Rawnsley Park Station: A True Flinders Ranges Icon

With four tiers of accommodation to suit every budget, enough activities to keep you busy for weeks and an unbeatable location, this legendary outback property has something for everyone.

The Flinders Ranges is a place of overwhelming natural beauty, where powerful tectonic forces have created tortured ridgelines, soaring cliffs and winding creekbeds lined by majestic river red gums. But for those in the know, it’s also a surprisingly accessible destination.

In the very heart of this rust-red mountain range five hours north of Adelaide lies the 12,000-hectare Rawnsley Park Station. Separated from Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park by the forbidding sandstone walls of Ikara (Wilpena Pound), its central location makes it an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding region.

The property has been a working sheep station since the mid-19th century, but the arrival of the first cabins on the property in 1968 brought tourism to the Flinders Ranges and Rawnsley Park Station has been a leader in the sector ever since. Today visitors can enjoy some of the best camping, dining and luxury accommodation options in the Flinders Ranges, as well as a range of activities that bring you to the very heart of this ancient landscape.

Rawnsley Park accommodation

Luxury eco villas Rawnsley Park Station — Rawnsley Park Station can accommodate 800 guests at a range of sites. (Image: Zac Watson)

You wouldn’t know from the drive in, but Rawnsley Park Station can accommodate 800 guests at a range of sites tucked discreetly into the vegetation. Four levels of accommodation offer something to suit every budget, from bush camping to basic cabins and hilltop eco-villas that look out over the surrounding mountains.

1. Eco Villas

a luxury eco villa in Rawnsley Park Station — Admire scenic landscapes from your luxury eco villa. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

Positioned on a small knoll looking out over the Chace and Elder Ranges, eight galah-pink eco villas boast outlooks that will turn any guest into an amateur photographer. A roomy deck and windows on three sides maximise the views, while skylights allow you to enjoy the clear night skies from bed.

Tall pitched ceilings and an open living area create a sense of space, while the use of timber and galvanised iron for internal walls honours the property’s heritage as a sheep station. With rainwater tanks and solar power as well as a chemical-free cleaning regime, the naturally insulated straw bale houses also boast plenty of eco credentials.

2. Rawnsley Homestead

Rawnsley Homestead in Flinders Rangers — Spend time outside by the pool.

Those in search of an even more secluded option can enjoy a taste of outback luxury at this two-bedroom homestead built from local stone. Two stylish living areas, a well-equipped kitchen and spacious dining room mean there’s plenty of space to spread out inside, but the al fresco barbecue area and swimming pool that look straight out to the rugged rock wall of Rawnsley Bluff provide a good excuse to spend most of your time outside.

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3. Holiday Units

Bed in room at Rawnsley Park Station — These self-contained units are perfect for travellers on a budget. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

Conveniently located just a short walk from the Woolshed Restaurant, these self-contained units with a kitchen and outdoor deck are perfect for travellers on a budget. The one- and three-bedroom Standard Holiday Units include wheelchair-accessible options, while the more spacious one- and two-bedroom Superior Holiday Units have a modern open-plan layout. Guests have access to communal picnic areas with barbecues and a shared swimming pool, and the cabins are also pet-friendly.

4. Caravan Park

An array of powered and unpowered sites is nestled in the native pine and river red gums around Rawnsley’s camp kitchen and licensed shop, but those looking for a more secluded experience can also venture further out to one of the numerous bush camps. Many sites include fire pits (firewood is available from the shop), and there’s a dog minding service if you want to visit the neighbouring National Park.

Rawnsley Park Experiences

The towering rock wall that separates Rawnsley Park Station from Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park means that you can enjoy spectacular views from anywhere on the property. But you’ll need to get out and explore to truly appreciate the scale of this natural playground that offers rich rewards for those venturing out on foot, in a 4WD or even by air.

1. Heli-Camping

The only way to truly grasp the majesty of the region is to see it from above, and this tour gives you a chance to see Ikara and the surrounding ranges unfold from a helicopter before landing atop the rugged Chace Range. You can find a spot to admire the sunset while a guide sets up your swag and cooks a camp oven dinner, then fall asleep under a glittering blanket of stars before enjoying a bush breakfast as the landscape slowly refills with colour.

2. Walking

Seven purpose-built walking trails stretch across the property, from gentle 45-minute strolls linking lookout points at Kangaroo Gap and Alison Saddle to a strenuous five-hour return hike up to the highest point on the property. The 943-metre-high Rawnsley Bluff looks like an impassable barrier from ground level, but make it to the top of the sandstone plateau and you’ll be rewarded with views that seem to stretch on forever over the broad red plain and surrounding ranges. If you prefer not to strike out on your own, there are also several daily group hikes.

3. 4WD Tours

sunset dining on the Chace, Arkapena Station — Watch the sunset from Arkapena Station. (Image: South Australian Tourism Commission)

Confident drivers can head off-road in neighbouring Arkapena Station, but those who prefer to stick to the tarmac can still see some of the region’s more secluded spots on a 4WD tour. Buckle up and enjoy the rollercoaster ride as a Landcruiser jumps over rocky ridges and sandy creek beds while a guide takes you through gorges filled with yellow-footed rock wallabies, shows you what daily life on a working sheep station looks like or brings you to a vantage point for a spectacular sunset accompanied by a glass of sparkling and canapes.

