The Scenic Trail commences at the south-eastern end of the picnic grounds. Your effort will be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view of the forest and valley. Marvel at the original dry stone wall along the ridge, built in the 1800s, including eucalypt and radiata plantings of various ages and growth stages. Keep an eye out for local bird and animal life.
This is a short walk, but full of family fun, thanks to a series of intriguing sculptures created as part of the bi-ennial Bundaleer Festival.
Play music on the giant percusssion instrument, lose yourself in the arboreal sculpture, see the giant sundial, and check out the huge ‘postcards’ of Bundaleer and Jamestown.
Enter the Maple Walk through the cast iron gate on the western edge of the picnic grounds.
The path twists and turns its way through a section of forest which features a glorious array of native blue and red gums, European deciduous ornamentals, as well as carobs and a giant cork tree.
ust north of Appila you will see signs pointing you in the direction of Appila Springs.
Picnic at the Springs anytime, or take a swim when it’s warm.
For the environmental enthusiast take time to read the fascinating educational displays.
Head over to Booleroo Centre for the annual Steam & Traction event.
www.booleroosteamandtraction.org.au
Roos greet you at the town’s entrance and set the tone for a laid back visit. Take your time to explore what Orroroo has to offer – an 1880s settler’s cottage, a giant red gum tree, Ngadjuri rock carvings and a poem etched in stone. Buy roo products at Orroroo Kangaroo.
The Steamtown Heritage Rail Museum in Peterborough is an award-winning SA tourist attraction. It features Australia’s only operational triple gauge turntable, a wide range of historic rolling stock including elegant steam trains, powerful diesel locomotives, unique passenger trains and freight trains.
At the foot of Mt Remarkable National Park and with the Heysen Trail running right through town, Melrose is the centre of bike riding in the Flinders Ranges. Hire a bike (you can also book a guide in advance) and ride one of the many trails in and around Melrose. Cycle out to the showgrounds (easy) or tackle Mount Remarkable (difficult!). Bike repairs are available in town.
Impressive and imposing, Gladstone Gaol is a ‘must see’. Why not spend a night in gaol? Or head to the factory of Trend Drinks, where a unique range of soft drinks is made in the traditional way using FC Grubb family recipes.
Enjoy a seasonal dining experience or an organic beef BBQ at an orchard in the heart of the Wirrabara Forest. Or on the third Sunday of the month head to Wirrabara Producers’ Market in the main street where you can buy a vast range of fresh and value-added local produce.