Hawker
Town
Population 225
This small outback town was once a thriving railway centre, and historic buildings are still well preserved in its streets. Hawker was also once an agricultural region producing bumper crops of wheat. Serious drought sent the crops into decline and the industry died. Today Hawker is the place to begin exploring the fantastic natural attractions of the southern Flinders Ranges.
Visitor Information
Hawker Motors, cnr Wilpena and Cradock rds; (08) 8648 4022 or 1800 777 880
Nearby national parks
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Flinders Ranges National Park
Flinders Ranges National Park covers a vast ancient landscape of rippled outback terrain and exposed ridges, culminating in the striking...more -
Lake Torrens National Park
The 250-kilometre-long ephemeral Lake Torrens is timeless, wild and starkly photogenic. Protected within Lake Torrens National Park, this is...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
Nearby towns
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Wilpena
Wilpena consists of a resort and caravan/camping park on the edge of Wilpena Pound, in Flinders Ranges National Park. In 1902 the Hill...more -
Quorn
Nestled in a valley in the Flinders Ranges, Quorn was established as a town on the Great Northern Railway line in 1878. The line was built...more -
Blinman
During the 19th century numerous mining townships dotted the northern Flinders Ranges. Blinman is the sole surviving town surveyed at the...more
In Town
Fred Teague's Museum: local history displays; Hawker Motors, cnr Wilpena and Cradock rds. Jeff Morgan Gallery: including a 30 m painting of the view from Wilpena Pound; Cradock Rd. Heritage walk: self-guide walk on numbered path; brochure from visitor centre. Scenic flights and 4WD tours: contact visitor centre for details.
Nearby
Jarvis Hill Lookout: walking trail with views over the countryside; 7 km SW. Yourambulla Caves: Aboriginal rock paintings in hillside caves; 12 km SW. Willow Waters: popular picnic spot with a short walk to Ochre Wall; 20 km E off Cradock Rd. Moralana Scenic Drive: 22 km drive with superb views of Wilpena Pound and the Elder Range; leaves Hawker–Wilpena Rd 23 km N. Cradock: a tiny town with National Heritage–listed St Gabriel's Church (1882); 26 km SE. Kanyaka Homestead Historic Site: ruins of the homestead, stables and woolshed once part of a large sheep run, with informative displays explaining the history of each ruin; 28 km SW. Kanyaka Death Rock: once an Aboriginal ceremonial site, it overlooks a permanent waterhole; near Kanyaka Homestead ruins. Long-distance trails: close to Hawker you can pick up sections of the Heysen (walking) and Mawson (cycling) trails; information from visitor centre.
Fishing spots near town
Fitzgerald Bay 130 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 morePoint Lowly 137 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 moreWhyalla 149 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 morePort Broughton 193 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 moreWallaroo 237 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 moreEco-friendly activities around town
Heysen Trail 44 km
Some 1200 kilometres long, this renowned walking track stretches from Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula all the way to Parachilna Gorge in the northern Flinders. It covers a vast range of scenery from coastal cliffs... Find out moreAustralian Arid Lands Botanic Garden 91 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 with cuttlefish, off Whyalla 150 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 moreArid Recovery Reserve 207 km
Initially a public relations exercise for BHP Billiton’s massive Olympic Dam mine, the Arid Recovery Reserve at Roxby Downs is now an excellent example of how industry, government and the community can work... Find out moreNearby breweries
Knappstein Enterprise Brewery 216 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
Willow Waters camping area (bush camping) 19 km
A popular picnic area on private land, 20 km east of Hawker, the camping area has a pleasant waterhole nearby. Campers need to be self-sufficient, use public access roads only, and observe minimum-impact camping... Find out moreCooinda camping area (walk-in camping) 42 km
A sheltered but no-frills walk-in site is tucked within Wilpena Pound, 12 km from the visitor centre; a permit is required. This camping area serves as a base for bushwalks to St Mary Peak and Edeowie Gorge. The views... Find out moreWilpena Pound Campground 44 km
This is the main hub for visitors and bushwalkers exploring Wilpena Pound. The extensive facilities, easy access to the nearby resort and the magnificent river red gums along Wilpena Creek make this a very popular haunt... Find out moreWarren Gorge camping area 51 km
A popular haunt for self-sufficient travellers touring the Flinders Ranges, the gorge camping area has eye-catching rock formations and classic groves of native pines to wander. It’s 20 km north-west of Quorn via... Find out moreAcraman Campground 55 km
Nestled in the ranges, this site for self-sufficient campers is a handy base for exploring the Heysen Trail, Bunyeroo Gorge and the scenic majesty of Bunyeroo Valley and Wilpena Pound. From the visitor centre it’s... Find out moreWillow Springs camping area (bush camping) 59 km
This family-run sheep property just north-east of Wilpena offers a range of camping options as well as cottage accommodation. It’s also a popular destination for remote camping, bushwalking and adventure... Find out moreCambrian Campground 61 km
Self-sufficient campers will find 13 sites at this 4WD-access campground, off Bunyeroo Gorge Rd, 37 km north-west of the park HQ. This is a pleasant camping ground and is near the western end of Bunyeroo Gorge. The drive... Find out moreTeamsters Campground 62 km
