Visitors from all around the globe flock to the Flinders Ranges, a desert paradise located 5 hours north of Adelaide. It is home to rugged mountains, winding gorges, and rich cultural heritage, highlighting South Australia.
We enjoyed staying in the Wilpena pound Resort during a recent trip to the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. It is the only accommodation within the park and offers everything you need to have an unforgettable outback getaway.
About the Resort
Wilpena Pound Resort, which is located alongside a huge rock arena in the Flinders Ranges, is a must-see for any visitor. It has a long history in tourism and is the ideal launchpad for outdoor activities and luxurious luxury. There is a restaurant, general store and swimming pool at the resort. There are also many tour options, so there’s always something to do.
Our time at Wilpena Pound Resort was split between bush camping and safari tent-glamping. It was a great experience in the Australian wilderness.
Wilpena Pound Resort Accommodations
Wilpena Pound Resort offers options to suit every budget and style. There are 60 resort-style rooms, 15 glamping tents, and more than 300 campsites.
The Rooms
Wilpena Pound Resort offers comfortable accommodation in a rugged setting. Rooms have bathrooms, air conditioning/heating, and range in size suitable for couples and families. The standard rooms are contemporary and cosy, with a separate living space for relaxing after a long day exploring the park.
Safari Tents
A trip to the Flinders Ranges would not be complete without staying in a safari tent. The Ikara tents are the ultimate bush luxury. Every tent comes with a king-size mattress, an ensuite bathroom, a private deck and a fire pit. This glamping is for you.
Two nights spent in a safari tent felt like we had been transported to a tranquil desert paradise. It was a wonderful way to end a day. It was getting colder at night because we were travelling in April. It was so nice to have a heater in the tent.
The Campground
Wilpena Pound Campground offers hundreds of bush campsites for those who want a more rural experience. There are 300 non-powered sites available for tents and campervans and 40 power sites for caravans, camper trailers, and camper vans. Many sites that are not powered have no markings or allocations, but many have fire pits. All have easy access to the amenities.
Food & Drink
Wilpena Pound’s restaurant and lounge offer South Australian cuisine and delicious South Australia wines. The Ikara Lounge offers casual dining and outdoor views daily at the resort’s bar and restaurant. If you need to buy snacks or basic groceries, there is an IGA general shop on-site. It’s great to have many great options and a reasonably priced meal. Although dinner was slightly more expensive than usual, it was still very pleasant. We enjoyed the inventive use of wild game and native ingredients in the dishes.
Activities
The Flinders Ranges offer a wealth of outdoor and cultural adventures. Wilpena Pound resort offers all the activities and tours you need to make the most of your time here.
Begin with an Aboriginal cultural trip to Sacred Canyon and Arkaroo Rock to view the amazing rock etchings that have been preserved over thousands of years. The guides are excellent. Take a scenic flight above Wilpena Pound to see the ancient rocky amphitheatre through a bird’s-eye view. You can also take a 4WD tour of the stunning gorges while yellow-footed rock wallabies roam about.