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Having long been known as the ‘corridor of time’, the Flinders Ranges is now home to two new fossils discovered last month and prestigiously named after Barack Obama and Sir Richard Attenborough. 

While access is unavailable to the site as geologists process the discoveries, travellers can gain access to this country’s geological beginnings at Wilpena Pound Resort which offers 4WD adventures exploring the land where time began.  Guests can discover the secrets in the soil on the ‘Time Travel & Gorgeous Gorges’ tour and stay under the stars at Ikara Safari Camp which offers superb glamping style accommodation adjacent to Wilpena Pound Resort.

The ‘Time Travel & Gorgeous Gorges’ 4WD Tour explores the rugged beauty of Brachina and Bunyeroo Gorges and over 600 million years of geological history that lies within.  Among the fossils in this region are imprints of stromatolites – some of the earliest forms of life ever to appear on earth – soft bodied animals similar to jellyfish and ancient crustaceans such as trilobites, extinct relatives of the modern-day crab. Artist Sir Hans Heysen returned to the landscape nine times to paint what he described as ‘the bones of nature laid bare’.

The half day tour includes morning or afternoon tea and starts from $150 per adult, $90 per child or family price of $390 for two adults and two children.

The 4WD tour is one of many offerings from Wilpena Pound Resort offering guests the opportunity to explore the state’s rich history.  Other tours include the Yura Udnyu ‘Our Culture, Your Culture’ walk lead by a local Aboriginal guide for an informative stroll to Old Wilpena Station, one of South Australia’s oldest and best preserved pastoral settlements; and the Sunset Spectacular, observing the changing colours as the sun sets over Wilpena Pound and the Flinders Ranges, enjoying local wine and cheese.

Ikara Safari Camp provides a luxury camping experience with each tent offering a King Bed, (plus bunk bed in family tents) modern ensuite bathroom, reverse cycle air-conditioning and a private deck and fire pit. Rates at Ikara Safari Camp start from $320* per night.

Resort style accommodation is also available at the adjacent Wilpena Pound Resort from $233 (including breakfast for two people) and powered sites are available in the nearby campgrounds from $25 per night.

Visit www.wilpenapound.com.au or phone 1800-805-802 for bookings and further information.