Horseshoe Ranges Trips

By Andrew

Horseshoe RANGE TOP 4WD TRACK

On Sunday 29th January 2006 a group of vehicles from the Whyalla 4WD Club (plus Willem from Peterborough) were the guinea pigs for a new self drive 4WD trek in the Flinders Ranges. Tim Connell had contacted the Club and invited us to sample this new Track. We travelled to Quorn and then took the Wilmington Road for approx 15kms. It’s a left turn just after the Itali Itali Historic Site. We followed this dirt road all the way in and met Tim at the homestead. Cost to drive the trail is $30 per vehicle. After paying Tim and receiving our key and map we set off following the arrow signposted track. The track starts off following a dry creekbed before turning uphill for a climb to the top of the range and a drive along the ridge. It was now about lunch time so we headed down the other side of the range and ran along the flat until finding shade for lunch next to a dry creekline.

After lunch it was another climb an ridge run before descending back into the valley and returning almost to the homestead, We took a detour here, as per the provided map, to drive some of the more “advanced” climbs and descents. Our total time out on the property was about 5 hours so after locking the gate we headed back to Quorn for icecreams to complete the day. This drive was, when we drove it, fairly easy although a dual range vehicle is required and is mandatory. The tracks were all new when we drove them and therefore smooth but over time they will definitely become more challenging and, like all 4WD treks, should be driven with respect for the track and the environment. For further details contact Tim Connell on (08) 8667 5019 or 0428 449 611 or visit http://www.thehorseshoe.com.au

HORSESHOE RIM TRACK – Flinders Ranges
On a Sunday late in May a dozen vehicles from the Whyalla 4WD Club continued our exploring of the 4WD trails in the Quorn area. First stop was the Austral Hotel where we had to wake Ron Cunningham after he had a big night with bands and a good crowd. Ron at the Austral is the man to see for most of the 4WD trips in the Quorn region. See http://www.flindersranges.com and http://www.quornadventures.com for more info.

We filled in a few forms, paid our money ($35 per vehicle plus $5 key deposit), collected our maps and trip notes and headed out of Quorn on the Wilmington road. We didn’t stay on the bitumen for long and soon turned off onto a good dirt road and made our way around to the Horseshoe Rim Track. The first half of the track is scenic with plenty of photo stops and some mildly challenging driving. At the end of the first half of the circuit, before it crosses the road, we stopped in a beautiful creekbed for lunch.

After lunch it was on to the steeper sections of the circuit with plenty more photo stops and then the fantastic l o n g steep climb to the summit of Mt Stokes. The view from here is unbelievable and as well as being a good 4WD drive is a photographers holy grail. After descending from MtStokes we continued on the trail back to the locked gate near our start point. From there it was back to Quorn for ice creams and to return the key. An exceptional half day (4-5 hours Quorn to Quorn) 4WD trip and this one is highly recommended!