Ikara (Wilpena Pound) and Kati Thanda Lake Eyre – two of Australia’s iconic indigenous locations – are under consideration for selection in the Seven Wonders of the World campaign currently being run by online travel company – Experience Oz. 
Six South Australian locations also including Naracoorte Caves, Flinders Chase National Park, Umpherston Sinkhole and Lake Gairdner are among 50 national attractions in the running for this prestigious award.
Ikara (named Wilpena Pound by the English colonists who first attempted farming in the area) is a natural amphitheatre, 17km long and 7km wide, located amidst the vibrant colours of the 800 million-year-old quartzite and limestone outcrop of the spectacular Flinders Ranges
Around four and a half hours drive from Adelaide it is considered one of the country’s most significant geological basins.
It is also of great importance to the local Adnyamathanha people who believe that the Pound was formed when two dreamtime serpents travelled south and formed the landmark together.
Wilpena Pound Resort – the only accommodation located in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park – is owned in conjunction with the Traditional Owners who run walks and guided tours throughout this area providing important historic and cultural interpretation for the thousands of visitors who come to the area each year.
The Resort also offers scenic flights to Kati Thanda – Lake Eyre – the world’s largest salt lake located approximately 700kms north of Adelaide. When the Lake occasionally fills as a result of heavy rains flowing down the rivers from Queensland, it becomes one of the largest inland seas in the world attracting amazing bird life.
The Lake’s European name came from explorer Edward John Eyre but it was renamed in 2013 to reflect aboriginal land title and is an important place for the local Arabana Traditional Owners.
Experience Oz, Australia’s leading online portal for tour experiences is running the campaign to celebrate and showcase Australia’s vast number of experiences.
Voting is open until 7 October, 2018 via Instagram using hashtags #7wondersofaustralia, by SMS to 19 719 777 or on the Experience Oz websitehttps://7wonders.experienceoz.com.au/voting/. The winning 7Wonders will be announced on October 31, 2018.
Everyone who votes goes into the running to win a great Oz Wonders trip and can also donate to the local conservation charity associated with each site.
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