Dutchmans Stern

Dutchmans Stern is a mountain peak in the Flinders Ranges rising to about 820 meters, dominating the landscape south of Port Augusta. The summit sits within a conservation park and offers views across surrounding mountain ridges and valleys that stretch across the region.

Early settlers named the peak for its resemblance to the stern of a Dutch sailing ship. The British surveyor Matthew Flinders documented this landmark during his exploration of the South Australian coast in the early 1800s.

The area holds significance for Aboriginal communities, with cultural sites visible across the landscape that speak to long-standing connections to the land. Walking through the region gives visitors a sense of how people have moved through and understood this terrain over generations.

Two marked trails lead to the summit, offering visitors options based on time and fitness level. The loop route covers more ground while the direct path takes a straighter approach to reach the top.

The peak has a distinctive shape that resembles ship architecture, appearing different depending on the viewing angle and time of day. This unusual silhouette becomes particularly striking when approached from the northern side.