Gawler Ranges Camping

Submitted: Sunday, Sep 26, 2004 at 23:39

ThreadID: 16575 Views:5173 Replies:5 FollowUps:6

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paj

We are taking some Canadian friends to the Gawler Ranges and Eyre Peninsular in November. We are planning 2 nights in the Ranges and are looking for a decent camping site in or near the park. We are set up for bush camping but like a bit of shade. Any recommendations?

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Reply By: Member - JohnR (Vic) - Monday, Sep 27, 2004 at 00:10

Monday, Sep 27, 2004 at 00:10

paj, there are not too many facilities yet in the park as it is being developed with the camping fees in the designated camping areas of the Gawler National Park. We were there in February but only one night.

You will need to take everything based on that experience but you Canadian friends will see few other vehicles there. We had the National Park to ourselves it seemed. Good to make sure af a shady fly over your tent. What little we saw was much more stark than the Flinders.........

I think you will find a bit in a search of the ARCHIVES for the Gawler Ranges in the body of the text.

AnswerID: 77913

Follow Up By: paj - Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 14:50

Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 14:50

Thanks for your info, we were planning on being self sufficient.

Cheers

Paj

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Reply By: Chaz - Monday, Sep 27, 2004 at 00:38

Monday, Sep 27, 2004 at 00:38

Hi paj,

I am a regular visitor to the Gawlers, and I must say that one of my favorite camping spots is Mattera. It's about 8k's from the turnoff east of Old Paney following the Goolgundibie Creek north and turn left at the next junction. You'll find it a very well protected area with a bit of shade and easy driving. Excellent walking and views, but the only downside is that some of it was burnt out a while ago.
The exact location is 32 34 16.4912 South & 135 27 57.2934 East
Happy Camping!

AnswerID: 77914

Follow Up By: paj - Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 15:00

Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 15:00

Thanks Chaz,

We only have a week away and our friends are fans of the ocean, cliffs and beaches so we will spend most of our time along the coast (It was our idea to drag them to see some 'real' oz!). Would a day be enough to get a good feel for the ranges and if so what would you recommend seeing?

Thanks

Paj

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Reply By: GeoffSA - Monday, Sep 27, 2004 at 07:38

Monday, Sep 27, 2004 at 07:38

Take plenty of Aerogard, and a good shade to sit under as it can be very hot at that time of the year.

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Follow Up By: paj - Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 14:52

Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 14:52

Thanks Geoff

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Reply By: Gossy - Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 12:55

Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 12:55

As mentioned, the camping facilities are none. Not even enough signs are up for my approval yet. Considering they are taking our money for camping now, it doesn't cost much to put up some signs. If you have time go and do the round trip of the 4wd road. Good drive and scenery. Shade won't be a problem at any of the camp sites. Should try and get them to the Flinders!

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Follow Up By: navaraman - Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 13:52

Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 13:52

I don't go bush to look at signs.

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Follow Up By: paj - Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 15:18

Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 15:18

Thanks Gossy we will certainly take the round trip.

Cheers

Paj

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Reply By: Chaz - Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 20:08

Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 at 20:08

Hi paj,

A day would be enough to see some of the sights in the park. The best parts are seen just driving around. There is also some excellent granite country north of Wudinna. From Pygery head north into the park, then west to Old Paney and northagain toward Pondana Outstation. Then come back down to the Turkey Flat turnoff, head east to Kolay Hut. Double back and head south onto the 4wd track down to Cacuppa Well and back to Paney. Taking it easy, probably about 5 - 6 hours from Wudinna.
Have a Great Holiday
Chaz

AnswerID: 78128