Hucks Lookout is another impressive vantage point in the Central Flinders Ranges.
Like most lookouts in the region, the amount of effort one needs to expend is low compared to the fabulous views that await.
So what makes Hucks unique?
The lookout offers a sweeping panorama of the eastern side of Wilpena Pound with St. Mary Peak standing proud on the right.
You can also spot the Heysen Range and ABC Range which run more or less parallel as they snake off toward the northwest.
And almost, as if by design, the Pound is symmetrically framed by two much closer hills that glow a brilliant shade of red at certain times of the day.
Adding to the uniqueness of Hucks is the foreground hill slope which is covered in majestic grass trees (Xanthorrhoea quadrangulata ).
Grass trees are not rare in the Flinders Ranges, but it is unusual to see them in such dense numbers. If you look to your right at the lookout, you’ll see that the stand continues for some distance over the undulating terrain.
The view from Hucks at sunset. St Mary Peak (left) looms in the distance.
When is the best time of day to visit?
Hucks sits at about 660 metres above sea level and does not have the 360-degree views that Stokes Hill offers, but it is still a wonderful place to be at both sunrise and sunset. It’s also much quieter than Stokes, generally speaking.
My preference is sunrise because the sun emerges behind you and illuminates the Pound in all manner of colours. Before sunrise, it starts with blues, violets, and purples, and then the rocks turn a brilliant shade of red and then orange.
Sunset is also wonderful. You’re in the Flinders Ranges, after all. But depending on the time of the year, you may be looking directly into the sun as you try to make out Wilpena Pound.
In that case, summer might be a better time for sunset because the sun tends to set more toward the south than the west.
Where is Hucks Lookout?
Hucks Lookout is located on the main Wilpena to Blinman road.
If you’re heading north from Wilpena Pound Resort, the turn-off is 15 kilometres up the road on the left.
If you’re heading south from Blinman, you’ll need to continue past Stokes Hill Lookout for another 10 minutes or so before Hucks appears in front of you.
The dirt access road is only about 100 metres from the tarmac and is suitable for all types of vehicles.
Although the carpark is quite small, there’s more than enough room to park and turn around if you’re towing.
Are there facilities at Hucks Lookout?
Regrettably, there are no facilities to speak of at the lookout.
The fact that Hucks lies outside the national park may have something to do with it. But this spot deserves a picnic table or at least a few wooden benches.
Nevertheless, there are a couple of old and basic information boards describing some of the geological processes that shaped the Flinders.
Since the lookout is located on private property (Upalinna Station), camping or overnight parking is not permitted.
History of the lookout
Like Stokes Hill Lookout, I am not sure who Hucks is named after or what led to its formation.
If anyone knows, drop a comment below.
Thanks!