The 6 Best 4WD and Scenic Drives in Flinders Ranges
Last updated: October 2026
Six drives, from a free 28 km dirt road anyone can do in a hire car to a full-day 4WD track over the highest drivable point in the ranges. We’ve driven four of these scenic drives in Flinders Ranges. Here’s what each one costs, what vehicle you need, and which ones are open right now.
Flinders Ranges Road Conditions (updated 5 October 2026)
The February 2026 floods did more than $10 million of damage to roads across the Flinders Ranges Council area. The good news: the gorge roads have reopened. The catch: they’re only 4WD now, and none of them will take a caravan or trailer.
Here’s where things stand as at 5 October 2026:
|
Road |
Status |
|---|---|
|
Bunyeroo Valley Road |
OPEN – High-clearance 4WD only, no towing. Bunyeroo Gorge itself is still closed pending repairs, so you can reach Razorback Lookout and the campgrounds but not drive the gorge. |
|
Brachina Gorge Road |
OPEN – High-clearance 4WD only, under 3 tonnes, no towing. Sections of road are still missing. Follow the wheel tracks through the creek beds and take it slowly at the scours. |
|
Moralana Scenic Drive |
OPEN – High-clearance 4WD only, no towing. Single lane at one causeway where a tree has come down. |
|
Glass Gorge Road |
OPEN to 4WD. You can tow between Parachilna Gorge Road and Moolooloo Station, but not between Moolooloo and Blinman. Bog holes near the Blinman end. |
|
Parachilna Gorge Road |
OPEN – High-clearance recommended, water still over some creek crossings, slow down. |
|
Flinders Ranges Way (sealed) |
OPEN |
|
Skytrek |
OPEN |
|
Caernarvon Track |
OPEN |
|
Arkapena Track |
OPEN – But Rawnsley closes it after rain. Ring (08) 8648 0700 first |
One more date for the diary: most of the national park is closed from 9 pm Friday 6 November to 9 pm Monday 9 November 2026 for a pest control program. A few areas stay open. Check the park alerts before you book that weekend.
Check these two before you leave home; they’re updated every few days:
If you’re planning a trip to the Flinders Ranges, one thing should be at the very top of your list: Exploring the most scenic drives in Flinders Ranges. This is where the real magic happens. Here, the journey is the destination.
➤ If you’re heading to the Flinders Ranges, start with our full guide “3-Day Flinders Ranges Itinerary” to plan your trip.
The Flinders Ranges is home to some of the most breathtaking self-drive routes in South Australia. Think ancient gorges carved over millions of years, razorback ridgelines glowing at sunset, remote 4WD tracks and wildlife encounters you won’t get anywhere else.
We’ve covered our fair share of dusty tracks and narrowed it down to six of the most scenic drives in Flinders Ranges. From short, accessible routes perfect for a half-day trip to full-day bucket-list 4WD experiences like Skytrek and Caernarvon. This guide covers them all.
So whether you’ve hired a car for a weekend escape, and you just want a taste of the outback, or you’re a passionate overlander looking to get challenged, there’s a track in this guide for you. We’ve personally tackled four of the six listed here. We ran out of time, and as our car is our home, we decided to skip Skytrek and Caernarvon. But we did a ton of research, so you don’t have to.
Sure, there are plenty of other things to do, like hiking and epic camp spots.
➤ We’ve tried and tested many camping spots in the Flinders and rounded up our favourite campgrounds in our complete guide to camping in Flinders Ranges.
The 6 drives compared
|
Drive |
Distance |
Time |
Cost |
Vehicle |
Open now? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Moralana Scenic Drive |
28 km |
1.5 – 2 hrs |
Free |
High-clearance 4WD only, no towing |
Open |
|
Bunyeroo Scenic Drive |
31 km |
2 – 3 hrs |
$14.40 Park Entry |
High-clearance 4WD only, no towing |
Open – gorge section still closed |
|
Brachina Gorge Geological Trail |
20 km |
2 – 3 hrs |
$14.40 Park Entry |
High-clearance 4WD only, under 3 tonnes, no towing. |
Open |
|
Arkapena Track |
26 km |
4.5 hrs |
$55 – $65 + $10 key deposit |
4WD only |
Open (ring first) |
|
Skytrek |
79 km |
Full day ~7 hrs |
$90 or $75 if staying overnight |
High clearance 4WD |
Open |
|
Caernarvon Track |
50 km |
5 – 6 hrs |
$70 + $30 camping |
High Clearance 4WD, experienced |
Open |
→ One park pass covers both Bunyeroo and Brachina on the same day.
Do you need a 4WD for the Flinders Ranges?
Normally not, but with the current conditions, you do.
