Gawler Ranges National Park

Scenic landscapes, rocky ranges and ancient nature in the South Australian Outback

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The Gawler Ranges National Park is a beautiful retreat in Outback South Australia. Return to nature and refresh your batteries.

The park is located in the southern Gawler Ranges. It was established in 2000 after the South Australian Government bought Paney Station, one of the oldest pastoral properties in the area. Parts of Scrubby Creek station where added to the park in the following year.

Flora and fauna in the park comprises species of the Eyre Peninsula mallee and the dry arid zones further north.

The ancient volcanic landscape developed more than 1,500 years ago. The Gawler Ranges are famous for the volcanic rhyolite columns which abound in the park.

Protection of this special area and developing responsible tourism has been the aim ever since the Gawler Ranges National Park was established.

Explore Gawler Ranges National Park

        Nukey Bluff is the highest hill in the park, many others are over 400 m as well.

        Water is scarce in the park. Creeks are running through rocky gorges and gullies seasonally only. Rainfall is unreliable and on average 295 mm per year.
Whenever you visit, bring your own water for drinking and cooking.

        Places of interest are historic sites like Old Paney Homestead, Policemans Point, the Organ Pipes, Kolay Mirica Falls and Pondanna Outstation.
A short walk of 500 m over rocky terrain is required to see the huge Organ Pipes. It is well worth the effort.

        A scenic landmark amongst others is certainly Conical Hill. When you drive from the east, the views on top over a plain towards ancient sand dunes are stunning.
We had quite some fun, it was a nice 4 WD drive experience.

        The park is home of threatened wildlife species like the yellow-footed rock-wallaby, the malley fowl and Major Mitchell's Cockatoo.
Some plants are locally endemic and very special as well. In spring you can see carpets of wildflowers.

Park Information

Entry Fees

Entry fees apply for almost all national parks and conservation reserves in Australia. The entry fee for the Gawler Ranges National Park is $ 7.50 per car, and $ 4.50 per motorcycle. This is a once only fee, regardless how long you are staying in the park.

Camping

Additional camping fees per night apply for camping in the park.
Costs per night are $ 5 per car, and $ 3 per motorcycle.

Basic sites for bushcamping in the park are at Scrubby Peak, Waganny, Yandinga, Chillunie, Mattera and Kolya Hut.

These campsites have toilets and picnic tables. Campfires are permitted outside the fire ban season.

If possible bring your own fire wood, or use a gas stove. Don't cut any trees or bushes. Even dead wood lying on the ground provides a habitat for small animals and insects.

Bring plenty of water.

Getting around

A 4 wheel-drive car with high clearance is required to explore the national park.

Please see the Visitor Information section on the Gawler Ranges main entry for more information.

Last but not least, enjoy yourself and the beautiful nature in the Australian Outback. For more information about the Gawler Ranges please check out my other pages of this area.