Discover SA > Flinders Ranges & Outback

South Australia is the perfect gateway to the outback, as they drive north from Adelaide travellers will witness the Mt Lofty Ranges fading into the distance, the Southern Flinders Ranges emerge and, once past Hawker, they'll be right among the rugged splendour of the Flinders Ranges. This area is nature at its most magnificent and mysterious, there's something humbling about an outback landscape.

On Discover we don't need any excuse to jump in the Pajero and whip up to the Flinders Ranges for a spot of four wheel driving, nor do we need any excuse whatsoever to call into the extremely hospitable Prairie Hotel in Parachilna to sit at the bar and talk to the locals. We believe that the best way to see the outback to drive through it or fly over it so don't pass up an opportunity to view Wilpena Pound from the air, it's a truly unforgettable experience. If you don't own a four wheel drive, simply drive the family car to one of the towns and take a day trip into the ranges. A great idea for a family holiday with a difference is to drive to Quorn and jump aboard a train on the Pichi Rich Railway, one of the last remaining steam-train runs in Australia.

Driving holidays to places further north such as Coober Pedy and Birdsville require planning so make sure you check the Flinders Ranges Tourism website for details of road conditions before heading into the outback.