Indoor Experiences in the Flinders Ranges

18 09 2021

Sometimes the outback weather can be a little bit extreme, with pouring rain one day and blistering heat the next. Here’s four experiences you can take part in when trying to avoid the elements in the Flinders Ranges. 

1. Jeff Morgan Gallery

The Jeff Morgan Gallery is far from your regular art gallery. Located in Hawker, artist Jeff Morgan has put together huge displays of art, rock collections, model cars and memorabilia that transport you to a different time and place. The gallery also features two massive panoramas of Wilpena Pound and Arkaroola that make you feel like you’re there, with lifelike acrylic paintings and interactive elements. 

Jeff Morgan’s paintings also feature in a majority of our cabins and villas at Rawnsley Park Station. Click here to find out more. 

2. Heritage Blinman Mine 

Copper was discovered at Blinman in 1859 by a one-legged shepherd, Robert ‘Peg Leg’ Blinman, who, unsurprisingly, gave his name to the township which grew up around the mine. The mine operated from the 1860s until 1907 but reopened as a tourist site in 2011. The Blinman underground experience offers a unique journey into the heart of an historic copper mine. The tour uses light and sound technology with a mix of storytelling, light boxes, music, and mining history to transport people back in time, to the lives of the miners and their families during the second half of the 19th century. Tours run from 1st April to 31st October, hourly from 10 am until 3 pm everyday. Click here to book. 

3. Pitchi Richi Railway

Operating since 1878, the Pichi Richi Railway has travels between Port Augusta and Quorn, offering a scenic view of gum-lined creeks, blue-bush studded hills and ancient rocky outcrops in the comfort of a restored steam or heritage diesel train. There are four different train services running, ranging from full-day exploration experiences, to sunset rides with drinks available. There’s also the “Coffee Pot” Rail experience where travellers journey to Quorn in an ornate Edwardian-era steam railcar – the last operating example of its kind in the world.

The railway operates on selected dates from March to November each year. Click here to find out about timetables and bookings. 

4. Wadna

Launched in September 2020 by Kristian and Gaby Coulthard, Wadna is an authentic Aboriginal arts and crafts gallery and shop. Wadna holds a beautiful collection of local paintings and hand-carved artwork , a range of bush medicines, home made handbags and jewellery made from emu feathers and quandong seeds, and more. Kristian and Gaby's passion for the Adnyamathanha culture and art is clear the moment you step into Wadna; and is a must-visit when stopping in Blinman. Wadna is open 10am – 4pm most days. Follow them on Facebook here to find out more.