Rock Hop Your Way Around Eyre Peninsula

To showcase the best of the best, we’ve put together a little mini-itinerary so you can go ‘rock hopping’ when you visit.

Here are some of the epic spots you can hit along the way, though we recommend you spend a couple nights to really do them justice.
 

Start in Streaky Bay, and check out the wicked Murphy’s Haystacks

This site on private land was opened up for visitors due to the demand from the public for a closer look at this ‘inselberg’ – which means ‘island rock’.

It’s one of the oldest rock formations in Australia, estimated to be a whopping 1.6 billion years old (the rock itself, rather than the formation, is estimated to be 3 billion years old).

Of course, Murphy’s Haystacks is worth visiting for geological reasons but for those of you less interested in geology it’s also great to explore and take photos at.

After all, these rocks are slowly eroding away – you’ve only got another billion or so years to see them!

From there head to Pildappa Rock near Minnipa

Pildappa is spectacular – it’s one of those ‘wave rock’ formations, similar to the aptly titled Wave Rock in Western Australia.

The highest waves can be found near the picnic areas (on the northern and southern sides), but don’t forget to climb up the top for a view of the surrounding farmland.

On a clear day, you’ll be able to see an unbroken view of the Gawler Ranges and the Blue Sturts in the north.

You’ll also find deep gnamma holes ensuring an almost permanent water supply on the rock.

And there’s an excellent local café in nearby Minnipa!

Head out the Gawler Ranges and the awesome Organ Pipes

The Gawler Ranges are worth taking a day or two to explore, but we absolutely recommend you check out the Organ Pipes.

This type of formation – volcanic rhyolite – was created by volcanic activity 1500 million years ago, and the Gawler Ranges is one of the largest exhibits of this kind of exposure in the world.

That’s pretty cool!

Follow your map to find the Organ Pipes, 10km off the track with a walk of 500m to reach the pipes.

Wear appropriate footwear, and don’t forget your camera – on a clear day it’ll be nothing but gorgeous red rock and blue skies.

Come back into town past and follow the Mount Wudinna Touring Route

The touring route passes Polda Rocks, which feature a dam and a is an excellent turtle hunting spot, as well as Pygery Rocks, Little Mount Wudinna, Turtle Rock and further east in 4WD Peella Rock and Corrobinnie Hill.

The feature is in the title, though – Mount Wudinna.

It’s 260m high which means you’ll get a great view, particularly of Turtle Rock though there’s no prizes for guessing what it looks like from a distance.

You’ll find tafoni (caves found on the granite outcrops) at the top too.

Follow the Interpretive Trail and enjoy the BBQ and picnic facilities at the base.

We’ve said it before but just in case you missed it – bring your camera.

Honourable mention also goes to Wattle Grove Rock, which also features a campground for those spectacular views during the cooler months.

On your way out of town, stop by the Australian Farmer – this sculpture is on the highway and you won’t miss it.

It’s also carved out of local granite, the stuff you’ve been exploring!