Flinders Ranges High Ridgeline Track — Blinman to Arkaroola via Gammon Ranges Wilderness
Ancient quartzite ranges, zero phone signal, max isolation.
North of Blinman, the sealed road ends and the Flinders Ranges show their real face. The track northeast toward Arkaroola crosses the Gammon Ranges Wilderness Protection Area — one of South Australia’s most ecologically significant and least-visited upland regions. Balcanoona is the last checkpoint before the terrain gets serious, and from there the track climbs through quartzite ridgelines and creek crossings draining into the Lake Frome basin. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary at the northern end offers one of the most star-dense night skies in Australia, courtesy of its dark sky reserve status and the surrounding emptiness.
The Gammon Ranges section runs through national park and wilderness protection area — self-registration is required at Balcanoona. The track demands a high-clearance 4WD with good recovery gear; rocky creek crossings and loose shale sections will punish low-profile vehicles. Carry 80L of extra water — reliable water sources between Blinman and Arkaroola are limited and season-dependent. Best tackled April through October to avoid extreme summer heat and the risk of impassable creek flooding after rare storm events. Fuel at Blinman or Copley; Arkaroola has limited supplies and accommodation.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 112 mi / 180 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3048 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Leigh Creek, SA |
| Land manager | Flinders Ranges National Park / SA Department for Environment and Water (Gammon Ranges Wilderness Protection Area) |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | SA Parks Gammon Ranges page Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock LandCruiser 200 Series handle this track, or do I need a lift?
A stock 200 Series will make it, but you'll be grateful for any additional clearance on the rocky creek crossings and quartzite ridge sections. A lifted rig with decent all-terrain tyres is the smarter call — some shelf road sections leave zero room for a hung diff.
Is the track passable in summer or should I stick to the April–October window?
Avoid November through March. Temperatures routinely hit 45°C+, water sources dry up, and flash flooding in the Gammon Ranges can close tracks without warning and leave you stranded for days. April to October is the window — full stop.
Do I need a permit to drive through the Gammon Ranges Wilderness Protection Area?
Yes. A Wilderness Protection Area entry permit is required for the Gammon Ranges section — get it through the SA Parks website or at the Balcanoona Homestead ranger station before you enter. No fee for the permit itself, but check current conditions with rangers at Balcanoona as track closures happen after rain.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The rocky descent tracks in the Gammon Ranges interior are the crux — loose quartzite, off-camber shelf road, and tight lines where a single mistake drops you over a ledge. Take it slow, spot for each other if you're in a group, and don't let momentum make decisions for you.
Where do I fuel up — is there anywhere between Blinman and Arkaroola?
There is no fuel between Blinman and Arkaroola on this route. Blinman has limited fuel but call ahead to confirm availability. Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary sells diesel and unleaded on arrival. Carry a minimum 30-litre jerry can — 180km of corrugations and low-range work will destroy your fuel economy.
Trail track
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