St Mary Peak (Wilpena Pound)
About this walking route
St Mary Peak is the highest point in the Flinders Ranges, rising 1,171 m above the remarkable natural amphitheatre of Wilpena Pound. This 21 km return walk is a serious day's effort—a sustained climb with steep sections that demand solid fitness and mountain legs. The reward is a commanding view across the pound's vast grassed floor and out to the salt-crusted lakes of the inland plains. The walk honours the Adnyamathanha people's cultural request to stop at a respectful distance below the summit itself.
Highlights
- Summit views across Wilpena Pound's massive natural basin
- Steep rocky slopes with exposed sections and scrambling
- Salt lakes visible across the inland plains to the south
- Alpine terrain with sparse native vegetation
- Culturally sensitive walk—respectful stopping point below peak
What to expect
Unrelenting gradient, especially in the upper reaches. The track climbs through rocky foothills, transitions to steep open slopes with loose stone, and finishes in a rocky scramble. Expect full sun exposure—there's little shelter. Weather changes fast; wind and cold at altitude are common even in warmer months. This is a grind on tired legs during the descent. Not a leisurely ramble.
Good to know
Best walked March–May or September–November; summer heat and winter cold are punishing. Check current conditions and any closures with Flinders Ranges National Park. Carry at least 3 litres of water—there's no reliable source on the peak. Start early. Respect the Adnyamathanha cultural request to stop below the summit. This walk demands good hill fitness, solid navigation skills, and realistic pacing. Leave no trace; pack all rubbish out.