Spring Odyssey 2 : Bendleby Ranges
Our next stop on the exhilarating spring odyssey was a remote sheep station that offers fabulous bush camping options nestled in the breathtaking southern Flinders Ranges of South Australia. Bendleby Ranges is an award-winning adventure and eco-tourism destination; it boasts over 37,000 acres of thrilling 4WD adventure touring and an array of camping experiences, from powered sites to secluded bush camps deep in the heart of the outback, all framed by stunning mountain and valley vistas that leave you in awe.
Discovering Valley View
Our campsite, aptly named Valley View, was tucked away in the enchanting Hidden Valley. These remote bush sites are nothing short of spectacular, equipped with their own drop toilet, a cozy fire pit complete with firewood, and a sense of seclusion that ensures complete privacy from other campers. A great place to enjoy a Flinders Gin & Tonic at the end of the day - we chose the outback lemon-lime variety which was delicious!
Arriving at Our Oasis
Upon our arrival at the reception, we were warmly greeted by station owners Charlie and Kylie Luckraft. After a friendly chat, we embarked on a 15-minute drive through three gates, leading us to our bush sanctuary for the next three nights. The site was spacious and perfectly positioned, offering panoramic 360-degree views of the valley and majestic mountains. The rocky peaks, adorned with vibrant eucalypts, were interspersed with saltbush, spinifex grasses, and wildflowers, creating a picturesque landscape.
Below our campsite, the dry creek bed was a haven for magnificent river red gums, their towering presence adding to the enchanting atmosphere. The dry, stony creek-bed contained an array of outback colours of red, pink, ochre and caramel. The tranquility was palpable; it was peaceful, quiet, and utterly private—exactly what we craved for our escape into nature!
4WD Adventures
After a good night's sleep, we decided to take a journey along the many 4WD tracks that are available to campers. All tracks are clearly marked on the map provided and rated by skill level, making it easy to navigate through the property. We drove along tracks with names such as Gum Gorge, Quarry Springs, Black Oak and Dinnertime Springs. Some of these tracks retain the names given by shepherds in the 19th century. The property has some old settlement ruins on it which add character to the scenery and maintains the colonial history and heritage of the region. But the best part by far was the spectacular views from the top of the mountain range. Sensational!
Take a drive with us on top of the range and then check out the photos below.
Wildlife
The vastness of the property enables wildlife to live in harmony with the grazing sheep, which are kept out of the campsite areas. We spotted both grey and red kangaroos, emus, some reptiles and a variety of lovely birds, including the chestnut-crowned babbler, whose range is limited within Australia.
Stargazing
Bendleby Ranges is an ideal place to gaze at the stars on a clear night. On our first night, we had the added advantage of a new moon and a cloudless sky. We were able to snap a couple of images of the Milky Way after sunset.
Video Link
To truly appreciate this destination, we highly recommend that you watch the video of our adventures at Bendleby Ranges. [Password = odyssey]
Next stop
Our next destination is the magnificent Flinders Ranges National Park, where we will be camping in Brachina Gorge and on the lookout for the unique and beautiful yellow-footed rock-wallaby.
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