What is Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park?
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is a large outback park in South Australia's Flinders Ranges, about five hours north of Adelaide. It protects Wilpena Pound, gorges, fossils and wildlife.
The park was renamed in 2016 to include Ikara, the Adnyamathanha name for Wilpena Pound. It is jointly managed by the Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners and the South Australian government.
Brachina Gorge has a geological trail that passes rocks spanning around 130 million years of Earth's history. Signs explain each layer, including those holding some of the world's oldest animal fossils.
Wildlife and walks
Yellow-footed rock-wallabies, once hunted for their fur, now live on the rocky slopes of Brachina and Bunyeroo gorges. Emus, red kangaroos and wedge-tailed eagles are common.
Walks range from short strolls to St Mary Peak, the highest point in the ranges. Scenic drives such as Bunyeroo Valley Road offer views of the Heysen Range.
The Heysen Trail, a long-distance walking track, ends at Parachilna Gorge to the north.
Wilpena Pound Resort, inside the park, offers camping, cabins and tours.
Did You Know?
In 2021, the Flinders Ranges' Ediacaran fossil sites were added to Australia's World Heritage Tentative List.