Hawker sits at the southern gateway to the Central Flinders Ranges — the last major stop before Wilpena Pound and the gorges beyond. The town has good water, a caravan park, hotel and motel, and Hawker Motors is the local Visitor Information Centre.
Call in before you head out. We'll point you at the current road conditions, sell you the maps, and fill the tank — including 24-hour fuel at the Outside Payment Terminal if you're getting an early start.
Access to some sites changes with the seasons and the roads. Ask us what's open before you set out.
A short drive southwest of town for panoramic views back over Hawker and the surrounding country. An easy one to fit in before dinner.
Adnyamathanha rock art sheltered under an overhang on the outer wall of Wilpena Pound, reached by a short but steep walk. The ochre and charcoal designs tell the creation story of the Pound itself.
The remains of an 1851 pastoral station that once ran across nearly 1,000 square kilometres and supported around 70 families before drought ended it. One of the most atmospheric ruins in the Flinders. The permanent waterhole below Death Rock is a short walk on from the ruins.
A gravel drive between the Flinders Ranges Way and the Leigh Creek road, taking in Black Gap Lookout — the rim of Wilpena Pound to the north, the Red and Elder Ranges to the south.
Wilpena Pound — Ikara — is the natural amphitheatre at the heart of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, under an hour's drive north of Hawker. Walks range from the short stroll to Wangara Lookout up to the full day climb of St Mary Peak.
North of the Pound, the gorge country is the reason a lot of people come:
Most of the gorge roads are unsealed. Reduce your speed, carry a spare, and see the note on our Tyre Service page before you head in.
The highest town in South Australia, built on copper. The historic Blinman Mine runs underground tours.
North through the ranges to the Prairie Hotel — feral food and a cold beer. The gorge road between Blinman and Parachilna is one of the best drives in the Flinders.
North to the old coal town, with Aroona Dam set in a striking quartzite gorge.
South towards Quorn, where the heritage Pichi Richi Railway still runs steam through the pass on the original 1879 alignment.
Both of South Australia's great long-distance trails pass through this country. The Heysen Trail walks 1,200 km from Cape Jervis to Parachilna Gorge, and the Mawson Trail rides 900 km from Adelaide to Blinman. Hawker is a natural resupply point on both — we carry the groceries, gas refills and cold drinks you'll want.
For travellers pushing further north, Hawker is the last easy stop before the country opens right up: Lyndhurst, Marree, and from there the Oodnadatta Track, the Birdsville Track, and the run west to Coober Pedy.
Fuel up, check your tyres, and talk to us about conditions before you go — these are remote roads and they change with the weather.
