Wilpena Pound
Ikara
A natural basin enclosed by a ring of ridges, known to the Indigenous people as 'Ikara', and the most iconic landscape of the Flinders Ranges.
Wilpena Pound is a natural oval basin about 17 km long and 8 km wide, surrounded by steep quartzite ridges. The Adnyamathanha Indigenous people call it 'Ikara' (meaning 'meeting place'). The visitor centre and resort sit at the basin's only gap. From here, trails lead to places such as Hills Homestead and Wangara Lookout (about 3 hours return), and you can also take a helicopter or small plane for an aerial view of the whole basin. A national park entry permit is required (about 13 AUD per vehicle per day). Summers are extremely hot, so bring plenty of water for hiking.
Opening hours
Open all day; visitor center approx. 08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Wangarra Lookout
- Mount Ohlssen Bagge
- Hills Homestead & Old Wilpena Station
- St Mary Peak
- Arkaroo Rock
- Cazneaux Tree
- Rawnsley Park Station
- Sacred Canyon