Enhancing the visitor experience at Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
As part of Government’s commitment to improve its nature-based tourism offering, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park will soon provide upgraded visitor facilities (and supporting infrastructure) to showcase some of its most unique landscapes and cultural attractions.
Located approximately 450 km north of Adelaide, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is in the central Flinders Ranges and is considered one of the state’s iconic destinations.
The partnership
Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park (I-FRNP) is managed by the I-FRNP Co-management Board (the Board) in partnership under a Co-management Agreement with the Adnyamathanha people. This co-management arrangement commenced in 2012, and the Board sets the strategic direction for the park including support for the State Government’s bid to secure World Heritage recognition of the Flinders Ranges in the future.
Projects underway
To fully enable visitors to enjoy the natural beauty, geology and spiritual connection of the land and Adnyamathanha culture, plans are underway to upgrade facilities at Arkaroo Rock and in the future, at other locations such as the Brachina Gorge Geological Trail in Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.
The Arkaroo Rock trail provides one of the best examples of Adnyamathanha rock art and is already a popular walking experience in the park. The 3 km round loop trail leads to a rock shelter containing ochre and charcoal images that depict aspects of the Yura Muda for Ikara (Wilpena Pound).
The Brachina Gorge Geological Trail is a 20 km self-drive experience that reveals a series of geological formations that were created between 640 to 520 million years ago. Brachina Gorge is earmarked as one of the World Heritage tourist destinations in the Flinders Ranges, providing visitors with an insight into early Earth and dawn of animal life.
The investment
An investment of $1 million by the South Australian Government aims to celebrate the natural and cultural assets of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park while boosting regional tourism opportunities for the long-term.
The result of the investment will provide a unique opportunity for local Aboriginal communities to develop businesses that offer tours and cultural experiences and link visitors to accommodation and service providers in adjacent townships.
Renewal of the visitor facilities at Arkaroo Rock include an upgraded rock art viewing area, bridge, carpark area and new interpretive signage.
Concept planning for upgrades along the Brachina Gorge was completed in December 2020 and will guide bids for investment opportunities in the future.
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