About SFR
"This is one of the prettiest locations that I have yet seen in the unoccupied parts of South Australia".
So wrote explorer Edward John Eyre on 26th June 1840 when describing the landscape of the Southern Flinders Ranges.
View a printable touring map with full details of the Southern Flinders Ranges region: [Printable Regional Map]
About Us
The Southern Flinders Ranges tourism region stretches in an easterly direction from the recreational waters of Spencer Gulf and incorporates the scenic Southern Flinders Ranges. The Ranges are best known for their natural beauty. The spectacular gorges offer their own magnificence and character and are easily accessible by well marked walking trails. The lush environment of Wirrabara and Bundaleer Forests remains a popular choice for relaxing picnics and bush walking.
The region also offers a wonderful variety of unique shopping experiences. Each township features locally produced art and crafts and a variety of gourmet food produce, including Australia's creamiest ice-cream, Golden North.
The region boasts a variety of accommodation to suit all budgets. Caravan Parks and Cabin Parks featuring deluxe ensuite cabins and shady campsites by the creek. Bed and Breakfast properties feature that old style country hospitality and intimacy for couples. Farm stays remain a popular choice for visitors looking for that unique holiday experience. Hotels and Motels also offer a comfortable, affordable night's stay.
The Southern Flinders Ranges also hosts one of the safest fishing destinations in South Australia offering excellent opportunities for recreational fishing and crabbing.
Dining out is always a treat. You can share a beer and hearty counter meal in any one of our friendly pubs or drop into one of our cafe's. Perhaps you'd prefer a kangaroo meat pie from the Old Bakery, or drop into the North Star Hotel for that special occasion. You may want to stick around for the Wirrabara Farmer's Producer's market or drop into Caputo's Fish Shop for the catch of the day.
The region is home to some of the best Festivals and Events in Country SA! No matter what time of year you're planning a visit to the Southern Flinders Ranges, there's always an exciting event to catch. Check out the Award Winning Art Gallery in Port Pirie or the Northern Festival Centre, home to movies, theatre and comedy.
For more information, please contact the Port Pirie Regional Tourism & Arts Centre on 1800 000 424 or 8633 8700. Alternatively, email: tourism@pirie.sa.gov.au.
History and Heritage
For the traveler interested in history and heritage, the ranges provide a fascinating insight into the past. Seven Aboriginal tribal groups were the original occupiers of the Flinders Ranges and their descendents reside across the North even today. After the explorers, the ranges were opened up to migrant settlement by the pastoralists and miners. Farmers and their families followed, then the millers and brewers, the railway men and mechanics, bankers, dairy farmers, prisoners and keepers, publicans and poets and the many more who pioneered and developed this part of South Australia.
How to get there
The Southern Flinders Ranges is a comfortable 2 hour drive North of South Australia's Capital City, Adelaide. It is considered as the accessible outback and with short drives between townships, the region makes an excellent weekend destination.
There are almost 15 entry points to the Southern Flinders Ranges, but here are the most popular:-
Touring Route 1 - Highway One takes you to Port Wakefield, a popular rest stop where tourists can re-fuel both the car and bellies! Continue your journey North towards Port Pirie and Crystal Brook. Look out for the beginning of the Ranges on your right hand side, and you know you're here!
Touring Route 2 - From the Clare Valley, meander along Main North Road which leads you to Gladstone, the Southern entrance to the Flinders Ranges, on to Laura, Wirrabara, Melrose and Wilmington. The only decision to make now is which town to discover first!
Touring Route 3 - For tourists traveling from Broken Hill, your journey along Barrier Highway will see you cross paths with Peterborough.
Touring Route 4 - Follow Highway One South of Port Augusta and make a turn at Horrocks Pass into Wilmington.
Touring Route 5 - RM Williams Way, taking you through Spalding, Jamestown and Orroroo.
Traveling Around
Car
Traveling in your own car is recommended. Road conditions are good with most minor roads suitable for towing a caravan or driving a motorhome. It is not essential to have a 4WD vehicle, but if you do, even more will open up to you.
Bus
There are 2 Coach Companies Servicing Port Pirie (Southern Flinders Ranges) from Adelaide:-
Tour Companies
There are also several adventure/backpacker tour companies who feature the Southern Flinders Ranges in their itinerary:-
4WD Operators
Climate
The region enjoys hot, dry summers and mild winters and welcomes visitors all year round. We have very definitive seasons of Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring.
Summer
December - February
26-38 Degrees C (79-100 Degrees F)
Autumn
March - May
13-25 Degrees C (55-77 Degrees F)
Winter
June-August
8-18 Degrees C (46-64 Degrees F)
Spring
September-November
8-18 Degrees C (46-64 Degrees F)