Aroona to Youngoona Hike (15km)

The Aroona to Youngoona Hike, also referred to as Haywards Hike, is a rewarding 15-kilometre journey through the ancient landscapes of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park in South Australia. Typically taking around six hours to complete, this Grade 4 trail offers an engaging mix of natural beauty, pastoral history, and geological wonder, making it an ideal choice for hikers seeking both inspiration and a deeper connection to the landscape.

Setting off from Aroona Campground at the end of Aroona Valley Road, the trail weaves its way towards Youngoona Campground, tracing a path through sections of the Yuluna Hike, Haywards Hike, and Trezona Track. Early on, the route leads across the purple shale slopes of the ABC Range, cloaked with native pines, before crossing into the limestone country of the Trezona Range. Along the way, you’ll encounter the scattered remains of pastoral life — ruins of shepherds’ huts, fragments of old homesteads, and echoes of the pioneering families who once worked these lands in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

One of the key historical features is the Aroona Homestead ruin, once home to Frederick Hayward, whose pastoral run stretched across this part of the ranges. Further along, hikers pass by the partially restored remains of Eddie Pumpa's pine and pug hut, built in 1925. These relics offer a glimpse into a way of life shaped by resilience and deep familiarity with the rugged environment.

The trail itself winds through a striking geological cross-section of the Flinders Ranges. The northern end cuts through the ABC Range, where exposed cliffs reveal signs of minor faulting. In contrast, the southern section passes through the Trezona Range, an area famed for containing fossil evidence of some of the earliest life forms on Earth, dating back to the Ediacaran Period. Rolling hills of Brachina Formation siltstone fill the space between, creating a landscape of soft undulations and wide, open skies. In September, the hills come alive with colour as the hopbushes burst into bloom, adding another layer of beauty to the experience.

The track alternates between narrow walking trails and fire tracks, with uneven and compacted natural surfaces. Expect steep hills, occasional creek crossings, and sections that call for a reasonable level of fitness. The walk can be undertaken in either direction, though starting from Aroona Campground allows for a gradual introduction to the terrain. Aroona Campground itself is a peaceful base, offering basic facilities including toilets, fire pits, and space for tents, caravans, camper vans, and trailers.

Whether you're drawn by the rugged scenery, the chance to step through layers of deep time, or the quiet presence of history lingering in the stones and hills, the Aroona to Youngoona Hike offers a thoughtful and memorable experience in one of Australia's most evocative landscapes.