South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula is well known for its beautiful coastlines, wide open spaces and fresh seafood, but many don’t realise that it’s also home to some incredible ancient rock formations.
by Katrina Gogel
During a recent family holiday around the Eyre Peninsula we hiked, slept-by and wandered around some of the amazing granite rock formations that the region is little known for. Here’s what we experienced.
Carappee Hill
Carappee Hill is a large exposed granite rock that stands 495 metres above sea level, making it the highest point on the Eyre Peninsula. Located approx. 45 minutes’ drive from the farming township of Kimba it is worthy of a visit if you are in the area. A 5 kilometre, 2-hour return hike will take you to the summit for breathtaking views of the surrounding district. We hiked with our seven and four-year-old boys and made it to the top and back without a problem. If you’ve got energetic kids who love to bush walk, you’ll enjoy conquering Carappee Hill as a family!
*Some sections of this walk are steep and it is advised not to attempt it during wet weather. Visit the Walking SA website for further information about this walk.
Mount Wudinna
Mount Wudinna is one of Australia’s largest monoliths, and another great landmark to visit when travelling across the top of the Eyre Peninsula. A walk to the top will only take a matter of minutes (it took us less than ten) and once there you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the region. This is a great one for families as the walk is quick and easy, and is only located 10 kilometres from the Wudinna township and highway. We combined our Mt Wudinna experience with a pit stop in the town, where we enjoyed a picnic lunch in the fantastic Apex Park. Apex Park is home to the town’s public playground, which boasts a big jumping pillow, pump track and brand-new splash pad (read more here). Be sure to add this to your travel itinerary.
Pildappa Rock
Pildappa Rock is a huge granite monolith with spectacular wave formations, similar to that of Western Australia’s Wave Rock. Perfect for families, Pildappa is a fantastic spot for a picnic and a stroll, or to set up camp for a day or two (camping is allowed). Like many other rocks on the Eyre Peninsula, the trip to the top is quick and easy and offers magnificent views. There’s also a family-friendly walk around its unique, wavy base that kids especially will enjoy. We spent a wonderful 24-hours camping and exploring this incredible place, and highly recommend a visit. Pildappa Rock is located only 15 kilometres off the Eyre Highway, north of the Minnipa township.
Murphy’s Haystacks
Murphy’s Haystacks are a privately owned tourist attraction located approximately 40 kilometres from the seaside town of Streaky Bay. The ancient wind worn rocks sit in two large groups of ‘haystacks’ on the property, with a gravel path leading out to them from the car park. Though the weather was not in our favour the day we visited, we did enjoy a quick stroll in and around the formations, each of us in awe of the different shapes and sizes! Entry fees apply to this site, and are payable into a donation box when you visit.
Read our review of Murphy’s Haystacks here.
There are plenty more rocks to visit on the Eyre Peninsula (too many for us to fit into one trip!). Visit the Eyre Peninsula and Wudinna websites to find out more.
Click here for all the Best Playgrounds for Toddlers
See our Top Parks & Playgrounds Around Adelaide here.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the Eyre Peninsula website.
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: All photos by Katrina Gogel
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