Nilpena Station Fossil Research Tour

Nilpena Station | “Early Animal Life Unearthed”.

Visit the National Heritage Listed Fossil Site not accessible to the general public with specialist guides from Dr Mary Droser’s Research Team.

555 million years ago the desert backdrop of the Flinders Ranges was submerged below shallow tropical seas, and ocean floors inhabited by Earth’s first large, complex marine organisms - the Ediacara biota. The Nilpena Fossil site is considered by scientists from all over the globe to be one of the most intact & rich Ediacara fossil sites in the world, representing a significant time period from our geological heritage.

Nilpena, a working cattle station is owned & operated by Ross & Jane Fargher, owners of the Prairie Hotel. The station boasts an amazing diversity of desert landscapes, substantial stone station buildings, valuable relics of early European settlement that have been used in many films including Rabbit Proof Fence. The magnificent stone woolshed boasts an historic slate floor featuring slabs from the 550 million old Ediacaran seafloor.

‘Smoko’ will be offered in the historic stone woolshed before returning through the outback landscape viewing an abundance of wildlife and the magnificence of the changing colours of the panoramic Flinders Ranges.

Return to Parachilna in time to enjoy the Prairie’s signature Feral Food menu in the Prairie Gallery Restaurant , the Pavilion or Front Verandah.

Tours depart Prairie Hotel, Parachilna at 9.00am | Allow approx. 3 hours from Parachilna return.

FAQs

What should I bring on the tour?

- A full water bottle
- Hat
- Camera
- Comfortable footwear
- For winter tours it is advisable to bring a jacket as mornings can be cold

What's the refund policy?

Cancellations made up to the day before the tour will receive a full refund.

If we cancel a tour due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances a full refund will be given or arrangements made for you to join a tour on another day.

How many people on the tour?

The bus takes a maximum of 15 passengers and tours will be run with a minimum of 4 people. If we cancel a tour due to less than 4 people being booked a full refund will be supplied, or other arrangements will be made for you to join a tour on another day.