Teamsters is at the western entrance to Brachina Gorge, a short walk to some of the steepest and most colourful gorge faces. Located 42 km from Wilpena, it is not far from the Hawker to Leigh Creek road, and suits... Find out moreBrachina Gorge camping area (bush camping) 62 km
Through the twists and turns of the gorge there are several designated nooks for bush camping. Many have fine views of features like Heysen Hill and The Guardian, though in peak sightseeing times there can be a lot of... Find out moreBrachina East Campground 63 km
The gateway to all the Brachina action, this campground for self-sufficient campers is accessible from the east by 2WD and is pleasantly situated on the banks of Brachina Creek. Signposted along Brachina Gorge Rd, 48 km... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Shoreline Caravan Park 90 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 Augusta Big4 Holiday Park 91 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 moreNuttbush Retreat Caravan Park 124 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 morePeterborough Caravan Park 127 km
This is a tidy park located off the main road in a quiet part of town, adjacent to the town’s swimming pool. The park has modern amenities and is conveniently positioned for an overnight stop between Broken Hill... Find out morePort Pirie Beach Caravan Park 148 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 moreDiscovery Holiday Parks – Whyalla Foreshore 150 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 moreCrystal Brook Caravan Park 163 km
This is a small, neat council-owned park just on the edge of town. It is a very pretty park with large red gums, a creek alongside, and lawn sites. We find it good value.... Find out morePort Broughton Caravan Park 196 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 moreBurra Caravan and Camping Park 204 km
This picturesque park is situated alongside a creek just two minutes walk from the centre of Burra, a historic mining town. The park has good basic facilities and plenty of large shady trees. It is an excellent base from... Find out moreCowell Foreshore Caravan Park and Holiday Units 243 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 moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
The mighty Elder Range towers above this famed sheep station, 20 kilometres north of Hawker. There’s much to enjoy at this atmospheric and diverse property, including the glorious rolling hills that merge into... Find out more
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Rawnsley Park Station 31 km
Eight modern strawbale eco-villas with grand views perch on this sheep station, on the southern slopes of Wilpena Pound. Tourism is now the main industry on the property, and the one- and two-bedroom eco-villas are the... Find out moreWillow Springs Station, near Wilpena Pound 59 km
Another working sheep station, Willow Springs on the edge of the national park is home to the legendary six-hour 4WD route Skytrek, passing through Bunkers Conservation Reserve and culminating at the 921-metre-high... Find out moreRest areas around town
Wilmington Park Area 90 km
South side of town Small area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 39.11 E138 06.06... Find out moreTent Hill Rest Area 91 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 moreHancocks Lookout Rest Area 98 km
T/O 18 km SE of Princes Hwy (R) or 4 km W of Wilmington (L) Large area 7 kilometres south of the highway at the lookout. Excellent views over the surrounding countryside. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S32 42.20... Find out moreGoyders Line Rest Area 103 km
17 km S of Wilmington (R) or 4 km N of Melrose (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S32 48.06 E138 12.30... Find out moreMambray Creek Camp Area 111 km
T/O 48 km S of Port Augusta (L) or 47 km N of Warnertown (R) Large campground located in a natural bush setting 5 kilometres east of the highway at the base of the ranges in Mount Remarkable National Park. Good... Find out moreInformation Bay Rest Area 113 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 moreMambray Creek Rest Area 114 km
T/O 48 km S of Port Augusta (L) or 47 km N of Warnertown (L) Large areas just off the highway (on both sides) among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S32 50.765 E137 58.937... Find out moreIronstone Lagoon Rest Area 114 km
103 km N of Port Augusta (L) or 70 km S of Pimba (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S31 43.149 E137 13.867... Find out moreTank Hill Rest Area 117 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 moreMurray Town Rest Area 117 km
Middle of town Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 56.149 E138 14.447... Find out moreMount Whyalla Rest Area 126 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 moreOodla Wirra South Rest Area 126 km
3 km S of Oodla Wirra (R) or 31 km N of Terowie (L) Small area among trees. Reasonable shade. GPS: S32 53.957 E139 02.663 ... Find out moreFitzgerald Bay Camp Area 131 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 moreIppinitchie Camp Area 132 km
T/O at Wirrabara Small campground located 8 kilometres west of Wirrabara in a natural bush setting in Wirrabara Forest Reserve. Good facilities and shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S33 03.996 E138... Find out moreYunta Rest Area 132 km
Middle of town Town park opposite the hotel. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 34.908 E139 33.749... Find out morePort Germein South Rest Area 133 km
72 km S of Port Augusta (R) or 23 km N of Warnertown (L) Large area well off the road. Limited shade. GPS: S33 02.738 E138 01.822... Find out morePoint Lowly Camp Area 136 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 moreWinnininnie Creek Rest Area 137 km
36 km SW of Mannahill (R) or 9 km NE of Yunta (L) Large area among a few trees. Limited shade. GPS: S32 32.644 E139 39.349... Find out moreLaura Park Area 144 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 10.870 E138 18.000 ... Find out moreWhat's on around town
Horseracing: May.
Art Exhibition: Sept/Oct.
