Nestled at the gateway to South Australia’s iconic Flinders Ranges, Hawker is a small outback town with a big heart and a rich sense of history. Once a bustling railway hub, Hawker SA now welcomes travellers with its warm country hospitality, stunning landscapes, and unique blend of art, culture, and heritage.
Whether you’re stopping in on your way to Wilpena Pound or staying a few days to soak up the scenery, Hawker offers an authentic outback experience that’s both peaceful and inspiring. From panoramic galleries to heritage walks and breathtaking views, there’s more to this quiet town than first meets the eye.
Why Travellers Stop At Hawker SA
1/ Fill Up With Fuel
Tourists travelling further North to the Flinders Ranges call into Hawker to top up with fuel, as they may not always have access to fuel. There are a couple of fuel stations to choose from. The fuel station on the road out to Wilpena Pound also has the Flinders Ranges Information Centre, and they were invaluable with information.
2/ Purchase Supplies For Your Journey
Across from the fuel station is Hawker General Store. This is a good place to go for any food supplies that you need for stay in the Flinders Ranges. Depending on where you are staying, there may not be access to groceries or drinking water.
3/ Stop Into Flinders Food Co
Flinders Food Co, is a good place for lunch, or a coffee and a snack. There are both indoor and outdoor seating options available. They had a selection of nice slices, and the coffee was good. We shared a delicious vanilla slice. Before we went through Hawker, another traveller had recommended the coffee and food.
Across the road, there are public toilets. Also, some information boards that are interesting to read. There are also areas to sit down and have a picnic.
Jeff Morgan Gallery – A Must-See Attraction
One of Hawker’s standout attractions is the incredible Jeff Morgan Gallery, a treasure trove of large-scale panoramas, stunning outback artwork, and immersive experiences. The gallery’s showpiece is the breathtaking Wilpena Panorama, a 360-degree circular painting that captures the vastness and beauty of the Flinders Ranges like no photo ever could.
Standing in the centre of the dome, you’re surrounded by a lifelike depiction of Wilpena Pound, making you feel as though you’ve been transported right into the landscape itself.
Jeff Morgan, a self-taught artist with a passion for the outback, has dedicated years to creating artworks that celebrate the region’s dramatic scenery, unique light, and raw beauty. Alongside the panoramas, the gallery also features original paintings, gemstone displays, and even a miniatures room.
Jeff Morgan also has different collections in his Gallery. Things such as biscuit tins, different plates, and matchbox cars. He continues to add more to his collection, as well as increasing his area where he displays them.
Out the back is a restored old shearing shed. What is unique about this shearing shed is the Murals that Jeff Morgan has painted around the shed walls. It brings the shed to what it would be like when shearing was taking place.
When you visit the Jeff Morgan Art Gallery, you may have an opportunity to speak to him as he is often there doing something around the Gallery. If you want to learn more about Jeff Morgan and his life, a book has been written about his life. This book is very interesting to read and can be purchased at the Gallery gift shop. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious, this gallery is an unforgettable experience and an essential stop when visiting Hawker.
Stay In Hawker SA Caravan Park
Making Hawker SA your base is a smart choice when exploring the breathtaking Flinders Ranges. This welcoming outback town sits at the gateway to the ranges, with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a well-appointed caravan park that offers spacious sites, clean facilities, and a friendly atmosphere.
After a day of adventure, you can return to Hawker to relax, enjoy a hearty pub meal, or simply soak in the quiet country charm. Staying in Hawker gives you the best of both worlds: the convenience of a central hub with all amenities close by, and the freedom to explore the rugged beauty of the Flinders Ranges at your own pace.
Day Trips From Hawker SA
1. Wilpena Pound And Brachina Gorge
- Start the day with a short drive to Wilpena Pound, the natural amphitheatre that’s the heart of the Flinders Ranges.
- Take a scenic walk into the pound or opt for a scenic flight for breathtaking aerial views.
- Drive through the dramatic Bunyeroo Gorge, famous for its rugged scenery and lookouts like Razorback.
- Continue into Brachina Gorge, known as the “Corridor Through Time” with geological formations dating back 500–600 million years.
- Keep an eye out for yellow-footed rock wallabies in the gorge.
