Gawler Ranges Feedback

You would have no problems towing in the Gawlers. We towed a big caravan, including on some of the 4wd tracks.

Can't advise about wildflowers.

I have received a trip report from a friend who recently stayed at Mt Ive Station and loved it.

Motherhen

Hi Davo,

Gawler ranges is about my favourite piece of Australia. I've been travelling through them for about 30 years and never get bored with the scenery and am still finding places that I have not been before. The country here changes every few kilometres and it is always fascinating. There is so much history out here and the Gawler Ranges people are great if you treat their country with respect.

I find that late September is the best time, when everything is fresh after the winter but you cannot rely on the seasons in this country as some areas can be totally dry for 10 years then receive flooding rains. In October I was there and it was 40 degrees, rained all night and in the morning you would have though you had been dreaming, there was little evidence of rain. 100 kms down the road they did'nt get a drop.

Minnipa to Yardea is a good road as is Wudinna to Payney in fact all of the roads that you would find marked on a map I have travelled often in a conventional vehicle and should be reliable. Beware that conditions may change overnight on lesser station tracks but even in wet conditions I have never been stranded with care. Generally this area is in drought and dust is your only problem.

Mt Ive station is a great place to stay. New owners (the Newman's) are great hosts and the accomodation and caravan facilities are welcoming on a working sheep station, I stayed there last October and was pleasantly surprised. There are some great scenic drives and unique features on and around Mt Ive. Lake Gairdner on Mt. Ive hosts speed trials at the beginning of March for anything that goes very fast on salt.The Gymkana at Nonning Station in May is a great bush event and anyone would be made welcome. Bush Camping facilities only.

The National Park (Payney Station) is the feature area of the Gawler Ranges ( fee payable to visit or camp) Wildlife in here is unbelievable. From the Yardea Rd to Payney and on to Mt ive should be no problem, with a small van with care. Other tracks in the Park might be better with the vehicle only.

I strongly recommend that you spend as much time as you can in this region as it is truly a unique and facinating piece of the Australian outback. If you need more info just ask.

Solo

Thanks for the info Solo I apprecieat it

Try looking up Mr. A. king in the phone book that covers the Minnipa, Wudinna area, & tell him "Bobcat" former co worker from Shambles told ya ta try him.good luck,
Bobcat if ya are South Auzzies try the Flinders Rangers,
Lake Eyre etc, we lived there for 10 years, best camping in SA.
good luck Bobcat.