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Destinations > The Gawler Ranges
The Gawler Ranges
Opposite the turn to Iron Knob is an unsealed road signposted to Corunna, this is your front door to adventure. The road is good gravel, but make sure you reduce speed as it soon leaves the flat plain country and ducks and dives through dry creek beds. No need to rush as all of a sudden the scenery has become quite interesting. Whilst this is still dry and harsh land, the rolling hills and dry creeks make it a scenic wonderland, similar to the Flinders Ranges.
As you trek west towards the stations of Siam and Nonning you will see the occasional road side monument. Stopping to inspect these will first reveal sad stories of young shearers that have lost their lives on the road and a little of the history of this area. Edward John Eyre is credited for exploring the coastline between Port Augusta and Esperance in Western Australia. In fact, the overland telegraph line that ran along this rugged coast roughly followed the route taken by Eyre. In 1839 he left the seaside location of Streaky Bay and trekked north east crossing the low ranges that he named after the Governor of the colony at the time, hence the name Gawler Ranges. On the road to Mt Ive Station there are two plaques marking his camps six and seven.
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This is sheep country and you will see many of the woolly jumpers as you travel west. In drier times they become red woolly jumpers as their thick coat of wool becomes impregnated with the constant red dust that swirls in the ever present wind. History records that when the land was first settled the Land Regulations required pastoralists to stock their runs with 50 sheep per square mile! No wonder the land looks so arid these days. In the 1860's over 90,000 sheep were shorn on the properties along this road.
It is hard to prepare you for the entrance to Mt Ive Station which is marked by a half submerged submarine! Mt Ive Station is a jewel in the Gawler Ranges. It is the only station that has opened its doors to tourists and it is a must visit location. On your way into the station load up the roof rack with firewood, there is plenty along the last 30 kilometres before Mt Ive. The station lies in a long valley, as you drive past the homestead you will see signs asking you to continue straight on to the shop. Here the friendly owners greet you as if you are long lost relatives and guide you to your camp site or lodgings. The campsite is scattered around the buildings that also house either the shearers quarters or the stone cottage which can also be hired for the night. The camping is on level ground with ladies and gents toilets and showers just a short walk away. For a small fee you can even use the communal kitchen and if the weather is unpleasant there is a games room and sitting area for your comfort. Mt Ive is a working sheep station, and the boys and girls that make this their workplace are happy to join you around your campfire in the evening for a yarn.
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As you trek west towards the stations of Siam and Nonning you will see the occasional road side monument. Stopping to inspect these will first reveal sad stories of young shearers that have lost their lives on the road and a little of the history of this area. Edward John Eyre is credited for exploring the coastline between Port Augusta and Esperance in Western Australia. In fact, the overland telegraph line that ran along this rugged coast roughly followed the route taken by Eyre. In 1839 he left the seaside location of Streaky Bay and trekked north east crossing the low ranges that he named after the Governor of the colony at the time, hence the name Gawler Ranges. On the road to Mt Ive Station there are two plaques marking his camps six and seven.
read on below advertisement
This is sheep country and you will see many of the woolly jumpers as you travel west. In drier times they become red woolly jumpers as their thick coat of wool becomes impregnated with the constant red dust that swirls in the ever present wind. History records that when the land was first settled the Land Regulations required pastoralists to stock their runs with 50 sheep per square mile! No wonder the land looks so arid these days. In the 1860's over 90,000 sheep were shorn on the properties along this road.
It is hard to prepare you for the entrance to Mt Ive Station which is marked by a half submerged submarine! Mt Ive Station is a jewel in the Gawler Ranges. It is the only station that has opened its doors to tourists and it is a must visit location. On your way into the station load up the roof rack with firewood, there is plenty along the last 30 kilometres before Mt Ive. The station lies in a long valley, as you drive past the homestead you will see signs asking you to continue straight on to the shop. Here the friendly owners greet you as if you are long lost relatives and guide you to your camp site or lodgings. The campsite is scattered around the buildings that also house either the shearers quarters or the stone cottage which can also be hired for the night. The camping is on level ground with ladies and gents toilets and showers just a short walk away. For a small fee you can even use the communal kitchen and if the weather is unpleasant there is a games room and sitting area for your comfort. Mt Ive is a working sheep station, and the boys and girls that make this their workplace are happy to join you around your campfire in the evening for a yarn.
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