Whyalla - Gawler Ranges 243km
The Gawler Ranges National Park is one of South Australia's awesome natural wonders, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and now home to many rare species of birds, animals and native flora.
The park's untouched wilderness is attracting an increasing number of international and national visitors on both extended camping trips and one day journeys.
Among its most impressive formations are the huge domes of colourful volcanic rock set against a backdrop of brilliant white salt lakes, including the impressive Lake Gairdner.
People travel from across Australia to see the ranges' display of wildflowers in spring. The first European to observe the spectacle was Edward John Eyre - who also recorded the first sighting of South Australia's floral emblem, Sturt's desert pea, here in 1839.
Some 140 species of birds have been sighted in the Gawler Ranges, from the emu and wedge-tailed eagle to the Major Mitchell cockatoo, flycatcher, white winged chough, fairy wren, rainbow bee eater, singing honey eater, blue bonnet, scarlet breasted and ringneck parrot, cockatiel and budgerigar.
Three of Australia's five kangaroos are also found in the ranges, plus the southern hairy-nosed wombat, pygmy possums, hopping mouse and yellow footed rock wallaby.
Accommodation and visitor facilities in the Gawler Ranges are located at Mount Ive Station, while visitors can also get a comprehensive look at the park on a guided 4WD tour. Access to Lake Gairdner from the east is via Mount Ive Station: visitors can obtain a key, map and a permit from the Mount Ive Tourist Centre. Lake Gairdner can also be viewed from the west via a signed public access route across Yardea Station from the Kingoonya Road, near the restored Waltumer Tank.
The Gawler Ranges National Park is surrounded by pastoral lease land and permission is required from station managers for camping or access. Please respect the property and privacy of pastoralists in the area by:
