animals, it promotes aggressive behaviour and an unbalanced ecology
3. Do not bring generators (except where permitted), chainsaws or firearms into the park
4. Leave the park as you found it – there are no bins in national parks, please come prepared to take your rubbish with you.
5. Abide by the road rules (maintain the speed limit) respect geological and heritage sites
6. Do not remove native plants
7. Are considerate of other park users.
Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.