Nullarbor Net
Wudinna
Aboriginal people of the Kukatha tribe were the first inhabitants of the Wudinna area. For the Kukatha people the numerous granite domes dotting the area ensured that there was always water available in granite pools and soaks at the base of rock formations that are common within the area. Robert Standley was the first European settler to the area and in 1861 he was granted a 10 square mile lease at the base of Mount Wudinna. Early European settlement of the area was enabled by collecting and conserving water runoff from the numerous granite domes within the area. Water was conserved by construction stone water runoff channels around the base of granite domes. The granite structures in this area of Eyre Penuinsula are known to be a part of the Hiltaba suite of rocks within what is known as the Gawler Craton. The fertile soils that formed around the base of eroded granite soil also proved a boon to early settlers who relied upon wheat cropping and grazing acticities within the Wudinna district. Other major industries within the Wudinna area include granite mining and tourism within the nearby rugged Gawler Ranges. Today Wudinna is a friendly town of some 650 people. Wudinna also acts as a major service centre to the surrounding district.
Wudinna Hotel
Wudinna Facilities
Wudinna is definitely well serviced from the point of view of the traveller. Located on the Eyre Highway at the northern end of Wudinna is a Tourist Information Bay that has a number of display boards describing the local history of the area, points of interest, the geology of the area and its associated granite landforms.
Within the information bay is a barbecue site (operated by 20 cent pieces) and 2 undercover picnic tables. Nearby are public toilets. The Wudinna Tourist Information Bay is a pleasant place to stop and have a roadside lunch.
Fuel on the main Eyre Highway is at the Golden Wattle Roadhouse, 64 Eyre Highway, open 6 am to 9 pm every day - phone (08) 8680 2084.
The Gawler Ranges Motel and Caravan Park is at 72 Eyre Highway. It has motel rooms, cabins, a two-bedroom apartment and powered caravan sites, plus an indoor pool, an a la carte restaurant and a licensed bar open daily from 6 pm. Reception is open 8 am to 7.30 pm. For bookings phone (08) 8680 2090 or visit www.gawlerrangesmotel.com.au.
The main shopping area for Wudinna is located behind the wheat silos. Most shops are on Burton Terrace and Ballantyne Street.
The Wudinna Hotel Motel is at 15-17 Burton Terrace, in the heart of Wudinna - phone (08) 8680 2019.
Behind Burton Terrace is Ballantyne Street. Here you can find Wudinna's Foodland supermarket at 49 Ballantyne Street, open 8.30 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 8.30 am to 12 noon on Saturday, and closed on Sunday - phone (08) 8680 2004. Next door, at 47 Ballantyne Street, is the Wudinna Bakery - phone (08) 8680 2238. Here you can buy freshly baked bread, cakes, pies and pasties - and I might add they are pretty good too. Opposite the Bakery are public conveniences. Also located on Ballantyne Street is Wudinna pharmacy where you can buy gifts and camera films.
Within Wudinna is a 26 bed hospital that has the services of an on call Doctor. Once a week a Dentist practises surgery in Wudinna. For emergency Roadside services the RAA can be contacted on (08) 13 11 11.
View from Ucontitchie
Wudinna Attractions
Wudinna is located within the heart of Granite Country. Around Wudinna are a number of interesting granite outcrops including Ucontitchie Hill, Mount Wudinna and Turtle Rock. Ucontitchie Hill is located 30 kilometres south of Wudinna and can be reached by travelling along a well maintained dirt road. After 30 kilometres you will need to pass through 3 farm gates before reaching the Hill which can be observed from the main road. When passing through these gates please leave them as you found them, that is to say, if the gates were closed then please close them. Ucontitchie is an inselberg of international geological significance and exhibits many fine examples of weathering structures.
Sheet structure Ucontitchie
For the Nullarbor traveller perhaps the Mount Wudinna Recreation Reserve is more accessible. Mount Wudinna Recreation Reserve can be accessed by heading down "Route 63" which is a well maintained dirt road travelling past some significant local granite formations. Along Route 63 are roads that access Turtle Rock and the Mount Wudinna Recreation Area. Within the Mount Wudinna Recreation area the traveller will find an exceptionally well maintained Bush Picnic site. This Bush Picnic site has FREE Gas Barbecues, public toilets, a water tank and comfortable facilties. If you are travelling around Australia and want to leave the bitumen for a while Mount Wudinna Recreation Reserve is definitely worth a couple of hours or so.
Throughout the Recreation Reserve are a number of short bush walking tracks. It's also an easy walk to ascend Mount Wudinna which is Australia's largest monolith after Uluru (Ayer's Rock). To be fair it is only 260 metres tall compared to Uluru's 335 metres however the views from the top are still quite magnificent. For the long distance traveller I would also recommend the Recreation Area as a pleasant place to have a picnic or rest break for an hour or 2 before continuing your journey. Mount Wudinna is where the locals go for a spot of recreation and might therefore appeal to those of you with children who need to stretch their legs.
View of farmland from Ucontitchie
Wudinna is also located within an hour's drive of the Gawler Ranges. For advice on local attractions and road conditions in the Gawler Ranges it is recommended you visit the Wudinna District Council Offices in Burton Terrace. The Council Offices will update you on current road conditions and offer you information brochures of the area.
Click here to visit the Wudinna District Council website for more information about Wudinna's local attractions. Le Hunte Council can also provide you with an information pack and advice if you email visitorinfo@lehunte.sa.gov.au.
Tafoni Structure Ucontitchie
Nullarbor Net Travel Tips
If you are travelling at night between Ceduna and Port Augusta, the Shell Roadhouse at Kimba has a card-and-note fuel vending pump for after hours, but many other stops close in the evening. Accordingly plan your fuel stops in advance, particularly if your vehicle's fuel tank has a limited range.
Click to go to Ucontitchie Hill
Wudinna: common questions
Is there fuel at Wudinna?
Yes - the Golden Wattle Roadhouse at 64 Eyre Highway is open 6 am to 9 pm every day. Phone (08) 8680 2084. It is not open overnight; the nearest after-hours fuel is the card-and-note fuel vending pump at the Shell roadhouse in Kimba, 103 km east.
What hotels and motels are in Wudinna?
The Gawler Ranges Motel and Caravan Park at 72 Eyre Highway - phone (08) 8680 2090 - and the Wudinna Hotel Motel at 15-17 Burton Terrace - phone (08) 8680 2019.
Does Wudinna have a caravan park?
Yes - the Gawler Ranges Motel and Caravan Park has powered sites and cabins. Phone (08) 8680 2090 or book at gawlerrangesmotel.com.au.
What are the Wudinna supermarket hours?
Foodland at 49 Ballantyne Street is open 8.30 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday and 8.30 am to 12 noon on Saturday, and closed on Sunday. Phone (08) 8680 2004.
Where is Wudinna?
On the Eyre Highway in the heart of the Eyre Peninsula's granite country, 34 km east of Minnipa and 103 km west of Kimba.
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.