Brachina Gorge

The road

The showpiece stage of the Flinders Ranges Loop. Brachina Gorge is one of Australia's great geology drives - the road runs through a gorge cut by Brachina Creek where the rock strata exposed in the walls span 650 million years of Earth's history. The 20-kilometre Geological Trail markers along the road describe what you are looking at, but the visual impact is immediate even without them: bands of red, purple and cream rock stacked vertically, the creek winding between them on a bed of white pebbles. The full 40-kilometre gravel route from Parachilna through the gorge to the Blinman Road junction passes through the western plains, enters the gorge, traverses the geological trail, and emerges on the eastern side near the Blinman Road. The gorge section itself is rockier and sandier than the approach roads. In dry conditions, the road is accessible to stock AWD vehicles and adventure motorbikes. After rain, creek crossings can become impassable. No mobile coverage in the gorge - carry water and a plan.

The region

The Flinders Ranges are a mountain range north of Port Augusta that runs 400 kilometres through the South Australian outback. The ranges are ancient - among the oldest exposed geology in Australia - and the folded rock formations contain a visible record spanning from the Ediacaran period to the Cambrian. Parachilna is a tiny settlement on the plains west of the ranges best known for its Prairie Hotel.

Before you go

Fuel in Hawker or at the Prairie Hotel in Parachilna. Gravel road accessible to stock AWD in dry conditions. Not suitable after rain. Water essential - carry minimum 10 litres. No mobile coverage in the gorge. Best April to October.

More roads like this

Bunyeroo Valley

South Australia · 34 km

2.4 ★

Rawnsley Park

South Australia · 35 km

4.4 ★