Sunday 1 - Saturday 7 August 2010 (7 days)

Itinerary

IN BRIEF:

ACCOMMODATION
During the trip you camp with swags* and tents. You will be experiencing the outback style of camping, so your participation will be appreciated. The guides will prepare all the meals and run the camp, however you will be asked to contribute by putting up your own tents and rolling out swags. Participation around the camp will make for a more enjoyable experience for everybody.

If you are travelling alone you will share a tent with someone of the same sex.

A single tent supplement is available on this trip for the additional cost of $50/person.

YOUR FELLOW WALKERS:
It's good to know you will be sharing this trip with some other solo travellers. We have a reservation for 6 people (of a possible total of 14 people in a group) for the A Rendezvous for Singles community. Therefore, this trip is not exclusive to A Rendezvous for Singles members & guests.  The trip may also confirm more or less than 6 people from the A Rendezvous for Singles community subject to demand and availability. There will be travellers from other channels booked on this trip and they may be single, partnered or otherwise travelling as friends. Whoever the guests on the tour, everyone in the group will have the trekking spirit and this trip generally appeals to persons of 40 years and over.

Detailed itinerary

DAY 1: Riesling Trail (7km), Clare Valley, and Davey's Gully Hike (2.5km), Mt Remarkable National Park River Red Gum.
Your are picked up from your accommodation in Adelaide between 7:00 and 7:30am, driving north to one of Australia's premier wine growing regions,the picturesque Clare Valley. The group walks along a historic railway line on the Riesling Trail arriving at Seven Hill, Clare Valley's oldest winery - a chance to try some of the regions finest wine followed by a picnic lunch in the peaceful gardens.

You travel further north to Mt Remarkable National Park where we enjoy a late afternoon hike to Davey's Gully with spectacular views of Spencer Gulf and the southern Flinders Ranges. Our camp tonight is in the park where we sleep under the stars, surrounded by Sir Hans Heysen's inspiration - the magnificent 
Meals: L, D

DAY 2: Alligator Gorge Hike (13km)
Waking early from our bush camp we walk amongsttowering River Red Gums enjoying the tranquil beauty of the rocky creek line. A wonderful opportunity for us to see wallabies and kookaburras as our path meanders between water holes. The trail winds between Native Pines as we ascend into Mallee woodlands providing spectacular views of Mount Remarkable National Park. After following an old fire track, we descend into the lush wonder of Alligator Gorge - time to explore one of the Flinder's best-kept secrets. Driving north we stop in Quorn for a chance to enjoy a scrumptious Quandong Pie before arriving at stunning Arkaba Station bush camp.

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 3: Moralana Creek to Wilpena Pound (13km)
We take a short drive from camp to the start of our walk on the Heysen Trail, ascending the southern slopes of Wilpena Pound. Upon reaching the saddle we are rewarded by views back south over the Elder Range then a nice gentle slope and easy trail leads us down and through Native Pine forests and the pound itself. After completing the walk we take a short drive to our private bush camp at Willow Springs Station where we spend the next two nights.

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 4: Ascending St Mary's Peak (16km)
A hearty breakfast prepares us for a challenging yet breath-taking climb to the summit of St Mary's Peak, the highest peak in the Flinders Ranges at 1170m. Perched on the edge of Wilpena Pound we have stunning views along the ABC Range and the Pound itself. We then retrace our steps back through this mighty landscape.

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 5: Bunyeroo Gorge and Aroona Hut (17km)
With the northern mountains of Wilpena Pound as our backdrop, we hike through Native Pine woodlands in Bunyeroo Valley, enjoying glorious views of the peak we summited the day before.

Following the Heysen Trail we wind our way into spectacular Bunyeroo Gorge. A short transfer takes us to our secluded bush camp at Aroona Hut,nestled in the foothills of the magnificent Heysen Range. Discover the early pastoral history of the Aroona homestead and ruins or just relax and watch kangaroos grazing at dusk.

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 6: Yuluna Hike (8km)
Setting off from the historic Aroona homestead and its restored pug and pine hut, this hike leads through the landscape that inspired artist Sir Hans Heysen on his numerous visits to the Flinders Ranges. The trail weaves through an impressive valley in the ABC Range. As we pass through the ABC Range, the high north-facing slopes of quartzite on our left are clad with porcupine grass and scattered gum-barked coolibah, while the cooler south-facing slope on our right carries pine and silver wattle. We enjoy a picnic lunch before heading south to tonight's camp in Warren Gorge.

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 7: The Dutchman's Valley Hike (10.5km)
After a short drive to Dutchman's Stern Conservation Park we enjoy a great walk amongst Sugar Gums and Bottle Brush forests. The top of the Stern provides spectacular views of Spencer Gulf, the southern Flinders Ranges and the shimmering salt expanse of Lake Torrens. We follow the trail as it loops back to our starting point, by which time we are ready for another delicious lunch while enjoying our last moments on the Heysen Trail. Driving through the Pichi Richi Pass we head south to Adelaide where our trip concludes. The return to Adelaide is around 5pm.

CLIMATE:
Generally speaking, the weather is fine in the Flinders Ranges and there is plenty of sun. We go in the coolest part of the year as this is the most comfortable time for trekking in the Flinders Ranges. From August to October, the days get progressively warmer and late in the season the occasional hot day may require us to modify the days trekking to suit the conditions. In the desert, night time temperatures can be cold at any time of year. From late May through to early August, the evenings can be very cold (down to minus 5C / 24F). On rare occasions, rain can force us to alter our schedule.