Kimba
Town
Population 636
A small town on the Eyre Peninsula, Kimba is 'halfway across Australia' according to the huge sign on the Eyre Highway. It is the gateway to the outback, a fact that explorer Edward John Eyre confirmed when he traversed the harsh landscape in 1839. Early settlers thought the country too arid for settlement and it wasn't until demand for wheat production grew, and rail services were extended to the area in 1913, that the Kimba region developed. It is now major sheep- and wheat-farming country.
Visitor Information
Kimba Mobil Roadhouse, Eyre Hwy; (08) 8627 2040
Nearby national parks
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Lake Gairdner National Park
The vast whiteness of Lake Gairdner rests in the foothills on the northern side of the Gawler Ranges. This is one of the largest salt lakes...more -
Mount Remarkable National Park
Mount Remarkable National Park, in the southern reaches of the Flinders Ranges, is a beautiful bushland park with pretty creeks, steep...more -
Lincoln National Park
Easily accessible at the tip of the Eyre Peninsula, Lincoln National Park protects a sweeping plain of coastal mallee surrounded by bays and...more
Nearby towns
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Cowell
This pleasant Eyre Peninsula township is on the almost land-locked Franklin Harbour – its entrance is merely 100 metres wide. Matthew...more -
Wudinna
The enormous silos in Wudinna are indicative of the town's major grain industry, predominantly wheat and barley, grown here since the...more -
Whyalla
Whyalla, northern gateway to Eyre Peninsula, has grown from the small settlement of Hummock Hill to the largest provincial city in South...more
In Town
Kimba and Gawler Ranges Historical Museum: a 'living' museum featuring local history and a Pioneer House (1908), a blacksmith's shop and 'Clancy' the fire truck; open 1.30–4pm Sat (closed Jan) or by appt; Eyre Hwy; (08) 8627 2349. Halfway Across Australia Gem Shop and the Big Galah: standing 8 m high, the Big Galah is in front of the gem shop, which offers sales of local gemstones, carved emu eggs, opal and locally mined jade, including rare black jade; Eyre Hwy. Pine 'n' Pug Gallery: local craft; High St. Roora Walking Trail: meanders through 3 km of bushland to White Knob Lookout; starts at north-eastern outskirts of town.
Nearby
Lake Gilles Conservation Park: habitat for mallee fowl; 20 km NE. Caralue Bluff: popular for rock climbing; 20 km SW. Carappee Hill Conservation Park: bush camping and walking; 25 km SW. Darke Peak: excellent views from the summit and a memorial at the base to John Charles Darke, an explorer who was speared to death in 1844; 40 km SW. Pinkawillinie Conservation Park: the largest mallee vegetation area on the peninsula and a habitat for small desert birds, emus and western grey kangaroos; turn-off 50 km W.
Fishing spots near town
Whyalla 110 km
Whyalla is snapper central for anglers. Every Easter the Australian Snapper Championships are based here and the top ten snapper weighed in are always over 10 kg. As you would expect with a destination where fishing is... Find out morePoint Lowly 129 km
The Point Lowly lighthouse marks the southern extremity of Fitzgerald Bay. Near the lighthouse is a small community of shacks. These lighthouse cottages are cared for by the Uniting Church, and are available for hire. It... Find out moreFitzgerald Bay 129 km
Snapper fishing has a language all of its own. In Queensland and NSW, anglers talk about small snapper as ‘squire’. In Victoria, small snapper are ‘pinkies’; in SA, they are known as... Find out moreWallaroo 141 km
The small SA seaport of Wallaroo, north of Moonta, offers an excellent base for anglers wanting to catch big snapper, King George whiting, Australian salmon and yellowtail kingfish. Many of the reef systems are close to... Find out morePort Broughton 148 km
Port Broughton is a favourite destination for anglers wanting to fish from charter boats. The boat ramp in the sheltered harbour is next to a small pier complex and is popular for small fish including salmon, Tommy ruff,... Find out moreCoffin Bay 182 km
When it comes to big bruisers, yellowtail kingfish are up near the top of the list. Fishing with live bait set under a balloon, you watch as the balloon starts to move across the surface of the water, a sign of nervous... Find out moreArdrossan 199 km
Located on the east side of the Yorke Peninsula, Ardrossan is bountiful water just 150 km west of Adelaide, so is a popular weekend fishing destination. Looking out on the long pier at Ardrossan, it’s striking how... Find out moreWedge Island 222 km
