Bendleby Ranges Walks (5.4km)

The Bendleby Ranges Walks is an enjoyable grade 3 walk in the Flinders Ranges & Outback region of South Australia. You will cover approximately 5.4km in a duration of 3hrs.

Summary

With an unspoilt natural environment, Bendleby Ranges offers remote campsites nestled amongst gum lined creeks, 4WD tracks and hiking and mountain bike trails.

The gem of the bushwalks are through Hidden Valley, in the Bendleby Ranges. These hikes begin from the Rest Area next to the gate near Solly’s Well. The road to here from ‘The Springs’ homestead (the main Bendleby Ranges camping area) is generally 2WD accessible, although the last several kilometres may be difficult if the road hasn’t been recently graded – in which case you could drive as far as possible before parking, and then walking to the Rest Area.

It’s possible to continue past the Rest Area, along the 4WD track, past most of the campsites to the end of the track, and commence a shorter hike into Hidden Valley from there.

1.4km return, 2 hours

Experience the highlight of Hidden Gorge, walking along the creek bed.

Start from the end of the 4WD track through the camping areas. Walk along some of the creek bed, and return along the same route.

5.4km loop, 3 hours

An easy to follow longer hike through Hidden Valley and along 4WD tracks.

Start from Rest Area near Sollys Well gate. This walk option is well marked, and much of it is shared with mountain bikers and 4WD vehicles.

6.4km loop, 3 hours

Enjoy a stunning walk through Hidden Valley and the upper creek. Walking clockwise, the walking across open country is good for bushwalkers confident in navigation over complex topography.

After leaving the main creek (with Loop A going to the left), the trail has no more markers. 120m beyond a waterfall rock pool, the route goes up a valley to a saddle. The exit is not marked, nor the trail up the valley. The trail is scant and easily confused with animal tracks. From the saddle the track becomes increasingly difficult to follow with many animal tracks and no markers, so is suited to hikers confident in navigation over complex topography.

Start from Rest Area near Sollys Well gate.

2.5km loop, 1 hour

Enjoy an easy walk around the low hills. Follow the markers along faint walking trails and tracks.

Start from Rest Area near Sollys Well gate. This trail is shared with mountain bikers.

5.1km one-way (not shown on Google Map above, but available in GPX file download)

Follow the markers along faint walking trails and tracks which parallel the 4WD track back to the main homestead.

Start from Rest Area near Sollys Well gate, or from ‘The Springs’ homestead (the main camping area). This trail is shared with mountain bikers. It is reasonably well signposted, but it has has been a good season for rain it may be harder to follow.

GPX file courtesy of Walking SA. File may not contain elevation data and may only represent half the length on return hikes.

Download GPX File  Please note that you need to be registered and logged in to download GPX Files. If you aren't you will automatically be redirected to the registration/login screen before the download begins. By downloading any GPX files from this site you agree its use, and reliance upon, is entirely at your own risk. These files are for non-commercial, personal use only. I will endeavour to ensure the accuracy and currency of the data, but accept no responsibility in this regard, or the results of any actions taken, when using the digital route files.

 

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For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA