Wilpena Pound - Day 3

Day 3 Wilpena - Driving the Gorges

Entering Brachina Gorge

The ABC Ranges

Encountering some water

We set out for a drive through Brachina Gorge and returning through Bunyeroo Gorge. Both Gorges are north of Wilpena with Brachina being the furthest north, approximately 38 kms.


The Gorge is an important refuge for the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby as well as many species of birds and reptiles. We had morning tea at the rock fall area with the hope of being able to sight a Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby. We had been told by one of the Wilpena Resort's staff that we would more than likely spot a Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby here. We had finished morning tea and commenced packing up to get back on the road. As we approached our car we ran into a lovely German couple and so got talking about travels and where to go. The conversation lasted some 10 to 15 minutes and then suddenly Dallas spotted a Yellow Tailed Rock Wallaby skipping across the rock fall. Both men as they had the cameras struggled to follow its movements as it was so well cammoflaged. Eventually we spotted it and the following photos are evidence albeit not so clear.

The Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby
Bouncing Back

The Brachina Gorge Geological Trail is a 20 kilometre self-guided trail that passes through 130 million years of earth history. Trail signage provides an insight into past climates, the formation of the ranges and the evolution of early life forms. The route cuts through rock of the Adelaide Geosyncline which range in age from 650 million to 520 million years and exhibits one of the most complete sedimentary records in the world of this age [Geology of the Flinders Ranges National Park, Gov, of SA, Primary Industries and Resources SA].

A Teamsters grave near the Western end of Brachina Gorge

Coming back through the Gorge

It was a fantastic drive through this unique area of SA.

On the return trip we branched off to the left (south) and returned via the Bunyeroo Gorge which features the northern rim of Wilpena Pound. The gorge runs through the Heysen Range and provides a great view of the Razor Back Range. There are many great and well catered for camping areas for visitors. It will be a great spot to return to some day and spend more time camping in such a unique location.

The Razor Back Range

We returned to Wilpena for lunch and to prepare for our flight over Wilpena at 4.00pm. The flight was simply fantastic but did not quite provide the photo opportunities we expected. I guess if you want to take photos you need to fly in a helicopter and hang out the side to avoid reflections from windows.

The Skyhawk II we flew over Wilpena Pound in.

We took off to the west and swung out south to fly over Rawnsley Station, around the southern rim. Then up and over the rim of the Pound and followed the Heysen trail to exit the Pound over the NW side of the rim. Soon we were circling St Mary's peak and flying south again in preparation for landing. What a great trip it was and shows such a different perspective of Wilpena Pound. We would highly recommend this flight.

Rawnsley Bluff (I think)

A shot of Wilpena Pound from the Northern Rim

On return to camp we checked out the loaf of bread we left baking in the camp oven inside the Tuba Pot. All looking good we soon got Chicken and Chorizo Paella underway for dinner.YUM!

Nice loaf of bread for the road.

Chicken and Chorizo Paella for dinner tonight!

Oh what a great day in a great and beautiful spot!