St Mary Peak Circuit - Wilpena Pound is a 19km, grade 4 hike located in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia. The hike should take around 9 hrs to complete.
Hike summary
A challenging circuit hike to the summit of the Flinders Ranges highest mountain - St Mary Peak at 1171m. Rewarding panoramic views of the Flinders Ranges, Aroona Valley, and the salt plains to the west.
A good options is to make it into a two day hike by camping at Cooinda Camp inside Wilpena Pound, but note there are no water or toilet facilities at this campsite. There is water at Hills Homestead, but this is close to the start of the hike at Wilpena Pound trailhead.
Rangers recommend you leave on this hike no later than 9am (10am during daylight saving).
St Mary Peak is central to the Adnyamathanha creation story. For this reason the Adnyamathanha people of the Flinders Ranges would prefer that visitors do not climb to the summit of the peak. The shorter option to Tanderra Saddle also affords spectacular views.
GPX file courtesy of Walking SA. File may not contain elevation data and may only represent half the length on return hikes.
Route and GPX file
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Gear you might need
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Location
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About the region
Ancient and rugged mountain landscapes, peaceful tree-lined gorges and a seasonal wealth of wildlife. The sense of space unique to the semi-arid zone combine to make Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park one of South Australia’s iconic destinations.
The park comprises approximately 95,000 hectares. It includes the Heysen Range, Brachina and Bunyeroo gorges and the vast amphitheatre of mountains that is Wilpena Pound. Experience the native wildlife, rich cultural heritage, impressive geological features, camping opportunities and a range of activities including bushwalking, four-wheel driving, birdwatching, photography and mountain biking.
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Acknowledgement of Country
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.
0 Reviews on “St Mary Peak Circuit - Wilpena Pound (19km)”
Jayson Dehn…can we pass through here for a day trip on the way? ?
Zita Garner here’s one. ?. I love the Flinders ranges.
Anne Macrae Helen Panayi
Luke Fisher
Paddy Dower keen???
The notes say there is no water at the campsite and that’s correct but you can generally get water from some rock holes upstream – even in a bad year. We did the walk again late last year and found plenty of water. I’m happy to send the GPS coordinates of the rock hole if anyone wants them.