If I had to choose between Hucks , Pugilist, Wangarra, Razorback, or Rawnsley Lookout, I would choose Stokes Hill every day of the week.
Why? There are several reasons:
The views
At about 739 metres above sea level, there are commanding 360-degree views at the summit of Stokes Hill.
You’ll be able to see the main bitumen road for several kilometres in either direction, and I always think that photos of cars on the road with a telephoto lens would be great to use in a car advertisement.
The sunsets and sunrises
Needless to say, some of the best I’ve ever seen have occurred on Stokes Hill. For me, like many others, it has become a pilgrimage once golden hour approaches.
The way the light sweeps across the hills and undulating plains below is mesmerising.
Looking toward Bunkers Conservation Reserve from Stokes Hill Lookout. The mountains
With this view you can see the entire eastern side of Wilpena Pound, which really gives you an idea of how vast it is.
You will also be able to see the nearby Bunkers Range as well as Loves Mine Range, Druid Range and Chance Range. The seemingly ever-present pyramidal peak of Patawarta Hill is also visible to the distant north.
The accessibility
Stokes Hill lookout is just off the bitumen Wilpena to Blinman road, and it’s just a short, steep dirt road to the top (see more about accessibility for towing vehicles below).
No hiking required here. Unless you want to, of course!
Looking SW from Stokes Hill Lookout toward Wilpena Pound. Are there any facilities at the top?
At the summit, there are benches, tables and a 3D model that depicts the topography of the surrounding area.
There are also some information boards about bush foods, medicines and the creation story of the Flinders Ranges.
Interestingly, the sign that depicts the symbols used in Aboriginal Art is relevant if you intend to do the Arkaroo Rock hike (where no such signs currently exist). Take a picture of it on your phone and thank me later.
Note that there are no toilets or shelters, so you’ll need to make do in those regards!
Stokes Hill Lookout handy tips
Here’s how you can make the most of your time at Stokes Hill.
1) Take a hot drink Something I like to do is take a hot thermos of milo or coffee up to the top at sunrise or sunset.
The elevation means it will be cold and/or windy for much of the year, so take a jumper and a hot drink to warm you up!
2) Don’t overlook the first, smaller lookout
Pull into the first lookout about halfway up the hill on the left. It is often passed over by others who are in a rush to get to the top and can be a good way to escape the crowds.
The views are slightly less spectacular here, but it’s well worth a look.
3) Sunrise and sunset are just as good
The 360-degree views mean no time is better than any other, necessarily.
There will be far fewer crowds at sunrise, but sunset is equally impressive. At either time of day, you’ll be able to watch the light as it constantly changes across the landscape. And if you get sick of the crowds, wander down the hill a bit in any direction.
Small peaks may illuminate briefly, while gorges and valleys come in and out of shadow. If you can score a sunrise or sunset with clouds, even better.
4) Be careful on the drive back
If you head up Stokes Hill for sunset, be extremely careful on the way back to your accommodation. The road between Wilpena and Blinman is a kangaroo hot spot at dusk and there’s a high likelihood that you’ll encounter them.
Take your time and relax, even if you have to crawl back to the bar at Wilpena Pound Resort for a well earned cold one.
What other attractions are near Stokes Hill?
Stokes Hill is conveniently located, to say the least.
About 10 minutes up the road is the turnoff for Appealinna Ruins.
Appealinna was the name given to a pastoral lease secured by Joseph Willis, who took up residence next to a permanent waterhole. But copper miners also wanted access to the water, and conflict inevitably ensued.
There are various ruins to explore here, and the story of most structures (as well as how the conflict played out) is told with rather dilapidated signage. Still, it’s worth a look.
Also nearby is Wilkawillina Gorge, which lies at the northeastern extremity of Flinders Ranges National Park. It’s much drier here, but also much quieter, with the gorge itself around 10 kilometres from one end to the other.
To find Wilkawillina Gorge, head north from Stokes Hill and veer right at the junction towards Arkaroola. From there, it’s about 18 kilometres to the turnoff (on the left) and another 7 to the start of the gorge.
Note that the direct access road is usually pretty rough and may not be suitable for 2WD or towing vehicles.
You can also combine a visit to Stokes Hill Lookout with a trip to or from Blinman, Brachina Gorge and Bunyeroo Gorge .
The possibilities are endless!
Where is the lookout?
Stokes Hill lookout is about 19 kilometres from Wilpena Pound Resort on the bitumen road to Blinman.
The turnoff is well marked and just before the turnoff for Skytrek Willow Springs Station – a Flinders Ranges station stay .
Accessibility
The access road to the lookout is very steep and is unsuitable for towing vehicles. However, you can leave your caravan or trailer at the bottom of the hill in a parking area and pick it up on the way out.
You can also make it up in a standard 2WD, but you’ll need to be careful of large rocks and corrugations in some sections.
History
The lookout opened on March 26, 1992 to honour and recognise the history of the local Adnyamathanha people.
With regard to who the lookout is named after, well, this is harder to pin down. One possibility is Captain John Lort Stokes, a Royal Navy Officer who served on the HMS Beagle and for a time, shared a cabin with none other than Charles Darwin.
However, I think this link is tenuous at best. While the Beagle did survey large parts of Australia, its efforts were mostly confined to the country’s western, northern, and south-eastern coastlines.
Coonatto Station
Another possibility is that the lookout was named after Francis William Stokes, who was made manager and later partner of Coonatto Station in 1859.
The station lies between the modern-day towns of Wilmington and Carrieton in the Southern Flinders Ranges.
As always, anyone with information on who Stokes Hill Lookout was named after is encouraged to contact me or leave a comment.
Thanks and enjoy the views!
