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Plenty to keep you occupied THE Flinders Ranges is nature on a grand scale. Magnificent and uncompromising landscapes; truly a destination to get away from it all. Though the Ranges seem a million miles from the city life, on the map the southern areas of the Flinders Ranges begin only 220kms out of Adelaide. If you are travelling via the Southern Flinders and Port Augusta, stop in at the Wadlata Outback Centre for a taste of what's to come, or board the Pichi Richi steam train and discover what Australia's forefathers saw, as the steam train puffs its way through the Pichi Richi Pass from Quorn through to Woolshed Flat and on to Port Augusta. Australia's camel population has its origins here too, one of the few ways of getting supplies through in the early days. Their expert Afghan handlers gave The Ghan railway its name. Make sure you set foot on the Birdsville Track - just one of those essential ingredients in any Outback holiday, although it's much more comfortable getting there these days than in years gone by. Between Marree and Marla is the Oodnadatta Track and the vastness of Lake Eyre. When the lake floods, it's big news. That's the time to catch a flight over its 8,430 square kilometre surface and wonder at the birds that flock there. Following its partial flooding in 2000, more rain has ensured, and in 2001 the northern reaches of Lake Eyre will also carry water. The Outback is the place to relax under a coolibah tree or take a tour spotting stars in clear night skies. The largest privately owned observatory in Australia is located at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Join the Heysen Trail for a while and walk through a land that has been changing and yet remained unchanged for 600 million years. Coober Pedy, opal capital of the world, was built on the riches of its mines. No cave-dwelling native animal could ever have dreamed up luxury accommodations to match the ingenuity of the locals who live and play underground to avoid the searing summer heat. You can still go opal 'noodling' there or maybe even rub shoulders with the film crews who made Breakaways Reserve, 34kms north, a favourite location. Make the Flinders Ranges and Outback South Australia a must in your holiday plans soon. The back-of-beyond is waiting for you. With planning and care, you can explore on foot, by car, coach, four-wheel drive vehicle, bike train or aircraft. There are many 4WD tracks, walking trails, cycling options,national parks and sanctuaries to choose from. Explore them at your own pace, meet the locals - as colourful as the land itself - and discover your next adventure. |
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