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Hawker, a charming town in South Australia, offers a serene countryside escape with plenty of things to do in Hawker. Nestled near the stunning Flinders Ranges, the town is surrounded by scenic, dish-shaped hills and vast pastures—ideal for nature lovers. Visitors can explore historic buildings, browse through retro shops, and relax in cosy cafes. The old railway charm blends perfectly with the area’s natural beauty, making it a peaceful yet engaging destination. Whether you’re hiking nearby trails or simply strolling through town, Hawker promises a delightful rural retreat.
Top 10 Things To Do In Hawker
Discover the top things to do in Hawker, a scenic gateway to South Australia’s outback beauty.
1. Drop By The Hawker Visitor Information Centre
Photo: Mark Dalton / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Your Hawker exploration can be kick-started by visiting the Hawker Visitor Information Centre located in Teague’s Hawker Motors. This privately owned place offers abundant information, tips, and resources for the people visiting Hawker. Most of the employees working in the centre are born and raised in Hawker, and can thus give you authentic and first-hand experiences and information about the places around. The Hawker Seismographic station is also located in the same complex, where you can view a working seismograph. The centre is a one-stop destination for all your exploration needs.
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Average Cost: N/A
2. Explore The Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
Photo: Rega Chen / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
A trip to Hawker is incomplete without exploring the stunning Flinders Ranges National Park. This iconic destination offers some of the most incredible things to do in Hawker, from hiking scenic trails and mountain biking to birdwatching and four-wheel driving. The park features over 10 well-equipped campgrounds, allowing you to spend a night under the stars surrounded by breathtaking outback landscapes. Don’t miss visiting Wilpena Pound, where you can marvel at ancient rock formations. The park’s rich wildlife and natural beauty make it a perfect adventure spot for all nature lovers.
Location: Blinman SA 5730
Timings: 24*7
Average Cost: $11.2 / ₹970
3. Visit The Jeff Morgan Gallery
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The Jeff Morgan Gallery, situated at the heart of the Flinders Ranges, is an iconic place to view the beautiful panoramic paintings of the Ranges by the renowned artist Jeff Morgan. The gallery also features rocks, minerals, and car collections, along with other unique memorabilia. The landscape painting in the gallery includes the scenic depictions of Wilpena, Arkaroola, Roon’s Creek, and Cooper Creek. Each painting took 1000s of hours of meticulous, hard work and dedication by the artist. The Jeff Morgan Gallery is a haven for art enthusiasts.
Location: 61 Cradock Rd
Timings: 9.30 AM – 4 PM ( Monday-Saturday) & 11 AM – 4 PM (Sunday)
Average Cost: $10 – 15 / ₹870 – 1300
4. Sip A Soda At Flinders Food Co.
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If you want a taste of authentic native-inspired drinks and food, you can never go wrong with Flinders Food Co. All the ingredients are locally sourced, fresh, and hygienic. Flinders Food Co. is home to many signature drinks and dishes, including the Quandong Soda. Founded by Louise and Doogal Hannagan, the place offers an indie atmosphere with a range of delicious food. Some of the most exquisite dinner dishes include the famous Gambas Al Ajillo, Barramundi, and slow-cooked beef cheeks. Outback Pavlova is a popular dessert item made with meringue, passion fruit, berries, and fresh cream.
Location: 66 Elder Terrace
Timings: 7.30 AM – 8 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Average Cost: $20 – 40 / ₹1800 – 3500
5. Bunyeroo Gorge Hike
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If you’re seeking adventure, the Bunyeroo Gorge hike is one of the best things to do in Hawker. Surrounded by rugged mountain ranges and lined with gum trees, this breathtaking gorge was once a copper transport route in the 19th century. The 7.5-kilometre return trail takes around four hours and is rated Grade 3, making it a moderately challenging hike. Accessible by car, the trail lets you explore ancient creek beds and fascinating geological formations. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography.
Location: Flinders Ranges, SA 5434
Timings: 24*7
Average Cost: $13.5 / ₹1200
6. Arkaroo Rock Walk
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The Arkaroo Rock is another iconic location situated in the Flinders Ranges. The rock is culturally significant due to its Aboriginal rock art. You can view the gorgeously preserved paintings after walking a 3-kilometre-long trail. The trail is slightly elevated and goes through thick vegetation of native fauna. You can also catch sight of the wildlife, such as wallabies and kangaroos, if you are lucky. The beautiful red path and the surrounding red mountains give the whole landscape a mesmerising look that will stay in your memory forever. At the end of the trail, you can view the stunning Arkaroo Rock, inside which there are ancient paintings made by using white and red ochre along with charcoal.
Location: Arkaroo Rock Trail, Flinders Ranges
Timings: 24*7
Average Cost: $11 / ₹950
7. View The Old Ghan Railway Line
Photo: Roderick Eime / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Old Ghan Railway Line, also known as the Great Northern Railway, is a popular site for all history buffs. The railway line used to run from Port Augusta to Alice Springs in the 1930s. The name “Ghan” originates from the early Afghan cameleers who played a significant role in the transportation of people and goods from the stations to remote outposts. The railway line is a symbol of the prosperous transport and trade heritage of Australia, where Hawker used to be a significant stop on the original route.
Location: Cradock Street
Nearest Attraction: Jeff Morgan Gallery
8. Visit Fred Teague’s Museum
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Fred Teague’s museum is a quaint little museum situated in the Hawker Motors that has a collection of gemstones, photographs, and other memorabilia. The museum was started by Fred Teague, a chronic collector who had collected relics symbolic of the early settlers for over 60 years. The museum also has rock and mineral collections, ranging from bornite to crystals. Other displays include a camel shoe, a pedal radio, and relics from the deserted town of Waukaringa. The museum has ample facilities for the visitors, including a car park, food and refreshments, public toilets, and charging points for electric vehicles.
Location: Cnr. Wilpena & Cradock Rds
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
9. Trek To The Jarvis Hill Lookout
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The Jarvis Hill Lookout is a popular attraction for tourists who can view the entire Hawker township along with the ranges. From the top, you can see the Worumba and Wonoka Hills, Wilpena Pound, and Elder Range. The lookout is at an elevation of 500 meters, and you will get a 360-degree panoramic view of the landscape. The view alone makes this one of the most beautiful things to see in Hawker. The summit can be accessed by a dirt road, which often gets slippery during wet seasons. The hike to the lookout point takes around 20 to 45 minutes.
Location: Hawker SA 5434
Timings: 24*7
Average Cost: $11 / ₹950
10. Hunt For Gems And Rocks
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One of the most rewarding experiences when exploring what to do in Hawker is fossicking for gems and rocks. Known for its rich geological diversity, Hawker offers spots like Reaphook Hill, where you can find rare minerals such as bornite, scholzite, and beryl. Copper minerals like malachite are common in the Blinman and Parachilna areas, while quartz crystals can be found in Waukaringa. No license is needed on public land, but private fossicking requires a permit. Tools and maps are available at local shops or the visitor centre, making it easy to collect unique souvenirs.
Location: Hawker SA 5434
Timings: 24*7
Average Cost: N/A
Hawker is a charming gateway to South Australia’s outback, offering a peaceful nature escape. From fossicking for gems to exploring Aboriginal culture, there’s no shortage of things to do in Hawker. Enjoy a mix of scenic landscapes, local crafts, and outdoor adventures. With its unique blend of history and natural beauty, Hawker promises an unforgettable getaway. Plan your perfect countryside trip today—book now with TripXL for an authentic outback experience.
Cover Photo: Christian Bass / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
