Flinders Ranges, South Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Flinders RangesSouth Australia |
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A view of Flinders Ranges
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 Flinders Ranges
Location in South Australia
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| Established | 2013 | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 5434 | ||||||||||||||
| Time zone | ACST (UTC+9:30) | ||||||||||||||
| • Summer (DST) | ACST (UTC+10:30) | ||||||||||||||
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| Region | Far North | ||||||||||||||
| County | Blachford Hanson Taunton |
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| State electorate(s) | Giles Stuart |
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| Federal Division(s) | Grey | ||||||||||||||
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| Footnotes | Location | ||||||||||||||
The Flinders Ranges is a special place in South Australia. It is a huge mountain range located about 380 kilometers north of Adelaide, the state capital. It is also near towns like Quorn and Port Augusta.
This area officially became known as 'Flinders Ranges' in April 2013. Its name comes from the famous mountain range itself. A small change was made to its southern border in November 2013. Long ago, there were two small government towns here called Edeowie and Mernmerna. They were set up in 1863. Both towns had post offices for a short time in the late 1800s.
Exploring the Flinders Ranges Area
The Flinders Ranges area covers the part of the mountain range between Hawker in the south and Parachilna in the north. It also includes some land to the west of the mountains.
National Parks and Reserves
In the north-east, you will find important protected areas. These include the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park and the Bunkers Conservation Reserve. Their eastern borders match the eastern border of this area.
Travel and Transport
The Marree railway line and The Outback Highway both run through the western side of the Flinders Ranges area. The Flinders Ranges Way passes through the south-east side. These routes help people explore this amazing region.
Land Use and Environment
As of 2012, the land in Flinders Ranges was used for two main purposes. Some areas are for pastoral farming, which means raising livestock like sheep. Other parts are for conservation. This means protecting nature and wildlife. The Marree railway line acts as a boundary between these two uses. Pastoral farming happens to the west of the line. Land to the east is set aside for conservation, including the national park and conservation reserve.
Government and Local Areas
The Flinders Ranges area is part of several government divisions. It is in the federal division of Grey. For state elections, it falls into the Giles and Stuart districts. Locally, it is managed by the Flinders Ranges Council and the Pastoral Unincorporated Area of South Australia. It is also part of the state's Far North region.
Historic Places to See
The Flinders Ranges is home to many places listed on the South Australian Heritage Register. These sites help us learn about the area's history and geology.
- Ajax Mine Fossil Reef: A place with ancient fossils.
- Aroona Valley:
- Hayward Homestead Ruins: Remains of an old farm home.
- Eddie Pumpa Outstation: Another historic outpost.
- Brachina Gorge:
- Impact Ejecta Horizon Late Precambrian Shales Geological Site: A geological site showing ancient rock layers.
- Brachina Road:
- Enorama Outstation and Mail Station Ruins: Ruins of an old mail delivery point.
- Wilpena Pound Geological Landform: A famous natural rock formation.
- Stromatolites in the Precambrian Trezona Formation, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park: Very old rock formations made by tiny living things.
- Wilkawillina Archaeocyathae Geological Site: A site with fossils of ancient sea creatures.
- Oraparinna Diapir: A unique geological feature.
- Tufa Waterfall: A waterfall that forms special rock deposits.
- Enorama Diapir: Another interesting geological formation.
- Appealinna Mine Ruins and Miner's Hut: Remains of an old mine and a miner's shelter.
- Blacksmith's Shop, Oraparinna Station: An old workshop where metal was shaped.
- Dingley Dell Homestead Ruins: The ruins of another historic farm.
- Wills Homestead Complex Ruins: Remains of an old homestead.
- Hill's Cottage, Wilpena Pound: A small historic cottage.
- Wilpena Homestead Complex: A group of historic buildings at Wilpena.
