Flinders Ranges worth the effort?

[pnodrog]

I like touring Australia but I will have only 11 days to explore South Australia. So is the 450Km to drive to the Flinders Ranges worth the effort or should I relax and just spend more time closer to Adelaide? I think I should visit Kangaroo Island and I believe they make wine somewhere else. Any suggestions as to must see from a photography point of view in the area? I have allowed another 5 days to drive back to Sydney via the Murray river region and Wagga Wagga.

Below is a photograph I took from the closest point I have ever been to South Australia. The Great Ocean Road was worth the effort.

[billtils]

I think I should visit Kangaroo Island and I believe they make wine somewhere else.

Paul

KI is an absolute must-do. Put it at the top of the list and fit whatever else you fancy into the available time remaining.

I take it that the "make wine" comment was a Kiwi joke?! There are several first rate wine areas in SA, including the Clare Valley which you could take in on a trip to the Flinders Range - but I'd check the weather forecast first - it can get very hot at this time of the year! The Adelaide Hills (Piccadilly and Lenswood), McLaren Vale and Eden Valley are well worth a trip and in easy reach of Adelaide. All have great reds, and although you won't find any NZ-style whites, do give the dry Rieslings a go.

[pnodrog]

Thanks Bill. Travel guides etc tend to be very commercially oriented and certainly do not help in setting priorities. Being aware of what interests me I had suspected Kangaroo Island was a must. I am not going until July so the heat should not be a factor. The Barossa Valley and the other wine areas are on my list and I knew that it was inevitable that advice would flow freely on that aspect of SA.

Are you from Australia or just visited SA? Not that it matters as I am open to advice from either locals or anyone that has visited the region.

[just me]

Paul....I live in Adelaide ( South Australia ) and have been to the Flinders Ranges several times......it is just beautiful and amazing, and so much to see and explore.......

KI is of course nice too, but Flinders Ranges would be definitely my first choice, besides you say you will not come till July, at that time KI could be to wet and cold..........while Flinders Ranges would be, as a bit further north, the better choice weather-wise anyway........

If it would be me, and I would like to see KI too, spend 2 days at KI ( which will be enough ) and then 9 days or so at the Flinders Ranges, because there is so much more to see, with absolute stunning photo motives........

Griddi.....

[pnodrog]

Thanks Griddi. Unfortunately I am used to the wet and cold but part of my reasoning about driving back to Sydney via the Murray River etc was to keep a bit warmer. Initially I had thought of following the South NSW coast and Great Ocean Road (ferry to skip Melbourne) onto Adelaide but felt it would be better to do that at a warmer time of the year and with a bit more time.

It seems like a visit to the Flinders Ranges should be included.

[Wavelength]

Beautiful place...well captured

[billtils]

Paul

We lived in the Adelaide area for 12 years. Did all the touristy things in that time, including the Flinders for Halley's Comet way back when, but am sticking with KI as first choice based on personal experience and feedback from several friends from overseas. Either way, the D800 will earn its keep

[pnodrog]

Beautiful place...well captured

Thank you Nandakumar.

[pnodrog]

Paul

We lived in the Adelaide area for 12 years. Did all the touristy things in that time, including the Flinders for Halley's Comet way back when, but am sticking with KI as first choice based on personal experience and feedback from several friends from overseas. Either way, the D800 will earn its keep

Thanks Bill just the sort of info I am after. It does seem that both places need a visit. I have a feeling that with Finders it is a place I should see but it may become a been there done that experience. Everyone is different so I am not expecting a definitive answer.

The above photograph was taken on a F90x using velvia 100 film. I have traveled in Australia about 6 times with only the last 2 times with a digital camera. However in terms of quantity of photographs taken the digital images have probably caught up. Far prefer traveling with a digital even if just for the ISO flexibility. Luckily my Son lives in Sydney and last time I was over I purchased a reasonably good tripod that I left it with him so I do not have to lug one across the Tasman. Yes the D800 sitting on the tripod will earn its keep.

[just me]

Paul

We lived in the Adelaide area for 12 years. Did all the touristy things in that time, including the Flinders for Halley's Comet way back when, but am sticking with KI as first choice based on personal experience and feedback from several friends from overseas. Either way, the D800 will earn its keep

Bill, please let me say, it is a question of taste .......for myself I can only say.....I like, and enjoy hiking very much, so Flinders Ranges is the right location for me, while, although interesting KI was enough after 2 days while there.........

Griddi......

[NorthernFocus]

No input to the rest of the discussion but this is an awesome shot. Interesting lighting, great surf action, nice composition, well done.

[pnodrog]

Bill, please let me say, it is a question of taste .......for myself I can only say.....I like, and enjoy hiking very much, so Flinders Ranges is the right location for me, while, although interesting KI was enough after 2 days while there.........

Griddi......

You are both right - I just have to figure out what is right for me... I very seldom pre book accommodation unless I know there is a shortage so I will try and keep my itinerary flexible so I can linger a extra day at either location if I am enjoying myself.

[pnodrog]

No input to the rest of the discussion but this is an awesome shot. Interesting lighting, great surf action, nice composition, well done.

Thanks for the comments Dan and I will certainly seek your guidance if (alas I can't say when) I head for Alaska.

[billtils]

Bill, please let me say, it is a question of taste.

Griddi

Couldn't agree more! At the end of the day it will always come down to personal likes - and given that yours include hiking, it's clear cut for you .

[Mike Buckley]

No input to the rest of the discussion but this is an awesome shot. Interesting lighting, great surf action, nice composition, well done.

Same for me!

[billtils]

Paul

You probably have more than you want re where to go in SA, but ... if you like visiting Oz, why not make one of the trips to the South West, specifically the Margaret River region? Lovely climate, beaut beaches, some of the best wineries anywhere, esp for Cabernet Sauvignon and also for Semillon (straight or blended with Sauvignon Blanc), and great eating (I'd thoroughly recommend Miki's Open Kitchen - we ate there last week)

There's more than enough to keep the camera clicking but here's something to (I hope) whet your appetite, including an unedited one of Miki's.


Regards


Bill

[pnodrog]

Great shots Bill, I particularly like the middle vineyard shot it reminds me of NZ so I can go there if I feel homesick...... I am pretty sure the Flinders ranges area will not remind me of home.

[pnodrog]

Same for me!

Thanks Mike.