The national park originated as the 1,200 km2 (463 sq mi) Paney Station pastoral lease, which was acquired in 2000 by the South Australian Government with assistance from the Australian Government. In 2001 some 420 km2 (162 sq mi) of the adjacent Scrubby Peak Station was acquired and added to the national park.[3]
The national park is 40 km (25 mi) north of Wudinna, 40 km (25 mi) north-east of Minnipa and is accessible using high ground clearance two wheel drive vehicles via the gravel roads from Kimba, WudinnaorMinnipa.[4][5][6]
Camping is permissible and encouraged at several campgrounds. Although some have toilets, there are minimal other facilities and visitors are encouraged to take adequate food, water, fuel and firewood with them.[4]
Historic sites in the national park include the Old Paney Homestead, the Policemans Point precinct, Stone Dam, and Pondanna Outstation, where agriculture was attempted in the early 20th century. Notable landmarks are Paney Bluff, Mount Allalone, Mount Sturt, Conical Hill and Scrubby Peak. Other scenic sites are Kolay Mirica Falls, the Organ Pipes and Yandinga Gorge.
^"Gawler Ranges National Park". National Parks South Australia. Government of South Australia. Archived from the original on 25 December 2015. Retrieved 17 January 2016.
^"Gawler ranges: Eco-tourism". National Reserve System. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Australia. 9 May 2011. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
