Wilpena Pound and the Northern Flinders Ranges

The flinders Ranges are remarkable in part because of the flat and arid landscape from which they arise. I'm writing this from Parachilna, a tiny village just beyond the Ranges. To the west there is flat scrub to the horizon. To the east the plains are disrupted by the rugged outline of the mountain range.

After stocking up and life admin in Port Augusta we headed north-east to the Ranges. There are the ruins of sandstone huts around every corner. Kanyaka Station ruins are along the way. It was established by Hugh Proby in 1851. We enjoyed learning about it's tragic history.

Having left too late to get to Wilpena Pound we were lucky to fall upon this pub with a free campsite out the back. Newly updated with great camping facililties and a lovely playground we were obliged to eat a meal there and it was delicious!

Wilpena Pound is an amazing land formation. It is not, as I thought, a meteorite crater but a geological wonder. The kids knocked out another 12km of walking (and so did we!) to get the feel of the place.

We also explored Brachina Gorge with its amazing layers of exposed rock.

We spotted a whole lot of yellow footed rock wallabies. They were far too quick for us to get a good picture so this is the best one caught by Zoe on her ipad which was easily available in her seat pocket. It's a dodgy picture but proof we saw these beautiful animals bouncing all over the rocky landscape.

We awoke to find that these guys had got into our food supplies! Mmm pasta!

Now I have to show you some food porn. We put aside nearly 24 hours to enjoy Parachilna Pub. I couldn't help but think of Chaudie. I'm sure you would've approved of our prioritising this gustatory experience!