Minnipa Background
Minnipa is a small township located
34 kilometres to the west of Wudinna and 34 kilometres east
of Poochera. Minnipa is situated within South Australia's grain
belt with wheat being the most common crop grown in the area.
As with other central and northern Eyre Peninsula settlements
the existence of extensive granite domes proved to be unique
features that enabled the collection and conservation of rainwater
runoff. In the early days of European settlement water was such
a precious commodity that even as late as 1913 local railway
services were used to transport drinking water for stock along
with the usual traffic of passengers, food items and mail. Without
the ability to collect rainwater European settlement of the
area would have been delayed for many years. Also located within
the Minnipa area is the Minnipa Agricultural Centre which conducts
applied research relating to dryland agriculture and associated
farming technologies. To the North East of Minnipa lie the sheep
grazing country and Gawler Ranges National Park.
Minnipa Facilities
Minnipa APEX Park is located on the
main Eyre Highway and is the Tourist Information Bay and rest
area for travellers passing the town. Within the Information
Bay is a picnic area and barbecue site operated by 20 cent pieces.
Above the barbecue is a light for night time barbecues. Adjacent
to the barbecue area is a building signposted as "Concrete
Crappa". I'll leave that to you to discover what it means.
The area is surrounded by trees and would provide quite a pleasant
rest stop and place to stretch the legs.
The Concrete Crappa
To enter
the main township of Minnipa you need to turn off the main highway.
Minnipa
Mobil Roadhouse is located on Railway Terrace. Minnipa's
Roadhouse sells fuel and some takeaway foods such as Hamburgers,
chickens, pies, pasties and so on. The opening hours for the
Minnipa Roadhouse are Monday to Thursday 7-30 am to 7-30 pm.
Friday and Saturday times are 7-30 am to 8-00 pm. Opening hours
for Sunday are 7-30 am to 7-00 pm.
Minnipa
IGA grocery supermarket is located on Railway Terrace.
The supermarket has EFTPOS facilities and accepts Bank Card,
Visa and Master Card. Opening hours are 9-00 am to 5-30 pm Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday hours are 9-00 am to
6-00 pm and Saturday is from 9-00 am to 11-00 am. On Sundays
the supermarket is closed.
Minnipa
Hotel Motel is located just down the street from the supermarket.
Opening hours for the Hotel are 9-00 am to 12-00 am Monday to
Saturday. Sunday hours are 11-30 am to 1-00 pm. Adjacent to
the hotel is the Motel complex. Minnipa Motel accommodation
rates range from $45 - $55 for a single room, $60 - $68 for
a double and $60 - $68 for a twin room with extras at $10 per
head. For a family of 2 adults and 2 children prices range from
$70 - $85. Minnipa Motel accepts Diners Club, Visa, Master Card
Bank Card American Express cards. For further information please
phone (08) 8680 5005
Minnipa
Caravan Park is located on the main Eyre Highway and is
priced at $14 per family. If you arrive after hours just park
for the night or honk your horn. Pets are allowed on leash.
Bookings for the Caravan Park can also be made at Minnipa Hotel.
Minnipa's Caravan Park is within easy striking distance of Pildappa
Rock, and might therefore provide an interesting overnight stop
for travelers wishing to explore attractions that are off the
beaten track. For further information please phone Minnipa Caravan
Park on (08) 8680 5005.
Eyre
Engine Developments also perform mechanical repairs
and act as the local RAA agent for emergency roadside repairs.
The RAA phone number is (08) 8680 5114.
Minnipa Attractions
As with other towns in this area
of Eyre Peninsula the main attractions are a variety of granite
outcrops. Tcharkulda Rock is 3 kilometres east of Minnipa and
as with most granite domes in the area a wall surrounds the
base of the structure to funnel water runoff into an underground
water tank. Located within the vicinity of Tcharkulda Rock are
picnic, barbecue and toilet facilities. Given that Tcharkulda
Rock is so close to the main Eyre Highway it might be a good
place to eat your lunch before continuing your journey. 18 kilometres
to the north of Minnipa is Pildappa
Rock which has a spectacular wave form. This wave form is
the result of a process of chemical weathering that occurred
when soil levels were at higher levels surrounding the granite
structure. Some people consider Pildappa
Rock to be a rival to Western Australia's Wave Rock. Located
near Pildappa Rock is a picnic area with a free gas barbecue,
water facilities, toilets and picnic area.
Pildappa Rock - Striking views from the top!
Other inselbergs in the area
include Ucontitchie Rock
and Murphy's Haystacks
near Streaky Bay.
To the North of Minnipa is the sheep
station country of the Gawler Ranges and the Gawler Ranges National
Park. Some of the roads in this area may at times be in poor
condition. If you wish to visit the Gawler Ranges it may pay
to get some up to date local advice from the Minnipa Roadhouse.
