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Destinations > The Gawler Ranges
The Gawler Ranges
This unusual rock formation is known as Rhyolite and the hexagonal organ pipes are thrust up out of the ground and cliffs in various angles. This is volcanic country or at least it was 1500 million years ago. The whole area is quite dramatic and makes for more than pleasant four wheel drive touring.
Another camping area is off Materra Track, it is about two kilometres off the track along a deep gorge, the track meanders along and over the dry creek emerging in a huge cleared area where there is ample camping opportunities. The Mattera Track joins the Old Paney Scenic Drive and you can loop back to Paney homestead passing yet another nice camp site at Waganny near Waulkinna Hill. Or head west to Old Paney homestead which has been preserved also and can be closely inspected.
If you exit the Nation al Park via Yardee road you will see there are more organ pipe formations to be explored and as you near Minnipa back on the Eyre Hwy take the side trip to Pildappa rock which is reminiscent of Wave Rock in WA, and certainly worth a little time exploring.
I know you will find this part of South Australia absolutely fascinating, and when you get there, you will wish you had more time or like me vow to return again soon.
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Getting There/Maps
From Port Augusta follow the Eyre Hwy to Iron knob and then the unsealed roads to Mt Ive Station. Or you can continue on the Highway to either Kimba or Wudinna or Minnipa and head straight into the Gawler Ranges National Park. Use the Hema South Australia map and local Gawler Ranges map which has the best detail available from the Wadlata Outback Centre in Port Augusta. The best time to visit is April to September, it is too hot at other times.
Road Conditions
The road from Iron Knob to Mt Ive station is well graded but it does follow the landscape contours so take it easy, watch for sheep too. The tracks on Mt Ive Station require more care and some even require low range 4WD, drop your tyre pressures to under 30psi. The roads in the Gawler Ranges are also unsealed but easily driven, just don't rush them. There are many kangaroos and emu to be seen. All unsealed roads will be closed when wet. This trek is suitable for 4WD and All Wheel Drive vehicles and off road trailers fitted with good all terrain style tyres such as Cooper ST. Although the All Wheel Drives will struggle on some of the Mt Ive Station tracks.
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Another camping area is off Materra Track, it is about two kilometres off the track along a deep gorge, the track meanders along and over the dry creek emerging in a huge cleared area where there is ample camping opportunities. The Mattera Track joins the Old Paney Scenic Drive and you can loop back to Paney homestead passing yet another nice camp site at Waganny near Waulkinna Hill. Or head west to Old Paney homestead which has been preserved also and can be closely inspected.
If you exit the Nation al Park via Yardee road you will see there are more organ pipe formations to be explored and as you near Minnipa back on the Eyre Hwy take the side trip to Pildappa rock which is reminiscent of Wave Rock in WA, and certainly worth a little time exploring.
I know you will find this part of South Australia absolutely fascinating, and when you get there, you will wish you had more time or like me vow to return again soon.
read on below advertisement
Getting There/Maps
From Port Augusta follow the Eyre Hwy to Iron knob and then the unsealed roads to Mt Ive Station. Or you can continue on the Highway to either Kimba or Wudinna or Minnipa and head straight into the Gawler Ranges National Park. Use the Hema South Australia map and local Gawler Ranges map which has the best detail available from the Wadlata Outback Centre in Port Augusta. The best time to visit is April to September, it is too hot at other times.
Road Conditions
The road from Iron Knob to Mt Ive station is well graded but it does follow the landscape contours so take it easy, watch for sheep too. The tracks on Mt Ive Station require more care and some even require low range 4WD, drop your tyre pressures to under 30psi. The roads in the Gawler Ranges are also unsealed but easily driven, just don't rush them. There are many kangaroos and emu to be seen. All unsealed roads will be closed when wet. This trek is suitable for 4WD and All Wheel Drive vehicles and off road trailers fitted with good all terrain style tyres such as Cooper ST. Although the All Wheel Drives will struggle on some of the Mt Ive Station tracks.
next page »
