The small town of Kimba in South Australia is a popular stopover for those traversing the Nullarbor Plain, but if you spend a few days there’s so much more to see (and do) than its famous giant pink galah.
Set against the striking backdrop of the Eyre Peninsula’s rugged and untamed landscape, Kimba is far more than a convenient stopover on the journey between Australia’s east and west coasts. With a welcoming spirit, vibrant atmosphere and plenty to offer every kind of visitor, Kimba is a great little town that invites travellers to stop, unwind and discover its many charms at their own pace.
Kimba marks the eastern gateway to the Gawler Ranges and is a region known for its vast open skies, rugged hills and mountains, salt flats, lakes and abundant wildlife. Nature enthusiasts will find no shortage of scenic highlights, whether heading out towards the coast — just over an hour away — or venturing the short drive into the outback.
The Barngarla people are the Traditional Owners of the ancestral lands of Kimba and districts. The first pioneer settlers arrived in the area in 1905, with Kimba officially becoming a township in 1915. By 1908, early farming efforts were underway, including the first planting of wheat using horse-drawn ploughs — marking the beginnings of the region’s strong agricultural roots.
Explore local art and history
- The Big Galah: There wouldn’t be many visitors to Kimba who don’t stop at the Halfway Across Australia souvenir shop to get a picture with the 8m-tall Big Galah. Originally built in 1993, the giant galah underwent a quirky makeover in 2021.
Kimba's giant pink galah is a must-visit for any trip to Kimba
- Silo art: The silo art by artist Cam Scale was painted in 2017 using 200L of paint. It is worth a visit, especially at night when it’s illuminated by solar lighting (Kimba Gateway Hotel has great views).
- Local art: There’s lots of street art to see including the High Street mosaic created by artist Karen Carr in 2019 and which features dancing dunnarts, mallee fowl and a guitar-strumming lizard. The Sharing our History mural is located at the recreation reserve and the Love is in the Eyre Mural can be found opposite Workshop26 on High Street. Kimba has also just unveiled a new art piece on the side of the town hall (Cross Street) which was also completed by the amazing Cam Scale.
- Workshop26: Housed in a revamped tractor shop, Workshop26 is Kimba’s creative quarter — a melting pot of makers and micro-businesses where you can see the masters like the in-house soap maker at work. You’ll also find locally made homewares and gifts, plus vintage and repurposed treasures.
Workshop26 is the town’s creative quarter
- Edward John Eyre Sculptures: Just a few kilometres out of town on one of the region’s many walking trails are the metal sculptures created by Roland Weight and Marcus Possingham in 2011. These figures are a tribute to explorer Edward John Eyre and Aboriginal tracker Whylie, whose bush skills Eyre so often relied on. Eyre is remembered as the first man to cross the continent and to record exploration of the three sides of the peninsula named in his honour.
- The Kimba and Gawler Ranges Historical Museum: Run by the Kimba and Gawler Ranges Historical Society, this museum comprises 17 buildings full of agricultural machinery, one teacher school building, a pioneer shop and a pine and pug home. Guided and self-guided tours are available.
- And for the kiddos, there’s the all-abilities playground and jumping pillow for hours of fun.
An outdoor enthusiast’s paradise
If you enjoy twitching, hiking, four-wheel driving or simply enjoying the great outdoors, there’s plenty on offer in the Kimba region:
Gawler Ranges National Park
Located 100km east of Kimba, Gawler Ranges National Park is renowned for its Organ Pipes, some of the largest volcanic rock formations in the world. The park is home to a range of native flora and fauna, best visited during the cooler months.
It features a number of 4WD and walking trails and attractions such as Old Paney Homestead, Policemans Point, Kolay Mirica Falls, Yandinga Falls and the Organ Pipes. There are seven campgrounds in the park, all of which are caravan and camper trailer friendly.
There are plenty of nature walks around Kimba
Roora Nature Trail
Located directly across the road from the Kimba Recreation Reserve (a free camp spot) in town. This 6km walking trip takes you to the very top of the Whites Knob Lookout where you’ll find the 8m-tall sculptures of Eyre and Whylie depicted overlooking a 360-degree view of the area. Bird watching tracks safely take you into the reserve for plenty of viewing opportunities. A guide on the flora and fauna is available and can be collected from the drop box at the head of the trail.
Also in this area is a kids' nature bike trail full of jumps and turns to burn off energy after a long day of driving. The adults can sit back and watch the kids from the nearby shelter complete with picnic table and benches.
The free camp at the Kimba Recreation Reserve
Secret Rocks Nature Reserve
This reserve has walking trails around the conservation area, allowing access to safely view the flora and fauna such as malleefowl, bandicoots and pygmy possums — without leaving any damage.
Mallee fowl at Secret Rocks Reserve
Lake Gilles Conservation Park
Only 18km from Kimba on the Eyre Highway, Lake Gilles Conservation Park comprises salt lakes, low sand dunes and isolated stony hills, and there are a number of drives and walking trails available around the lake.
Bird’s-eye view of Lake Gilles National Park
Pinkawillinie Conservation Park
This location is great for 4WD enthusiasts. A vast area of bushland that boasts vibrant wildflowers during spring, a popular 4WD attraction is Corrobinnie Hill consisting of unusually shaped granite rocks.
Bascombe Rocks
If you’re a star gazer, Bascombe Rocks — located on a sealed road about 20km out of town — is the perfect lookout for uninterrupted views of the skies.
