About Parachilna Gorge
Parachilna Gorge may just have the best free camping in the Flinders Ranges.
Parachilna Gorge free camping area is located just north of the Ikara -Flinders Ranges National Park. It sits between the towns of Parachilna and Blinman. Access is quite easy coming north from Port Augusta, up the Outback Highway. From Parachilna it is dirt road, but easily accessible in most conditions. The flat land will give way to ranges jutting out of the earth, and the road follows the gorge that cuts through.
There are a number of ‘water crossings’ to traverse, but these are generally no more than a trickle of water.
For a slightly more scenic drive, you can go Flinders Ranges way from Hawker, which takes you through the National Park.
Where to Camp?
There are a number of camping area’s scattered along the Gorge. Campsites exist most of the way from the Parachilna side entrance, all the way through to Angorichina Tourist Village. And it’s all completely free!
Some are visible from the main road – others are tucked away off little side tracks or short drives along the (usually) dry river bed. After a lot of rain, the river can get flowing, so be mindful of this. Whilst firewood can be found scattered a long the creek, there isn’t much. It’s best to bring your own firewood with you. Lucky for us, some previous campers left a nice pile of pre-cut wood!
Between Angorichina Tourist Village and Blinman, the road leaves the gorge, and there are no camping areas.
Things to do around Parachilna Gorge
There’s plenty to do in the surrounding areas of Parachilna Gorge!
About half way along the track, there is a hill that pokes up from the roadside. There is a small little 4wd track that takes you to the top. It only takes 5 minutes and is nothing extreme – but the views from the top are great!
Blinman Pools
You can park the 4wds at Angorichina Tourist Village, and go for a hike to the Blinman Pools. This is about a 4.5km hike along a dry river bed, so fairly rocky terrain. At the end you’ll come to the first pool which usually has water in and can be swam in. On a hot day, you’ll be thankful even if it doesn’t look overly inviting! Following some recent rain would be the best bet for water quality.
The first pool can be climbed past and there is a second pool about another kilometre up. We didn’t make the extra trek on this occasion though.
It’s a fairly long walk and can be very hot in the sun. The ice blocks back at the tourist village went down a treat!
Follow Glass Gorge Road north up to the old Nuccaleena Mine ruins
This one may take a bit of help from Google Maps – but north of Parachilna Gorge is Glass Gorge Road. Following this north will eventually take you to a Public Access Route (essentially a road via private property that is open to the public). The ruins themselves are reasonably in tact with plenty to see. The drive itself is an easy but interesting 4wd track, with a couple of dry creek crossings where you may need decent clearance to enter the steep banks.
This is just one of the Public Access Routes in the area. There are a couple to explore!
Blinman Mine
You can do a guided tour in the underground Blinman mine!
Local Pubs
I’m always a sucker for a good country pub, and Parachilna Gorge is nestled between two! The Prairie Hotel is quite famous for its ‘road kill’ menu, but honestly I felt it’s just an overpriced tourist trap. I’d skip it and instead head over to the North Blinman Hotel for some old school country feel and a decent pub schnitty! Why is it called ‘North’ Blinman when Blinman is tiny? I dont know! Maybe there was once two pubs?
Update: I hear there is now an on-site micro brewery at Prairie Hotel, so I’d at least have to pop in to trial a few brews!
Amenities
The free camping area along Parachilna Gorge has no amenities at all. The nearby Angorichina Village has a small shop and a tyre repair centre (certainly may be required out here!)
Would We Go Back?
I’ve already gone back! It doesn’t get much better than Parachilna Gorge for free camping. Awesome camping areas, lots of things to do locally, and stunning views. It is a first come first served affair, and can get very busy in peak periods. Chambers Gorge may offer a slightly less populated option. Why not do both?
