Join Susie Youssef tonight as she explores the stunning Flinders Ranges walk, unveiling ancient engravings and breathtaking landscapes.
Tonight on Great Australian Walks, Susie Youssef embarks on a journey through one of South Australia’s most stunning natural wonders—the Flinders Ranges—taking in the awe-inspiring landscape of Wilpena Pound, also known by its Indigenous name, Ikara.
Youssef’s exploration begins with a deeply cultural experience as she visits a sacred canyon, renowned for its ancient rock engravings, accompanied by Traditional Owner Izzy Patterson.
Patterson explains the significance of these engravings, sharing stories passed down through generations, offering Youssef and viewers a rare insight into the spiritual and historical depth of the region. However, the experience is tinged with sadness as Patterson points out the damage caused by vandals, which has led to sections of the site being closed to the public by National Parks.
As Youssef continues her trek, she traverses dry riverbeds lined with striking red gums, a landscape that reminds her of the Australian bush paintings that adorned her grandparents’ home, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
During her journey, Youssef also meets a former Afghan refugee who arrived in Australia in 2005. He shares a personal and unexpected connection to the region’s history—the Afghan cameleers who, in the mid-1800s, played a crucial role in navigating the arid interior of the country, using camels to transport goods and explore the vast, dry terrain of the Flinders Ranges.
The man reflects on his fears that his daughters, bearing Afghani names, might face challenges in finding employment in Australia. Despite these concerns, he speaks with pride, saying,
“I can be a proud Muslim, a proud Afghan, a proud Australian.”