The Breakaways

GPS Tracks

237 The Breakaways (GPX)

Kanku – Breakaways Conservation Park consists of colourful low hills which have broken away from the Stuart Range, hence their name ‘The Breakaways.’ The two lookouts highlight the open spaces and colourful environment, leaving an impression of the long gone inland sea that our early explorers dreamt of. As the day goes by, the passing of the sun changes the desert colours, creating photogenic scenes that appear surreal.

Note that currently there are no tracks in the park and as it is a registered Aboriginal Heritage Site climbing the hills is a breach of the Aboriginal Heritage Act.

Lookouts

Picnic Facilities

No Dogs Permitted

Arid or Desert

236m

Maximum Elevation

Total Climb

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Getting there:

Head 21km north of Coober Pedy on the Stuart Highway and turn right (signposted) onto a graded road, which after 11km brings you to the car park and lookout area. 4WD recommended, but is accessible by conventional vehicle if you are careful.

There is an option (4WD only) to turn right just before the car park and take the track out to the 'dog fence' and back to Coober Pedy.

Maps:

Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park

Route/Trail notes:

Unfortunately there are no walking tracks in the park and it is breach of the Aboriginal Heritage Act to climb the hills as they are part of a registered Aboriginal Heritage Site. There are numerous aboriginal heritage act signs throughout the park asking people not to climb the landforms. It is planned to have walking trails in the park in the next couple of years.

Permits/Costs:

Vehicle entry permit ($10.00 in 2019) can be purchased from Coober Pedy Visitor Information Centre. Fees collected are used for conservation and to maintain and improve park facilities.

Other References/Comments:

From the lookout, the locally named ‘Castle’ or ‘Salt & Pepper’ can be seen in an easterly direction. This outcrop has been used in a number of films and advertisements, while Panorama Hill situated in the middle, features in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and Ground Zero.