St Mary Peak Circuit - Wilpena Pound is a 19km, grade 4 hike located in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia. The hike should take around 9 hours to complete.
Hike overview
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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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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Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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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.
3 Reviews on “St Mary Peak Circuit - Wilpena Pound Hike (19km)”
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.
Luke Fisher
Anne Macrae Helen Panayi
Zita Garner here’s one. ?. I love the Flinders ranges.
Jayson Dehn…can we pass through here for a day trip on the way? ?
Samson Newman ptttf 9 hrs please!
Lyndon Frearson…or you could run it like some crazies do…or at least try ?
Karen Haavisto
Did this back in ’89 just after the huge floods that closed the region. Was amazingto see full sized trees lodged 3m up in other trees
Lori Montgomery
Sonia Elizabeth Norton remember climbing this bad boy!
Such an awesome hike!
Its an awesome walk.
have done it twice, it never takes 9 hours
no, go up the steep way first, anticlockwise!
Great hike.do it in anticlock direction
Be aware there are track closures in Ikara-Flinders http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/Safety/park-alerts/170927-ikara-flinders-ranges-national-park