Central Gateway to Gawler Ranges
Halfway between Port Augusta and Ceduna, Wudinna is the important service centre for the region. There is a range of shopping facilities, a district hospital and sporting facilities include swimming pool and bowling greens. Visitors are welcome.
Kyancutta and Minnipa Golf Courses open during cooler months. Le Hunte district is mainly a wheat cropping area with sheep and some cattle. Granite mining just out of town is fast establishing a reputation for quality granite.
The first settlers in the district arrived only about 20 years after E J Eyre’s trek in 1839. Eyre traversed the country immediately north of Wudinna naming the ranges in honour of Governor Gawler. He also discovered the Sturt Pea growing in South Australia.The community remained small until the railway opened in 1913 and the Tod Water pipeline reached Minnipa in 1925. The only water had been from farmers’ tanks and dams. After the sealing of the Eyre Highway in the ‘70s, the district has grown and prospered. The Kyancutta weather station is renowned for recording the highest and lowest temperatures in the state .
Known as Granite Country, the district has Tcharkulda Rock, Ucontitchie Hill, Minnippa Hill, Pildappa Rock and others. The largest is Wudinna Rock (261m high) only 10 kms north of town. This rock is second only in size to Ayers Rock. It is easy to climb to view the surrounding plains. There is a walking trail and a picnic BBQ area. Wudinna Rock is a perfect setting for the Wudinna Black Tie Ball, held biannually.
Pildappa Rock, 14 kms from Minnipa, has a distinctive wave-like formation- a must to visit. Turtle Rock resembles a turtle from any angle. Ucontitchi, 32kms from Wudinna is a good example of an inselberg, rising sharply from the plains and can be seen for miles. Tcharkulda, 5kms east of Minnipa and Ucontitchie have unusual rock formations, some rocks are hollow, others appear to be balancing. Tourist drives are signposted and BBQ areas provided.
The Gawler Ranges are about an hour’s drive from Wudinna. The unspoiled ranges are renowned for wildflowers, spectacular outback scenery and wildlife- eagles, emus, kangaroos and euros. Take a day trip or take advantage of guided tours. Access via Minnippa-Yardea Road and Pygery-Paney Road. Check road conditions locally.
For further information visit:
Gawler Ranges Visitor Information and Telecentre
44 Eyre Highway, Wudinna (opposite silos)
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