Boom and Bust Loop
3.1 km circuit 
45 min to 1 h
Boom and Bust Loop
3.1 km
Circuit
45 min to 1 h
Starting from the Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre on Wilpena Road, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, this walk takes you on a circuit around Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park via the Boom and Bust Loop. One of South Australia's most popular tourist destinations, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is home to ancient rugged mountain ranges, dramatic gorges, peaceful tree-lined creeks and abundant wildlife. This relatively short and easy loop initially follows a dirt road through the Pound Gap, following Wilpena Creek through tall river red gums and pines, then turns off onto the Mount Ohlssen Bagge Hike before looping back to the Pound Gap. In the early 1900s, sheep were raised and wheat was grown within the Pound, but the boom and bust cycle of flooding rains followed by drought put an end to cropping and eventually reduced sheep numbers below a profitable level. The walk features interpretive signage detailing how plants and animals in the area have adapted to survive these conditions, and in spring, there's an abundance of colourful native wildflowers. The walk can be extended to the summit of Mount Ohlssen Bagge, which involves a steep rocky climb and offers panoramic views of Wilpena Pound. This loop consists of narrow, gently undulating walking trails and fire tracks, with uneven natural surfaces and compacted natural surfaces, suitable for most fitness levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Highlights
Birdwatching
Cafe
Heritage
Views
Environment
Natural
Transport options
To start
Car