Things to do with kids in Flinders Ranges & Outback SA

This 6.6km return walk takes about two hours, leading inside Wilpena Pound to the old Hills Homestead. Vehicle entry to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is $14.40 a day, and Wilpena Pound Resort has toilets, fuel and a visitor centre. Most of the park closes from 6 to 9 November 2026, so plan around those dates.

Stokes Hill looks out in every direction over the Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound, and it's best at sunrise or sunset. The lookout is about 15km north of the Wilpena Pound Resort turn-off. Ordinary 2WD cars can drive up, but towing isn't advised.

This 2km return hike in Mount Remarkable National Park takes about two hours, down steep steps into the gorge. It has reopened since the 2025 fire, though Ali Lookout is still closed. Wear sturdy shoes, and note the park shuts for pest control from 1 to 6 and 15 to 20 November 2026.

The Pichi Richi Explorer runs 32km from Quorn to Woolshed Flat and back in two and a half to three hours. Light refreshments are on sale at Woolshed Flat. Trains run only on set days, so check the timetable and book; a family fare for two adults and two kids is $196.

Entry is free, and the gates open from 7.30am until sunset every day. Besides the garden walks, there's a children's garden to explore. The visitor centre café serves breakfast and lunch, and the centre opens 9am on weekdays and 10am on weekends.

Guided tours of about 45 minutes walk through mine workings dug from the 1920s, and under-5s tour free. The underground museum costs nothing, and it stays 22 to 24 degrees down there all year. Tours run at 10am, 2pm and 4pm, with only the 4pm tour on Mondays and Fridays.

This Coober Pedy opal mine dates from 1916, and you can tour it underground at your own pace. There are original underground homes to see and noodling pits to sift through for opal. It opens 9am to 5pm daily, and adult entry is $15.

You can swim in Dalhousie's main spring, where the water sits around 37 degrees, in Witjira National Park, 887km north-west of Port Augusta. Most roads are 4WD only, and Parks SA suggests visiting between April and September. After rain, wait until the tracks have dried before you drive.

Thirrka (Blanche Cup) and Pirdali-nha (The Bubbler) are artesian mound springs in Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park, about 498km north of Port Augusta. Swimming isn't allowed, so this is a stop for looking. Book online before you arrive and pay the $14.40 vehicle fee.