Gawler Ranges

Rocky ranges, huge salt lakes, explore Australian Outback at its best

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The Gawler Ranges are another spectacular wilderness area in Outback South Australia.

Located in the north of Eyre Peninsula about 550 kms north-west of Adelaide, this is the perfect destination to explore more stunning Outback scenery and experience 4 WD adventures.
Actually, the entire region north of the Eyre Highway is very remote Outback country.

The Ranges were formed by volcanic activity about 1600 million years ago. The volcanic ashes built huge rhyolite columns, called organ pipes, which are scattered throughout the region.
The rolling hills are covered with spinifex, and saltbush in the north, and mallee bush in the south.

The most popular formations are Peter's Pillar and Kath's Castle on Mt. Ive Station, and the huge Organ Pipes formations in the National Park.

Highlights of the Gawler Ranges

        Mt. Ive Station - Apart from basic bush-camping areas in the national park, this working sheep station offers the only facilities for travellers. It is a fantastic place to stay and explore the region. Read more on the Mt. Ive page.

        Gawler Ranges Nation Park - The park is fairly new (2000) and protects the transition area of the mallee in the south and the arid zone in the north of the ranges. Click here for more info about the park.

        Huge salt lakes - Lake Gairdner, Lake Everard, Lake Acraman - Glistening salt lakes that contrast with the red hills. Check out stunning photos and info about Lake Gairdner.

        Unique landscapes and abundant wildlife - Even if you are driving, you'll see kangaroos, emus, birds and other wildlife. Check bushes and low trees along the road where kanagroos hide from the sun during the day.

        Bizarre granite outcrops north of the highway. Polda Rock and Mount Wudinna are remarkable examples.

        Wildflowers - Visit in spring, and if you are lucky, the region abounds with wildflowers.

When to visit the Gawler Ranges?

Warm to hot summer, cool days and cold nights in winter, low annual rainfall define the climate of this region.

The average daily maximum temperatures are 34° C and the daily minimum averages 19° C in winter.

The best time to visit is certainly spring and autumn. Winter might be okay as well, if you have good camping equipment to keep you warm at night.

My visit was in November (spring), and I can tell you about cold nights!

Visitor Information

How to get there?

Coming from Port Augusta take the Eyre Highway to Western Australia. Leave the Highway at Iron Knob for a leisurely drive (126 km) to Mt. Ive Station on a reasonable good dirt road.

If you plan to explore the ranges in detail, make Mt. Ive your base. It is centrally located, and the only place off the highway to get fuel.

Want to head off to the area from the convenience of a motel room?

Wudinna and Minnipa on the Eyre Highway have access to the national park via minor roads. However, to visit any attractions further north might be too far away from the highway to manage on a day trip.

Going to Western Australia from here?
Don't miss Esperance, it is one of those Australia Travel Tips only the locals know about.

Road conditions

All roads in the Ranges are unsealed. In dry weather the main roads are usually in good condition.
Although you can do many roads with a robust 2 WD with high clearance, it is good to have a 4 WD to explore the Gawler Ranges. Some tracks to the highlights might be a bit rough and tricky . In most cases it is the high clearance of a 4 WD car you'll need, rather than driving in 4WD modus.

Facilites

Fuel, accommodation and shopping facilities are available in all towns along the Eyre Highway. Once you leave the highway, you should be well-prepared and carry food and water for your stay.
Mt. Ive Station has accommodation, fuel, and a very basic shop. There are basic campgrounds in the National Park.

Useful phone numbers

Visitor Information Centre, 44 Eyre Highway, Wudinna, Ph: (08) 8680 2969

Transport South Australia's hotline about road reports and road closures is 1300 361 033

Please note that unsealed roads might be closed in wet conditions.
For more information about the Gawler Ranges please check out my other pages of this area.