You don’t need a 4WD for:
- Flinders Ranges Way: which is sealed all the way from Wilmington through Quorn and Hawker to Wilpena.
- Wilpena Pound
- The walking trails
- Rawnsley Park Station
- All the nearby towns
You want high-clearance for:
- Moralana Scenic Drive: which is a well maintained dirt road
- Bunyeroo Scenic Drive: when it’s dry and graded
- Brachina Gorge: which has rocky sections and creek crossings
- Any of the national park’s unsealed roads after rain
- Getting to the more remote national park campgrounds comfortably
You absolutely need a 4WD for:
- Arkapena
- Skytrek
- Caernarvon Track
→ All three are steep, rocky, low-range tracks on private stations, and all three will refuse you at the gate without the right vehicle.
My opinion? The Flinders Ranges is normally a 2WD destination that becomes much better with a 4WD. But due to the heavy rainfall in February 2026, it has become a high-clearance 4WD destination until repairs are finished. In a hire car in dry weather, you’ll see Wilpena, the gorges when they’re accessible, the lookouts and the pubs, and you’ll have a great trip. A 4WD gives you more freedom and shows you the real Flinders Ranges.
Moralana Scenic Drive
- Distance: 28 km
- Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Cost: Free (it’s not part of the National Park)
- Accessible: High-clearance 4WD only at the moment. No towing. Normally a 2WD dirt road. It should go back to that once repairs are finished.
Let’s kick off with a gem that often flies under the radar. And the best part? It’s FREE! Moralana Scenic Drive is a 28 km dirt road that runs between the Outback Highway and Flinders Ranges Way. This drive caught us by surprise, the scenery just keeps getting better and better. And if you’re lucky, you might spot some wandering emus or wallabies next to the track.
It’s free because it isn’t in the national park. The road crosses Arkaba and Merna Mora station country, both of which are working properties. Leave gates as you find them, stay on the track, and don’t camp along it.
TIP: You can drive in either direction, but here’s a hot tip: go west in the morning and east in the afternoon to catch the best light. The way the sun hits at this time of day, magic! Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
The road is “normally” in good condition and is suitable for 2WD vehicles, but not at the moment. Right now it’s only accessible with high-clearance 4WD. In normal circumstances and after rain, this road can get a bit corrugated. It’s a great option if you want to see the area without paying for it, and honestly one of the most scenic drives in Flinders Ranges.
➤ This scenic drive is the perfect way to kick off your adventure. For more ideas on where to go, what to see and how to make the most of your trip, check out our 3-day Flinders Ranges itinerary.
Bunyeroo Scenic Drive
- Distance: 31 kilometres
- Time: Allow a couple of hours with stops
- Cost: $14.40 per day – Ikara-Flinders Ranges Vehicle Access Permit. Book online here.
- Accessible: High-clearance 4WD only at the moment; no towing. The gorge section is still shut.
This one is our absolute number 1 of the most scenic drives in the Flinders Ranges. And for good reasons. The Bunyeroo Scenic Drive brings you through the heart of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, with constantly changing landscapes that’ll make you stop and take the camera out multiple times.
The best part of this drive: Razorback Lookout. This must be the most photographed spot in Flinders Ranges. Once you’re there, you’ll see why. The view is spectacular!
TIP: Visit this lookout either during sunrise or sunset. Go for sunrise to watch the ranges glow, or catch that warm golden light at sunset. Either way, it’s stunning. In the middle of the day the light flattens the ridgelines right out and you’ll wonder what the fuss was about.
There are four campgrounds along Bunyeroo Road: Cambrian, Acraman, Koolamon, and Youngoona. So it’s easy to stay for sunset and cosy up with a fire at camp straight after.
➤ We’ve compared all the campgrounds in our full Camping in Flinders Ranges guide.
If you’re only planning on doing just one of the scenic drives in Flinders Ranges, make it this one.
Brachina Gorge Geological Trail
- Distance: 20 km
- Time: A few hours, depending on stops
- Cost: $14.40 – Same Ikara-Flinders Ranges vehicle access pass as Bunyeroo (you can do both on the same day).
- Accessible: High clearance 4WD only, no towing
The rocks in Brachina Gorge are between 800 and 500 million years old, and the 20 km trail reads about 130 million years of that record. When you know that, it hits differently. The Brachina Gorge Trail is one of the most scenic drives in the Flinders Ranges, and brings you through rugged gorges and ancient rock formations.
Look out for the Ediacaran Golden Spike, a short walk from Trezona Campground. It’s a small brass marker in the rock that defines the start of the Ediacaran Period. The only one of its kind in Australia and the first new geological period declared anywhere in 120 years. It looks like almost nothing and it’s one of the most significant spots in the country.
