The Gawler Ranges National Park, in South Australia, is an area of ancient ranges, rocky gorges, seasonal waterfalls and natural wilderness and was proclaimed in 2002. In the park, there is plenty of wildlife to see, including the yellow footed rock wallaby, as well as history and Aboriginal culture.
The Park is accessed 76 km from Kimba and 50 km from Wudinna. Both of these are found on the Eyre Highway, west of Port Augusta. although the park is smaller in size, there is much to see and do there. Visitors with either 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive are catered for with several camping options suited for each as well as caravans.
We were part of a trip exploring throughout outback South Australia. Our group came to the park from Mt Ive Station, along good gravel roads. Once there we turned right and headed for Kolay Hut, where there is plenty of shade suitable for a lunch stop. There is also a campground here.
Not far from the hut is Kolay Mirica Falls, which were dry at this time, but the line of the falls was clearly visible across the surface of the rock. We climbed to the top of the falls and were rewarded with a stunning view across the valley. Up above the falls though, the rock formations have formed into pillars of stone, standing in neat rows along the creek line.
From the Falls area, the road took us across to the northern part of the park and Pondanna Outstation. There is an old house here in immaculate condition which is available as an accommodation venue.
With plenty to see around the old station house, we spread out for a good look around. We saw farm equipment, a water storage and sheds that still remain on the property. Information boards explain all for the visitor.
From Pondanna Outstation our road took us to Conical Hill and to a lookout with a far reaching view across the plains below.
But it was now late in the day, so we left Gawler Ranges National Park and headed out on the Yardea Road, aiming for the road to Kingoonya.
On the south western corner of Lake Gairdner is a very nice campsite, set amongst some casuarinas and wattles. There are no facilities here, only a view of the lake just around the corner, and the hillside and plain to the west.
The Gawler Ranges and our adventures there feature in our latest video Long Road to the Alice. You can see more about it and purchase your copy from our website at Travel videos of Australia.