by north-north-west » Thu 04 Jun, 2020 4:42 pm
It's a good choice for an intro into the area. From Parachilna Gorge Rd it's mostly very straightforward, following creek beds, fence lines and old 4WD tracks, with a few sections of walking track as well (particularly as you get closer to Wilpena). Markers can be erratically placed but there aren't too many spots along there where you can get wildly off-line. Gradients are mostly fairly gentle with the exception of the sometimes awkward creek gully crossings, which can be short but very, very sharp drops. The section south of Wilpena is also good, albeit harder work, particularly Bridle Gap.
Only issue may be water. While there are tanks at the shelters and campsites, there is no guarantee there will be water in them. Last winter when I headed south from Parachilna, the tanks at both the trackhead and the first campsite were dry. Pigeon Bore, however, had plenty of water and the old pump works fine - just needs a bit of time to start flowing if it hasn't been used for a while. I've also found usable water in creek between Bunyeroo and Wilpena, but it depends on what rainfall has been like. It was very dry last year.
But if you haven't done a multiday trip before, you may find the physical and mental strain of carrying a full pack for that long rather taxing. The advantage of P - W is that there are a number of points where you cross public roads, so you have the option of calling it quits earlier if needs be.
Depending on when you get to the trackhead, but a possible itinerary would be: day one to Pigeon, day 2 to Trezona or Middlesight, day 3 Youngoona loop then to Yanyanna, day 4 to Wilpena. If you're feeling up to it, the Pound circuit or at least Ohlssen Bagge the next day as a final hurrah.
Enjoy. It's a fantastic area, although the best bits are up on the ridges.
"Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens."