Wilpena Pound, Flinders Ranges National Park, SA © Tourism Australia

Wilpena Pound Resort

From the ancient and rugged beauty of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park to the brilliant sunsets over the vast landscape, the Adnyamathanha people will connect you to over 100 million years of tradition, culture and this unforgettable land.

An extraordinary 800-million-year-old natural amphitheatre is situated in the heart of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park – it’s known as Wilpena Pound and it’s the traditional homeland of the Adnyamathanha people (Yura). The Yura people own and operate Wilpena Pound Resort, 430 km north of South Australia’s capital, Adelaide.

The Wilpena Pound Resort serves as the only accommodation within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and includes hotel rooms, ‘glamping’ safari tents and campsites, and scenic sights that provide breathtaking views of Wilpena Pound and the surrounding national park.

As one of only a few Aboriginal owned and operated resorts, the hallmark feature of the resort is its Aboriginal cultural experiences.

Visitors to Wilpena Pound Resort can set off on a journey with the Adnyamathanha people to uncover the rich history and mystique of ancient and contemporary Aboriginal culture. With 50,000 years worth of experience on hand, Yura will provide unrivalled insight into their land, which is one of Australia’s natural wonders.

Experiences

Welcome to Country - Ikara
Traditional Welcome to Country by the Yura people who welcome guests to Wilpena Pound Resort. Guests are encouraged to interact with the Yura people to exchange cultural knowledge.

Days Operating: Daily
Season: Year round
Duration: 15 - 30 minutes
Min Numbers: 1
Max Numbers: N/A

Yoru Undyu - Our Culture - Your Culture
Aboriginal cultural guided walk to Old Wilpena Station, one of South Austalia’s oldest and best preserved pastoral settlements. Easy to moderate 2km walk with some uneven ground. Includes Aboriginal guide and bottle of water.

Days Operating: On request
Season: Year round
Duration: 2 hours
Min Numbers: 2
Max Numbers: N/A

Time Travel and Gorgeous Gorges
Visit Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges learning about the fossil layers, changing flora and Adnyamathanha Dreaming which is still very important to Adnyamathanha people. Includes Aboriginal guide and morning or afternoon tea.

Days Operating: Daily
Season: Year round
Duration: 4 hours
Min Numbers: 2
Max Numbers: 50

Mining Mysteries and Feral Feasting
Visit Blinman, exploring the old copper mine and historic town. Travel to Parachilna for lunch at the famous Prairie hotel. Pass through Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges and learn about ancient geological history. Includes Aboriginal guide, morning and afternoon tea, lunch and mine tour.

Days Operating: Daily
Season: Year round
Duration: 8 hours
Min Numbers: 2
Max Numbers: 50

Ikara Sunset Spectacular
Antipasto tasting plate and accompanying beverages while observing the changing colour of the sky as the sun sets over Ikara - Wilpena Pound. Includes Aboriginal Guide, tasting plate, beer, sparkling wine and soft drinks.

Days Operating: Daily
Season: Year round
Duration: 1.5 hours
Min Numbers: 2
Max Numbers: 50

Yura Bush Buddies
Kid friendly hands on activity with Yura guide. Learn about the local environment as told from an Adnyamathanha perspective and enjoy arts and crafts activities using materials gathered from the walk. Guide is child accredited.

Days Operating: N/A
Season: South Australia School holidays only
Duration: 1 hour
Min Numbers: 1
Max Numbers: 6 per group x 2 groups

Wilpena Pound and Ikara Safari Camp
60 resort rooms sleeping 2 - 6 people (air-conditioning, ensuite, mini fridge, TV). 15 glamping safari tents sleeping 2 - 4 (airconditioning, ensuite, mini fridge). 40 powered campsites, 400 unpowered bush campsites, Restaurant, bar, pool, general store, bottle shop, petrol, visitor information centre, scenic flights, walking and 4WD tours.

Days Operating: Daily
Season: Year round
Duration: N/A
Min Numbers: N/A
Max Numbers: N/A

Getting there

Wilpena Pound Resort is situated 429 kms north of Adelaide (about a 5 hour leisurely drive and accessible via bitumen road). Or you could make a day of it and visit a few of the local South Australian wineries along the way. You can also fly to Wilpena Pound from Adelaide.