Flinders Ranges

On approach to the Flinders Ranges from Port Augusta

So today we decided to spend another day in Port Augusta and go out and explore the Flinders Ranges. We have never been and as we were so close we thought we would take a drive out and have a look around - after what we saw today, we will definitely be back to do some more exploring.

It was about a 2 hour drive out to the National Park, but the scenery was beautiful. Many ruins scattered around, the first one we stopped at was Kanyaka Station Homestead, built in the early 1850's. The photo below shows all that remains of this once huge sheep station of about 950 square kilometres.

It's amazing though seeing these remains of properties and buildings that were built over 160 years ago. Just to be able to see these buildings and relive a little piece of history is such a priveledge. I cannot imagine any of the structures or houses built now still being around in 160 years!

Kanyaka Historic Homestead

A stop at the Sacred Canyon was next on our journey. A short walk through the canyon over rocks lead you to some Aborignal etchings and then out into the dry riverbed.

Sacred Canyon

Sacred Canyon

This is such a beautiful part of our country, there are lookouts everywhere, which is great as you cannot get enough of the views! Couldn't tell you how many photos we took today between us!

Never seen so many emus in the one area. This whole Flinders Ranges area was just filled with emus and kangaroos

And the flowers, wow, even George was impressed - and if you know George you would know he isn't the slightest bit interested in flowers, plants or gardens in general!

I would love to come back and see this place after some good rain, have never seen so many wild flowers in our travels.

Wild flowers blanket the ground, just beautiful

Just some of the flowers around

There is so such to explore around here, we only had a day and made the most of it, but we will be back.

To be honest, the Flinders Ranges was never high on my list of 4WD locations I wanted to visit, but after today, I can highly recommend it!

The Great Wall of China

Could never get sick of this view

Sitting atop the mountain George had to climb!

Despite the weather being overcast and windy, the views were still spectacular, imagine what it could look like on a clear sunny day. Even the dust/sand storm that swept through during the day and destroyed our views didn't spoil our day.

Looking back towards the ranges after the strong winds and sand/dust storm

On our way back to Port Augusta we called into Quorn for an ice cream. Very old, quaint little town. We found out that Quorn has been the backdrop for alot of Aussie films, including 'Sunday too Fare Away', 'The Shiralee', 'Gallipli', 'The Last Ride' and also 'Tracks' (which is soon to be released). The guys at the camel farm at Uluru actually told us about Tracks and a few of their staff are appearing in it.