Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience a delightful 9.2km circuit hike in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia, starting and ending at Bunyeroo Road. Just a short drive from Tea Tree Gully, this Grade 3 (moderate) trail meanders through the rolling hills of Bunyeroo Valley, offering stunning views of the Flinders Ranges. Journey through diverse terrains, from the cypress pine woodlands to the lush silver wattle vegetation, making it a perfect family-friendly outdoor adventure. So, lace up your boots and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of South Australia.

Length:

9.2km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 463m

Min elevation: 299m

Total Ascent: 258m

Start: Bunyeroo Road

End: Bunyeroo Road

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

South Australia

Nearby town: Tea Tree Gully

From state capital: 17.7km

Latitude: -31.42523000112458

Longitude: 138.57681156548156

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Hike overview

The rolling hills of the Bunyeroo Valley present a gentler face of the Flinders Ranges. Even though Bunyeroo Valley does not scale the heights of Wilpena Pound, it provides rewarding views of the peaks, making it an enjoyable outing for the whole family. The walking trail begins on the purplish shales and open cypress pine woodland of the Bunyeroo Formation and Wilcolo Creek. The trail then follows a small creek through the ABC Range (quartzite) to the gentle rolling country of Brachina Formation siltstones, characteristically vegetated with silver wattle. The return to the car park follows Bunyeroo Creek.

Track grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Walk map and GPX file
Bunyeroo & Wilcolo Creeks Circuit Hike (9.2km)

Total distance: 9263 m
Max elevation: 463 m
Min elevation: 299 m
Total climbing: 258 m
Total descent: -258 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

The trailhead is at the Bunyeroo car park in Flinders Ranges National Park – 18 kilometres north of Wilpena along the Bunyeroo Gorge Road.

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is located approximately 450 kilometres north of Adelaide in the central Flinders Ranges. To reach the park from Adelaide, take one of several routes to Hawker, then follow the signs to Wilpena. If traveling from Leigh Creek in the north, head south to Parachilna and enter the park from either the north or the west. Alternatively, you can head east from Leigh Creek towards Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park, then follow the signs south to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. From Broken Hill, turn north at Yunta on the Arkaroola Road and follow the signs to Blinman.

The main road through the park and into Wilpena Pound is sealed, but unsealed roads with changing surfaces are common throughout the park and may be affected by weather conditions. All public roads are accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles, caravans, and trailers. Please drive slowly and respect other road users.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Ancient and rugged mountain landscapes, peaceful tree-lined gorges, and a seasonal wealth of wildlife combine to make Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park one of South Australia's iconic destinations. Covering approximately 95,000 hectares, the park includes the Heysen Range, Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges, and the vast amphitheatre of mountains known as Wilpena Pound. Visitors can experience native wildlife, rich cultural heritage, impressive geological features, and a range of activities including bushwalking, four-wheel driving, birdwatching, photography, and mountain biking. Mild temperatures from April to October make this period the most comfortable for bushwalking and cycling, while summer temperatures can range from 30ºC to 45ºC.

Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park has a rich and complex cultural heritage, combining Aboriginal and pastoral history. The park is co-managed by a board consisting of Adnyamathanha and Department for Environment and Water representatives. The Adnyamathanha people, meaning "hills or rock people," are the traditional custodians of the park, with a connection to the land that stretches back thousands of years. Visitors can view ancient rock paintings and engravings at Arkaroo Rock, Sacred Canyon, and Perawurtina Cultural Heritage Site.

Rugged mountain ranges, dramatic gorges, peaceful creeks lined with river red gums, and abundant wildlife are just the beginning of what awaits at one of South Australia's most popular tourist destinations.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Beltana, Blinman, Copley, Cradock, Hawker, Leigh Creek, Parachilna, Quorn, Wilpena Pound

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

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Bunyeroo & Wilcolo Creeks Circuit Hike (9.2km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Bunyeroo & wilcolo creeks circuit hike (9. 2km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Bunyeroo & Wilcolo Creeks Circuit Hike (9.2km)