Thursday, November 2, 2017

St Mary Peak, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

St Mary Peak is the highest peak in the Flinders Rangers.

Summit Marker
It offer commanding views in all directions.
There are two approaches to Tanderra saddle, the Inner track through Wilpena Pound a distance of 13.5km. Or via the Outer Track, this way is around 7.5km to the top but has a steep section which includes some rock scrambling.

View across the Pound

I selected the outer track, departing just before 7am, about 30min after local sunrise, the track is well marked with only a few spots where I took a moment to identify the next track marker.

Northern View

The signage at the start carries a warning about temperature and the need to carry plenty of water.
I started with 5.5lt, (1.5 over the recommended) and by the time I returned I had consumed just over 3.
However not everyone goes as well prepared, I meet two ladies who had left with just 750ml of water each, I had not long left the summit when I meet them with very little water left. Fortunately I was happy to part with a 1.5lt bottle which I had not used. despite this refill I suspect they both would have been very thirsty by the time they returned to the Resort.