Road Trip in Australia - Wilpena Pound (Flinders Ranges)

For people who loves to drive like Mr Teddy, doing a road trip in Australia is awesome. Taking a 4 wheels drive (4WD) into the outback or Flinders Ranges's dirt track was a fantastic experience. Flinders Ranges was definitely one of the highlight during our trip. We get to enjoy the magnificent nature. We definitely enjoy it the most since we came from a cosmopolitan country.

It was a close to 4 hours drive from Clare Valley to Wilpena Pound. Along the way, we drove pass quite a number of small towns. There is nothing much in the town, not much of cars nor people. It is a quiet little town which I personally enjoy it. It is definitely something which we can never experience in a bustling city like Singapore.

We would usually grab our lunch (usually only sandwich and coffee) from the supermarket from the supermarket in the town and head to a park have our bites. Enjoy the majestic scenic which eating is awesome. Enjoy the wind and the scenic. Nothing around us but only the clear blue sky and mountain.

Wilpena Pound is a well-known Flinders Ranges in South Australia. Most people would stay at the Wilpena Pound Resort as it is located at Wilpena Pound itself. Easily accessing to the parks and hiking trail. However, Mr Teddy and I decided to stay at Rawnsley Park Station. Rawnsley Park Station is located near Wilpena Pound. The initial thought of staying in outback was that it is back to basic. However, to my surprise, Rawnsley Park Station has all that you need. The accommodation is an like an apartment. It has kitchen, a dinning area and the bathroom is amazingly clean. 

What can we do at Wilpena Pound? If you are a person who love hiking and nature, Wilpena pound have all that you are looking for. There are multiple hiking trails. Each hiking trail has its own difficulties. Hence, you can choose accordingly to your stamina. Of course Mr Teddy and I went for a hike as well. As I was not aware of the difficulties, during the hike, I was cursing and swearing during the hike. However, I must say that it is definitely a good experience. Needless to mentioned that hiking is a great workout, you can to enjoy the magnificent scenic as well. 

During our period of stay at Rawnsley Park Station, other than hiking, we drove around Wilpena Pound to enjoy the scenic and the National Park. 

Road Trip in Australia - Clare Valley

Clare Valley is just about 2 hours drive from Adelaide, approximately 140km.  Clare Valley is one of Australia's oldest wine regions and is best known for its Riesling wine. Clare Valley has more than 40 wineries, most of which are located between the towns of Auburn and Clare.

What are the attractions of Clare Valley?

1. Riesling Trail
Best way to explore Clare Valley I would say. You can rent a bicycle and take a ride at the Riesling Trail. Riesling Trail runs for 36 kilometres between Auburn and Clare and passes through all the major towns of the Clare Valley including Leasingham, Watervale, Penwortham, and Sevenhill. In each of the town, there are wineries and you may stop by to visit. It is a 35km track, suitable for beginners to medium level fitness fanatics.

2. Sevenhill Producers Market

The market is held on the last Saturday of every month from 8.30am to 12.00pm at Madonna Hall in Sevenhill. It does not open daily. At such, should you be interested in visiting the market, do plan your itinerary carefully. The market sells fresh fruit and vegetables, capers, honey, preserves, olive oil, olives, dukkah, fresh bread and pastries, dried fruit, nuts and fresh flowers. Outside the hall, the local fishmonger from Grandax Seafood offers fresh fish, prawns and oysters!! 

3. Winery 

Winery visit is a must in Clare Valley. Popular winery includes Mount Horrocks Wines, Sevenhill Wines, Annie's Lane, Crabtree Wines etc. 

Recommended Accommodation:

We stayed a night at Clare Valley Motel during our trip. Clare Valley Motel is located a few minutes from the centre of Clare in the heart of the Clare Valley. Convenience to settle our meals as the centre have all that we need. 

The motel is clean and neat. We are able to park our car just outside the unit. The only cons is that the wifi connection is really bad. Most of the time we are unable to connect to the wifi. But that is least of our concern as holiday is not meant to surf net. It is meant to relax and enjoy the surrounding.