Flinders Ranges Holiday Camp 2025

Flinders Ranges Holiday Program

Written by Lily and Charlie

DAY 1 The journey begins 

Our first day of the Flinders Ranges holiday camp! Lily, Charlie, Dasha and Yana got on the bus at Seacliff, loaded the trailer and started the long drive North. Whilst driving through Port Wakefield we picked another part of the group, Ella and Koby, and started getting to know one another. At Port Wakefield we had an early lunch from the bakery and Jas shared some delicious homemade brownies.

Before we made it to our first activity, we made one more stop to pick up our last traveller, Geoffrey. Shortly after our last stop, we made it to the Devil’s Peak hiking trail just past Quorn and began the short but steep climb to the summit. The views from the top were immaculate!

After a long hike back down we drove to Warren Gorge and set up camp. For some of us, this was the first time setting up a tent so the leaders, Jas and Darcy, gave us some helpful tips. The rest of the night consisted of cooking dinner using our stoves with the view of an amazing sunset and later roasting marshmallows over the fire. We had only spent a few hours together but everyone was getting along and laughing like we had known the group for years!

DAY 2 The ascent  

After a windy night of interrupted sleep we woke up around 7am. We started the day with breakfast and packed up our tents shortly after. We then made our way down the road to the rock climbing area which had ropes all set up by Darcy. Before we started climbing we had a short briefing about safety and how to belay, then we spent a few hours taking it in turns climbing and belaying. Rock climbing made us feel accomplished and confident to do the other activities!

After packing up the climbing equipment, we jumped back in the bus and headed to Aroona campground, further North of Wilpena Pound. When we arrived to our next campsite, we set up straight away so we were prepared for the next two nights. Some of us went for a little ride around camp on the bikes, while a couple of us set around, chatted and made bracelets. Soon after we cooked dinner and had another campfire.

DAY 3 A ‘wheelie’ big bike ride  

After another windy night, Jas woke us up around 7am and we started getting ready quickly. We left for our mountain bike ride shortly after breakfast to give us plenty of time to ride and crossed our fingers and toes for good weather. We followed the Mawson Trail towards Razorback lookout which was approximately 30kms riding through creek beds, dirt roads and single track sections. This ride was harder for some people but the group made sure to stay close and have stops when necessary. About 15kms in we found a hut to sit down and eat some food.

We continued the ride along the Mawson trail until we made it to Razorback lookout where we finally met with Jas (shout out to Jas for being the support vehicle!). We then continued to Bunaroo Gorge which was all downhill and finished with a short geological trail. The ride made us feel capable and accomplished, but very tired! After a massive day we settled into camp, had some afternoon snacks and a round of mini finska and throwing the frisbee. Some dinner and a nice fire followed to celebrate the incredible ride we just completed.

DAY 4 The decent  

We woke after a peaceful nights sleep which was a welcomed change! Everyone felt excited for the day to come. Some of us went for a short walk as soon as we woke up which had a great view of mountain ranges. Shortly after packing up camp we headed to Rawnsley Bluff were we had a 3km steep walk to the abseil location. When we got there we ate lunch, and put helmets and harnesses on as the equipment was being set up. The abseil was down a 30 metre cliff which was fun and was exhilarating.

We walked down the mountain and drove a few minutes to our campsite in Rawnsley Park Station. We set up our tents straight away then went to the bathrooms to have a much-needed shower, then free time to play card games and hang out. At dinner time, Jas and Darcy prepared us burrito bowls – everyone collectively agreed this was the best dinner we had on camp! We had one last campfire and debriefed about camp, talking about the highs and lows and what we will take out of the experience. A couple of us decided to go to bed early after a busy day, while some of us stayed up talking around the fire.

DAY 5 Final goodbye 

Up bright and early this morning to pack down our tents and pack up the campsite. We left camp around 8.15am and drove into Hawker bakery before dropping off Geoffrey shortly after. We stopped at another bakery (Old Stone Hut) and had a good lunch break. We kept driving all the way to Port Wakefield where we said our goodbyes to Ella and Koby. Back into the bus and tackled the last stretch of driving all the way to Seacliff and then said our final goodbyes. This camp was an experience we will all remember for a long time. It was such a fun way to spend our holidays meeting new people, exploring new places and taking part in the adventurous activities!