| Cost | Donation site (current), budget priced (new campground from April) |
|---|---|
| Location | Pildappa Rock, Wudinna, Eyre Peninsula, South Australia |
| Pet Friendly | See Camps App |
| Campfires | See Camps App |
| Facilities | BBQ, shelter, seats, toilets, bins (being refurbished) |
| Vehicle Access | Good highway access |
| In Camps App | Yes – find current details in Camps App |
Favourite camping destination, Pildappa Rock in South Australia will temporarily close from Australia Day, 2024. It will reopen on April 1 as a day use only area.
However, the good news is a new budget priced camping area, on private land is planned next door.
Craig Midgley, the Economic and Community Development Manager at Wudinna Council said, ”You’ll be able to walk 100 yards to Pildappa Rock, from the new campground.”
“We want to keep campers at Pildappa. It is an iconic site.”
We asked Craig why the changes were required. He said, ”Unfortunately, Pildappa is being heavily used at the expense of the whole reserve. It has been ‘loved to death’. It is more than a rock, we need to protect the entire reserve, its flora and fauna.”
He explained, the region is vast, arid and remote. Wudinna is located in the northern section of Eyre Peninsula, close to the unique Gawler Ranges National Park. Council workers cover huge distances and the maintenance required for camping at Pildappa with the increase in use is more than Council and the community can afford.
“More than 99% of campers do the right thing, however we’ve had to take a hard line to keep this a favourite place.”
The two month refurbishment of the site will include:
- Internal track and car park works (including track to the new bush camping node)
- Renewal and refurbishment of facilities on the reserve including BBQ and shelter, seats, toilets and bins
- Reinstatement of the walking trail around the base of the rock and better definition of other trails on the reserve
- New signage including directional ‘wayfinding’ signage to guide visitors to the site
- Landscaping and revegetation works
Pildappa Rock has good access to the highway, great views – and for now until January 26, you can camp around it.
Craig also said another favourite camping spot is Tcharkuldu Rock, near Minnipa. Also a donation site, it is pet friendly with a toilet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is Pildappa Rock campground closing for camping?
Pildappa Rock will temporarily close for camping from Australia Day (January 26), 2024. It will reopen on April 1, 2024 as a day use only area.
Will there still be camping available near Pildappa Rock?
Yes, a new budget priced camping area on private land is planned next door to Pildappa Rock. You’ll be able to walk approximately 100 yards from the new campground to Pildappa Rock.
Why is Pildappa Rock closing to camping?
The site has been heavily used to the point where it’s been ‘loved to death’. Council needs to protect the entire reserve including its flora and fauna, and the maintenance required with increased use is more than Council and the community can afford.
What improvements are being made during the closure?
The two month refurbishment includes track and car park works, renewal of BBQ and shelter facilities, seats, toilets and bins, reinstatement of walking trails, new wayfinding signage, and landscaping and revegetation works.
Can I still visit Pildappa Rock after it reopens?
Yes, Pildappa Rock will reopen on April 1, 2024 as a day use area. Visitors can stay at the new campground next door and walk to the rock.
Are there other camping options near Pildappa Rock?
Yes, Tcharkuldu Rock near Minnipa is another popular camping spot in the area. It’s a donation site that is pet friendly with a toilet.
Where exactly is Pildappa Rock located?
Pildappa Rock is located in the Wudinna area on the northern Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, close to the Gawler Ranges National Park.
What facilities will be available at the new campground?
Check the Camps App for current details about facilities at the new campground once it opens.