Wedge Island is one of a number of small islands making up the Gambier Group, about 19 nautical miles west of the southern toe of the Yorke Peninsula. Viewed from the sea it is easy to see how the island got its name... Find out moreWest Coast 234 km
Head to Innes National Park, at the southern end of Yorke Peninsula, to find two noteworthy places for anglers. The first is Pandalowie Bay where boats can be launched and, north of this, Browns Beach. The latter is well... Find out moreNeptune Islands 234 km
Ever wondered where the filming was done for one of those documentaries where divers film great white sharks from the safety of underwater cages? One of the most popular areas for that sort of adventure is around South... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Diving with cuttlefish, off Whyalla 108 km
Every year between May and September, thousands of Australian giant cuttlefish converge on the rocky coastline between Fitzgerald Bay and False Bay at Whyalla (on the Eyre Peninsula’s north-east coast) to breed and... Find out moreMangrove walk at Berryman Crescent 140 km
The most southerly mangroves in Australia can be explored at Berryman Crescent in Tumby Bay on the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula, with an excellent boardwalk with interpretive signs.... Find out moreAustralian Arid Lands Botanic Garden 146 km
Located at Port Augusta West (at the head of Spencer Gulf) and spread over 200 hectares, this centre showcases the Australian arid landscapes and their vegetation. There are 12 kilometres of walking tracks, guided tours... Find out moreDiving off the Eyre Peninsula 183 km
Port Lincoln Diving Services recommends a few in-shore dives around the south-east of the Eyre Peninsula, including Coles Point, with a reasonable chance of seeing crayfish and abalone, and the Tumby Bay jetty, with its... Find out moreDiving with sharks in the Neptune Islands 234 km
Although controversial in some parts of the world, cage-diving with great white sharks in the Neptune Islands – home of Australia’s largest seal colony – has a long-standing, very good reputation.... Find out moreNearby breweries
Knappstein Enterprise Brewery 217 km
History has turned full circle for the Clare Valley’s Enterprise Brewery, which ceased beer-making operations in 1916, but was revived for its original purpose in 2006. In between time, this gorgeous sandstone... Find out moreCampsites around town
Lakes Edge camping area 33 km
Access routes to this camping area for self-sufficient campers are signposted from Eyre Hwy, 87 km west of Iron Knob and 35 km east of Kimba. A 4WD is essential for areas north of the lake. A permit is required.... Find out moreCarappee Hill camping area (bush camping) 34 km
Bush camping for self-sufficient campers. The approach from the Darke Peak–Kimba Rd can handle off-road trailers.... Find out moreThe Knob camping area 83 km
A popular fishing and swimming haunt just 13 km south of Cowell and its oyster farms in Franklin Harbour, where the beach is a sheltered curve of sand bounded by rock flats and a low headland called the Knob. Camping is... Find out moreFranklin Harbour camping area (bush camping) 83 km
Camping for self-sufficient campers is reached with a 4WD via Wellington Rd. Bring your own everything.... Find out moreMunyaroo camping area (bush camping) 85 km
The road to the camping area is signposted from the Lincoln Hwy, 44 km south of Whyalla. Bush camping here is for self-sufficient campers only, so bring everything with you.... Find out moreNicholls Track camping area 90 km
On Nicholls Track, 54 km north-east of Cummins, this camping area is reached from Reserve Rd from Mt Isabella. Check track conditions with NPWSA; a permit is required. Bring your own wood and water.... Find out moreWaganny camping area 96 km
Pleasant woodland camping here is surrounded by dome-like granite hills to explore. Signposted access is 13 km west of Paney Homestead via the Old Paney Scenic Dr, suitable for offroad trailers and caravans; it’s a... Find out moreChillunie camping area 101 km
Secluded no-frills camping suitable for off-road trailers is found in the north-east of the park. Follow the sign from the LP Track, 9.8 km north of Paney Homestead. From the turn-off it’s 3.6 km west to the camp.... Find out moreKolay Hut camping area 101 km
Shaded sites in open country are found on the north-east side of the park, with the organ pipe formation of Kolay Falls close by. The hut access is 12.1 km north of Paney Homestead via the LP Track. It’s 700 m... Find out moreBascombe Well camping area (bush camping) 105 km
