The Lookouts.

A number of lookouts have been established in the Flinders Ranges Council Area over the past few years and these can provide the traveller with an idea of the vastness of this country. The view never ceases to change as with the seasons and time of day there is always another colour that seems to dominate. At times it will be the red and orange of the sandstone, then a few weeks later it may well be the lush green of the plains and valleys. Still later it is the yellows and blues of wild flowers and shrubs, then again it will be the browns and grays of the harsh dry soil and grasses. The red and orange light of early mornings and late afternoons will give you a very soft glowing feeling while the many blues of midday will present this country in all its harshness.

Quorn Lookout

Coming into Quorn from Wilmington you will pass over small hill just before entering the town boundary. This is known locally as Cemetery Hill as the cemetery is just half a kilometre back and off to the north. The town water supply tanks are situated on this hill and an excellent view over Quorn with the Dutchman in the background can be had from this point. As you crest this hill you will pass from the edge of the Willochra Plain into the beautiful valley where Quorn is situated. A magnificent scene awaits you as Quorn is nestled in the valley along the Pinkerton Creek with the unmistakable dark blue of the Dutchman immediately behind. Incidentally the Dutchman is the end of large tree vegetation on the west side of the Ranges around here. From this point on the flora changes to that of Spinifex and very few trees as such.

Quorn nestled in the valley below.

Looking out over the old Arden Vale school just under the peak of the Dutchman's Stern. This lookout is situated on the road between Yarrah Vale and Arden Vale at the top of Yarrah Vale gorge. From this lookout there is a magnificent view in early morning. A great place to stop and have a biscuit and cup of tea or coffee from the flask.

Yarrah Vale Lookout.

Just to the left of the photo there is a natural formation which looks like the wall of a dam that had been put there with a bulldozer. This site is of particular interest to geologists.  A number of German settlers took up land along this valley and the one to the north known as Wyacca.  From this point the view extends in a 180 degree panorama and also takes in Arden Vale Bluff, The Benjamin, Mount Arden and Wyacca Bluff. If you walk up the hill 200 metres and look in the opposite direction you will then have a fantastic 180 degree view over the Willochra Plain. This is one lookout not to be missed and can be easily combined into a trip to Warren Gorge.

Walking the Jarvis Hill Lookout Trail.

6 Km west of Hawker, Jarvis Hill Lookout has for many years been a popular place for the locals to take relatives and friends to share a panoramic view of the Hawker area, including the Worumba Hills to the east, Wilpena Pound, Elder Range and Wonoka Hill to the north, and Yourambulla Range to the south.

From the Post Office turn left onto the Quorn Road, and then take the first turn right. Travel 6km's to the Jarvis Hill Lookout Carpark. Signs direct you to a turnstile at the beginning of the walk.
The walk is 260 metres uphill to the obelisk, which is 510 metres above sea level. Approx. time for the walk is 45 minutes return. The Heysen Trail joins the downward trail for a short distance and then veers to the right. Make sure you keep following the markers for the Jarvis Hill Trail.

TAKE YOUR CAMERA.

Proby's Grave Lookout

Near the turnoff to Buckaringa Scenic Lookout this view from Proby's grave site looks out over the Gum Tree lined Mount Arden Creek with Mount Arden in the background. The white metal road is typical of the roads found in this area. Note: Some of the internal post and rails surrounding the grave stone are original Red Gum timber from Hugh Proby's Cattle yards which were near this site. This means that they have weathered the harsh climate here for almost 150 years.

Yourambulla Lookout

Looking out from the Yourambulla Peak you can see Mount Arden the highest point on the range in the background. The South Creek Gorge, Hanneman Gorge and Buckaringa Gorge entrances are also visible below Mount Arden. All of this country in the foreground was farmed at one time.

Buckaringa Scenic Lookout

One kilometre past Proby's Grave you take the left hand turn on to the scenic lookout road. From here on keep looking and you will possibly see some emus and kangaroos. There is also a colony of Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies at the top of this range and these can often be seen early in the morning or late in the afternoon. When almost at the top of the hill turn right into the parking area and walk 100 metres up to the top of the lookout area. Here you will have an expansive view to the North, East and South of the Flinders Ranges, Simmonston area and Willochra Plain. The white cliffs along the bank of the Willochra Creek where the Mount Arden Creek joins it can be seen towards the left when looking out over Simmonston.

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