It was time to head back inland, and our first stop was just outside Minnipa.
Tcharkulda Rock
Although it was still mostly overcast, the wind did blow the clouds around so there were some glimpses of blue sky and sun as we clambered around the rocks.
We spent two nights camped at Pildappa Park, just behind the rock. It was a lovely peaceful spot, with views out to the Gawler Ranges.
Gawler Ranges Organ Pipes
We finally had a day with sun and minimal wind - perfect for a drive up to the Gawler Ranges. The only problem was that the road had been closed the day before because of the rain... so I kept checking the website, hoping it would open again before it was too late to get up there. Finally, at about 11am, it was listed as open for 4WD only, so I quickly made lunch and we were off. The roads were gravel, and although corrugated, there was no need for 4WD as there weren't even any soft spots.
In the rush to leave I had forgotten to buy a National Park day pass, so we pulled over before the park and set up the Starlink and had lunch.
On the road in to the Organ Pipes there was a Sand Goanna. He politely waited while Dazz pulled up and got out his camera.
The organ pipes were really interesting.
With all the rocks around there were bound to be more lizards. The sign board at the start of the walk had the names or a couple of them, which motivated me to do the research to work out what the others were.
Tree Skink
There was quite an array of flowers, but I'm not doing the research to find out all their names (or whether some of them are weeds)!
There were quite a few birds, and although I glimpsed the White-browed Babbler, Dazz didn't get a photo. On our way back to the car there was one group of shrubs with quite a few vocal birds, including one we weren't sure of until Dazz got a shot. It wasn't the best photo, but enough to identify it.
Gilbert's Whistler
Singing Honeyeater
Inland Thornbill
Just as we began to drive out of the parking area I spotted another lizard, so Dazz stopped again and grabbed his camera.
Crested dragon
A bit further along the road I noticed two Eastern Shinglebacks, so we had to stop again.
And then a bit further along there was a nice view of the ranges, so I put in an order for another pano.
We were very happy that we had adjusted our schedule for the heat and rain in order to fit in a taste of the Gawler Ranges.
The next day we were back on the Eyre Highway heading east, but before we hit the highway at Minnipa we had to stop for a photo of this beautiful spring garden.
Our only other photo stop on the Eyre Highway was Kimba, the home of The Big Galah.
Now we're back in the agricultural area we have started looking out for silo art.
We walked a loop around the town and came across some more murals.
