Gawler Ranges Information

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Gawler Ranges Information

As you travel along the winding gravel road through the Gawler Ranges, it is difficult to comprehend that these gentle and peaceful hills were the result of powerful volcanic activity millions of years ago. The ranges themselves have much to offer the visitor, whether it is for an extended camping trip or a pleasant one day excursion to enjoy and observe the geological formations.

The ranges are a spectacular wilderness area of unspoiled beauty. 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. The ranges are renowned for their display of wildflowers in the spring. It is here that Edward John Eyre made the first recorded sighting of South Australia’s floral emblem, the Sturt Desert Pea and was in 1839 during an early exploration of the region.

There are some 140 species of birds recorded in the Gawler Ranges, including the Emu, Wedge-Tailed Eagle, Major Mitchell Cockatoo and the Singing Honey Eater. Also found in the ranges are the Red and Western Grey Kangaroo, Euro, Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat, Pygmy Possum and Hopping Mouse.

Gawler Ranges National Park was once Paney Station. This new 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.

The park is home to 21 rare and endangered animal and plant species including the Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby. Also featured are a variety of wildflowers, wildlife, historic sites, geological features and scenery, sure to impress any nature lover, photographer or artist.

Accommodation and visitor facilities in the Gawler Ranges are provided at Mount Ive Station where cabins and un-powered camping and caravan sites are available, with access to the Lake Gairdner area of the ranges. Here, visitors may experience the peaceful tranquillity and explore the area's unique geology, wildlife and vegetation with expert guidance from the station owners. Bush camping is available at Gawler Ranges National Park.

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