I had a work related trip planned to Sydney Australia. I live in United States. Not having any idea of what i was doing, I set out to fulfill the 30-year-old dream to see specific fossils in the Flinders ranges while I was in Australia. The only thing I knew was that the fossils Were in South Australia. Through my blind emailing us, someone recommended that I stay at the Prairie hotel. I contacted Jane Fargher, at the Praire Hotel, who was so gracious and helpful as to make my dream a reality. She put together an itinerary for me to travel from Adelaide South Australia to Parachilna. She arranged for a driver/guide (Ingrid Merrigan) for the 5 1/2 hour drive from Adelaide to Parachilna. This drive included a stop in the Clare Valley wine country for an incredible lunch and wine tasting. Onward to Parachilna. The accommodations at the Prairie Hotel were very comfortable, clean, spacious and charming. The place has a rustic feel to it. I was awakened by cockatoos out my door in the morning. Amazing sunsets at night And star gazing. Wonderful artwork and shopping as well. The food was delicious, prepared by a guest chef from Sydney the weekend I was there, which included local ferrell fare such as kangaroo, camel, and emu (a must try) , or more mainstream dishes for the less adventurous. Over my 2 day adventure I had a 4-wheel drive tour of the Brachina Gorge/Blinman area in the National Park of the Flinders ranges (by Sally Henery of Alpana Station tours) which was a fascinating geological trip back in time, with many fossils, and wildlife sitings. On the next day, I visited a sheep shearing station in Nilpena, saw more fossils, and had a fly over of Wilpena Pound. On the last day Ingrid drove me back via a different route to Adelaide, again, with stops in outback towns and lunch along the way.
There were things that I very much wanted to see and do that were specific to paleontology and the fossil record. They made that happen. However, there is much there to do for anyone who enjoys hiking, biking, natural history, photography and wants to learn about life In the outback. I traveled in early April which was a good time-Still kind of warm but definitely doable. I highly recommend the Prairie Hotel. Jane, Ross, Lachy and Ian Fargher and their crew made me feel very welcome and a very comfortable lone traveler. read more