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Top 10 Amazing Facts about Ikara-Flinders Ranges (Wilpena Pound)

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park- Author; Hodgy44-

Formerly known as Flinders Ranges National Park, the Ikara–Flinders Ranges National Park is situated approximately 400 km north of Adelaide in the northern central part of South Australia’s largest mountain range, the Flinders Ranges.

Characterized by rugged mountain ranges, dramatic gorges, peaceful creeks lined with river red gums and abundant wildlife, Ikara Flinders ranges is one of South Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.

Here, you can have the opportunity to experience the national park’s amazing scenery along an excellent network of walking trails.

It is renowned for its Aboriginal rock art sites such as Arkaroo Rock, geological history, impressive fossils and well-preserved cultural heritage thus a place with rich history too.

The peaceful tree-lined gorges and a seasonal wealth of wildlife makes it a sure bet for anyone who loves scenic places. If you’re looking for your next adventure, this is it.

So what are some of the amazing facts about Ikara- flinders?

1. Its most iconic landmark is the Wilpena Pound

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, SA: Wilpena Pound at sunset, viewed from the Moralana Scenic Drive near the Parachilna Road- Author; Faj2323-

The park’s most characteristic landmark is Wilpena Pound. This is a large, sickle-shaped, natural amphitheatre that covers nearly 80 km² and contains the range’s highest peak, known as St Mary Peak, standing at a height of 1,170 metres.

On 12th February 2016, the park was renamed to include the Adnyamathanha word, Ikara, which basically means “meeting place”, thus referring to the traditional name for Wilpena Pound.

There are many lookouts, scenic vistas, small canyons and unusual rock formations located in the park. These include Wilpena Pound, Wilkawillina Gorge, Hucks Lookout, Brachina Gorge, Bunyeroo Gorge and Arkaroo Rock.

The park has some stone ruins from early European settlement and Aboriginal rock art sites. A rock formation called the Great Wall of China is located just outside the park.

P.S: Camping is permitted at many locations in the park.

2. Ikara- flinders is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia

National Park Service Logo- Author; Intelligentlove-

The park is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia. This is a South Australian Government service within Department for Environment and Water and is responsible for national parks in the state of South Australia.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service was an agency that was founded in 1972 under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 so as to be able to  manage protected areas that were  previously under the control of a range of agencies within the government.

3. Has a vast specie of plants inhabiting it

Vegetation at Mt Ohlssen Bagge Trail, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia- Author; Ben Cordia –

The flora of the Flinders Ranges is composed largely of species adapted to a semi-arid environment such as cypress-pine, mallee, and black oak.

Areas that are a bit moister near Wilpena Pound support grevilleas, Guinea flowers, lilies and ferns.

Addtionally, reeds and sedges grow near permanent water sources such as springs and waterholes.

4. It is well known for being a home to different specie of animals

Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges- Author; Christopher Watson-

Since the eradication of dingos and the establishment of permanent waterholes for stock, the numbers of red kangaroos, western grey kangaroos and euros in the Flinders Ranges have increased.

The yellow-footed rock-wallaby, which nearly became extinct after the arrival of Europeans due to hunting and predation by foxes, has now stabilized.

Insectivorous bats make up significant proportion of mammals in the area and some of the reptiles specie include goannas, snakes, , skinks and geckos. Most common amphibian in the area is streambank froglet.

5. You will also find very many types of birds here

Grey butcherbird (appears to be the Kimberly form) – , Wilpena Pound, Ikara Flinders- Author; Peripitus-

There are a large number of bird species including various parrots, emus, the wedge-tailed eagles and small numbers of waterbirds.

The land within the national park has been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA) since it apparently contains a sustainable population of the range-restricted short-tailed grasswren.

6. Ikara- flinders is ranked as one of the earliest national parks in South Australia

Ikara flinders national park was established on January 1st, 1945. This made it to be one of the earliest national parks in South Australia. It was named after the explorer Matthew Filnders who scaled Mount Broen in March 1802.

In the summer of 1839, Edward John Eyre with a party of five men further explored the Flinders Ranges.

They left Adelaide on May 1, 1839 and the expedition set up a resupply point near Mount Arden, and from there they explored the surrounding region and upper Spencer Gulf, before heading up the Murray River and returning to Adelaide.

There are records of settlers living in the nearby Quorn District since at least 1845 and the first grazing licenses were issued in 1851.

William Pinkerton is considered the first settler to find a way through the Flinders Meadows via the Pichi Richi Pass.

The surrounds of the Flinders Ranges continued to be farming areas, until the mid-20th century where the area’s significance decreased with the Ghan’s last run via Marree in the 1980s.

7. Popular because of its trails

Bunyeroo Valley Lookout, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park (another trail in ikara)- Author; Afisch80-

Ikara flindes offers visitors with a variety of hikes. There are a good number of easy trails as well thus making it easy for the majority of guests to explore some of the unique facets of the park.

8. It is rich in geology

Razorback Lookout, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park- Author; L. J. LaBarthe-

When you’ve got million-year-old rocks surrounding you and fossilised animal remains preserved in the rocks, that is what you now call history.

Flinders is such a place. Here you can take a wander through and see if you can spot a fault line through the rocks or the shell-like remains of an animal that existed long ago.

The park will most definitely give you that experience if at all you are a history buff.

P.S: Watch your back while you’re at it, this area is a haven for Yellow-footed rock-wallabies.

9. Flinders has a very old working station

Above Warrens Gorge; Ikara flinders- Author; The History Trust of South Australian-

Adding to the historical nature of this park, is Old Wilpena Station. It was a working station for 135 years, right up until 1985, and it is one of South Australia’s best preserved pastoral sites.

The blacksmith’s cottage, stables, garage, homestead and cemetery will give you a picture of the region’s first European settlers.

10. Was home to an ancient civilization for thousand of years

The Ikara-Flinders Ranges have been the traditional home to the Adnyamathanha people for tens of thousands of years.

The pound area was known as Ikara or ‘meeting place’ to the Traditional Owners and the park has many culturally significant sites, including rock art.

The national park is co-managed by the South Australian government and Adnyamathanha Traditional Owners.

The name of the park was successfully changed to incorporate Ikara in 2016 and the Wilpena Pound Resort was bought by the Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association and Indigenous Business Australia in 2012.