There is bush camping for self-sufficient campers 22 km south-west of Lock, with dry-weather access only via Murdinga or Warrachie off the Tod Hwy.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Cowell Foreshore Caravan Park and Holiday Units 77 km
Located on the foreshore at the end of the main street, this park is ideally situated for those who enjoy walking everywhere. Fresh Cowell oysters are on sale at reception. Bookings are required from January to April,... Find out moreArno Bay Foreshore Tourist Park 87 km
Close to the water, with good facilities, this is an attractive park that would be a great holiday destination, particularly for those interested in a little fishing. Bookings are necessary for the summer and Easter... Find out moreDiscovery Holiday Parks – Whyalla Foreshore 109 km
Now part of the Beston Group, this large park close to town has most amenities for tourists. Bookings are required at Easter.... Find out moreNuttbush Retreat Caravan Park 110 km
This park adjoins the huge Pandurra sheep and cattle station, 40 km south-west of Port Augusta on the Eyre Highway. The park has very good facilities, including a licensed bar and restaurant.... Find out moreTumby Bay Caravan Park 141 km
This is a well-presented caravan park on a protected stretch of coast. Bookings are essential during the peak periods of December, January and Easter. Pets are allowed outside school and public holidays.... Find out morePort Augusta Big4 Holiday Park 145 km
With very good facilities, this place is strategically based at the junction of the Eyre, Princes and Stuart highways. It can get quite busy here, even in the low season. The park is about 1.5 km from the town centre.... Find out moreShoreline Caravan Park 146 km
This park has good facilities in a quiet, offthe- highway location. It has sea frontage and views of the Flinders Ranges. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out morePort Broughton Caravan Park 150 km
A large park on the waterfront at the small town of Port Broughton, this is ideal for a quiet break or for fishing and crabbing. Bookings are required in peak periods, and a minimum-length stay period applies at Easter... Find out morePort Pirie Beach Caravan Park 150 km
This beachfront caravan park is just 1.5 km from the town centre and offers a range of facilities to suit most travellers. Nicely angled drive-through sites, clean amenities and friendly staff make this our pick of the... Find out moreElliston Waterloo Bay Tourist Park 153 km
Elliston is a quiet holiday location and this is a neat and tidy park adjacent to the beach. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-stay applies at Christmas and Easter.... Find out moreEco-friendly places to stay around town
Shboo Shelly Beach Lodge 178 km
Completely wind- and solar-powered, with rainwater and greywater recycling, this beautiful and relatively new three-bedroom apartment at Mount Dutton Bay near Coffin Bay National Park (on the south-east coast of the Eyre... Find out moreBaird Bay Ocean Eco Apartments 192 km
Located on the Eyre Peninsula’s north-west coast, the two rammed-earth units here were architecturally designed and are suitable for families and large groups. They are right by the sea. All water is recycled.... Find out moreRest areas around town
Lake Giles Rest Area 34 km
36 km NE of Kimba (R) or 119 km SW of Port Augusta (L) Large area well off the highway in the scrub behind the truck bay. GPS: S33 02.930 E136 46.167 ... Find out moreMidway Rest Area 40 km
44 km E of Kyancutta (R) or 44 km W of Kimba (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 11.810 E135 59.986 ... Find out moreKoongawa Rest Area 52 km
30 km E of Kyancutta (R) or 58 km W of Kimba (L) Large area just off the highway in the scrub. Good shade. GPS: S33 09.586 E135 51.978... Find out moreGoyders Line Rest Area 62 km
19 km E of Kyancutta (L) or 69 km W of Kimba (R) Large area well off the highway behind some trees. Limited shade. GPS: S33 08.784 E135 45.355 ... Find out moreGranite Hill Rest Area 75 km
48 km SW of Whyalla (L) or 59 km NE of Cowell (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 15.954 E137 12.483... Find out moreCowell Park Rest Area 77 km
On the foreshore Parking area located well off the highway at the end of the main street through town. Good facilities. GPS: S33 41.134 E136 55.746... Find out moreArno North Rest Area 80 km
28 km SW of Cowell (R) or 16 km NE of Arno Bay (L) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 49.688 E136 41.690 ... Find out moreKyancutta Rest Area 81 km
At Polkdinney Park Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 07.997 E135 33.119 ... Find out morePort Gibbon Camp Area 81 km
