Hawker SA 5434 (Pop 310)

Hawker is a tiny settlement known as ‘The Hub of the Flinders Ranges’ located 399 north of Adelaide. This historic Outback town was once a successful railway town and wheat growing area established in 1880 when the railway arrived. Sadly, serious drought conditions wiped out the wheat crops with Hawker today relying mainly on tourism to maintain its economy. Horseraces (May), Art Exhibition (Sept/Oct).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Historic Hawker includes the Railway Station (1880), Heysen Avenue historic house, Hawker Hotel (1882), old farming equipment (Outback Motel). Museum, cnr Cradock & Wilpena Rds local history displays, memorabilia and Aboriginal artefacts.

Nearby:
Jarvis Hill Lookout (7 km s-w) spectacular district views with walking track. Yourambulla Caves (12 km s-w) excellent black pigment and red ochre Aboriginal rock art. Willow Waters (20 km east) pretty recreational area with walk to Ochre Wall. Cradock (26 km s-e) tiny village abutting the desert with beautiful historic church, St Gabriel’s (1882). Kanyaka Ruins (28 km s-w) fascinating historic remnants (1850s) of the huge Kanyaka Station, stables, woolshed and cottage. Nearby Kanyaka Death Rock was a sacred Aboriginal ceremonial site.

Accommodation:
Hawker has a couple of motels, one hotel, a B&B, several holiday units/cottages and a couple of caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Hawker Motors, cnr Wilpena & Cradock Rds. Tel (08) 8648 4014.

Airport:
Port Augusta Airport (PUG), off Eyre Hwy. (111 km s-w).

Hospital:
Hawker Memorial Hospital, Barndioota Rd. Tel (08) 8648 4007.