ucontitchie
Hill
a
unique Inselberg
![](ucontichie_11.jpg)
Ucontitchie
Hill is a prominent landmark 30 kilometres to the South of
Wudinna. Ucontitchie Hill is a domed granite formation rising to
a height of 37 metres above the surrounding plain. As an
Inselberg structure it is of international geological
significance and exhibits many well developed and well defined
structures and forms that are a result of chemical weathering
processes. About 300 people visit Uncontitchie Hill each year.
![](ucontiche_5.jpg)
Around
the base of the hill can be seen unique wave structures
indicating previous levels of long since eroded soils. As you
rise to the peak of Ucontitchie Hill you can observe vast slab
like structures and fascinating sheets and boulders of granite
that have been internally eroded into features known as Tafoni.
If you are a photographer wishing to capture Tafoni features on
film I would recommend using a flash. From a photographic point
of view it is a bit difficult to do full justice to Ucontitchie
Hill. I personally would recommend one or 2 distant shots
combined with lots of close ups of the many packed features that
are found on this unique Inselberg.
![](image_ucontichie_7.jpg)
From
the early days of settlement Ucontitchie Hill has been used as a
source for capturing rainwater runoff. On the northern side of
the hill can be seen a water train for collecting this runoff
and near the top of Ucontitchie Hill a rainwater tank can be
seen that gravity feeds water down to farms below the hill.
While
the height of Ucontitchie Hill is only 37 metres it is not a
climb for everyone. My own view is that it should not be climbed
by the elderly, the infirm, or very young children. The hill can
be very steep in places and very young children are best left at
the bottom of the hill. My own view is that the best approach to
climb this hill is from the southern end near where the gravity
fed water pipeline descends to the farm below. On wet days the
lichen encrusted granite can become slippery and so it is
recommended that all care be taken.
![](image_ucontichie_8.jpg)
Entry
to Ucontitchie costs $1-00 or $2-00 which is placed in an
honesty box at the base of the hill. Just look for the old ice
chest! A geological publication about Ucontitchie Hill is also
available from the icebox. The price is written on the ice box.
This publication may be a little on the technical side for some
however it is nevertheless an interesting read. This publication
is also available from the council offices in Wudinna. If you
liked Ucontitchie Hill maybe you should check out Pildappa Rock
near Minnipa or have a look at Murphy's Hay Stacks which are
located 40 kilometres south east of Streaky Bay, about 1
kilometre off the Port Lincoln coastal highway. When leaving
Ucontichie don't forget to leave the gates as you found them.
Access to this area is dependent on the good will of local
farmers.
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