Getting to Chambers Gorge
Chambers Gorge offers some amazing free camping in the Flinders Ranges. As an added bonus, dogs are allowed there too!
The Chambers Gorge camping area sits about 70kms east of Blinman, in the Northern Flinders Ranges. Whilst there is nothing that will see you bogged, the last stretch to the gorge can be corrugated. A 4wd will assist along the bumpier sections in the gorge itself (riverbed) too. The dirt roads from Blinman, whilst smooth enough, have some sharp rocks. We found out the hard way, having a tyre blow out and puncture over two vehicles! Needless to say, without a spare between us, we took it a lot easier on the way out.
The last part of the track takes you across a river bed, so it is here a higher clearance vehicle is valuable.
Where to Camp?
There are a number of camping area’s scattered along the track, and the main area is as you turn left off the river bed. We ended up turning right and found a nice little spot in there too.
The views from camp are spectacular, especially as the sun lights up Mount Chamber in front of camp.
There’s ample large flat spots for caravans to camp at – although the track in through the riverbed will be a bit bumpy with a trailer.
Things to do at Chambers Gorge
The most obvious answer to this is to soak up the serenity of your surroundings!
There are some aboriginal rock paints a short hike from the last camping areas. It is well signed, following a smaller creek bed off to the left, and easy enough to walk.
We also went on a monster hike here, following the creek bed for a few kilometres, and then climbing up to get some stunning lookouts, all the way over to Lake Frome in the distance. There were a number of rock pools here and there – but water was very stagnant and I wouldn’t be swimming in it (the dogs took a dip though and were not worse for wear!)
We saw oodles of goats about the place, which whilst probably not great for the natural ecosystem, was cute with their little kids running about after them. There was plenty of other wild life to spot too, particularly lizards (and happily, no snakes)
Amenities
There is nothing here in the way of amenities what so ever. No rubbish bins, no toilets. Be prepared to take everything out with you.
Would We Go Back?
Absolutely. For the scenery and quietness alone. I’d love to climb Mount Chamber, too. I’ve heard there is a small crack (but big enough to fit) through the top which would be quite cool to see. Chambers Gorge free camping is right up there in my places to stay in the Flinders Ranges.
For another awesome free camping spot in the Flinders – see Parachilna Gorge.