When entering Wilpena Pound, you will need to visit the information centre to pay a fee for being in a National Park. They will also give you a map to show you the different walking tracks and how long they will take you. We were advised to do the Bunyeroo Gorge and Brachina Gorge the same day, so that you will only have to pay the National Park Fee once.
You will need to allow yourself at least 3 hours at Wilpena Pound if you are going to do one of the walks to a Lookout over the Flinders Ranges. There is some food available at Wilpena Pound, but there are also plenty of areas to have a picnic lunch. Continue a bit further on past Wilpena Pound and turn off to Buyeroo Gorge. This is an unsealed road, with Lookouts along the way to pull over and take photos and take in the amazing views.
Continue through the Brachina Gorge and then back onto the sealed road and back to Hawker. The total distance you will travel is roughly 180 km, but the time it takes to travel will vary depending on the conditions of the unsealed road.
2. Blinman And Parachilna
A day trip to Blinman and Parachilna is a journey into the heart of Flinders Ranges history and outback charm. Start with a drive to Blinman, the highest town in South Australia, where you can explore the old copper mine, wander through historic buildings, and soak in the rugged landscapes that surround the town. Before you arrive at Blinman, there is a formation of rock called the Great Wall of China.
If you want to do a tour through the Copper Mine, it will pay to book as the tours are very popular. The bakery is a good place to stop for a coffee and a snack.
Afterward, continue to Parachilna, a tiny outback settlement famous for the Prairie Hotel, where you can enjoy a unique lunch featuring traditional Aussie fare, including the legendary “feral food” menu. Along the way, the drive itself is spectacular, driving through the Parachilna Gorge, along an unsealed road.
Returning to Hawker in the late afternoon, you’ll have experienced a perfect blend of history, local culture, and breathtaking scenery in just one memorable day. This trip is a total of 231 km, and will be a slow drive between Blinman and Parachilna.
3/ Take A Drive To Jarvis Hill
A short but striking drive west from Hawker along Wilpena Road and Quorn/Leigh Road leads to Jarvis Hill Lookout, approximately 6–7 km out. The final stretch is a rugged, clay-based, unsealed track not recommended for use in wet weather or for caravans.
Upon arrival, a brief uphill stroll brings you to an elevated lookout at 510 m, offering sweeping views across the Central Flinders Ranges, Wilpena Pound, Elder Range, and Wonoka Hill to the north; Worumba Hills to the east; and the Yourambulla Range to the south.
Away from urban light pollution, it’s a renowned stargazing spot under pristine skies. During the day, the surrounding landscape teems with wildlife like wallabies and native birds, making it an ideal destination for both nature lovers and photographers.
4. Quorn And Pichi Richi Railway
A visit to Quorn SA from Hawker makes for a fantastic day trip or a short getaway, with just a 30-minute drive (about 60 km) between the two towns. Quorn is a charming historic railway town that serves as the southern gateway to the Flinders Ranges, and it’s well worth staying a couple of nights to soak in all it has to offer.
The town is best known for the Pichi Richi Railway, where restored steam and heritage trains wind through the spectacular Pichi Richi Pass, offering a nostalgic journey back in time. In town, history buffs can enjoy a self-guided heritage walk, discovering 19th-century stone buildings, old pubs, and the Quorn Railway Station precinct.
Quorn is also a filming hotspot, with its heritage streetscapes featured in iconic Australian movies like The Shiralee and Gallipoli.
For nature lovers, the Warren Gorge just outside town is a must-see, famous for its towering rock formations and a colony of rare yellow-footed rock wallabies.
Back in town, visitors can explore local art galleries, enjoy hearty country meals at the historic hotels, and wander through boutique shops. Whether you choose to spend a single day or linger longer, Quorn blends outback adventure with heritage charm, making it a highlight of the central Flinders Ranges.
Staying At Hawker SA
Staying in Hawker, SA, offers the perfect balance of convenience, comfort, and adventure in the heart of the Flinders Ranges. Whether you’re using it as a base to explore iconic landmarks like Wilpena Pound, Jarvis Hill, and the surrounding ranges, or simply enjoying the town’s welcoming atmosphere, Hawker provides everything you need for a memorable stay.
With its mix of caravan parks, cosy motels, and local dining options, it’s a place where travellers can relax after a day of exploring while still being close to some of South Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes. No matter how long you stay, Hawker leaves you with the sense of having experienced the authentic outback spirit that makes the Flinders Ranges so special.