Camping At Wilpena Pound Resort Campground

It offers full caravan park facilities, but has the added advantage of areas with much more isolation from other campers, if desired. Powered sites are naturally congregated around areas with access to plug in power, so are more compact. Power for the area is made locally, by a huge array of solar panels (quite worth seeing!) and back-up generators, which actually have to be used on an ongoing basis, due to the large power needs of the resort area.

If you don't need power, bush camping sites are scattered all over a huge area, allowing campers to find a relatively private spot. During peak times, there are of course more campers, but usually you still won't need to be sqeezed right next to another campsite. Of course, this depends on how far you are willing to be from the toilet and shower blocks. Some areas are quite a walk, or it maybe easier to make the short drive.

Three toilet and shower blocks are provided, of varying age, the newest one having a shower especially equipped for disabled use. There are also a couple of laundry areas with coin operated machines. There are several great undercover areas with picnic tables, sinks and barbecues, although these are sometimes in use by bus camps.

The whole campground is profusely vegetated with old gums and native pines, plus fenced revegetated ground areas, which are an attempt to repair damge from overuse. The beautiful Wilpena Creek, framed by huge old towering gums, runs through the campground. This creek can have water in it for much of the year, although the droughts have had an effect on it. The spring further up this creek actually provides wonderful spring water as the water supply for this area- so use sparingly.

Kangaroos and emus often stroll past your campsite- Warning! Don't feed these animals, as it lessens their natural wariness of people, and can lead to aggression. Most human food is also not good for their diet. Birdlife abounds throughout the area... take a quiet stroll along the creek and observe. Careful observation will reveal exquisite tiny wildflowers in season, sometimes even profuse displays if conditions have been ideal.

Spectacular mountains tower around the campground. It's a photographers delight! Catch the glow on the mountains in the early morning light, or the tones and shadows as evening draws in.

The campground is the ideal start for the many walking tracks in the area. Some are easy wanders, others are strenuous but worthwhile adventures. Make sure you always find out what is involved with any hike you decide to undertake, and leave details of your route, proposed departure and return times, with someone who will check you have returned, before leaving. A shuttle bus (charge) makes trips up to the entrance to the Pound, if you wish to cut your hike shorter.

The Wilpena Pound Resort, and other local operators, run various tours of the area. Scenic flights are also available. The Resort also has motel accommodation available, if you want a little luxury.

During the autumn and spring school holidays, various events are run in the Park, and on nearby properties. These vary from local Aboriginal guided tours, to telescope viewing, tours of the old Wilpena Station, bird banding, geology tours, slide shows and much more. They are enjoyable, educational and mostly quite inexpensive.

If you would like more information about these events, please email us here at Barinya info@barinya.com

I would reccommend the Wilpena Pound campground as one of the most unique and spectacular campgrounds in South Australia, and well worth a stay.