Wilpena Pound

Spring in the Flinders Ranges has brought with it green undergrowth and a spray of wildflowers. Good winter rains have thrilled those who live here permanently as well as those who love bushwalking. It is possible to camp inside the National Park but you do need a permit otherwise there's a fine camping ground at the Wilpena Pound Resort. The advantage in staying here is that all the bushwalks are signposted. "We're right on the edge of the camp ground where the trails begin such as St Marys Peak ." The walks are generally well marked and interpreted. Wilpena Pound was formed over hundreds and millions of years. Initially the area was a giant seabed and as the planet changed, the water receded and the earth buckled. This forced the crust skyward forming what we now know as the Flinders Ranges. Although the mountains have eroded with time, the crown of the pound is still extraordinary. It's a saucer shape known as a sincline.

The Wilpena Pound resort has been run by the Rasheed family for over a quarter of a century. "It's obvious to me the beauty of this place with the open space, colour and plains and with a bit of fine tuning it will be magnificent." The Rasheed's have just watched a six-million dollar redevelopment of the resort which includes a brilliant visitors centre. There are now 60 air-conditioned motel units -10 of which are self contained and all have en-suite bathrooms. The village as the features of home such as a restaurant, supermarket, laundry and service station. In addition the powered is provided by a solar system which means no noisy generators. 2000 square metres of solar panels - the equivalent of five tennis courts provide the environmentally friendly electricity supply. It's the largest solar power plant of its type in Australia and cost about 2 1/2 million dollars. From the village it is possible to organise scenic flights of the pound and four wheel drive tours, but most people agree the best way to experience the Flinders at this time of year is on foot. Wilpena Pound is 400 kilometres north of Adelaide. The motel units are $98 for a double and $5 extra for children. The camping ground has powered and unpowered sites. For more information you can email info@postcards-sa.com.au