East to west is the way to go for the best views. Heading this way, the track gets a bit more adventurous the further in you go. Expect some rocky sections and creek crossings (weather depending).
Keep an eye out for the yellow footed rock wallaby. They are mostly hanging around at the gorges, and when tackling the track early morning or late afternoon, you’ll surely spot a few.
Arkapena 4WD Track
- Distance: 26 kilometres
- Time: Around 4.5 hours
- Cost: $55 for the yellow track, or $65 for both yellow and red, plus a $10 refundable key deposit. Pay at Rawnsley Park Station reception
- Accessible: 4WD Only
Status: OPEN, but they close after rain. Ring reception on (08) 8648 0700 before you drive out.
This one feels a little more off the beaten track. The Arkapena Track is run by Rawnsley Park Station. There’s a yellow and red track to choose from, or when feeling adventurous, you can tackle both. There are some steep, rock sections, so make sure you lower your tyre pressure.
You’ll need to stop in at Rawnsley Park Station reception to grab a key (or both keys for the red and yellow track), pay the fee, and you’ll receive a self-guided 4WD tour booklet. The booklet gives you more information about the native flora and how the formation of the landscape came to be what it is today.
The track gives you a different perspective on Wilpena Pound. It’s one of the most scenic drives in Flinders Ranges, but without the crowds. You’ll feel like you’re properly exploring the remote outback. If you’re thinking about doing a 4WD track, and want to avoid the extremes of the outback, this one’s the way to go.
It’s also the easiest of the three station tracks to fit into a trip. It starts at Rawnsley, where a lot of people are already camped, and it’s half a day rather than a full one.
➤ If you’re planning on camping here, read through our complete Camping in Flinders Ranges Guide where we compare all the campgrounds.
Skytrek – Willow Springs Station
- Distance: 79 kilometres
- Time: Full day (approx. 7 hours)
- Cost: $90 per vehicle for up to six people. $75 if you’re staying at Willow Springs, and $60 for a motorbike
- Vehicle: High Clearance 4WD
Status: OPEN
Skytrek is probably the most iconic 4WD track in Flinders Ranges. Run by Willow Springs Station, this loop is a full-day journey that brings you to incredible lookouts, and a proper adrenaline rush.
This spectacular self-guided track will make you feel like you’re exploring Mars. The vast open landscape in every direction is truly mind-blowing, making it one of the most scenic drives in Flinders Ranges. You’ll most likely spot some wild kangaroos, emus, eagles and other birds.
The track is well marked and you can grab an information sheet from the office at Willow Springs Station which has detailed information about each of the 50 stops. You can pick and choose which ones to stop at. The track requires some 4WD experience, don’t take this track lightly. But at the end of the day, you’ll tick off a bucket list item of many.
Caernarvon Track
- Distance: 50 kilometres
- Time: 5 – 6 hours
- Cost: $70 per vehicle, plus $30 if you camp there. Bookings need to be a couple of days ahead.
- Accessible: High clearance 4WD only
Status: OPEN all year round, weather permitting
Last but definitely not least, the Caernarvon Track is for the true 4WD enthusiasts. This private track (bookings required) takes you to the summit of Mount Caernarvon (931 metres), making it the highest drivable point in the entire Flinders Ranges. You’ll get spectacular 360-degree views of the Flinders Ranges. The track is situated on the Bunkers Conservation Reserve, a unique property covering 140 square kilometres.
You’ll need a high clearance 4WD and quite the experience in 4WDing. The track is remote and very challenging with steep inclines and declines. But if you’re up for it, it’s an unforgettable experience.
You’ll get a detailed Caernarvon Track Tour Guide when tackling the track. But a great tip is to camp here before starting the track. It takes already a while to get to the start at the track, and you don’t want to rush it.
A final tip: always check weather and track conditions before you head out.
Flinders Ranges Way: the drive everyone does
Not a 4WD track, but it deserves a place on the list, because it’s the road you’ll spend the most time on.
Flinders Ranges Way runs from Wilmington up through Quorn and Hawker to Wilpena, and it’s sealed the whole way. It’s the main touring route into the ranges, and it’s beautiful. The Elder Range on one side, saltbush plains on the other, and a string of old stone ruins and pubs along it.
- Distance: about 200 km from Wilmington to Wilpena
- Time: 2.5 hours without stops, half a day with them
- Cost: free
- Vehicle: 2WD
Stops worth making:
- Pichi Richi Pass between Port Augusta and Quorn: take the tourist route, not the highway
- Yourambulla Caves just south of Hawker: A steep 20-minute climb to Adnyamathanha rock art with big views back over the plains.
- Hawker itself
- Rawnsley Park
→ If Bunyeroo and Moralana are closed when you visit, this drive plus the Wilpena Pound walks is a great way to fill your day.
