Five stunning walks in the Western Gawler Ranges can be explored over a number of days staying at Hiltaba Nature Reserve.
Hiltaba Nature Reserve, north of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, provides the opportunity for multiple day walks that offer breathtaking views, and ample opportunities for seeing birds and other wildlife, and discovering the region’s fascinating geology, wildflowers and natural vegetation.
Five sign-posted walks ranging in length from 2 to 14 km take you past striking granite boulders, over ridge tops, and through grasslands, casuarina, mallee and bullock bush stands, gorges and creek beds. While most are half-day walks, several have shorter and longer options and cater for a variety of fitness levels.
You can do a single walk in one day or stay at one of the campgrounds, renovated Shearer’s Quarters or Cottages for several days to complete all the walks.
The easy 2km Betty and Bob Lewis walking trail begins at the Pretty Point campsite. This commences with a gentle climb on a marked track around Pretty Point’s stunning granite boulders and rewards walkers with views across the rugged landscape back to the Homestead and beyond, towards Mount Hiltaba and Barber Hill.
If you stay at one of the Hiltaba campgrounds or Shearer’s Quarters, you will need to drive to the Homestead to start the 10 km Warren Bonython Walking Trail. This loop commences from behind the Homestead and includes a steep climb to the summit of Mt Hiltaba along creek beds, ledges and slopes. The summit is the best place to stop for a break where you can enjoy magnificent views of the Gawler Ranges National Park and towards Wirrulla. After a rugged descent you walk along the mallee slopes on the eastern flanks of Mt Hiltaba to the Homestead.
You can drive to the start of the 7 km Barbara Hardy loop trail, which commences approximately 6 km from the Homestead. The trail begins by following a vehicle track before climbing to a rocky ridge with views to the homestead and Lake Acraman. The return descends along a spectacular rock wall.
The Mark Bonnin Walking Trail also requires a drive to the trailhead. This walk provides three options: 3 km, 9 km or more rugged 11 km route. The trailhead for all three is approximately 15 km from the Homestead and accessed from a track off the Iron Knob/Yardea road. These trails take you through a variety of landscapes: open grasslands, casuarina, mallee and bullock bush stands and rocky gorges. While the Lookout is only accessible via the 11 km walking route, all walkers can climb or drive there to experience the magnificent views from the carpark – well worth the effort!
The David Cleland Walking Trail is accessible from the Shearer’s Quarters or the nearby campsite. This 7km linear walk (14 km return) follows a wide valley dotted with wombat burrows and includes gentle slopes on smooth sheets of Hiltaba Granite. A gentle climb through mallee passes over a ridge to the Pretty Point Camping Area and its distinctive Granite boulders.
All Hiltaba’s trails are over rough, uneven and steep terrain, and walkers require some bushwalking experience and good fitness. The trails are marked, and walking trail guides are available at each trailhead.
Hiltaba is the homeland of the Barngarla, Kokatha and Wirangu peoples, who have lived in and cared for the land from time immemorial. Today they are represented by the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation.
Nature Foundation, a not-for-profit conservation organisation, purchased this 78,000 ha property in 2012 for conservation and specifically to protect the western-most colony of Yellow-footed Rock-wallabies. Nature Foundation undertakes scientific research on the reserve and our conservation management includes destocking and removal of feral plants and animals, allowing the native vegetation and wildlife to flourish. All funds raised from visitors’ camping, accommodation and nature drive fees on the reserve go towards ongoing conservation projects.
Hiltaba Nature Reserve has friendly and knowledgeable onsite Rotational Managers who offer guidance to visitors.
You can book accommodation online at www.naturefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/nature-based-tourism.
