Flinders Ranges

Our first stop in the Ikara Flinders Ranges National park was at the Wilpena Pound information centre to get local up to date information about the roads and camping areas.  After a much enjoyed ice cream we made our way along the first of many dirt roads to our camping area in Brachina Gorge.  The roads were corrugated and pot holed with low areas washed out,  so it was quite an adventure.  

A storm with high wind and rain was predicted for the night,  so we chose the highest campsite we could,  well away from the dry creek bed. After setting up the camper trailer as securely as possible,  with extra heavy duty pegs,  Mats still ended up out in the rain and wind at 1am to chain the camper trailer to the car.  The flapping canvas can be a bit frightening,  so Freya and Stella shared the big bed with Mummy while Pappa got to try Freya's bottom bunk (apparently very comfortable and surprisingly roomy!)

The rain and wind gusts persisted all day so the children got into their toy boxes for some indoor fun.  After lunch it was raincoat bike riding and exploration of our surroundings.

The next day dawned sunny and still and without the low cloud,  we were finally able to see the spectacular scenery all around us.  A walk to the top of the hill immediately behind our campsite revealed awe inspiring views.  We then descended for a bush walk along the creek bed and found a small area of flowing water where the children could paddle.

We explored the geological formations,  and discussed the clearly marked layers in the rock.  We were also lucky enough to come across a daddy emu with his five stripey chicks.

The following day we drove through the Brachina Gorge,  as we had been camping at the eastern end of the gorge. The road was actually the mostly dry river bed,  so lots of bouncy sections and water crossings. With our tyre pressures lowered and a practiced eye for picking the smoothest path,  we've become much more confident with our off road driving. We explored a shallow cave in the gorge and admired the beautiful wildflowers.

The next morning we sadly departed from the Flinders Ranges after an unforgettable four nights and with some trepidation to the state of the road ahead of us on the famous Oodnadatta track.