Gawler Ranges Camping, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Airing Date: Jul 18th, 2005
Gawler Ranges is approximately a six hour drive north-west from Adelaide. The 166 000 ha reserve was proclaimed as Gawler Ranges National Park in January 2002 and comprises the former Paney Station, areas of Pine Lodge and Scrubby Peak Stations.
Paney was one of the earliest pastoral holdings in the Gawler Ranges. The name, which was given by Surveyor Stephen Hack in 1857, is thought to be Aboriginal in origin.
One way to explore this area of South Australia is with Gawler Ranges Wilderness Safaris. They offer a range of tours including the Dolphin & Sea Lion Experience. This two day tour will take you from the Gawler Ranges to Lake Gairdner and down through the South Australian outback to Baird Bay.
The big attraction of Gawler Rangers is its dramatic, scenic beauty, abundant wildlife and seasonal wildflowers. This includes features such as Mount Wudinna, Pildappa Rock and Lake Gairdner.
Lake Gairdner is the third largest salt lake in Australia, measuring 4300km2 in a remote area of South Australia. Lying at the base of the Eyre Peninsula, the lake is a dry salt pan. Stephen Hack, the explorer who discovered the lake, described it as one of the most spectacular features in the Australian landscape.
For a place to camp in style, half an hour from Gawler Ranges National Park is Kangaluna Camp. You can stay in a luxury tent with all the comforts of a hotel!
The journey finishes up at Baird Bay, a remote and isolated fishing village located on the West Coast of the Eyre Peninsula. The Bay and its surrounds offers a range of experiences such as swimming with sea lions and dolphins, boat or rock fishing, bush walking and bird watching. Visitors can also look in awe at the highest vertical cliffs along the Great Australian Bight.
Found only in Australia and one of the most endangered pinniped in the world, there are estimated to be 10,000-12,000 Australian sea lions between The Pages Islands in South Australia and Houtman Abrolhos off the West Australian coast.
The Dolphin & Sea Lion Experience includes entrance fees to National Parks and the boat charter, ground transport, two lunches and a breakfast, accommodation for one night in the camp or twin share at a hotel, wetsuit, mask and goggles for swimming with sea lions and maybe even dolphins.
Further Information:
The Sea Lion Encounter starts from $710 a person. Includes meals, gear & 1 night accommodation.
Gawler Ranges Safaris Ph) 1800 243 343
Prices correct at 18/07/05
Qantas one way to Adelaide starts from $128 from Melbourne, $161 ex Sydney & $221 ex Perth.
Prices available online only & include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.
qantas.com
Prices correct at 16/6/05
Regional Express Airlines flies one way to Whyalla from $115 ex Adelaide.
Prices available online only & include surcharges, fees & taxes. Conditions apply.
rex.com.au
Prices correct at 18/07/05
