Gawler Ranges

The Gawler Ranges is a spectacular wilderness area of unspoiled beauty.

As you travel along the winding gravel road through the Gawler Ranges, it is difficult to comprehend that these peaceful hills are the result of powerful volcanic activity millions of years ago.

The ranges themselves have much to offer. Try camping here, taking a day excursion to see wildlife, or enjoy the geological formations.

The park is home to 21 rare and endangered animal and plant species including the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby. You might spot the Red and Western Grey Kangaroo, Euro, Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat, Pygmy Possum and Hopping Mouse here. There are some 140 species of birds in the Gawler Ranges, including the Emu, Wedge-Tailed Eagle, Major Mitchell Cockatoo and the Singing Honey Eater.

Vast domes of volcanic rock display a vivid array of colour against the pure white of the many salt lakes in the area, including Lake Gairdner.

Gawler Ranges National Park was once Paney Station. This National Park is accessible by two wheel drive vehicles on gravel roads from Kimba, Minnipa and Wudinna. (Care should be taken and local advice sought before travelling after recent rains). Being a wilderness area, two wheel drive and four wheel drive vehicle access within the park is restricted to designated tracks, so be prepared for some bushwalking to appreciate this area of rugged natural beauty.

You'll also find a range of wildflowers here, particularly impressive in spring. It is here that Edward John Eyre made the first recorded sighting of South Australia's floral emblem, the Sturt Desert Pea , in 1839 during an early exploration of the region.

The Gawler Ranges wildlife, historic sites, geological features and scenery will impress any nature lover, photographer or artist.