These run north east of Port Augusta for 300 km. It’s said that the Flinders Ranges contain some of the oldest rock on earth. Its colours and various indentations make the gorges, ridges and peaks of the Flinders a picturesque treat for hardened hikers and softened strollers alike. According to Aborigine legend, these twisting gorges were carved out by the course of huge dreamtime snake in search of water.

One of the greatest sights in the range is the Wilpena Pound, a vast natural basin which occupies almost 100 sq km, containing Wilpena Pound Resort. This lies in the Flinders Ranges National Park (see www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/ikara-flinders-ranges-national-park), which has several fine gorges and a range of excellent marked walks. Many of these start from just outside Wilpena by the Information Centre, where you can pick up detailed maps for A$8.

If you’re not feeling energetic, an exciting way to see the Flinders is to fly. You can pick up flights at Hawker, which is on Rt 47, just 100 km north-east of Port Augusta.

For the southern Flinders, click here.