15 May 2015
The Flinders Ranges National Park is so beautiful and quite compact, with hidden gems all over; you will be left changing lenses faster than 4WD’s change gears. The Flinders Ranges is South Australia’s haven for macro shots, action shots, long exposures and even a couple of snaps from your phone – selfie anyone?
Pack extra SD cards for the millions of pictures you’ll snag, and batteries too; because you will not switch your camera off once you step into Flinders Ranges National Park near Discovery's Port Augusta accommodation.
- St Mary’s Peak at sunrise is exactly what you need to start your juices flowing. A muted pink sky behind the vibrant red, purple, fuchsia cliffs are waiting for you. #nofilter required – this is what filters are based on: the perfect bleed of colours over this stunning Australian National Park.View North down Aroona Valley, St Mary Peak. Picture: Walking SA.
- From the top of St Mary’s Peak (watch out, it’s steep), you will have panoramic views of Wilpena Pound at any time of the day, and all the mountains that accompany it. No matter what weather you face, this is a great blue sky, rain and dramatic cloud spot where you can see all the faces of the land.
- Capture some serious adventure-junkies at the Moonarie crag, found in the southeast of the Flinders Ranges, where rock climbers challenge themselves to walls as steep as 61m. If you find there aren’t any climbers to photograph, take a perspective shot that shows off this mighty mountain. This is the spot to be creative with.Flinders Ranges. Picture: South Australian Tourism Commission.
- Get out your macro lens and focus on your feet throughout your hike. The Flinders Ranges has a wonderful spread of wildflowers that bloom from September to November, igniting the usual grays and browns of the land with reds, purples, yellows and green.Arkaba Station. Picture: Arkaba Conservancy.
- Sunset at Arkaba Station will have you chewing up that precious camera battery like never before. The light from the sun hitting the peaks burns red, growing darker as it pans down until you reach the deep blues at the base of the mountains. At last, the origin of the ‘ombre’ is uncovered.
This is a very fast overview of a national park that has so much more to offer right near Port Augusta. Flinders Ranges has falls and creeks waiting to be shot, as well as wildlife and the all-important selfies with soaring mountains in the background. Stop into the Information Centre in Quorn to get more out of your visit.
Tip: Sunrise and sunset are best for filter-free, dramatic photos.
Enjoy a relaxing holiday by booking your pet friendly accommodation at Discovery Parks - Port Augusta. Be sure to contact the holiday park prior to booking if you are considering taking your pet.