Hints & Tips
We've collected these handy tips to help you enjoy your time in the Flinders Ranges and Outback.
Telecommunications
Mobile phone coverage is limited outside major towns and generally non-existent in the remote Flinders Ranges and Outback. Ensure you carry appropriate emergency communication equipment, ie satellite phone or UHF radio when travelling in remote areas.
Climate - Flinders Ranges
It's seldom humid so the dry heat can still be bearable. Rainfall may be low but when it comes it can be torrential and flooding occurs quickly. The winter and early spring rains are the source of the wildflower season across the Flinders Ranges and desert parks.
Spring (September - November) and Autumn (March - May): 13-25 degrees C. (55-77 degrees F.)
Winter (June - August): 8-18 degrees C. (46-64 degrees F.)
Summer (December - February): 26-38 degrees C. (79-100 degrees F.)
Climate - Outback
Between April and October most days are warm and beautifully clear, but at sunset the temperature can fall sharply. Daily temperatures are usually in the average of 16-20 degrees Celsius, while during the hotter months of November through March the days often go above 40C and, on extreme days in Outback areas, above 50C.
Spring (September - November) and Autumn (March - May): 14-28 degrees C. (57-82 degrees F.)
Winter (June - August): 6-22 degrees C. (43-72 degrees F.)
Summer (December - February): 28-40 degrees C. (82-104 degrees F.)
Outback Travel
Carry extra supplies of water and food and carry extra spare tyres and tools in remote areas of South Australia. When driving in the Outback, leave details of your travel plans with friends or family, and in an emergency, stay with your vehicle.
Watch out for livestock and wildlife as they stray onto the road. Avoid driving at sunrise and sunset when animals are most active. When driving through the Flinders Range and Outback, avoid tracks that are for private use only or that are not marked on maps.
Read more at our Outback Driving pages.
Personal Protection Program
South Australians enjoy a very safe environment and you can play your part in reducing crime. When travelling, close your vehicle windows and conceal all valuables including your purse, handbag, shopping, phone and laptop. When parking, lock your vehicle and don't leave your keys where they can be found.
If you notice anything unusual or anyone acting suspiciously, report it to the police. Phone 131 444 for police assistance or 000 for emergencies. If you have information relating to a crime, contact BankSA Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Fires
A fire danger period exists between November and April each year in South Australia. This can be extended, depending on the seasonal weather conditions. During fire danger periods there are fire restrictions that apply, including total fire ban days. For up to date details of fire bans, visit the Country Fire Services's fire bans page or telephone 1300 362 361.
Each year thousands of visitors come to South Australia to sample and savour some of the world's finest wines and to marvel at the beauty of the gnarled and twisted old vines of the wine regions. Both vines and wines could be at risk because of phylloxera (fil-ox-era), an insect that attacks grapevine roots.
If visiting wine regions outside of South Australia, clean your shoes and remove mud from your vehicle before coming to South Australia. Don't walk on vineyard soil. Do not bring any plant material or soil into South Australia. Stay on roadways when visiting vineyards. For further details, you can visit the Phylloxera website.
Keep SA Fruit Fly Free
South Australia is the only mainland Australian state without a permanent population of fruit fly and we aim to keep it that way. Please don't bring fruit or vegetables into South Australia. Use the dumping bins and signs around the state to prevent being penalised.
