Thread: flinders rangers in Jan...?

Wilpena was pretty well packed solid over xmas a few years ago. It was hot but ok. I wouldn't go out to Lake Eyre in summer, that's a different kettle of fish.

There is always people around and its a great place, all the locals up there were saying its going to be a real hot one this summer just 3 weeks ago.


I don't know that I would go past Lyndhurst without a really well maintained car in January, it could be stinking hot 40-45 every day or it could be really nice

Its a fair bit of driving to do in 4 or 5 days though from Melbourne? I could spend months up there! a few hurried days wouldn't do it justice.

Driving a D1 V8 up there at warp speed (to fit it all in) in that heat is unlikely to be kind to you or the vehicle. Save up your holidays and do it in winter instead.

Any trip to the Flinders is worth although its a long drive from Melbourne. That said I took the family in the Defender last September and we are in Canberra.

If you go I highly recommend visiting Nuccaleena (old copper mining town), a drink at the Blinman Pub and a drive through Hannigans Gap (past Moololoo Station) to Artimore.

As Mike mentioned Wilpena Pound will be packed but there are plenty of areas a little further north that you can spend a coupleof nights without seeing a sole.

It is likely to be very hot.

will be hot, 40+ most days.
i dont recomend.
dont even think about walking st marys peak in that heat

Well worth thinking it over as all is good while you are in a modern motor vehicle with the air conditioner going!
However any mishaps can result in disasterous consequences.
Think back to the Page Family Tragedy of December 1964!
I know it is almost fifty years ago, but the harsh conditions of the outback haven't changed, so once things take a turn for the worse the result can be tragic.

http://www.simpsondesert.fl.net.au/perish/


Cheers, Mick.

Originally Posted by jsp

Its a fair bit of driving to do in 4 or 5 days though from Melbourne? I could spend months up there! a few hurried days wouldn't do it justice.

It wont do it justice,,, but by crikey, it'll get you wanting to do a lot more,,,
(and we only went as high as Melrose,,,, )

Melrose (and WILMINGTON my home town) are only the foothill of the flinders and just a trip up and around there would be a good start...

Save the big trip for an accompanied trip not at the height of summer. Time it to catch a picnic race meeting (william creek, marree, oodnadatta are always good) or the camel cup (marree)..

If you have a history 'bent' then there is a massive amount of history just on the road between marree and oodnadatta... huge amounts. (oodna track).

As said before, if you do go, make sure someone knows your schedule and that they can call for help if you need it. Take an EPIRB (they work everywhere!!) but only use in an emergency.

DO NOT leave the car, its easier to find than a person on foot.

There is some great country to cover... and really even living in the flinders and later living in the desert, just when you think youve seen and been everywhere you find out you really don't know anything much at all... its great!