BACKGROUND:
Minnipa
is a small township located 34 kilometres to the west of Wudinna
and 34 kilometres east of Poochera. Minnipa is situated within
South Australia's grain belt with wheat being the most common
crop grown in the area. As with other central and northern Eyre
Peninsula settlements the existence of extensive granite domes
proved to be unique features that enabled the collection and
conservation of rainwater runoff. In the early days of European
settlement water was such a precious commodity that even as late
as 1913 local railway services were used to transport drinking
water for stock along with the usual traffic of passengers, food
items and mail. Without the ability to collect rainwater
European settlement of the area would have been delayed for many
years. Also located within the Minnipa area is the Minnipa
Agricultural Centre which conducts applied research relating to
dryland agriculture and associated farming technologies. To the
North East of Minnipa lie the sheep grazing country and Gawler
Ranges National Park.
FACILITIES
AVAILABLE:
Minnipa
APEX Park is located on the main Eyre Highway and is the Tourist
Information Bay and rest area for travellers passing the town.
Within the Information Bay is a picnic area and barbecue site
operated by 20 cent pieces. Above the barbecue is a light for
night time barbecues. Adjacent to the barbecue area is a
building signposted as "Concrete Crappa". I'll leave
that to you to discover what it means. The area is surrounded by
trees and would provide quite a pleasant rest stop and place to
stretch the legs.
To enter
the main township of Minnipa you need to turn off the main
highway. Located on Railway Terrace you will find the Minnipa
Mobil Roadhouse. The Minnipa Roadhouse sells fuel and some
takeaway foods such as Hamburgers, chickens, pies, pasties and
so on. The opening hours for the Minnipa Roadhouse are Monday to
Thursday 7-30 am to 7-30 pm. Friday and Saturday times are 7-30
am to 8-00 pm. Opening hours for Sunday are 7-30 am to 7-00 pm.
Minnipa
IGA grocery supermarket is located on Railway Terrace. The
supermarket has EFTPOS facilities and accepts Bank Card, Visa
and Master Card. Opening hours are 9-00 am to 5-30 pm Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday hours are 9-00 am to
6-00 pm and Saturday is from 9-00 am to 11-00 am. On Sundays the
supermarket is closed.
Just down
the street from the supermarket is the Minnipa Hotel Motel.
Opening hours for the Hotel are 9-00 am to 12-00 am Monday to
Saturday. Sunday hours are 11-30 am to 1-00 pm. Adjacent to the
hotel is the Motel complex. Minnipa Motel prices range from $45
- $55 for a single room, $60 - $68 for a double and $60 - $68
for a twin room with extras at $10 per head. For a family of 2
adults and 2 children prices range from $70 - $85. Minnipa Motel
accepts Diners Club, Visa, Master Card Bank Card American
Express cards.
Minnipa
Caravan Park is located on the main Eyre Highway and is priced
at $14 per family. If you arrive after hours just park for the
night or honk your horn. Pets are allowed on leash. Bookings for
the Caravan Park can also be made at Minnipa Hotel.
Eyre
Engine Developments perform mechanical repairs and act as the
local RAA agent for emergency roadside repairs. The RAA phone
number is (08) 8680 5114.
THINGS
TO DO:
As with
other towns in this area of Eyre Peninsula the main attractions
are a variety of granite outcrops. Tcharkulda Rock is 3
kilometres east of Minnipa and as with most granite domes in the
area a wall surrounds the base of the structure to funnel water
runoff into an underground water tank. Located within the
vicinity of Tcharkulda Rock are picnic, barbecue and toilet
facilities. Given that Tcharkulda Rock is so close to the main
Eyre Highway it might be a good place to eat your lunch before
continuing your journey. 18 kilometres to the north of Minnipa
is Pildappa Rock which has a spectacular wave form. This wave
form is the result of a process of chemical weathering that occurred
when soil levels were at higher levels surrounding the granite
structure. Some people consider Pildappa Rock to be a rival to
Western Australia's Wave Rock. Located near Pildappa Rock is a
picnic area with a free gas barbecue, water facilities, toilets
and picnic area.
To the
North of Minnipa is the sheep station country of the Gawler
Ranges and the Gawler Ranges National Park. Some of the roads in
this area may at times be in poor condition. If you wish to
visit the Gawler Ranges it may pay to get some up to date local
advice from the Minnipa Roadhouse.