The Flinders Ranges and Outback isn’t just a destination - it’s a journey through ancient landscapes, star-filled skies, underground towns and cultural stories stretching back tens of thousands of years. From salt lakes that shimmer like mirrors to rugged gorges and film-famous deserts, this is South Australia at its most dramatic, remote and unforgettable.
Here are 10 unmissable experiences that take you beyond the beaten track and deep into the heart of the region.
Take in the Majesty of Wilpena Pound (Ikara)
Wilpena Pound is a colossal natural amphitheatre of soaring rock walls, ancient geology and immense cultural significance. Whether you hike into the pound on foot, take a guided cultural tour with the Adnyamathanha people, or see it from above on a scenic flight, the experience is both humbling and unforgettable. Walking through the surrounding trails, you’ll see native wildlife, ancient riverbeds, and landscapes that shift with the light. It’s the ideal base for exploring the southern Flinders.
Explore the Moon Plain
Just outside Coober Pedy lies the Moon Plain, a barren, lunar-like stretch of desert so surreal it has become a backdrop for films like Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Its cracked earth, fossil-strewn terrain and flat, empty horizon create a landscape that feels like another planet. This raw and wide-open terrain delivers powerful sunsets and star-filled night skies like nowhere else.
Go Underground at Umoona Opal Mine & Museum
In Coober Pedy, escaping the heat means going underground - and Umoona is the perfect place to explore that subterranean world. Take a guided tour through a real opal mine and underground home, learn about the geology of the region, and see precious opals on display. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the ingenuity of locals and the challenges (and rewards) of mining in one of Australia’s most extreme climates.
Witness Lake Eyre (Kati Thanda) in Flood
Lake Eyre is Australia’s largest salt lake, and most of the time it’s a vast, dazzling white expanse. But when water flows in - a rare and spectacular event - it becomes a mirror-like inland sea, drawing birds, fish and visitors from around the world. The transformation is short-lived and breathtaking. The best way to appreciate its sheer scale and beauty is by air, with scenic flights departing from William Creek or Marree.
Stargaze in a True Dark Sky Region
Far from city lights, the Flinders Ranges and Outback are among the best places in the Southern Hemisphere to view the night sky. At Arkaroola, join an observatory tour and peer through high-powered telescopes at galaxies, nebulae and planets. Or simply camp under the stars, where the Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon and shooting stars are a nightly occurrence. It’s a reminder of how vast and ancient this land truly is.
Ride the Pichi Richi Railway
This lovingly restored heritage railway runs between Quorn and Port Augusta, chugging through the foothills of the Flinders Ranges. With its vintage carriages and steam locomotives, the Pichi Richi Railway offers a nostalgic journey through time. The scenery is spectacular, and the volunteers who run it bring local history to life with stories, passion and warm country hospitality.
Stay Overnight in a Desert Dugout
Coober Pedy’s famous dugouts - underground homes built into the hillsides - are more than just quirky accommodation. They’re a practical solution to extreme desert temperatures and a fascinating experience for visitors. Spend the night in a cool, quiet cave-like room and gain a new appreciation for life in the desert. Many dugouts feature beautiful interiors, opal seams in the walls and a truly restful night’s sleep.
Explore Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary
Arkaroola is one of the most remote and rugged eco-destinations in Australia. Its Ridge Top Tour is legendary - a 4WD adventure over razorback ridges and through dramatic terrain with views that stretch for hundreds of kilometres. Arkaroola is also a hub for scientific research and stargazing, with top-tier guides and genuine passion for the land. It’s the Outback at its most powerful.
See the Painted Desert
The Painted Desert, near Oodnadatta, is a remote landscape of colourful hills and eroded mesas. Formed over millions of years, the area features vivid reds, pinks, oranges and whites that change with the light. Few tourists make it this far, which only adds to the sense of discovery. The silence, scale and shifting colours leave a lasting impression.
Dine at the Prairie Hotel, Parachilna
A true Outback culinary icon, the Prairie Hotel is renowned for its legendary 'Feral Feast' – a bold and inventive menu that celebrates the flavours of the bush. Expect dishes featuring kangaroo, camel, emu and goat, all locally sourced and served with gourmet flair that surprises as much as it satisfies. Their signature tasting platter is a must-try for adventurous eaters. The hotel also showcases Aboriginal art and boasts one of the most interesting regional wine lists in South Australia. Remote, stylish and utterly authentic, it’s one of the most memorable meals you’ll find in the Outback.
Discover the Mystery of the Marree Man
Etched into the red earth near the town of Marree, the Marree Man is one of the largest geoglyphs in the world - measuring over 4 kilometres from head to toe. First spotted from the air in 1998, its origins remain unknown, sparking global curiosity and countless theories. Visible only from above, you can view this enigmatic figure by scenic flight, giving you a true sense of its scale and mystery. It’s one of the Outback’s strangest and most fascinating landmarks - remote, dramatic and still unexplained.
The Spirit of the Outback
The Flinders Ranges and Outback invite you to slow down, look up, and connect - with the land, its people and yourself. Whether you’re flying over a flooded salt lake, listening to Dreaming stories around a campfire, or sleeping in a cave beneath the desert, you’ll carry this place with you long after you’ve left.
It’s not just the heart of South Australia—it’s the soul.
Ready for a getaway in the Flinders Ranges? Click here to view our top packages, or get in touch with one of our travel experts!
1300 854 897 | holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
Images courtesy of SATC.
