Day 60: Thu 13 Apr 23 - Flinders Ranges (Wilpena Pound)

Thu 13 Apr 23 - Flinders Ranges (Wilpena Pound)

A fresh 8 Deg this morning reaching 22 Deg in the afternoon, remaining clear with no wind all day. A perfect day for a long hike. Todays main activity was an 18km solo climb up the Outside track to Saint Mary Peak (to Tanderra Saddle just below at least), and a 12.5 km return hike along the Inside track of the Pound. I was up and out of bed shortly after 0600, and out the door after breakfast and coffee by 0645. It was a fresh start, but I was stripping off layers by the time I reached Tanderra saddle, which I reached in good time in 1hr 40min. The first hour was pretty easy, but the last 40minutes was very rocky, steep and challenging. Needless to say, I was very satisfied with the effort, but the views were all the reward that I needed. The walk back along the flats inside the Pound seemed a little boring at times in comparison to the stunning views of the Outside track. I completed the circuit in just over 4 hours. Considering the 6+ plus hours is the norm, I was very satisfied with the effort, but I was also very glad to be back and put my feet up at the van. After a rest, there were a few chores to attend to in preparation for our departure tomorrow, then we all went out for dinner to the resort restaurant where we all had very good meals - I was pleasantly surprised at the standard, and it wasn't all that expensive.  Walking back from the restaurant, it is already 13deg, and feeling like it will be a cool night - a good night for sleeping which I'm looking forward to.  A very satisfying day, but tomorrow we move on again to the other side of the Flinders Ranges to a Station Stay at Edeowie Campground. If you don't see any posts for a few days, it's because we have no any internet. Stay tuned.


0645 - A beautiful fresh morning and great weather to hike to the highest peak in the Flinders ranges. The direct route via the Outside trail is relatively straight forward for the  fist hour, but the final hour to Tanderra Saddle is very steep, rocky and exposed. 

Destination ahead - St Mary Peak, although planning to cross the saddle only and not climb the last 1.6km to the peak 

Mt Boorong to the left - 1080m


Approaching the saddle - very rocky and hard going

Getting close to the Saddle - with St Mary Peak tempting another visitor


Perfect weather and incredible views across the Flinders Ranges

A large spider across the path

Mt Boorong

Becoming more difficult. Hard to tell how steep it really is from the photo 

A welcome rest to appreciate the views

A welcome rest to appreciate the stunning views along the Flinders Ranges

Pushing on - only 2km to go

Every turn providing more great views and a welcome break


Reached the saddle where the Inner and Outer Tracks merge from the left. To the right is another 1.6 km to the peak of St Mary Peak

1.6km from the saddle to the peak - On my own I won't be be pushing on to the top today.

The Junction

View from the saddle to Mt Boorong

View from the saddle into the Pound

View from the saddle into the Pound - Mt Boorong to the left - St Mary Peak to the right


The descent - stunning rocky outcrops

The descent - View to St Mary Peak

The descent - View into the Pound

The descent - View to St Mary Peak


The descent 


The descent - View into the Pound

The descent - Inside the Pound

Another spider across the path


Inside the Pound - although 8km longer than the climb up the outside track, the Inside track is a much easier walk. Only 10km to go at this point

10 km to go - Inside the Pound

Panarama shot of inside the Pound

Descent - Inside the Pound

A relatively easy flat/downhill walk through the Pound

The Inside track is almost boring on places compared to the climb up the outside track


Making my way home inside the Pound

Inside trail in the Pound

3.3km to go

More features near Wilpena

Almost back at the start

Back to the starting point

Elevation over 18km


The 18km route via the Outside Track across Tanderra Saddle (below Saint Mary Peak) into the Pound and return via the Inside Track 



Playing with the phone camera - leaving the resort restaurant

Interesting features of another big tree under lights

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