Nilpena Ediacara National Park
A world-class Ediacaran fossil bed where guided tours let you see some of Earth's earliest complex life fossils, 550 million years old, in their original setting.
The Nilpena fossil site was designated a national park in 2021 and opened to guided tours in 2023. It preserves some of the earliest complex multicellular organisms on Earth, and the 'Ediacaran' geological period is named after the Flinders Ranges. Visitors must join an official guided tour, which includes the Ediacara Fossil Hub and the open-air fossil beds. Book in advance through the national park's website, and meet at the Parachilna Prairie Hotel. The fossil beds offer no shade, so bring sun protection. The site is also central to the Flinders Ranges' bid for World Heritage listing.
Opening hours
Guided tours only; open around March–November
Nearby sights
- Prairie Hotel Parachilna
- Parachilna Gorge
- Blinman & Heritage Mine
- Aroona Ruins & Valley
- Brachina Gorge Geological Trail
- Bunyeroo Valley & Gorge
- Razorback Lookout
- St Mary Peak