Great skies for stargazing
Best fishing spots
While there may not be a beach in Kimba, it is only an hour away from great fishing spots at places such as Cowell, Arno Bay and Lucky Bay.
Make the most of your visit to Kimba
If you’ve got a few days (or more) to spend in Kimba, locals recommend starting the day at 9.30am with a lazy coffee/breakfast stop at Eileen’s cafe (closed weekends) and coffee lovers should wander over to the Coffee Pot for round two. If you’re an early bird, the Kimba Cafe, Big Galah Roadhouse or Shell Roadhouse are open for breakfast earlier in the day.
Start your day of exploring with a warm brew from the Coffee Pot
Have a wander around town and admire the art installations including the new piece by Cam Scale on the town hall before heading to Workshop26 for a unique shopping experience.
Everyone who passes through Kimba has to stop for a selfie at its famous Big Galah and the ‘Halfway Across Australia’ sign to celebrate making it to this iconic halfway point.
The historical museum is open by appointment, and you can spend the afternoon being guided through the site, where local insights bring early pioneer life to light. Then head over to the pub for a good old-fashioned country meal and enjoy a beer or maybe a glass of bubbles in the beer garden that overlooks the silo art which is lit by solar lights at night.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, or have more time to spend in Kimba, wake up early and get a head start on exploring the Gawler Ranges, wind your way through stations to the park where the Eastern Gateway has spectacular views like no other. Climb up the Kolay Mirica Falls, check the rocks for lizards or small ponds for any tadpoles, head on a 4WD adventure along the smaller tracks and take on the hiking trails at your leisure. Finish the day back in Kimba and make use of the car wash to scrub off the red dirt.
Caralue Bluff Conservation Park is another great area to explore near Kimba
How to get to Kimba
- From Adelaide: Approximately 468km. Take the Princes/Augusta Highway (A1) to Port Augusta and then the Eyre Highway through Iron Knob where you can check out the steel works — guided tours are available.
- From the west: From Perth it’s a massive 2143km trek, but if you’re coming from Ceduna then it’s a more doable 313km along the Eyre Highway. Check out Wudinna on the way in or come via the Gawler Ranges (Minnipa or Wudinna Gateways).
Caravan-friendly accommodation
There is no shortage of places to stay in and around Kimba with or without your caravan and it’s a perfect base camp for your adventures in the surrounding area and down into the Eyre Peninsula. Here are some of the best caravan-friendly options:
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Kimba Recreation Reserve: Great for caravans, RVs or even a tent or swag, this free camping area is conveniently located in the centre of town and allows travellers to stay for up to five days (longer stays can be arranged with the council).
This camping area is well setup for travellers, offering plenty of amenities that make extended stays comfortable and easy. There are two toilet blocks, two coin-operated showers (bring your $1 coins) and what many call the most user-friendly dump point in the region. The camp kitchen is a fan-favourite, featuring four free barbecues, multiple sinks, plenty of bench space and seating, and even baking paper dispensers for easy clean-up.
This free campsite has taken out top honours as the Best Grey Nomad Council Free-Stay Campsite in Australia for three years running, and now proudly holds a place in the Grey Nomad Awards Hall of Fame.
The kitchen at the town’s free camp
- Kimba Motel Roadhouse and Caravan Park: Located right on the Eyre Highway, this caravan park provides a mix of powered and unpowered caravan-friendly sites, along with clean and comfortable motel-style accommodation for those travelling without a van. Guests also have access to a range of facilities.
- Gawler Ranges National Park: There are seven campgrounds in the national park that offer varied amenities. All are suitable for caravans and camper trailers, but make sure you check the vehicle requirements before you leave. Bookings are required and can be made online.
Best time of year to visit
The cooler months of April through to October is the best time to visit Kimba and when sightseeing and day trips will be more enjoyable. It’s also the time of year you will see wildflowers in the region.
The town is quieter during the hotter summer months.
What’s on in Kimba
Plan your visit to Kimba to coincide with some terrific events in the latter part of the year.
- Kimba Agricultural Show (mid/late September): First established in 1921, this is one of only 122 agricultural shows still surviving. See a range of exhibits from art, agricultural produce, preserves, shearing, horses in action, hobbies and handicrafts, wool and cooking.
- Workshop26 host Rural Women’s Day (early/mid-October): A full day of sessions and speakers inspiring women across the Eyre Peninsula. Check their socials for more details.
- Biennial Kimba Art Prize (all October 2025): A vibrant celebration of fine art and photography, drawing in an impressive lineup of talented artists from across South Australia and beyond. The exhibition showcases a diverse range of creative works, making it a must-visit for art lovers and cultural explorers alike.
- Remembrance Day Service (11 November): Held at the Kimba Soldiers Memorial Gardens on High Street. Join council-elected members and staff, community and RSL members in observation of the day.
- Workshop26 Christmas Markets (early December): This creative little quarter comes alive during the festive season and is abundant with a range of stall holders.
- Kimba Christmas celebrations and pageant (mid-December): Join the community for a big street party to celebrate the end of the year. There’ll be entertainment, food and a pageant full of local faces.
More than just a stopover
Whether you’re staying a night or settling in for a few days, Kimba offers the kind of small-town hospitality, natural beauty and quirky artistic charm that makes any road trip memorable.
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