Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park
Kanku-Breakaways
A wilderness of colourful flat-topped mesas about 30 kilometres north of town, where orange, red and white alternate at sunset: Coober Pedy's most beautiful scenery.
The Breakaways are eroded tablelands left behind about 70 million years ago when an inland sea receded. Flat-topped mesas and cliffs stand in layers, and the white, yellow, orange and red rock strata glow especially brilliantly at sunrise and sunset. The 'Salt and Pepper' twin peaks and the 'Pancake Top' mesas are signature landmarks. Films including Mad Max 3 and Stargate were shot here.
The reserve is jointly managed by the local Antakarinya people and the state government. Entry requires a permit, which you can buy at the town's visitor centre or at service stations.
From town, head north on the Stuart Highway and then take a dirt road for about 30 minutes. Standard cars can reach the site. An evening visit is recommended for the sunset. For the return trip, you can make a loop past the Moon Plains and along the dingo fence.
Opening hours
All day (entry permit required)
Nearby sights
- Dog Fence
- Crocodile Harry's Underground Nest
- Moon Plain
- Catacomb Church
- Coober Pedy Drive-In
- Josephine's Kangaroo Sanctuary & Art Gallery
- Umoona Opal Mine & Museum
- The Big Winch Lookout