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4. Scenic Flights

a scenic flight above Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) — See Kati Thanda (Lake Eyre) from above. (Image: Peter Rowe)

Rising abruptly in the centre of the Flinders Ranges like a dormant volcano, Ikara is one of outback Australia’s most striking sights. It catches the eye from every angle but is at its most spectacular when it’s illuminated by the golden rays of the rising sun.

Watch the landscape come to life on an early morning flight, then continue north to see the landscape of dramatic cockscomb ridges and steep gorges give way to ranks of deep red sand dunes and shimmering salt pans, including Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, where periodic floods attract thousands of birds from across the country.

5. Mountain Biking

The 900-kilometre Mawson Trail is one of Australia’s most epic long-distance bike rides, and it passes directly through Rawnsley Park Station, but you don’t need to commit to a multi-day adventure to enjoy riding on the property. Part of the trail has been turned into a loop that links the main areas on site, while all of the station’s access roads and tracks can also be used by cyclists.

Dining at Rawnsley Park

the rustic dining interior of Woolshed Restaurant, Rawnsley Park Station — Dine on modern Australian meals on offer in the rustic Woolshed Restaurant. (Image: Rawnsley Park Station)

The remoteness of the Flinders Ranges means that it pays to plan ahead for meals, but guests at Rawnsley Park Station can take advantage of one of the region’s best dining options without having to leave the property.

A vintage wool press in the corner of the Woolshed Restaurant nods to the station’s original raison d’être, and it’s no surprise that lamb is the hero of the menu. If you can’t decide between succulent skewers, sticky-sweet ribs and hearty racks, opt for the mega-sized platter that includes four different cuts. The modern Australian menu also makes room for other local proteins, including saltbush-crumbed kangaroo steak and goat curry, along with a decent selection of South Australian beers and wines.

Takeaway pizzas provide a more casual option (but don’t expect anything too special), while self-caterers can pick up barbecue packs to cook up at their leisure. The onsite store also carries some essentials; otherwise, it’s a half-hour drive to Hawker’s General Store.

For more inspiration and itinerary tips, read our travel guide to the Flinders Ranges.

The Great Ocean Road has captured the hearts of Australians with its astounding scenery since 1932, but going off-course can enrich your experience with untouched nature, foodie delights and charming towns.

It’s a chilly 16 degrees. My husband pulls on a steamer and jogs – as all seasoned surfers do – into the water. We’re at Bells Beach, the legendary break on Victoria’s Surf Coast that’s home to the Rip Curl Pro, the world’s longest-running event in competitive surfing. Each year, over the Easter long weekend, up to 40,000 people descend on the region for the event. Today, though, we have the beach almost to ourselves, and the less-than-favourable temperature doesn’t deter my husband from surfing this famous break.

Torquay to Anglesea and Aireys Inlet

The red dome of Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The nearby surf town of Torquay marks the starting point for the Great Ocean Road. Unfolding our map, which we have marked out with a highlighted route for our children to follow, we set off for lesser-known Anglesea, a chilled-out town 20 minutes south of here. Its wide, sandy beach is a gentler swimming option for our young family. Groms can learn to surf here with Go Ride a Wave, which also runs stand-up paddle boarding on the Anglesea River.

Split point lookout — The lighthouse overlooks the Shipwreck Coast. (Image: Tourism Australia)

After a couple of nights in Anglesea, we hit the road again, first stopping at Aireys Inlet. Here we stretch our legs at Split Point Lighthouse, which was made famous by the 1990s television series Round the Twist, before driving under the Memorial Arch that welcomes us, officially, to the Great Ocean Road.

This 243-kilometre coastal road was built by returned First World War servicemen and serves as a permanent memorial to those who fought and died during the war. Carved into rock using hand tools and horse-drawn carts, it was a huge engineering feat and provided much-needed access to isolated coastal communities.

Lorne to Birregurra

Lorne is a delightful beachside stop for lunch and browsing boutique stores. It’s also the gateway to Great Otway National Park, which comprises a varied landscape of old-growth forests, cool-temperate rainforests, heathy woodlands and rugged coast. With the highest rainfall in Victoria, the region is home to many waterfalls – 10 of which are within 10 kilometres of Lorne.

Turning slightly off the main drag, we wind along a gum-shaded road to Erskine Falls. Here, our son leads the way through the hyper-green rainforest and down 200-plus stairs to the cascade that drops 30 metres into a lush fern gully. We hop over large boulders to get closer to the falls, enjoying the entire place to ourselves; it’s worth the return climb.

From Sheoak Falls Picnic Area, there are walking trails to Henderson Falls, Phantom Falls, Won Wondah Falls and Kalimna Falls, some of which follow an old timber tramway from forest-logging days, which only came to an end in 2008.