Driving the Flinders Ranges: what you actually need
The roads are remote, they corrugate badly, and help is a long way off. A few things we’d never head out without:
Fitting the Scenic Drives in Flinders Ranges into a trip
The best thing about the Flinders is that these drives join up into a loop rather than a series of out-and-backs. The classic run is: in via Moralana, north up Bunyeroo, west through Brachina, north to Parachilna, then back east through Parachilna Gorge to Blinman and south again.
That’s roughly 350 km to 450 km, and it works well over three days with two nights camping.
➤ We’ve mapped it out day by day, with campgrounds and where to stop in our 3-Day Flinders Ranges Itinerary.
Flinders Ranges Scenic Drives Map
All six drives mapped, plus campgrounds along them, the lookouts worth stopping at, fuel, and where each track starts.
Most scenic drives in Flinders Ranges
These were the 6 most scenic drives in Flinders Ranges. And honestly, there’s no better way to explore the raw beauty of the Flinders Ranges than getting on these scenic drives. From short, relaxing drives like Moralana, to all-day wild 4WD adventures like Skytrek and Caernarvon. Each track will give you a different angle of this wild part of South Australia. The Flinders Ranges isn’t just a destination. Here, it’s all about the journey.
FAQs About the most Scenic Drives in Flinders Ranges
If you’re planning your trip and you still have a few questions, here are some of the most common things people have asked us before exploring the most scenic drives in Flinders Ranges:
How many days do you need in the Flinders Ranges?
If you only want to drive one or two scenic routes, you could squeeze the Flinders Ranges into 2 to 3 days. But to properly experience the most scenic drives in Flinders Ranges, plus exploring and camping, we’d recommend at least 4 to 5 days. And when adding the Skytrek or Caernarvon Track, allow extra time as these are two full-day adventures.
What’s the best time of year to visit the Flinders Ranges?
The best time to explore the most scenic drives in the Flinders Ranges is between April and October. Summers (December – February) can be extremely hot, often over 40 degrees, which makes camping, hiking, and 4WDing less enjoyable. April, May, September and October are the pick. And after winter rain the unsealed roads take weeks to dry out, so check conditions in early spring.
Do you need a 4WD for the Flinders Ranges?
At the moment, Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorge Roads are high-clearance 4WD only and closed to towing, so you can’t get a caravan into any of the park campgrounds until repairs are finished.
Do you need a permit to drive in the Flinders Ranges?
Yes. If you’re entering Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, you’ll need a vehicle access permit, which is $14.40 per vehicle. This covers drives such as Bunyeroo Scenic Drive and the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail. Private station tracks, such as Arkapena, Skytrek, and Caernarvon, have their own fees and permits.
Tip: Always book ahead, especially during school holidays and in peak season.
Are the scenic drives suitable for caravans?
Some sections, such as Moralana Scenic Drive, may be manageable with an off-road caravan in dry conditions. However, many of the 4WD tracks listed (Skytrek, Caernarvon, Arkapena) are NOT suitable for towing. We recommend setting up camp and exploring the tracks without your caravan. Flinders Ranges Way is sealed and fine with any van.
Which is the most scenic drive in Flinders Ranges?
If we had to pick just one? Bunyeroo Scenic Drive is our number 1 of the best scenic drives in Flinders Ranges. The landscapes constantly change, Razorback Lookout is just iconic, and it gives you a proper feel for the scale of the ranges. But, to be honest, each of the most scenic drives in Flinders Ranges offers something completely different.
What are the best 4WD tracks in the flinders Ranges?
Skytrek at Willow Springs is the best known – 79 km, a full day, and the one most people put on the list. Arkapena at Rawnsley Park is the best half-day option. Caernarvon takes you to the highest drivable point in the ranges at 931 m and is the most demanding of the three. All three are on private stations; they all need bookings, and you’re paying a fee. All tracks require a high-clearance 4WD.
Are Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorge Open?
Both are open as of 5 October 2026, but high-clearance 4WD only and closed to towing. Bunyeroo Gorge itself is still shut pending repairs. You can drive Bunyeroo Valley Road to Razorback Lookout and the campgrounds, but not through the gorge. Check the SA Outback Road Report and Park Alerts before you go.
Is Flinders Ranges Way sealed?
Yes, the whole way from Wilmington through Quorn and Hawker to Wilpena. The unsealed roads are the gorge drives inside the national park and the station tracks.
Can you drive Bunyeroo and Brachina in one day?
Yes. And it’s the classic day out. They connect; one park pass covers both, and you’d allow four to five hours with stops. Go Bunyeroo first, then Brachina east to west.
More Flinders Ranges Guides
If you’re heading this way, make sure you have a read through our other South Australia Travel Guides. For more details, check out our:
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