Flinders Ranges 4WD tracks; beauty and adventure beyond belief

The Flinders Ranges are very well known for their 4WD tracks, and people come from all over the country to explore them. We’ve just had a truly amazing time exploring a number of places in the Flinders Ranges over 3 weeks and would go back in a heartbeat. In this post though, we cover all of the 4WD tracks in the Flinders Ranges that we visited, and what we thought of them (where applicable).

This was a huge step in exploring more 4WD tracks in South Australia, and we’ll be back to do even more.

Mern Mernas Burnette Track

The first 4WD track that we did in the Flinders Ranges was at Mern Merna Station, and is known as the Burnette 4WD Track. It’s $30 to get access to the track, and I’ll be honest and suggest I wasn’t expecting much more than a gravel station track around the property. I couldn’t have been further from the truth though, when we arrived at the base of the range, and started to climb to the top. You spend the majority of your time driving from ridge top to ridge top, and it really is a stunning track with plenty to keep you occupied.

• Cost to do the track: $30
• Time required: 3 hours
• Modified 4WD required: Some clearance is advised, and quality tyres
• Drivers level of skill required: Slightly higher than basic
• Overall rating out of 10: 7

Ferguson Gorge on Moolooloo Station

We were quite shocked at how beautiful Moolooloo Station is, and were keen to do the 4WD track that gives you access to Ferguson Gorge. We spent a good chunk of the day doing this, and really enjoyed it, although it was very different to Mern Merna’s Burnette Track.

• Cost to do the track: $30
• Time required: 6 hours including the gorge walk
• Modified 4WD required: No
• Drivers level of skill required: Basic skills
• Overall rating out of 10: 7

Arkaroola 4WD tracks

Arkaroola is the poster boy of South Australian outback visits, and I was expecting a hyped up property that really didn’t deliver. I was completely wrong though, with the scenery and 4WD tracks here completely blowing my mind. There are some easy 4WD tracks that you need very little for, and there’s some 4WD tracks that will have your vehicle, and the driver working for their money.

The paid 4WD track is the most difficult, with the station backtrack and Jacobs being the next most difficult.

• Cost to do the track: Free when camping, except for the Echo Camp Backtrack which is $45
• Time required: Most are an hour or two, with a couple being half to mostly full days
• Modified 4WD required: Some 4WD tracks can be done with a standard vehicle, and some of the harder ones need plenty of clearance, good quality tyres and plenty of traction.
• Drivers level of skill required: Beginners level for the main tracks around the station. Medium experience for some tracks, and advanced for the harder ones. Reception will clarify which tracks are suitable!
• Overall rating out of 10: 10

Skytrek on Willow Springs

Willow Springs is a small, incredibly well maintained camp ground in the middle of the Flinders Ranges, and its extremely well known amongst the 4WD communities for its Skytrek 4WD Track. This is one of the longest, and most scenic tracks in Flinders Springs, and we missed out due to extensive rainfall.

That means I can’t give you the full feedback, but this is what you need to know:

• Cost to do the track: $75
• Time required: 7 hours
• Modified 4WD required: Some clearance is advised, and quality tyres
• Drivers level of skill required: Above beginners level
• Overall rating out of 10: 10 (apparently!)

Argadells

The last property we visited in the Flinders Ranges was Argadells, and that was by complete chance. As it turns out, it was equally as good as Arkaroola which was completely stunning, and its got some of the best views and 4WD tracks that you’ll do anywhere.

There’s a 4WD track that will take you to the top of Mt Ardon, some 844 metres high, which is absolutely stunning.

• Cost to do the tracks: $50 to access all tracks
• Time required: 1 – 2 hours for each track
• Modified 4WD required: Some clearance is advised, and quality tyres for the basic tracks. Intermediate and difficult need more clearance.
• Drivers level of skill required: Intermediate to advanced skills
• Overall rating out of 10: 10

Sharing is caring!