Yourambulla Caves

Useful Information

Location:	11 km south of Hawker. B83 Flinder Ranges Way 10 km, turn right on The Oaks Road 500 m, turn right on unnamed road 900 m. Parking lot at the end of the road. 20 min hike uphill. (-31.9515549, 138.3712799)
Open:	no restrictions. [2026]
Fee:	free. [2026]
Classification:	Painted Cave
Light:	n/a
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided, D=2 h.
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no, many stairs
Bibliography:
Address:	Yourambulla Caves, Hawker, South Australia, 5434.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

2014	closed to the public.

Description

The Yourambulla Caves contain some excellent examples of Aboriginal rock paintings. The cave paintings use local pigments, black either from manganese, charcoal, or charred bark, red and yellow ochre and white pipe clay. The pigments are mixed with animal fat and other binders. Typical motives are local animals, the tracks of those animals, hand negatives, and geometric patterns. The view from the cave on the surrounding ranges is marvellous.

The name Yourambulla is derived from the words "yura bila" which means two men in the language of the Adnymathanha people of the Flinders Ranges. This refers to the two peaks to the East which represent two ancestral companions who camped at this place while traveling in the Dreamtime. The legend tells how the Adnymathanha moiety or kinship system came into being, follows two matrilineal lines of descent, Arraru and Mathari.

The cave is located at the hillside in the desert southwest of Hawker. There is a huge parking lot, where the 20 min hike starts. The cave is actually a rock overhang, the geology is not suitable for large cave, the overhang was formed by a combination of wind erosion and tectonic movements. The site is well developed and has paved trails, railings, and the actual shelter is fenced off for its protection. Nevertheless, it’s possible to see the whole shelter and all the paintings from the fence. There are also interpretive signs explaining the background. There are actually three shelters, so if you have seen the first do not turn around, follow the trail to the next. Wear comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and water are essential. Also, insect repellent is advisable, as there are many flies.

The site is officially closed due to public liability insurance costs. So the historic site, which is located on private land, has been closed by signage. Of course, we do not suggest to ignore the signage and visit the site illegally without insurance.