Are you a 4WDer that prefers steep challenging rocky terrain or simple meandering single tracks? And how about your camping? Do you prefer homestead accommodation or isolated bush sites?
Well, it doesn’t really matter what you prefer here, because this destination has it all. Yep, if you want to dabble in technical terrain you can do just that. But if you prefer to take things easier then you can as well. This is the beauty of what is one of Australia’s hidden gems, Bendleby Ranges.
Bendleby Ranges is located south of the Flinders Ranges and the township of Hawker in South Australia. It is most likely a place that you have driven very close to if you have ever travelled this area, and that is part of the appeal here; although it is not far off the well-trodden south Oz routes, it is easy to reach and far less crowded and, to be honest, it offers more too.
BENDLEBY RANGES
WORDS BY SCOTT MASON, IMAGES BY SCOTT MASON AND LIAM FOSTER
The best 4WD park you have never heard of…
BENDLEBY RANGES
TRAVEL Flinders Ranges
WHAT MAKES IT SO GOOD?
The appeal of South Australia’s ranges lays in its unique and ancient ruggedness and Bendleby Station certainly does not miss out. With over 170km, yes that’s right … 170km of single track, you will find yourself driving along scores of rocky creek beds as well as ridgelines with views to die for. If sunsets are your thing, then you are going to love this place. There are many summits and ridges you can easily reach to take in the last remnants of the day, with expansive and far-reaching views to distant mountains.
BELOW There is a great mixture of terrain on the large property, including native pines and eucalypts. The views are incredible too!
BELOW Billy Goat Ridge is the flagship track at Bendleby, offering plenty of technical driving and stunning views
Bendleby Station is a 4WD mecca. The variety of tracks and trails is immense. No matter your confidence and vehicle’s ability there is something here for you. Upon arrival you are given a map of the trails, clearly colour-coded according to difficulty level. As well as this, all tracks are sign-posted so you can’t get lost or find yourself upon a track you don’t wish to be on.
One of the great tracks at the station is the aptly named Billy Goat Ridge. It is an epic rocky and technical climb with incredible views along its length; it is a track that will leave you with long-lasting memories.
BELOW There are plenty of fantastic old buildings and ruins in and around the property
“Bendleby Station is a 4WD mecca. The variety of tracks and trails is immense. No matter your confidence and vehicle’s ability there is something here for you.”
WHAT CAMPING OPTIONS ARE THERE?
Setting up a base camp and day tripping is the go at Bendleby; there are a variety of accommodation options available also. You can book the old family homestead (which is very comfortable and still in great condition), choose to stay in the shearer’s quarters, camp in one of the large main campgrounds (which also offer powered sites, showers and bathrooms), or head out to one of the remote and isolated bush camps.
The remote camps all feature long-drop toilets and imported firewood is provided across the station. In addition, there are several large amenities blocks scattered around the property for anyone to use.
ABOVE Charlie and the kids; the owners are a fantastic family and go out of their way to make your stay a good one // BELOW There is over 170km of tracks to explore
BELOW We stayed at the old family homestead this time, it was a very comfortable original old building
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
Just the basics really. The nearest township is Orroroo, about 20 minutes away. It has an IGA, butcher, café, service station and pub, so stocking up with essentials beforehand or during your stay is easy. In addition, the station’s reception has some basic local produce, soft drinks and beer. To the north and a little further away is the township of Hawker with similar facilities.
“This is one destination worthy of your attention, either as a stand-alone destination or as a part of your next Flinders adventure”
ABOVE
I made use of the Station’s pit to repair a leaking rear diff
ABOVE
At the end of the day, head up to one of the many lookouts to take in a magnificent sunset
ABOVE
There is plenty of steep and scrabbly terrain
ABOVE
Enjoying the late afternoon views
GETTING THERE
Reaching Bendleby is straightforward. It is surrounded by well-groomed dirt roads so towing a trailer or caravan is no problem at all. You only need 4WD for driving the trails. If travelling from the south, then aim for Ororoo and follow the signs north. If coming from the north, then access is via dirt road from the RM Williams Way. A call to the station beforehand will see you armed with all the details you need.
ABOVE You are going to love the Bendleby single-track
THE OWNERS
The Luckraft family still live on this working station. They are all salt-of-the-earth people and will go out of their way to ensure you have a great stay. If you get the chance to talk with Warren, I highly recommend it. His sharp-witted non-PC manner will likely have you in tears of laughter.
Over the years they have developed the property with 4WD adventurers in mind while still remaining eco-conscious. The station is actually eco-certified and has also won several tourism awards. Recent years have seen very little rainfall in the area and the farmers out here are doing it tough, so it is great to be able to show some support through tourism dollars.
BELOW The Luckraft family, legends
MY OPINION
I have been lucky enough to visit Bendleby Ranges three times now and each time I have discovered new tracks to drive, new experiences to be had and made plenty of fond memories along the way. I can say with hand on heart, that this is one destination worthy of your attention, either as a stand-alone destination or as a part of your next Flinders adventure; and Billy Goat Ridge Track, in particular, should be on your bucket list of ‘must-drive’ tracks in Australia.
