Just north of Coober Pedy, the land breaks into a series of colourful mesas and low hills. The Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park protects this landscape and its cultural significance to the Antakirinja Matuntjara Yankunytjatjara people.
Ownership and culture
The park is owned by the Antakirinja Matuntjara Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation (AMYAC). It is co-managed with the District Council of Coober Pedy and the South Australian Department for Environment and Water. The entire park is a registered Aboriginal heritage site.
When visiting:
- Stay on roads, tracks and at lookouts.
- Don't climb on or remove rocks, artefacts or plants.
- Respect any signs about restricted areas.
See visiting Country respectfully.
Entry permit
You need a vehicle entry permit:
- $13.50 per vehicle, or $11.20 concession, as listed by National Parks and Wildlife Service SA.
- Book online, or buy it from the Coober Pedy Visitor Information Centre or Underground Books in Coober Pedy.
- Coober Pedy residents and Antakirinja Matuntjara Yankunytjatjara people don't need to pay.
Fees can change, so check the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA page before visiting.
Getting there
The park is about 25 km north of Coober Pedy. There are two main access routes:
- Via the Stuart Highway: take the signposted turn-off north of town.
- Via Kempe Road (Oodnadatta Road): an alternative route from Coober Pedy.
Check the Desert Parks Bulletin and the Outback Road Report (1300 361 033) before you go, because unsealed roads can close after rain. If you don't want to drive, local tour operators run trips, often at sunset. See Coober Pedy underground tours.
What to see
- Lookouts: the lookouts give wide views over the mesas and plains, and the light is especially good at sunrise and sunset. At the main lookout information shelter, you can read stories about the area and learn about its spiritual significance.
- Arid scenery: the park covers almost 15,000 hectares.
- Plants: almost 60 native plant species, including acacias, mallee and eremophila.
- Wildlife: red kangaroos, euros, echidnas, numerous birds and the fat-tailed dunnart, a mouse-like marsupial.
Park rules
- No camping or accommodation in the park.
- Wood and solid-fuel fires are banned year-round. Gas and liquid-fuel fires are allowed except on total fire ban days.
- Firewood collection is prohibited.
- No bins. Take all your rubbish with you.
- Respect geological and heritage sites, and don't remove plants.
- The park closes on Catastrophic Fire Danger days, and may close on Extreme Fire Danger days.
- It isn't included in the SA park pass system.
Best time to visit
The cooler months, roughly April to October, are the most comfortable. In summer, temperatures can be extreme, so visit early or late in the day and carry plenty of water. Sunset is a favourite time for colour. See outback photography and outback summer heat.
Safety
- Carry water, a hat and sunscreen. There's little shade.
- Stay back from cliff edges, which can be unstable.
- Unsealed roads can be slippery or closed after rain.
- Mobile coverage may be limited. Tell someone your plans.
- Don't drive at night if you can avoid it, because of wildlife and stock.
See outback safety.
Combining with Coober Pedy
Most visitors spend a few days in Coober Pedy and set aside half a day for the Breakaways. A typical plan:
- Morning: buy your entry permit, explore underground churches, dugouts and the opal mining museums in town.
- Afternoon: relax underground during the heat of the day.
- Late afternoon: drive to the park for sunset at the lookouts, then return to town before dark if you can.
If you'd rather not drive the unsealed roads, join a local tour. See Coober Pedy and Coober Pedy underground tours.
Photography tips
- Arrive at least an hour before sunset to explore the lookouts and plan your shots.
- A wide-angle lens captures the scale of the mesas and plains. A telephoto picks out layers and textures.
- Bring a tripod for low-light shots after sunset.
- Watch for dust on lenses and sensors in windy conditions.
- Stay on tracks and at lookouts, and respect cultural sites. Don't fly drones without checking park rules.
See outback photography.
Facilities
Facilities in the park are limited, and there are no bins. Bring everything you need from Coober Pedy, including water, food and fuel, and take all rubbish with you.
Nearby
Frequently asked questions
How far are the Breakaways from Coober Pedy?
The Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park is about 25 km north of Coober Pedy. You can reach it via the Stuart Highway turn-off or via Kempe Road, with conditions to check before you go.
Do you need a permit to visit the Breakaways?
Yes. A vehicle entry permit is required. National Parks and Wildlife Service SA lists it at $13.50 per vehicle, or $11.20 concession. You can book online, or buy one from the Coober Pedy Visitor Information Centre or Underground Books. Coober Pedy residents and Antakirinja Matuntjara Yankunytjatjara people are exempt.
Can you camp at the Breakaways?
No. National Parks and Wildlife Service SA says camping isn't permitted and there's no accommodation in the park. Stay in Coober Pedy and visit on a day trip.
When is the best time to visit the Breakaways?
The cooler months, roughly April to October, are the most comfortable. Sunrise and sunset bring the best colour and softer light for photography. Summer can be extremely hot.
Who manages Kanku-Breakaways?
The park is owned by the Antakirinja Matuntjara Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation and co-managed with the District Council of Coober Pedy and the South Australian Department for Environment and Water. Since 2013, a co-management board has managed the park.
Sources and further reading
Facts on this page were checked against these primary and official sources. Conditions change — confirm before you travel or buy.
- Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park — National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia
