Looking for rugged mountains, steep ridges of rock, tree lined gorges, rolling plains and wildflowers? This is all just a few hours from Adelaide in the Flinders Ranges. Abundant wildlife like kangaroos, wallabies, emus, wedge-tailed eagles and colourful parrots are spread throughout the area. Popular bushwalking trails are located around Melrose, Wilmington and Blinman. Nestled in a valley in the Flinders Ranges, Quorn was established as a town on the Great Northern Railway line in 1878.
Part of the line through Pichi Richi Pass has been restored as a tourist railway, taking passengers on a scenic 33-kilometre round trip via Port Augusta. Quorn retains much of its old world character, with charming street frontages and a pub on almost every corner. Stop in at a cafe for coffee and cake, or wander through bric-a-brac stores and an art gallery. Camp out under the stars, stay on a working sheep and cattle property like Merna Mora Station just north of Hawker, visit country pubs and enjoy some good old fashioned hospitality. Take the road that runs along scenic Parachilna Gorge between Parachilna and Blinman and you will come across Angorichina Village, it offers great accommodation and is located right at the start of the Blinman Pools walk. Copley, just 5kms north of Leigh Creek has a great caravan park, 24 hour RAA service and a visit to the bakery for a Quandong Pie is a must.
South Australia’s Outback covers 80 per cent of the states land mass, but only 0.75 per cent of the population live there. So if you are looking to explore and get away from it all – head to the Outback. Maree, the starting point for the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Track has a fantastic Hotel with real outback atmosphere, comfortable accommodation and great meals. Innaminka, near where explorers Burke and Wills met their tragic end is a paradise for fishing and bird watching. Lake Eyre has filled to capacity only three times in the last 150 years and is a haven for bird life. The Corner Country, where the borders of South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland meet epitomises the harshness of the Australian outback, the serenity of the bush and the spirit of exploration.
Coober Pedy ‘Opal Capital of the World’ has a lunar-like landscape and due to the extreme heat, most of the town is underground. Why not stay at Di’s Dugouts www.disdugoutscooberpedy.com and experience living underground? Allow about a half a day to visit the museums and learn about Coober Pedy’s history, underground lifestyle and culture. You will gain an excellent overview of old and new styles of mining by following the story of opal which was first discovered in this area in 1915 – over 100 years ago. With this discovery came European settlement in search of this elusive stone, and the beginnings of the development of our historical and multi-cultural township. A visit to the historic Old Timers Mine & Museum gives travellers the opportunity see natural seams of opal and fossils, authentic underground homes as well as continuous self-guided tours of the mine. Be sure to check out the great gift shop with its wide selection of jewellery and souvenirs.