TRIP REPORT : Flinders trip- April 2009

[lofty Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close lofty]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009

Hi Mick,

Its not looking to good for me coming on this trip unfortunately, i probably wont be able to get away from work :x

Looking forward to some photos of our backyard.

[ntp Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close ntp]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009

MickL - How'd your Flinders trip go?

[gwatts21 Member Find all posts View Profile Close gwatts21]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009

Can't speak for Mick but I had a great time even if I did have to come back a day early to deal with a work problem. Weather was splendid, tracks were interesting, beer was cold and best of all the company was great. A writeup with a few pictures will follow soon. Thanks Mick, Justin and Andrew for making it an enjoyable trip away.

Gaz

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009

It was a good trip away....it's always good to get out of town.

Thanks to those that came.

Mick

Garry- I must organise everyone to swap photos... I know I for one didn't take as many as I should have.

[photoprado Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close photoprado]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009

We travelled through the Flinders Tues/Wed on our way back from Lake Eyre, had my eye peeled for a PP Stickered group of Prados hopping rocks, but didn't see you guys.

Michael

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009

Tuesday we were on Arkaba station (Although I was riding shot gun in Garry's Grande. Left my Prado in the Wilpena Pound car park).

Wednesday we were camped on Moralana station till mid morning, then headed back via Gladstone to visit the old Goal there.

Mick

[gwatts21 Member Find all posts View Profile Close gwatts21]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009

Day one saw an early start with everyone meeting up at 6:00am for what was to be a long day. First stop of the day was at Pt Wakefield with a 1/2 hour wait until Kiplings bakery opened for some much needed pasties and iced coffee. Next stop was the Austral hotel in Quorn to pickup the key for the Arden Hills self drive 4wd track and then out to Warrens Gorge which was to be the campsite for the first night.





The Arden Hills 4wd track provided some challenging driving and some spectacular scenery in the afternoon with the track taking a little over three hours to complete allowing for exploring and photo stops. For those considering the track a 4wd with low range is essential and while standard height vehicles will cover most of the track without issues a little bit of extra height always goes a long way.



The end of the day saw us setup camp in Warrens Gorge and enjoy a great meal (thanks to Mick's wife) and a few well deserved beers in a quiet and almost deserted campsite.







Day two had us heading for the old Nuccaleena Mine site and what was to be our second campsite. On the drive to Parachilna we stopped at the Kanyaka homestead to explore the ruins and make the short trek to Death Rock. A nice spot for morning tea or lunch depending upon your travel arrangements.













From Kanyaka homestead we headed to Parachilna and the Prairie Hotel where we met up with Andrew and Desie who had travelled up from Adelaide that day. Oh the flies!





We then headed to Nuccaleena Mine via the PAR which although quite accessible is also quite a slow drive. In the afternoon we explored the ruins and then proceeded to find a suitable campsite back along the PAR. Another excellent night for camping despite the windmill that required oiling that could be heard in the distance.









Day three had us heading to Wilpena Pound resort for the night, travelling via Blinman and several PARs in the area. We travelled through some spectacular areas during the morning with the PARs in generally good condition with only a few small challenges along the way.



Lunch was at Blinman with tea and scones at the local gallery/cafe as an added treat. The rest of the afternoon we travelled to Wilpena Pound resort where we setup camp and settled down for a few beers and a schnitzel from the resort bistro. There was plenty of wildlife wandering around the resort with plenty of kangaroos for the kids to feed. The facilities are very good and it was refreshing to have a nice hot shower to wake up to in the morning.





Day four we headed to Arkaba station for another self drive 4wd tour. Mick decided he would have a rest day so joined me in the Prado to provide some navigation. Although not as challenging as the Arden Hills 4wd track it still provides for some excellent scenery and would be well suited to those a little less adventurous offroad.





Unfortunately I had to leave Mick and Justin at this point in time to attend to some work in Pt Augusta. I'll leave it to them to fill in the last day of the trip for them and to add to what I have written here. Let me just say thankyou to all those who went on this trip as you all made it a wonderful and relaxed experience. I look forward to doing it again soon.

Gaz

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for errors, omissions or embelishments in the above report.

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009

Looks good there Gaza. Top stuff

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009 - With trip report.

Great pictures and write up, Garry!!.

Must pull my finger out and post my pics.


Mick

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009 - With trip report.

What track was this shot taken on? It looks really familiar, but then it is the Flinders.

[gwatts21 Member Find all posts View Profile Close gwatts21]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009 - With trip report.

What track was this shot taken on? It looks really familiar, but then it is the Flinders.

Schaffer,
I think that was about half way along PAR 3 somewhere near Hannigan Gap.

Regards

Gaz

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009 - With trip report.

Arden Hills





























Warren's Gorge







Kanyacka ruins, Death Rock and Water Hole







Spooky as shit at night I bet :wink:


















Along the PAR's







Arkaba Station

































Moralana Station





Note spare touching the ground....Photos never do terrain justice..






Gladstone jail



















Mick

[WBY 1 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close WBY 1]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009 - With trip report.

Some great shots taken there, awesome scenery. How good is the Australian outback/bush! I should get out and see it more.

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009 - With trip report.

Here's a few more I got from Justin (Surf driver) today....













































The accommodation behind the pub at Melrose... pretty cool...





Gladstone jail....







Mick

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: Flinders trip- April 2009 - With trip report.

Great stuff guys. I wish I could have come. I'm now really looking forward to Bendleby at the June Long Weekend.