Aroona to Youngoona Hike

Aroona to Youngoona is a 15.4 km (9.6 mi) point-to-point hike through the Yuluna, Haywards and Trezona walks, from Aroona Trailhead (Y1) to Youngoona Trailhead (T3). It crosses the ABC, Heysen and Trezona ranges, linking creek country, a hilltop lookout and pastoral hut ruins. Allow about seven hours on foot. This is a full-day traverse, not a loop, so arrange a pickup at the far end before setting out.

The first section follows Yuluna from the Aroona end toward Y4. Around Yuluna Creek, layers in the rock show folding and faulting; an optional 200 m spur from Y3 reaches the Bendowta Hut ruin. That detour is outside the main route length. At Y4 the route turns east and climbs through pine woodland to a bare hill at Brachina Lookout, where the surrounding ranges open up. Frame the layered Heysen Range above the low scrub in front; that foreground helps show the folds and scale of the view.

The Haywards section crosses a vehicle track, descends into the narrow sandy headwaters of Brachina Creek, then climbs to Monela Hut. Its collapsed chimney and fallen pine-and-pug wall posts remain on the ground, with a windmill and tank nearby. Continue to T2, where the route leaves Haywards and follows the Trezona section south toward Youngoona. The creek rocks expose stromatolites—layered structures built by ancient cyanobacteria—and the final valley opens among widely spaced pines.

The park rates this a hard walk and advises hiking experience. Expect steep inclines and loose, uneven footing; the seven-hour figure is one way, before stops or the drive between trailheads. Start at the Aroona car park, about 50 km north of Wilpena, and finish at Youngoona Trailhead near Brachina Gorge Road. Toilets are at Aroona Campground. Carry food and 4 L of water per person for a hiking day; do not rely on tanks or creeks for drinking water. Dogs are not permitted in the park.