The Flinders Ranges in South Australia have been submitted for consideration for World Heritage listing, marking a major step toward protecting one of the world's most significant geological and cultural landscapes.

The federal government has formally lodged the nomination with UNESCO's World Heritage Centre in Paris, with a decision on the listing expected as early as 2027.

The nominated area spans more than 58,000 hectares and includes sections of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park, Nilpena Ediacara National Park and pastoral leases including Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary.

It's supported by nearly 4,000 pages of documentation and follows more than a decade of work highlighting the region's geological, palaeontological and cultural significance to the Adnyamathanha people.

A historic, ecological and cultural treasure

The Flinders Ranges contains the only known continuous record of Earth's earliest complex animal life between 672 and 510 million years ago, spanning the Cryogenian, Ediacaran and Cambrian geological periods.

Nilpena Ediacara National Park holds the world's most comprehensive record of Ediacaran fossils, with more than 40 species discovered at the site.

The park has recently been expanded by 26,000 hectares under the South Australian Government.

The World Heritage nomination has been supported by the Adnyamathanha people, who provided their consent in June last year following discussions among representatives and co-management boards connected to the region's national parks.

'Congratulations to all Adnyamathanha people for coming together to work on this nomination'

Adnyamathanha Senior Elder Charles Jackson OAM said the community's involvement had been central to the nomination process.

"Adnyamathanha people have made a major contribution to this project through endorsement of the nomination and providing our cultural information so that we are front and centre on the world stage," Mr Jackson said.

"This contribution is crucial and represents an example of working together during a time when there are lots of challenges for Aboriginal people.

"I'd like to give my personal congratulations to all Adnyamathanha people for coming together to work on this nomination."

Additional land has also been acquired to strengthen the nomination and support conservation outcomes across the region.

The South Australian government, in partnership with the federal government and the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, purchased land from the Angorichina Pastoral Lease to add 4,500 hectares to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

The purchase of Balcoracana Paddock was supported by $412,000 from the federal government's $25 million Protecting Important Biodiversity Areas Program.

The expanded park areas are expected to support native species including dunnarts, quolls, snakes and lizards, while also assisting conservation work for endangered species such as the yellow-footed rock wallaby and thick-billed grasswren.

'World Heritage listing would mean protection under our national environment law, and international recognition at the highest level'

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt said the nomination recognised the global significance of the region.

"The Albanese government is proud to support the Flinders Ranges nomination to UNESCO's World Heritage Centre," Mr Watt said.

"A future World Heritage listing would mean protection under our national environment law, and international recognition at the highest level.

"The rugged landscape is one of the oldest living examples of life on Earth and is home to vulnerable native species like the Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby and the Western Quoll."

The World Heritage bid has been supported by the South Australian government following a decade of planning and preparation.

South Australian Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Lucy Hood said the nomination reflected the region's global importance.

"This nomination is 10 years in the planning, 600 million years in the making," Ms Hood said.

"The Malinauskas government has provided a mammoth dossier to the Albanese government, showcasing why the Flinders Ranges should be listed as one of the planet's most revered natural treasures.

"Gaining World Heritage status would rightly recognise the iconic tourist destination as a place you won't find anywhere else."

Officials say the listing could also bring broader recognition and economic opportunities to the region through increased tourism.