Fabulous Picnic Areas.

Many beautiful picnic areas within a short distance of Quorn and Hawker are frequently visited by the locals and residents of Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Pirie. Most of these have a creek with pools of water nearby and plenty of shady trees. There are always plenty of opportunities to go for a short walk and children will be delighted with the flowers on the hillsides and tadpoles to be found in the water holes. Plenty of open space will allow for a game of cricket or football while mum and dad have a well earned rest and listen to the birds singing. Listed below are some of the main picnic sites in the Flinders Ranges Council area. Be warned this is a long list.

Saltia Creek

There are many sites suitable for a picnic in the creek at Saltia. You will frequently find picnickers anywhere along this short stretch of creek where the road crosses it twice. On the south side of the railway crossing on each side of the road you will find some remains of buildings. This was the settlement of Saltia and it is here that the R W Foster Emporium business was started before moving to Quorn. A picnic in this creek has the added advantage that the Heysen Trail goes off to the North by climbing up the rather steep hill near the railway bridge. Follow this trail to the top of the hill and look out over Spencer Gulf, Port Augusta and the power house. It is well worth the effort.

Woolshed Flat

The Highways Department has constructed a roadside stopover one kilometre before reaching Woolshed Flat Railway Station. In amongst some shady trees, plenty of space to get a caravan off the road, a nice flat area and with a rubbish bin provided this is very popular with travellers.

Waukarie Creek

A lovely sheltered spot where you can sit under the shade of a tree. If you want some sun then there is also a great spot on top of the rise where the cars turn round. Chances here to explore the creek and pools of water along it. Some people may wish to leave their cars near the gate before going into the creek especially if the ground is wet. It is only a 200 metre walk to the picnic site from the gate. While here take a look at the old straw machinery shed which is falling down and just back 100 metres on the other side you will find one of the very few remaining pine and pug houses. This is also the start of the trails up to Mount Brown and information is displayed near the creek.

Back Road to Gunyah

Along this quite earth  formed road there are many lovely sheltered spots where one can pull up and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Most of the creeks have water holes along them and some of the Gum trees are truly magnificent here. You also stand an excellent chance of seeing some kangaroos while travelling this road. This is a dry weather road only so please do not travel here when wet.

Quorn Lions Park

This park and picnic area has a gas and a wood barbecue with shelter shed. Situated at the corner of the Port Augusta road and Arden Vale Road with the vehicle entrance being off the Arden Vale road. A magnificent display of old farm machinery and a reconstructed straw roof shed are all part of the history of the area. A number of outdoor wedding ceremonies have been held in this park.

Thompson Memorial Playground

Here we have a picnic area right in the heart of Quorn. Situated on Railway Terrace with the train lines of Quorn station yard running down the back and an off street parking area. There is an information bay and sheltered gas barbecue and picnic areas along with a children's playground. At the entrance you will pass the Quorn Lions club-house which used to house the engines and generators for electric power generation in Quorn prior to 1957. Toilets are close by.

Apex Park

Another park just opposite the entrance to the Lions Park which has some barbecue facilities.

Arden Vale School picnic ground

Situated seven kilometres north of Quorn on the Arden Vale road this area is a water reserve and currently unfenced so the surrounding farmers cattle are grazing here. This was used for the annual picnic of the Arden Vale School and has nice shade along with enough flat area to conduct sports.

Warren Gorge

The most famous of our picnic grounds and in magnificent surroundings. Literally hundreds of sites available. Running water, tadpoles, brisk walks, rock climbing, shady trees, open spaces and quiet bush surroundings are all present. This is where you can let the kids go free while you take a well earned peaceful rest.

Fabulous Rocks to Climb

Mount Arden Creek

Many spots suitable for a picnic exist along this creek which follows the road from Arden Vale to Wyacca. One very good area is near Willis Gorge and Playford Rock.

Kanyaka Ruins

The creek bed alongside of Kanyaka Ruins is most famous as a picnic spot and you will often find locals or travellers stopping here for lunch. Some carry their lunch down to Death Rock and sit on the rocks near the water hole.

Jarvis Hill Lookout

Has a sheltered area with some picnic tables and is certainly a very pretty place in Spring. It is only a few hundred metres up the hill to the viewing area so a walk is worthwhile when here for your picnic.

Willow waters

Twenty kilometres east of Hawker this picnic site has a permanent water hole and is used a lot by Hawker residents when they go out for a barbecue or picnic day. There are also walking tracks available from the water hole. The waterhole lies out on "Worumba" Station and will prove to be a favorite picnic and walking site for all the family.

Willow Waters Creek Crossing

Blue Burt Park and barbecue area at Hawker

Situated between the main road to Leigh Creek and Elder Terrace this has been developed as a facility for travellers. Has a large sheltered area with gas barbecues, tables and seats. Toilets are nearby. For those who have no need of a barbecue the lawned area of Blue Burt Park is great.

Arkaba Roadside stop.

A lovely sheltered area on the side of the road to Wilpena Pound. This has a number of tables and roadside rubbish bins. The scenery here is great and in the Spring the hills will be covered with flowers.

More picnic sites near Quorn and Hawker.

Hancock's Lookout

On the road between Wilmington and Port Augusta as you are entering Horrocks Pass you will turn south and slowly proceed to the lookout. Bring the gas barbecue and enjoy yourself here. A shady picnic spot is available in the parking area. Magnificent views out over Spencer Gulf and towards Port Augusta, Whyalla and Point Lowly.

Sheep grazing the parking area of Hancock's Lookout

Alligator Gorge

Part of the Mount Remarkable and Mambray Creek National Parks this area is very sheltered and has many picnic spots with tables and shelter. Before going home you should return to the parking bay higher up and follow down the steps to view the gorge.

Moralana Creek

Along this scenic drive there are many spots where you can find good reason to stop and have a barbecue picnic.The creek crossings all have ample shade and with gravel creek beds you can easily light a fire during the no fire ban season.

Rawnsley area Arkaba Creek

Another of those magnificent Red Gum lined creeks where you can find a hundred places to stop for a picnic and barbecue. A wide flat creek bed with huge Gum trees and surrounded by tall pines across the flats all untouched by man's axe. Close to Wilpena Pound and at the foot of Rawnsley Bluff.

Sacred Canyon

There is a nice spot here just down from the parking bay. This creek is very shady and a rubbish disposal site is situated at the car park. The walk up to the carvings from here is only minutes away. Just a little further along you will come to a very narrow neck of the canyon where the water tumbles down over rocks and near this also you will find a small cave.

Sacred Canyon Cave.

Sacred Canyon Falls

Bunyeroo Creek

One of the better known places, there are many beautiful shady spots with running water close by. One of the best is near where Bunyeroo Creek turns away from the road and runs west through the gap in the ranges out to the western plains.

Aroona Valley

Situated at the northern end of Aroona Valley this site has shade and is near the old Aroona Homestead which is being preserved and is worth spending time to look at. Situated at the northern end of the Flinders Ranges National park.

Brachina Gorge

Like all the gorges around here you will find numerous sites to sit down and have a barbecue picnic. The creek has running water in it and a walk downstream is well worth the time spent. The rock colours are magnificent here. Further back towards the Blinman road there is a site with tables and toilets provided by the Flinders Ranges National Parks administrators.

Parachilna Gorge

Many places suitable for a picnic and barbecue can be found along this Red Gum tree lined creek. Often pools of water can be found nearby.

By now those of you reading this who are not familiar with the Australian way of life will possibly think that picnics are all we do. Sad to say this is not so but certainly the good old outdoor Aussie barbecue for a picnic in the bush is hard to beat.

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