Nes­tled on the west­ern fringes of the Flinders Ranges, this park spans over 60,617 hectares of land­scapes. Here, you’ll find your­self stand­ing on the grounds of the for­mer Nilpe­na Pas­toral Sta­tion, which bor­ders Lake Tor­rens Nation­al Park.

Embark on a mes­meris­ing jour­ney into the past at Nilpe­na Edi­acara Nation­al Park, a liv­ing chron­i­cle of Earth­’s ear­li­est com­plex ani­mal life. This park offers an unpar­al­leled glimpse into the ori­gins of life itself, mak­ing it a must-vis­it for any his­to­ry, nature, or sci­ence enthusiast.

The most intact and significant Ediacara fossil beds in the world, they are crucial to understanding the evolution of animal life on earth.  As subject of Sir David Attenborough’s ‘Life on Earth’, with funding by NASA to ongoing research, and being the cornerstone of the SA Government’s 2018 nomination of The Flinders Ranges for World Heritage Listing, it is evident the significance of the Nilpena Ediacara Fossil Fields is extraordinary!

Discover a new perspective through which to view the world. 555 million years ago the Flinders Ranges were a shallow tropical sea closer to the equator. With photosynthesis and rise of oxygen levels, animal life exploded. Evidence of these soft bodied creatures was first discovered in the Ediacara Hills, north of Nilpena, and officially recognised and recorded as the Ediacara Biota in 2004.

It is testament to Ross and Jane Fargher that respectful research has been encouraged, and in surrendering their pastoral lease to National Parks, ensuring custodianship and protection of the area in perpetuity.

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All guided tours at Nilpena Ediacara National Park are operated by National Parks and Wildlife Service SA. Please book directly with NPWS for the most up-to-date tour options, times and availability.