Your 2025 Must-Do’s in Flinders Ranges and Outback
If you’re craving wide-open spaces, ancient landscapes, and a true taste of the outback, South Australia’s Flinders Ranges and Outback should be at the top of your 2025 travel list.
From rugged 4WD tracks and deep red gorges to star-filled skies and legendary outback pubs, our region is packed with unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or simply looking to disconnect from the everyday, we’ve rounded up the absolute must-do’s to make your trip one for the books.
The Innamincka Hotel
The Innamincka Hotel is a historic outback icon, offering classic Aussie hospitality and a comfortable spot to rest your head. A welcome stop for travellers, you’ll find hearty pub meals and ice-cold drinks, perfect after a day exploring the nearby Cooper Creek or historic Dig Tree. The hotel blends rustic charm with modern comforts, providing accommodation options from pub rooms to nearby camping.
Whether swapping stories with fellow adventurers at the bar or enjoying a sunset drink on the verandah, you’ll feel the spirit of the outback — rugged, remote, and rich with history. The team at The Innamincka Hotel are also doing an incredible job adopting a “tread lightly” approach, with a steadfast commitment to sustainable tourism and preserving the outback’s natural beauty and wildlife for future generations.
Outback Mail Run
Visiting and experiencing are two very different things when it comes to travel—and the Outback Mail Run is all about the latter. If you want to truly immerse yourself in the landscapes and communities of the Flinders Ranges and Outback, Bruce Ross is the man to take you there. Known as the “Outback Mail Man,” he covers 600km of rugged terrain, delivering mail, chatting with locals, and uncovering the best stops along the way.
Now, you can join him on his journey Mondays and Thursday leaving from Coober Pedy and visiting Oodnadatta and William Creek. Or, on Saturdays departing from Coober Pedy and visiting the stations to the west and the Painted Desert. Bruce is flush with stories to tell and places to show off, you’ll truly feel like you’ve experienced the “real” Flinders Ranges and Outback.
Moolooloo Station
In the far northern Flinders Ranges, Moolooloo Station is a working sheep station spanning 609 square kilometers, producing premium merino wool. Steeped in history, the property features ancient rock carvings and paintings, the well-preserved Nuccaleena Mine, and the historic Moolooloo Cemetery.
Few places can boast their own private gorge, but Moolooloo Station can — Ferguson Gorge is now open to visitors for a $40 per vehicle fee to help preserve this natural wonder for generations to come. Your accommodation in this slice of outback paradise includes camping, a fully equipped shearer’s quarters, Stuart Homestead, and a remote hut in the heart of the station. Moolooloo Station might just be the best kept secret in Flinders Ranges.
Merna Mora Station
Easily one of the best parts about staying on stations is meeting the wonderful people who own/run them; at Merna Mora Station you will experience genuine bush hospitality from sixth generation owners. For 4WD enthusiasts, you’ll find three self-drive tracks to explore on the property, there are also tagalong tours that will have the experts showing you the way. We’d highly recommend spending some time exploring on foot, taking in the fauna and flora that make up this beautiful station.
You also can’t miss taking a walk up to the airstrip at sunset, pack some drinks and snacks and experience a sight you’ll never forget. As for accommodation you can choose from powered sites, bush camping, self-contained units or single rooms. So for those travelling as a group, you’ll have plenty of options for everyone.
Almerta Station
Almerta Station offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. For families, it will quickly become your new favourite getaway, taking you back to the good old days of travelling when you were growing up. Explore scenic tracks on foot, bike, or 4WD, then camp creekside beneath the stars. The natural spring that flows through the property provides a peaceful oasis, while yabby-catching adds a touch of fun.
Dog-friendly and welcoming, Almerta also features unique stays in the historic Shearer’s Quarters or Henders House for those who aren’t camping or caravanning. Whether hiking rugged trails or unwinding by the water, it’s a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and soak in the outback’s beauty.
The businesses mentioned in this story are all contributing members of our region's tourism body, Flinders Ranges & Outback. Their continued support means that we are able to share our beautiful region.