Nilpena Ediacara National Park
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Embark on a mesmerising journey into the past at Nilpena Ediacara National Park, a living chronicle of Earth’s earliest complex animal life. This park offers an unparalleled glimpse into the origins of life itself, making it a must-visit for any history, nature, or science enthusiast.
Nestled on the western fringes of the Flinders Ranges, this park spans over 60,617 hectares of landscapes. Here, you’ll find yourself standing on the grounds of the former Nilpena Pastoral Station, which borders Lake Torrens National Park.
Enter the park by joining a guided tour. These tours are in high demand and are best booked at least a week in advance. Tours begin at the Nilpena gateway, a dramatic stone wall standing as the entry point to the park.
Immerse yourself in an Ediacaran fossil experience at our on-site facility, the former blacksmith shop. With curated lighting and cutting-edge audio-visual technology, you will have the opportunity to closely examine these fossils, including the star of the show, Alice’s Restaurant Bed.
A four-hour Fossil Field Exploration Tour is also available and run by Nilpena Ediacara Tours in conjunction with the Prairie Hotel. Visit the Prairie Hotel website to book.
Please note, the park is a site of international significance that requires protection. Access to the park is by guided tour only. We appreciate your understanding in preserving this invaluable testament to our planet’s history.
Nilpena also serves as a photographer’s paradise with panoramic views of the northern Flinders Ranges and the perennial springs offering unique shooting opportunities.
Learn more about Nilpena, the single most important site on the planet for the Ediacaran rise of early animal life.
The creation and establishment of Nilpena Ediacara National Park has been realised through South Australian Government funding and Commonwealth Government grants, in partnership with the Flinders Ranges Ediacara Foundation, Wyss Foundation Campaign for Nature, and Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.