T/O 23 km SW of Cowell (L) or 21 km NE of Arno Bay (R) Small secluded campground on the foreshore, 6 kilometres east of the highway. Limited shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S33 48.072 E136 48.089... Find out moreIron Knob Camp Area 82 km
T/O 88 km NE of Kimba (R) or 68 km SW of Port Augusta (L) Quiet camp area well off the highway in the middle of town. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Donation requested. GPS: S32 43.937 E137 09.017 ... Find out moreMount Wudinna Park Area 83 km
T/O at Wudinna Small area located 13 kilometres north-east of town in the bush at the base of Mount Wudinna. Good facilities. Limited shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S32 58.992 E135 32.774... Find out morePolda Rock Park Area 84 km
T/O at Wudinna Small area located 8 kilometres north-east of town at the base of the rock. Limited shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S33 01.259 E135 31.988 ... Find out moreArno Bay Park Area 87 km
On the foreshore Parking area located well off the highway at the end of the main street through town. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S33 54.976 E136 34.399... Find out moreArno South Rest Area 96 km
18 km SW of Arno Bay (L) or 17 km NE of Port Neill (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 00.513 E136 25.013 ... Find out morePort Neill Park Area 108 km
On the foreshore Large parking area well off the highway near the jetty. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34 07.062 E136 20.940 ... Find out moreMount Whyalla Rest Area 112 km
11 km S of Eyre Hwy (L) or 36 km N Whyalla (R) Large area just off the highway among the trees. Limited shade. GPS: S32 43.512 E137 30.577... Find out moreTcharkulda Rock Camp Area 119 km
T/O at Minnipa Large area located at the base of the rock 4 kilometres east of Minnipa via Bockelberg Road. Limited shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S32 50.763 E135 11.963... Find out moreCape Hardy Rest Area 119 km
15 km SW of Port Neill (R) or 25 km NE of Tumby Bay (L) Large secluded area just off the highway around a few trees. GPS: S34 11.987 E136 13.991... Find out moreTank Hill Rest Area 119 km
126 km NE of Kimba (R) or 30 km SW of Port Augusta (L) Large secluded area just off the highway in the scrub. Limited shade. GPS: S32 37.048 E137 31.647 ... Find out moreMinnipa Rest Area 123 km
West side of town Small area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S32 51.261 E135 09.050... Find out moreInformation Bay Rest Area 123 km
130 km NE of Kimba (R) or 26 km SW of Port Augusta (L) Large area adjacent to the highway at the information bay. Limited shade. GPS: S32 36.974 E137 34.424 ... Find out moreLipson Cove Camp Area 125 km
T/O 23 km SW of Port Neill (L) or 17 km N of Tumby Bay (R) Large campground on the foreshore with picturesque views over the bay, 8 kilometres east of the highway. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 15.744 E136... Find out moreFitzgerald Bay Camp Area 127 km
T/O 36 km S of Eyre Hwy (L) or 11 km N of Whyalla (R) Small camp area located on the foreshore, 24 kilometres east of the highway. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S32 55.296 E137 44.951... Find out morePoint Lowly Camp Area 128 km
T/O 36 km S of Eyre Hwy (L) or 11 km N of Whyalla (R) Small camp area near the foreshore, 23 kilometres east of the highway. GPS: S32 59.590 E137 46.860... Find out moreSheringa South Rest Area 137 km
118 km NW of Port Lincoln (L) or 48 km SE of Elliston (R) Small area just off the highway around a few trees. GPS: S33 54.666 E135 15.830... Find out moreSheringa Beach Camp Area 141 km
T/O 126 km NW of Port Lincoln (L) or 40 km SE of Elliston (R) Small secluded campground located in coastal vegetation on the foreshore, 7 kilometres west of the highway. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S33... Find out moreCummings Lookout Rest Area 144 km
106 km NW of Port Lincoln (L) or 60 km SE of Elliston (R) Large area 500 metres off the highway at the lookout car park. NOTE: Caravans and motorhomes must not proceed past the car park. Access road unsealed. GPS:... Find out moreTent Hill Rest Area 145 km
36 km N of Port Augusta (R) or 137 km S of Pimba (L) Large area just off the highway surrounded by scrub. Limited shade. GPS: S32 14.531 E137 32.759... Find out moreLocks Well Park Area 146 km
T/O 150 km NW of Port Lincoln (L) or 16 km SE of Elliston (R) Very small area at the lookout 3 kilometres off the highway. NOTE: Caravans and motorhomes must not proceed past the top carpark. GPS: S33 44.563 E135... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Kimba Show: Sept.
