| It
is believed that the Flinders Ranges was once covered by an
inland sea over 750 million years ago. All that are left today
are rugged valleys, gorges, peaks, mountains and rich vegetation.
Wilpena Pound is one of Flinders Ranges' most renowned places.
It is surrounded by a circle of mountains reaching over 1000
metres in height and covering over 50 square kilometres of land.
The site is in the shape of an amphitheatre. The name, "Wilpena",
is an |
Aboriginal
word meaning 'place of bent fingers' that was probably given
to it because of its strong resemblance to a cupped hand. According
to the Dreaming, Wilpena Pound was made by two giant snakes
as they stretched into a giant circle to die after attacking
a tribal ritual. Deep red gorges, such as the Bunyeroo Gorge,
run through the southern and northern Flinders Ranges. Walking
trails along the gorges give wonderful views of the Flinders
Ranges, including Wilpena Pound. |