For more info visit bendlebyranges.com.au or call (08) 8658 9064
BENDLEBY RANGES
The best 4WD park you have never heard of…
WORDS BY SCOTT MASON, IMAGES BY SCOTT MASON AND LIAM FOSTER
Are you a 4WDer that prefers steep challenging rocky terrain or simple meandering single tracks? And how about your camping? Do you prefer homestead accommodation or isolated bush sites?
Well, it doesn’t really matter what you prefer here, because this destination has it all. Yep, if you want to dabble in technical terrain you can do just that. But if you prefer to take things easier then you can as well. This is the beauty of what is one of Australia’s hidden gems, Bendleby Ranges.
Bendleby Ranges is located south of the Flinders Ranges and the township of Hawker in South Australia. It is most likely a place that you have driven very close to if you have ever travelled this area, and that is part of the appeal here; although it is not far off the well-trodden south Oz routes, it is easy to reach and far less crowded and, to be honest, it offers more too.
TRAVEL Flinders Ranges
BELOW Billy Goat Ridge is the flagship track at Bendleby, offering plenty of technical driving and stunning views
WHAT MAKES IT SO GOOD?
The appeal of South Australia’s ranges lays in its unique and ancient ruggedness and Bendleby Station certainly does not miss out. With over 170km, yes that’s right … 170km of single track, you will find yourself driving along scores of rocky creek beds as well as ridgelines with views to die for. If sunsets are your thing, then you are going to love this place. There are many summits and ridges you can easily reach to take in the last remnants of the day, with expansive and far-reaching views to distant mountains.
Bendleby Station is a 4WD mecca. The variety of tracks and trails is immense. No matter your confidence and vehicle’s ability there is something here for you. Upon arrival you are given a map of the trails, clearly colour-coded according to difficulty level. As well as this, all tracks are sign-posted so you can’t get lost or find yourself upon a track you don’t wish to be on.
One of the great tracks at the station is the aptly named Billy Goat Ridge. It is an epic rocky and technical climb with incredible views along its length; it is a track that will leave you with long-lasting memories.
BELOW There is a great mixture of terrain on the large property, including native pines and eucalypts. The views are incredible too!
BELOW There are plenty of fantastic old buildings and ruins in and around the property
“Bendleby Station is a 4WD mecca. The variety of tracks and trails is immense. No matter your confidence and vehicle’s ability there is something here for you.”
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ABOVE Charlie and the kids; the owners are a fantastic family and go out of their way to make your stay a good one // BELOW There is over 170km of tracks to explore
WHAT CAMPING OPTIONS ARE THERE?
Setting up a base camp and day tripping is the go at Bendleby; there are a variety of accommodation options available also. You can book the old family homestead (which is very comfortable and still in great condition), choose to stay in the shearer’s quarters, camp in one of the large main campgrounds (which also offer powered sites, showers and bathrooms), or head out to one of the remote and isolated bush camps.
The remote camps all feature long-drop toilets and imported firewood is provided across the station. In addition, there are several large amenities blocks scattered around the property for anyone to use.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?
Just the basics really. The nearest township is Orroroo, about 20 minutes away. It has an IGA, butcher, café, service station and pub, so stocking up with essentials beforehand or during your stay is easy. In addition, the station’s reception has some basic local produce, soft drinks and beer. To the north and a little further away is the township of Hawker with similar facilities.
BELOW We stayed at the old family homestead this time, it was a very comfortable original old building
“This is one destination worthy of your attention, either as a stand-alone destination or as a part of your next Flinders adventure”
ABOVE
Enjoying the late afternoon views
ABOVE
There is plenty of steep and scrabbly terrain
ABOVE
I made use of the Station’s pit to repair a leaking rear diff
ABOVE
At the end of the day, head up to one of the many lookouts to take in a magnificent sunset
ABOVE You are going to love the Bendleby single-track
GETTING THERE
Reaching Bendleby is straightforward. It is surrounded by well-groomed dirt roads so towing a trailer or caravan is no problem at all. You only need 4WD for driving the trails. If travelling from the south, then aim for Ororoo and follow the signs north. If coming from the north, then access is via dirt road from the RM Williams Way. A call to the station beforehand will see you armed with all the details you need.
THE OWNERS
The Luckraft family still live on this working station. They are all salt-of-the-earth people and will go out of their way to ensure you have a great stay. If you get the chance to talk with Warren, I highly recommend it. His sharp-witted non-PC manner will likely have you in tears of laughter.
Over the years they have developed the property with 4WD adventurers in mind while still remaining eco-conscious. The station is actually eco-certified and has also won several tourism awards. Recent years have seen very little rainfall in the area and the farmers out here are doing it tough, so it is great to be able to show some support through tourism dollars.
BELOW The Luckraft family, legends
MY OPINION
I have been lucky enough to visit Bendleby Ranges three times now and each time I have discovered new tracks to drive, new experiences to be had and made plenty of fond memories along the way. I can say with hand on heart, that this is one destination worthy of your attention, either as a stand-alone destination or as a part of your next Flinders adventure; and Billy Goat Ridge Track, in particular, should be on your bucket list of ‘must-drive’ tracks in Australia.
For more info visit bendlebyranges.com.au or call (08) 8658 9064