Hike Devil's Peak, South Astralia

While this 2.4km return adventure is a must for anyone visiting the Southern Flinders Ranges, please take note that it cannot be climbed during fire-ban season, which usually occurs between November and April. All this means, though, is that you can enjoy it in the winter months when the area is coated in flourishing green, and the pesky flies are away on annual leave.

The Devil’s Peak is best accessed from the carpark at the end of the appropriately-named Devil’s Peak Road, South of Quorn. From there, the first portion of the trek is a solid march on the incline that reaches a collection of imposing rocks that collectively form the image of a demon hovering above the outback, giving the peak its name. From here, it is a fun 10 minute scramble to the summit where a perfect 360 degree panorama is on offer.    

The highlight of the climb is the aptly-named Nerve Test, where hikers can measure their insanity levels by leaning over the edge of the summit, viewing the sheer drop to the rocky ground far below.  

If you want an extra thrill, or you’re just not that into backtracking, local company Soul Summit Adventure offer an abseiling experience from the summit. You can find them on Facebook for dates and pricing. Otherwise, the return trip can be made on the same track, this time enjoying the sweeping vistas whilst descending to the car park.  

The Devil’s Peak is an easy 15 minute drive south of Quorn, a quaint railway town that at some point declared itself as the capital of the Flinders Ranges. To reach the Devil’s Peak carpark, head south on Richman Valley Road and then turn right onto Devil’s Peak road. This will deliver you to the base of the Devil’s Peak, offering a spectacular view of the South Australian landscape. You will have the responsibility of opening and closing two cattle gates along the road – this is where riding shotgun may be a disadvantage, so offer to drive or else face the prospect of the old “let’s take off and let them run after us” trick.    

Quorn, itself a 3 hour, 45 minute drive north of Adelaide, is a great place to stock up on supplies. The local service/gas/petrol station, or “Servo” in these parts, is stocked to the brim with a range of outdoor supplies, while the smattering of bakeries offers a range of home cooked goods, the perfect reward for a hard afternoon hike. There are several other hikes of varying difficulty in the region, including the Dutchman’s Stern, Mount Brown and Mount Remarkable, as well as the spectacular Wilpena Pound a further 1.5 hour drive into the outback.