Prairie Hotel Nilpena Tours

Nilpena Ediacara National Park boasts one of the most significant fossil sites in the world.


Experience the earliest evidence of complex, multicellular life on earth, with Nilpena Station pastoralist Ross Fargher, who discovered the Nilpena fossils in 1986.
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 two thirds of their pastoral lease to National Parks, ensuring custodianship and protection of the area in perpetuity.

Your tour includes Accredited Guide & Vehicle Live Commentary Nilpena Visitor Precinct Tour Aboriginal connection and European pastoral settlement on Nilpena Audio-visual experience in the renovated Blacksmith Shop which brings the relocated ARB fossil bed to life, demonstrating how the Ediacaran creatures evolved, moved, lived and reproduced Visit to the 20 stand, stone Nilpena Depot Woolshed, where the fossil discovery started Nilpena’s on-going connection to the Film and Television Industry Access and tour of internationally significant Nilpena Fossil Fields


Tour commences from the Entrance Gate to Nilpena Station & the Nilpena Ediacara National Park

Turn off the Outback Highway 25kms north of Parachilna.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your confirmed tour departure time.
For your comfort we recommend sensible walking shoes, water, sunhat, camera, a windproof jacket.
Public access to Nilpena Station and the Nilpena Ediacara National Park is ONLY in the company of an accredited Tour Guide. Private vehicles are not permitted.

Following your visit with Nilpena Ediacara Tours, consider a visit to the Prairie Hotel for an Ediacara inspired beverage and perhaps a Signature Prairie dining experience.