Flinders Ranges
 

Anyone stay at either Prairie Hotel in Parachilna or Wilpena Pound Resort? Should I stay at the Prairie hotel and take tours to Wilpena pound, or just stay at Wilpena Pound resort or should I stay one night each. Any one take a scenic flight from either place? Any comments appreciated. Trip will be Feb 15-18 ish.

G'day Hellyes,
I would stay at Wilpena.
You can take local tours from there as well as flights.
It will be a little hot during your time there.

Enjoy,
Mike

You need to see both. Parachilna pub is an icon, but Wilpena is the star turn of natural attractions. Hot as hell in February, expect 40 degrees plus.

I was wondering if anyone else wanted to add their opinion? We only have one night and would like to know if we should stay at Prairie Hotel or Wilpena Pound Resort?

Why one over the other?

We chose to stay at the Prairie hotel, but am not sure it was the right choice. Because of weather and timing, we actually never got to do a hike at Wilpena Pound which was extremely disappointing. If we had stayed closer, then it might have been
possible. Also, the Prairie hotel is very isolated and the only option for food, etc. was through the hotel.

That being said, the Prairie Hotel is very interesting and really gives you the feel for being in the middle of the outback. Also, my understanding is that the rooms are nicer and the food is better at the Prairie hotel.

As for activites, we went on a private tour to the gorges and did a short flight to see the area from the Prairie hotel. We did not have a 4x4, so we were reluctant (and forbidden by the rental car company) to drive the unsealed roads through the gorges on our own. If possible, I would have liked to have done this drive by ourselves so we could spend more time.

I think you could stay one night at each...they are not that far apart (as far as Australia goes). You have to try the feral feast and wattleseed ice cream at the PH!

Hope my rambling comments help.

Windy04, yes it does help but my problem now is finding a 4 x 4 to do some of the unsealed roads around Parachilna.

Unfortunately we only have one night in the area at this point.

I decided just to stay at Wilpena Pound. I am travelling from Adelaide and travelling by car to more places like Streaky Bay and Baird Bay. So I decided I didn't want the extra travel and didn't have the extra time to travel to Prairie Hotel. But if you have the extra time, I hear the food is great at the Prairie Hotel.