Located over 400 km north of Adelaide, is the extraordinary landscape that is 800 million years old and one of South Australia’s most famous natural landmarks, Wilpena Pound. It forms an almost perfect geological bowl, that is clearly evident from the air. This region has been home to the Adnyamathanha people for tens of thousands of years.

The floor of the Wilpena Pound is 200 metres higher than the surrounding countryside. It’s highest point, is St Mary’s Peak (Ngarri Mudlanha), at 1,118 metres above sea level. St Mary Peak is a mountain located on the northwestern side of Wilpena Pound. It is the highest peak in the Flinders Ranges and the eighth highest peak in South Australia. The pound itself is 17 km long and 8 km wide, containing 8,960 hectares.

Aerial view into Wilpena Pound, South Australia
Aerial view into Wilpena Pound, South Australia

A scenic flight is a great way to appreciate the grandeur of the region, offering a bird’s eye view of the gigantic caldera like Wilpena Pound, and the majestic Ikara Flinders Ranges as they stretch into the distance like a gigantic natural backbone.

If you are planning a visit and stay, check out the Wilpena Pound Resort, the only accommodation located within the Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park.


South AustraliaAdelaide Hills Alberrie Creek Algebuckina Bridge Belair National Park Kangaroo Island Kanku–Breakaways Conservation Park Mount Gambier Oodnadatta Oodnadatta Track Orroroo Port Augusta Port Germein Wabma Kadarbu Conservation Park William Creek Wilpena Pound Witjira National Park Woomera