Spotlight: Bendleby Ranges, SA

For many of us, minimalist remote area camping is exemplified in South Australia’s rugged Flinders Ranges. Just you; your camper trailer/caravan of choice; a starry sky; a hot glowing fire; red wine; tall tales; and with a frosty night in a warm bed rewarded by a bright, sunny day...

You’ll find this scenario at Rawnsley Park Station and Wilpena Pound, north of Hawker and further on at remote and historic Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the Northern Flinders Ranges, where some of the oldest rocks on the planet can be found.

But you don’t have to go that far. Forty minutes’ drive north of Orroroo by a wide, well-formed unsealed road and just three and a half hours’ brisk drive from Adelaide via South Australia’s magnificent wine region of Clare, lies Bendleby Ranges, which boasts the same true Outback camping experience, yet offers much more to those and their children who would like to experience authentic country life.

While many of the roads in the northern Flinders Ranges camping properties are focussed on access to specific attractions, most of those in the Bendleby Ranges that don’t lead to remote camping spots are dedicated to the enjoyment of four-wheel drive enthusiasts once they have set up an idyllic camp.

It’s a distinct difference that has earned Bendleby Ranges a swag of Australian and South Australian tourism and Ecotourism awards over the last decade and made it a safe and popular family getaway spot.

Bendlby’s campsites, that are mostly sheltered with their own private fire spots, are situated amongst pine and gum trees, along the river and creek beds with showers and toilets close by for the main campground and a short drive from the remote sites.

Fire rings and firewood are provided and you can choose from either powered or un-powered campsites varying in size that are allocated by the number of vehicles per booking, as power is limited to four outlets per campsite, with a maximum of 20 amps at once.

One campsite has a large shelter which can be utilized for larger groups and in case of wet weather. There is a sheltered campsite located close to the shearing shed and yards for those horse enthusiasts who wish to bring their horses and explore the Bendleby and Hungry Ranges (by prior arrangement).

If you're looking for a secluded campsite, there are more private remote campsites along picturesque creek lines and amongst nature; each with its own long drop toilet, fire ring and firewood. A hot shower is only a five to 20-minute drive away, with some remote campsites accessible by 2WD vehicles and caravans. 

The camp kitchen can also double as a conference centre, with its kitchen able to hold up to 30 people, with trestle tables and chairs available for use.

Many people will choose the Bendlby Ranges for its 4WD-friendly environment, with more than 210km of self-drive 4WD tracks catering to all levels of ability on offer.

Experienced four wheel drivers will find the challenging Billy Goat Ridge and Pat’s Peak tracks, with their views towards Lake Frome and Wilpena Pound a ‘must do’ experience.

With maps and extra information supplied on arrival, the Training Track near The Springs is an excellent place to start your off-roading adventures. However, there is a 4WD Levy for the use and to cover maintenance of the tracks.

For those preferring established buildings to a tent, camper trailer, or a caravan, there is a range of fixed accommodation to rent, ranging from the Shearers Quarters that provides sleeping for up to 16 to Acacia Cottage, a fully self-contained, two-bedroom cottage near the airstrip at The Springs.

Bendleby also has 180 km of cycling trails – ranging from easy family riding to downhill mountain bike tracks for more experienced riders.

Bring your horse and spend several days riding through the hills.  Horses can be kept nearby in safe yards, with water provided. Horse Trail Riding costs $15/person. Alternatively take ‘shank’s Pony’ on a bush walk.

Bendleby is a certified eco-tourism and productive property managed sustainably, with walkers regularly encountering local birdlife, echidnas, an emu nest, or a kangaroo along the way, along with some great scenery.

The camps address is 741 Crotta Rd, Orroroo, South Australia, or visit the website for further details.

Photo credit: Scott Mason

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