TOP 5 4X4 SPOTS IN SA

HERE ARE FIVE OF THE BEST 4X4 DESTINATIONS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA

- RON MOON,GLENN MARSHALL,ROBERT NORMAN,RON MOON,SCOTT MASON

1 FLINDERS RANGES

A 4X4 TOUR THROUGH THE SPECTACULAR FLINDERS RANGES OFFERS A RICH TAPESTRY OF MODERN AND ANCIENT HISTORY

AFlinders Ranges adventure can begin from the north, as you turn off the Strzelecki Track and cross the low, rocky plains at the northern fringes of the range. Mount Hopeless, the northernmost point of the Flinders, will barely be visible among the gibber-strewn hills.

Heading south, the ranges grow closer and more rugged near Balcanoona Homestead, now the headquarters of Gammon Ranges National Park. From here, you can continue to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, nestled in rugged mountains north of the national park.

One of Arkaroola’s highlights is the Ridgetop Tour. Driving through expansive, craggy terrain, including the Mawson Plateau and Freeling Heights, you’ll arrive at Sillers Lookout. From here, sweeping views include Mount Painter Creek’s radioactive source, East Painter Gorge, and the distant flat plains with the glistening Lake Frome.

Spend a few nights at Arkaroola and then head south, taking a lesser track into Mount Chambers Gorge. Here, splash through shallow creek crossings and stop at a bluff overlooking the creek bed. A short walk up a narrow feeder creek leads to what is considered the best Aboriginal rock-art site open to the public in the Flinders Ranges. The petroglyphs, predating painted art, feature hundreds of designs and provide a glimpse into a once vibrant society.

Returning to the main road, continue to Blinman and camp near the creek. There’s also a pub offering camping and accommodation, a nearby cafe, and the Blinman Underground Mine Tour experience, which is a tour of the old mine workings, and well worth doing.