Pildappa Rock, South Australia: Location, walks and gnamma holes

Pildappa Rock, South Australia, is a great detour off the Eyre Highway. Near Minnipa and the Gawler Ranges, this giant inselberg has wave-like rock edges.

Pildappa Rock is South Australia’s equivalent of the better-known Wave Rock in Western Australia. It’s a big granite outcrop, with several wave-like formations around the side. The overall feel is of a breaking ocean wave, frozen and fossilised on land.

Geologically, Pildappa Rock is an inselberg – similar to Uluru. It has a pink colour that makes it extra photogenic.

Where is Pildappa Rock, South Australia?

Pildappa Rock is just off the Eyre Highway as it crosses the top of the Eyre Peninsula. The nearest settlement to Pildappa Rock is Minnipa. It’s not too much of a detour off the highway – it’s about 15km away from Minnipa, before you hit the Gawler Ranges.

Don’t want to drive the Nullarbor? Then consider a ten day camping adventure tour from Perth to Adelaide (or in the opposite direction).

It’s possible to drive all the way round Pildappa Rock, but it is best explored on foot. There are several walking tracks around the big inselberg, which allow you to get up close and pose under the breaking rock wave.

Pildappa Rock near the Gawler Ranges, South Australia. Photo by Isaac Forman.

Gnamma holes at Pildappa Rock

There are picnic areas on the northern and southern side, managed by the Wudinna District Council, should you wish to extend your visit.

Aside from the wave formations, the other unusual thing about Pildappa Rock is the gnamma holes. These are natural rock cavities that sink deep into the granite, ensuring a near permanent water supply.

Historically, Aboriginal people would use these gnamma holes as water tanks, covering them to prevent evaporation and animals getting in.

Pildappa Rock to Streaky Bay or Ceduna

Pildappa Rock is best seen on the drive from Port Augusta to Ceduna, before crossing the Nullarbor Plain. The road to Pildappa Rock is unsealed, but you don’t need a 4WD vehicle to get down it. The road is in pretty good condition.

The Pildappa Rock to Streaky Bay is 111km long, and takes around 1h12m. The distance from Pildappa Rock to Ceduna is 188km, making for a driving time of just over two hours.