Gawler Ranges

The Gawler Ranges are best known for their ancient volcanic scenery, including weathered rhyolite domes, ochre gorges and the dramatic organ-pipe rock columns at Kolay Mirica Falls and the Organ Pipes. These rhyolite formations, around 1,500 million years old, are among the oldest exposed volcanic rocks on Earth. The area is also home to yellow-footed rock-wallabies and a rich variety of arid-zone plants, with more than 400 plant species recorded in the national park.

Gawler Ranges National Park lies in the northern Eyre Peninsula, roughly a six-hour drive northwest of Adelaide. The nearest regional towns are Wudinna, Minnipa and Kimba, with the park sitting about 40 kilometres north of Wudinna. Most visitors fuel and stock up in these towns before heading in, as services inside the park are very limited.

Visitors come to explore the gorges and rock formations on foot, camp among the domes and watch the rhyolite glow orange-red at sunset, especially around Kolay Mirica Falls. The restored Old Paney Homestead offers a window into the area's pastoral history. Wildlife watching at dawn and dusk is rewarding, with rock-wallabies and emus often about.

Autumn through to spring, roughly late March to November, is the most comfortable time to visit. Summer temperatures regularly climb well into the 40s, making outdoor exploration difficult and increasing the risk of being caught out in remote country. Cooler months bring milder days that are far better suited to walking, camping and driving the unsealed tracks.

A high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended, as the roads in and around Gawler Ranges National Park are unsealed gravel tracks. Even a little rain can quickly make them slippery or impassable, so it is wise to check conditions before setting out and carry plenty of water, fuel and supplies. The nearby Lake Gairdner National Park to the north also calls for a high-clearance four-wheel drive.