Wirrulla

Wirrulla is located 93 kilometres east of Ceduna and 48 kilometres northwest of Poochera.

The name Wirrulla is derived from a local aboriginal word meaning "fast" or "quick". As with many of the smaller towns in South Australia, Wirrulla grew up around a railway siding.

In the very early years of European settlement many pioneers travelled from Port Augusta through the Gawler Ranges to Ceduna and other west coast settlements. At the time Wirrulla was a small but important way station for these travellers.

Wirrulla Silos

Today Wirrulla's chief occupation is wheat and cereal growing. Wirrulla appears to be something of an enigma. Signs on the approaches to Wirrulla proclaim the settlement to be "The Town With A Secret!" Very strange stuff indeed!

Wirrulla Facilities

Wirrulla's facilities provide the bare essentials for traveler's needs. Within Wirrulla you can find the Wirrulla General Store at 75 Hay Terrace, which sells unleaded and diesel, groceries, takeaway food and drinks, and runs the post office. It is open 7 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 8 am to 2 pm on weekends.   The General Store is a good source of local information, including local road conditions for the Kingoonya Road and Gawler Ranges area. Phone the General Store on (08) 8626 8038.

Wirrulla Hotel

Social life in Wirrulla revolves around the local hotel. Wirrulla Hotel provides hot meals and has accommodation available for travellers and workers - phone (08) 8626 8019.

Prices and rates change often out here, so we no longer list them on this page — please phone ahead for current rates. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.

Across the road from Wirrulla's Hotel is a camp facility suitable for those of you towing a caravan. Located on some old tennis courts this camp ground offers hot showers, public toilets and powered sites. As an overnight camp site it might well prove adequate for your needs if you are running low on fuel and arrive late at night after the general store has closed. Charges for the use of this facility are nominal, and if it were any cheaper it may as well be free! Within Wirrulla there's also a pleasant small playground and picnic area suitable for children and parents in need of a rest stop. A public pay phone and toilets are also available for the use of travellers.

Wirrulla Attractions

Within Wirrulla itself there isn't exactly a lot to do. Wirrulla is however an ideal staging point for outback travellers wishing to venture into the rugged Gawler Ranges. For those travellers heading west to Port Augusta there is an alternative route as far as Iron Knob via the Gawler Ranges.This journey is made via an unsealed Road. We have done this journey in the reverse direction and recommend you read our Iron Knob to Wirrulla story should you be contemplating travel in this area.

Salt Lake Sun Set
Near Wirrulla on the Kingoonya Road

Local people in the Wirrulla area also travel north to Glendambo, Coober Pedy, and even as far north as Alice Springs via the "Kingoonya Road."Should you wish to take the "Kingoonya Shortcut" to the Northern Territory be prepared to drive over 300 kilometres on dirt roads which are sometimes very rough (check before continuing) before you rejoin the Stuart Highway near Glendambo. Please note that at Kingoonya you can get diesel and unleaded at any time from a 24-hour card-operated fuel machine, and the Kingoonya Bush Hotel has hot food, cold drinks and basic motel rooms. After resting you can continue on to Coober Pedy via Goss road to highway or drive to Glendambo to meet up with the Stuart Highway

When travelling through these outback areas travellers would be wise to observe all normal precautions. Currently roads to the north of Wirrulla are in fair condition, however this can quickly change. For safety reasons you should always carry a spare tyre, a puncture kit and plenty of water. In recent times vehicles in poor condition have been traveling this road in increasing numbers. If traveling this road you are advised to have a reliable vehicle - one that can handle a lot of shaking and rattling! Please note mobile phone services do not work out along the Kingoonya road. For those of you with UHF Radios, use channel 3 south of Lake Everard, and channel 4 to the north.

Nullarbor Net recommends that travelers seek local advice from the general store or hotel before venturing into these remote areas.

Poet's Corner

Angie Mumford is a local resident of the Wirrulla and Gawler Ranges area. Early in 2004 she participated in a camel expedition that crossed the Nullarbor. Here's one of her poems inspired by that experience.

Just Over The Ridge

Just a little further now boy's,

Not too much longer now boy's,

Just over the ridge,

Go under boy's, under the bridge,

Now you there left, and you follow,

C'mon now boys, dodge that tree there it's hollow,

Stop looking behind,

Get your butt up that incline,

Hey you, small thing sit down,

And you, get that bush off you're crown,

Oh, I said keep moving, don't stop,

I swear I'll whip you with this crop,

Look boys, I see something yellow,

I guess you can now mellow,

That a boy Ziggy.

That a boy Tekko

GOOD CAMELS

Wirrulla: common questions

Is there fuel at Wirrulla?

Yes - the Wirrulla General Store at 75 Hay Terrace sells unleaded and diesel. It is open 7 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 8 am to 2 pm on weekends. Phone (08) 8626 8038.

Is there accommodation at Wirrulla?

The Wirrulla Hotel has meals and basic rooms - phone (08) 8626 8019. Across the road, a camp ground on the old tennis courts has powered sites, hot showers and toilets.

Is there fuel on the Kingoonya Road?

Kingoonya has a 24-hour card-operated fuel machine selling diesel and unleaded. It is more than 300 km of dirt road from Wirrulla, so check road conditions at the General Store or the hotel before you set out.

Where is Wirrulla?

On the Eyre Highway, 93 km east of Ceduna and 48 km northwest of Poochera.

Checked in October 2026 against each business's current listing and the town's community website. Hours and facilities can change, so phone ahead before relying on them. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.