Skytrek and Willow Springs Station

Skytrek and Willow Springs Station is a working station in the Flinders Ranges northeast of Hawker, and the Skytrek four wheel drive track through the property is the reason most visitors book. Accommodation spreads from the Homestead and Shearer's Quarters to cottages and huts, plus bush camping, so the audience is 4wd crews, families and walkers using the station as a Flinders base.

Dogs at Willow Springs

Per the station's own pages, the Jillaroo's Hut is the property's first pet friendly accommodation: a Jayco park cabin set up with space for pet beds under the bunks, with pets sleeping on their own bedding. Every other stay on the station, from the Homestead to Stockman's Lodge, Overseer's Cottage, Governess' Cabin, Shearer's Quarters and Moxan's Hut, is not flagged pet friendly, so the Jillaroo's Hut is the one to book if the dog is coming, and regulars reserve it months out because the pet friendly list starts and ends there.

The lead rule is strict and the reasons are station practical. Dogs stay on lead around the camps and accommodation, on a working property with stock, and the high country next door is national park where dogs are not taken at all, which shapes the whole itinerary: the station itself is the dog's Flinders Ranges, and the park highlights are done without it.

Bush camping around the station also takes pets, and regulars steer away from the most exposed upper camps once the sun drops, because the gully winds in the ranges are cold on a short coated dog even after a warm day.

Worth knowing

The Skytrek drive takes a good part of a day and finishes at the high views across the ranges, and the station's camp kitchen and fire pit make the evenings at the hut. Bring what you need: the nearest full services are at Hawker, and the hut is self contained. Book the track pass and the hut together so the day's driving lines up with the bed.

Phone reception is scarce on the station, so plan any vet contact before you need it, and keep water up to the dog, because the dry air works on them faster than you expect.

Around the district, the Pinnacle Central Track at Hawker is a walk with the dog in town range, and Mt Remarkable Hotel Motel covers a meal out. For another Southern Flinders stop, Melrose Caravan and Tourist Park sits at the range's southern end. More dog friendly stays in SA are listed for the wider trip.