Intrigued by the name on a recent trip to the South East (Limestone Coast), we couldn’t help but divert 14 km south of Keith to check out Mount Monster Conservation Park. Turns out it’s claim to fame is not really that monstrous at all, but is home to an unusual geological feature, that seems quite out of place, a big granite outcrop that can’t be found any where else in SA.
A short hike (more of a rock scramble – achievable with kids) to the summit rewarded us with uninterrupted views over the area and would make for a pretty cool sunset spot.
For the inquisitive (not my kids on this occasion), an interpretive self-guided walk around the base of the granite outcrop will reveal some of the secrets of Mount Monster.
We saw some pretty fascinating wildflowers, bird life and kangaroos in the distance. It is apparently not uncommon to come across wallabies, echidna, woodland birds, and reptiles. Our highlight was skimming rocks in an old water filled quarry.
A great spot for a picnic and we highly recommend a meal or refreshment break at the Willalooka Tavern near by. (We knocked back a dozen oysters and some wood oven pizza – and it surely is an unexpected country pub, kinda in the middle of no where with character)
Please keep younger kids safe. Surfaces can be slippery and uneven with some steep faces.
Access the hike from Mt Monster Road off Riddock Highway, 14km south of Keith.
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