You can follow your appetite north to the town of Birregurra, which is part of the Otway Harvest Trail that connects farm gates, markets, wineries, breweries and distilleries. It’s home to three-hatted modern Australian restaurant Brae, helmed by celebrated chef Dan Hunter, set among native gardens and an organic farm, and Otways Distillery, which produces small-batch spirits using local produce and botanicals.

Brae restaurant — Brae is a three-hatted restaurant in Birregurra. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Apollo Bay to The Otways

Back on track, the cliff-hugging stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is breathtaking. At Teddys Lookout, we overlook the winding road ahead and St George River spilling into the ocean. We spend languid days in Apollo Bay, a buzzy seaside town that boasts a three-kilometre-long, crescent-shaped beach with a backdrop of rolling green hills. One evening, as the sun sets, we take the steep 10-minute walk to Marriners Lookout, which affords panoramic views of the ocean, hinterland and town.

A 15-minute drive along the road, Maits Rest is a lush rainforest gully that has been protected since the early 20th century. Wandering along the 800-metre boardwalk, we inspect the delicate moss-covered forest floor and the gnarled roots of 300-year-old myrtle beech trees, then crane our necks to see their canopies, some 50 metres above us. It’s therapy in nature.

Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles

The southernmost tip of Cape Otway is a delightful detour, home to the 1848-built Cape Otway Lightstation, the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. We climb the narrow winding staircase to the gallery deck, explore the keepers’ quarters and telegraph station, and enjoy a coffee and some ‘famous’ scones at the charming onsite cafe.

It’s a pinch-me moment to finally see the Twelve Apostles in person. This unmistakable cluster of limestone stacks rising abruptly from the sea were never 12, however. When coined this in the 1890s as a marketing ploy, there were only nine; today, only seven remain after two collapsed in 2005 and 2009. We admire these Aussie icons from the viewing platform, in awe of Mother Nature’s ever-evolving artwork.

The Grotto is another natural attraction within Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Carmen Zammit)

Edging the wild Southern Ocean, this part of the coast – dubbed Shipwreck Coast – is made up of many sea-carved natural wonders including London Bridge, The Grotto and Gibson Steps. After exploring the lookout trails of Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool – its English name taken from the site of the 1878 shipwreck – we nestle into the sandy beach encircled by towering sandstone cliffs, as our children splash about on the water’s edge, and soak it all in.

Port Campbell to Timboon

Timboon Fine Ice Cream is part of a regional foodie trail. (Image: C McConville)

Just north of Port Campbell National Park, the region of Timboon is part of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Trail, filled with purveyors of delicious foodstuffs such as Timboon Fine Ice Cream, Timboon Railway Shed Distillery and Apostle Whey Cheese. As an antidote to the indulgence, the 20-kilometre Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng Trail is a self-guided ride or walk between Port Campbell and Timboon through tall forests, over historic bridges and past sparkling lakes and farmland with grazing cattle.

Warrnambool to Port Fairy

Warrnambool building — A 19th-century building in Warrnambool. (Image: Peter Foster)

In Warrnambool, a town rich in maritime history, we take the four-kilometre Thunder Point Walk that traces the coast. The kids squeal when an echidna shuffles out from beneath the wooden boardwalk, and we stop to admire a seal lazing on a rock at the port.

Further along, the streets of quaint fishing village Port Fairy are lined with 19th-century cottages, old stone churches and Norfolk pines. Follow the historic walking trail to see some of the 60-plus National Trust buildings. Port Fairy is also home to Port Fairy Folk Festival (6-9 March), one of the country’s longest-running music and cultural festivals. You could time your road trip with the event for a fittingly celebratory end to any journey.

The Great Ocean Road can easily be done in three days, but we’ve spent a week on the road. The highlighted line on our now creased and well-worn map doesn’t follow the famous route precisely. It has sprouted branches in many directions, leading us to untouched rainforest and charming rural towns filled with culinary delights, and where we experienced some of our most memorable moments on the Great Ocean Road.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

The Monty is a highly anticipated, newly refurbished motel with a chic Palm Springs-inspired aesthetic set across the road from the Anglesea River. Basalt Winery in Port Fairy grows cool-climate wines such as pinot noir and Riesling in rich volcanic soil. Stay among the vines in its tiny home, complete with a kitchen, lounge area and outdoor firepit.

The Oak & Anchor Hotel has been a Port Fairy institution since 1857. Cosy up by the bar in winter or bask in the sunshine of the Lawn Bar in summer. The rooms are beautifully boutique with considered details, such as luxe baths for sinking into post-road trip.

Eating there

The Coast in Anglesea is a modern Australian restaurant focused on local ingredients. Grand Pacific Hotel has been a local landmark in Lorne since 1879 and recently underwent a restoration. It serves a mix of traditional pub and Italian fare alongside ocean views.

Graze is a cosy 40-seat dining room in Apollo Bay with a modern Australian menu complemented by regional wines. Apollo Bay Distillery offers tasting flights, a gin blending masterclass and serves woodfired pizzas.

Rawnsley Park Station: A true Flinders Ranges icon

With four tiers of accommodation to suit every budget, enough activities to keep you busy for weeks and an unbeatable location, this legendary outback property has something for everyone.