Grey Gypsies of Australia - Flinders Ranges

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Recent

Our most recent trip was to the Flinders Ranges in March - April 2011. 
Starting at Rawnsley Park we met our fellow travellers from Wang 4x4. 

Our first trip was Skytrek, an aptly named 4wd track. A lot of the track is in the 'lowlands' and easy going. However, once you start to rise, about 19Km into the track, there are a few steepish climbs to absolutely stunning views. The highlight was Mt Canarvon with 360 degree fabulous views and five Whistling Kites soaring overhead.
We moved on via Bunyeroo & Brachina Gorges to Chambers Gorge with its rock pools and aboriginal art.

Next was Grindells Hut. The track into Grindells Hut was definitely 4wd with a few mud holes. More beautiful views and a few local trips. We were limited, though, as some of the loop tracks we would like to have done were closed.

We travelled on to Arkaroola and some more local drives. A nice surprise was Welcome Pound. We arrived at Welcome Pound at magic hour (the time when the sun light is optimum for photos) and it is truly stunning. the track in is easy but we decided to take a side road on the way out. It was boulder strewn and if you are squeamish you should definitely not watch your tyres going over the rocks.

We had planned to head home via Strzlecki Tk and via Murti Murti to visit Corner Country but, unfortunately some of the roads were closed. 
 

Pictures

Flinders Ranges 2011

Flinders Ranges
Flinders Ranges

Flinders Ranges
Flinders Ranges
Flinders Ranges 2011-04-04
Chambers Gorge
Chambers Gorge
This was our camp site. The sun on the hills in the morning & evening is stunning. It makes the stay here well worth the trip.
Chambers Gorge - Zebra Finch
Chambers Gorge - Zebra Finch
There are a lot of Zebra Finches in the gorge near the rock art. Unfortunately I had to use the full zoom of the camera so the photo is slightly fuzzy due to camera shake.
Chambers Gorge - Rock Art
Chambers Gorge - Rock Art
The rock art in the gorge is extensive probably meaning there have been a lot of initiations here. Although the proliferation contradicts something said to us by a guide at Mutawintji.
Flinders Ranges
Flinders Ranges
Flinders Ranges 2011-04-04
Flinders Ranges
Flinders Ranges
Flinders Ranges 2011-04-04
Skytrek Approach
Skytrek Approach
Lower area of Skytrek
Whistling Kite over Mt Canarvon
Whistling Kite over Mt Canarvon
Mt Canarvon is one of the highlights of Skytrek. There are 360 degree views. The next photo is a photo stitch of part of the panorama

We were greeted by five Whistling Kites soaring close overhead.

Skytrek - Mt Canarvon
Skytrek - Mt Canarvon
A photostitch taken from the top of Mt Canarvon on Skytrek. This is a stitch of five photos.
Wild Berries
Wild Berries
Skytrek 2011-04-04
Bullocky Bush
Bullocky Bush
Alectryon oleifolius  locally known as "Bullock Bush" also as "Rosewood" particularly around Mungo NP
Skytrek 2011-04-04
Wild Tomato
Wild Tomato
Solanum quadrilocatum " wild tomato"  there was another Solanum,  petrophilum in the area, it has nasty spikes on the leaves, its fruit are pale green to yellow. Both fruits are poisonous to humans, cause liver damage
Skytrek 2011-04-04
Skytrek hut
Skytrek hut
A wag has put a sign out front saying "Another Jennings Home"
Lake Frome
Lake Frome
Lots of salt but no water to be seen despite the wet year
Grindells Hut - Ochre Wall
Grindells Hut - Ochre Wall
There are a few drives around Grindells Hut. They are certainly worth a look.
Bolla Bolana Smelter
Bolla Bolana Smelter
Bolla Bolana Smelter near Grindells Hut
Welcome Pound
Welcome Pound
A track near Arkaroola takes you in here. At magic hour it is truly magic. The track in is 2wd but rated 4wd when we were there. We had an interesting trip out through a rock strewn side track (See next photo).
Arkaroola - Track
Arkaroola - Track
This was a side road on the Welcome Pound road. Yes! we did it but it is definitely not for low clearance vehicles. Watching the tyres as they go over the rocks terrifies you. Pete is standing in the tricky part.
The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles
The Pinnacles, near Arkaroola 2011-04-09

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5/17/2012 11:54:26 AM