Wilmington
Town
Population 217
Robert Blinman had the foresight to build an inn, called the Roundwood Hotel, at the base of Horrocks Pass in 1861, and soon the Cobb & Co coaches were stopping there on their passenger routes. The town was built around the first hotel, and before long the farming community was thriving. Originally named Beautiful Valley by European explorers, the name was changed to Wilmington in 1876, although the original name still persists in many local establishments. Today the town retains much of its old-time feel and is renowned for its stone buildings.
Visitor Information
Wilmington General Store, Main North Rd; (08) 8667 5155
Nearby national parks
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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 -
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 -
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
Nearby towns
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Melrose
Melrose, a quiet settlement at the foot of Mount Remarkable, is the oldest town in the Flinders Ranges. Indigenous groups who occupied the...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 -
Port Augusta
Port Augusta is the most northerly port in South Australia. The difficulty of land transportation in the 1800s prompted the town's...more
In Town
Wilmington Hotel: built around 1876, the hotel is one of the town's oldest buildings and was first called The Globe Hotel. Original Cobb & Co coach stables are at the rear of the building; Main North Rd. Mt Maria Walking Trail: 2 km walking trail starting from town leads to vantage point over Wilmington; brochure available from general store.
Nearby
Spring Creek Mine Drive: 24 km scenic loop beginning south of town, passing mountain and farm scenery and an old copper mine, now the town's water supply; brochure from general store. Horrocks Pass and Hancocks Lookout: this historic pass was named after explorer John Horrocks who traversed the pass in 1846. Hancocks Lookout, at the highest point of the pass, offers magnificent views to Spencer Gulf; 8 km W off road to Port Augusta. Mt Remarkable National Park: 13 km S; see Melrose. Winninowie Conservation Park: coastal park of creeks and samphire flats, home to abundant birdlife; 26 km SW. Hammond: historic ghost town; 26 km NE. Bruce: historic railway town featuring 1880s architecture; 35 km N. Carrieton: historic buildings and Yanyarrie Whim Well in town. A rodeo is held here each Dec; 56 km NE. See Aboriginal carvings a further 9 km along Belton Rd.
Fishing spots near town
Fitzgerald Bay 43 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 49 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 64 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 104 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 147 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 moreArdrossan 198 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 moreEco-friendly activities around town
Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden 35 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 66 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 moreHeysen Trail 133 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 moreWine-tasting - Nuriootpa and Angaston 218 km
Elderton Wines near Nuriootpa is a carbonneutral winery. Its cellar door is partially solar-powered and the vineyard is using biodynamic methods of production. Yalumba in Angaston has three organic wines and an... Find out moreCycling in the Barossa 223 km
In the Barossa, you can hire bikes from the visitor centre in Tanunda and take the paved 7-kilometre cycle path to Nuriootpa. For a guided, multi-day supported bike tour, sampling the best of the region’s cuisine... Find out moreNearby breweries
Knappstein Enterprise Brewery 139 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
Stony Creek Camp (bush camping) 7 km
The park’s northern-most campground, this walk-in site is off the Stony Creek Track, 8 km north of the Alligator Gorge carpark. Only gas/fuel stoves are allowed and you need a permit from the self-registration... Find out moreEaglehawk Dam camping area (bush camping) 10 km
This walk-in bush camp is on the Ring Route Track, 4 km north-west of the Alligator Gorge carpark. A permit is required from the self-registration station, and you need to use a gas/fuel stove.... Find out moreLonghill Camp (bush camping) 12 km
Just 1 km south-west of Alligator, this walk-in camp (gas/fuel stove only) is at the start of the Ring Route Track. A permit is required from the self-registration station.... Find out moreFricks Dam camping area (bush camping) 13 km
This elevated walk-in site is close to The Battery, with valley views. On Fricks Track, it is 10 km north of Mambray Creek. A permit is required from the self-registration station and you need to bring a gas/fuel stove.... Find out moreKingfisher Flat camping area (bush camping) 15 km
Delightful woodland camping is offered close to Alligator Creek. The facilities and ease of access make this a popular base for day walks to surrounding highlights. Situated 4 km south of the Alligator Gorge carpark, the... Find out moreGoat Rock camping area (bush camping) 15 km
A walk-in bush site (gas/fuel stove only), close to the junction of Woolfords and Racecourse tracks, this camping area requires a permit from the self-registration station.... Find out moreStringers camping area (bush camping) 16 km
This camp for walkers is high on The Battery in the west of the park, 2 km north of the Hidden Gorge Hike. Gas/fuel stove only; pick up a permit from the self-registration station.... Find out moreHidden Camp (bush camping) 17 km
This sheltered walk-in site is close to the dramatic ravine of Hidden Gorge, 8 km on foot north of Mambray Creek. The site is gas/fuel stove only, and a permit is required from the self-registration station.... Find out moreThe Racecourse camping area (bush camping) 17 km
This walk-in site is near the junction of the Racecourse and Mungola Hut tracks. A permit is required from the self-registration station and the site is gas/fuel stove only.... Find out moreSummit Camp (bush camping) 18 km
In an atmospheric bush setting on the high crest of Mt Remarkable, bush camping is permitted 6 km north-west of Melrose on the Mt Remarkable Summit Hike, which is also part of the Heysen Trail. The site is gas/fuel stove... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Shoreline Caravan Park 37 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 37 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 morePort Pirie Beach Caravan Park 59 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 moreNuttbush Retreat Caravan Park 63 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 moreDiscovery Holiday Parks – Whyalla Foreshore 65 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 78 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 morePeterborough Caravan Park 78 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 Broughton Caravan Park 107 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 138 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 159 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
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Rawnsley Park Station 120 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 147 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
Hancocks Lookout Rest Area 9 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 20 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 22 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 moreMambray Creek Rest Area 24 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 moreMurray Town Rest Area 34 km
Middle of town Large area just off the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 56.149 E138 14.447... Find out morePort Germein South Rest Area 44 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 moreFitzgerald Bay Camp Area 44 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 48 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 morePoint Lowly Camp Area 48 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 moreInformation Bay Rest Area 49 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 moreTank Hill Rest Area 54 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 moreMount Whyalla Rest Area 56 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 moreLaura Park Area 62 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 10.870 E138 18.000 ... Find out moreWarnertown Park Area 65 km
Near the hotel Small parking area just off the highway. GPS: S33 14.085 E138 07.106... Find out moreTent Hill Rest Area 69 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 moreGladstone Park Area 73 km
West side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway near the caravan park. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 16.119 E138 20.999... Find out moreGeorgetown Park Area 84 km
South side of town Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S33 21.634 E138 23.632... Find out moreIron Knob Camp Area 89 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 moreOodla Wirra South Rest Area 93 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 moreSpalding Park Area 106 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S33 29.990 E138 36.435... Find out moreGranite Hill Rest Area 108 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 moreSnowtown North Rest Area 122 km
62 km S of Warnertown (L) or 53 km N of Port Wakefield (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Good shade. GPS: S33 44.870 E138 12.577 ... Find out moreMount Bryan Rest Area 124 km
Middle of town Town park opposite the hotel. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 33.007 E138 53.532... Find out moreIronstone Lagoon Rest Area 132 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 moreLake Giles Rest Area 132 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 moreYunta Rest Area 138 km
Middle of town Town park opposite the hotel. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S32 34.908 E139 33.749... Find out moreLake Lochiel Rest Area 140 km
82 km S of Warnertown (L) or 33 km N of Port Wakefield (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S33 54.807 E138 09.791 ... Find out moreWinnininnie Creek Rest Area 147 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 moreWhat's on around town
Night Rodeo: Jan.
Wilmington Show: Sept.
