Wudinna

Wudinna is on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.

Understand

Wudinna is a small town on the Eyre Highway across the base of the Eyre Peninsula. The area is often referred to as "Granite Country" as it is home to many amazing granite rock formations. Set among prime farming land, the traveller can discover nature's beauty and diversity while also experiencing real local outback hospitality.

Australian Farmer statue

Get in

Get around

See

• Pildappa Rock, along Pildappa Road, 15km from the neighbouring town of Minnipa. Pildappa Rock is a striking granite plug that forms several wave walls. It is popular with caravanners but you can go out just for a look and walk to the top for district views. Note that most of the road to the rock is dirt - half is in excellent condition, the other half is OK but keep your speed down. (updated Apr 2015)
• 🌍 Gawler Ranges National Park (Approx. 40 km (25 mi) from Minnipa & Wudinna townships), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. A site of unspoiled beauty any time throughout the year, however the best time to visit the Gawler Ranges National Park is between April & October when spring wildflowers are in bloom. Combine this with historic infrastructure, deep colours of the majestic volcanic hills and gorges and the stark, pure white of the many salt lakes in the area, a visit to the Gawler Ranges is a truly unique experience. The park is best accessed by high clearance vehicles and a permit is required for anyone wishing to visit the park. Permits can be obtained at self-service locations at Park entries or at the Gawler Ranges Visitor Information Outlet (Wudinna Telecentre) at 44 Eyre Highway. $10 day entry ($8 concession), camping $11 per night. (updated Oct 2016)
• 🌍 The Australian Farmer Granite Sculpture, 44 Eyre Highway (Next door to the Wudinna & Districts Telecentre, along Eyre Highway), ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Designed & crafted by stone mason Marijan Bekic, this magnificent sculpture was proudly funded by sponsorships within the Wudinna community and afar. The project too 11 years to plan and 2 years to sculpt from 2 pieces of local pink granite onsite. (updated Oct 2016)
• 🌍 Mount Wudinna, Mount Wudinna Access Road (11 km (6.8 mi) from Wudinna township). Mount Wudinna is one of Australia's largest granite monoliths at 261 m (856 ft) tall. Facilities include: picnic shelters, BBQ, parking area and toilets. Camping not permitted. (updated Oct 2016)
• Polda Rock (Dam), Standley Road. Located 7km east of Wudinna, Polda Rock has been developed by the Wudinna Council as a recreation reserve. A beautiful picnic spot with birdlife, BBQ, toilets and an interesting walk around the base of the rock. Camping not permitted. FREE. (updated Oct 2016)
• Tcharkulda Rock (Hill), Bockelberg Road, Minnipa SA 5654. This granite formation is located only 4km from Minnipa and is covered in interesting rock formations and enormous boulders. This is an intriguing place and for that reason would probably be the most photographed rock in the area. Facilities include: picnic shelters, BBQ, toilets and walking trails. (updated Oct 2016)

Do

• Wudinna Granite Trail, Standley Road. Walking/Bike Trail. Take the opportunity to get in touch with nature by cycling or walking along the 9km trail from the Wudinna township to Little Mount Wudinna. The most spectacular section of the trail is through Polda Rock Recreation Reserve, where there is abundant wildlife in the remnant mallee scrub. (updated Oct 2016)
• Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris, ☎ [phone], toll-free: 1800243343 (within Australia), e-mail: [e-mail]. If you are interested in seeing our district in detail by 4WD, this is certainly the best way to do so. You will enjoy local experienced tour guides who work closely with the landowners and have access to all the best sites throughout the Gawler Ranges, coastline and beyond. (updated Oct 2016)

Buy

• Lil Birdie, 51 Ballantyne Street. Gifts & homewares, women's fashion. (updated Oct 2016)

Eat

• Alicia's Cafe, Ballantyne St (towards one end of the main street (one block off the highway)), ☎ [phone]. 8AM-4PM. Excellent and cheap cafe, by outback standards. Sandwiches, cakes and daily lunch specials. Also sells flowers & giftware. $10. (updated Apr 2015)
• Wudinna Bakery, 47 Ballantyne St, Wudinna SA5652 (Near IGA Supermarket), ☎ [phone]. 9AM-5PM. Excellent pastries made on site. Great coffee and sandwiches available. (updated Oct 2016)
• Wudinna Hotel Motel, 17 Burton Terrace, ☎ [phone]. Dining room, takeaway meals. (updated Oct 2016)
• The Sturts Restaurant (Gawler Ranges Motel & Caravan Park), 72 Eyre Highway, e-mail: [e-mail]. À la carte menu with an extensive variety of both local and interstate wines. Room Service available to in-house guests. (updated Oct 2016)
• Wudinna Foodland, 49 Ballantyne Street, ☎ [phone]. 8:30AM - 6PM, Mon-Fri; 9AM - 12PM Sat. Grocery Store (updated Oct 2016)
• Golden Wattle Roadhouse (Mobil), 64 Eyre Highway, ☎ [phone]. 7AM - 9PM. Dine in or takeaway. (updated Oct 2016)
• Wudinna Caltex Roadhouse, 66 Eyre Highway, ☎ [phone]. 6:30AM - 9PM. (updated Oct 2016)
• Wudinna Community Club, 43 Medley Terrace. 6PM - 8PM, Friday & Saturday Nights. Dining room - Friday & Saturday nights. (updated Oct 2016)

Drink

Sleep

• Wudinna Hotel Motel, 17 Burton Terrace, ☎ [phone]. (updated Oct 2016)
• Gawler Ranges Motel & Caravan Park, 72 Eyre Highway, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. (updated Oct 2016)
• Minnipa Hotel Motel, 19 Railway Terrace, Minnipa, ☎ [phone]. (updated Oct 2016)
• 🌍 Minnipa Apex Park (free camping), Eyre Highway, Minnipa (Along the highway - also referred to as the "Concrete Crappa"). Free. (updated Oct 2016)
• 🌍 Pildappa Rock (free camping), Pildappa Road (unsealed, 15km from Minnipa). BBQ, shelter & toilet facilities Free. (updated Oct 2016)

Connect

• Wudinna & Districts Telecentre Inc, 44 Eyre Highway, ☎ [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 9AM - 5PM (lunch 12:30-1:30PM). Free WIFI, Visitor Information (updated Oct 2016)

Go next

The Gawler Ranges are north from Wudinna.