Population 246 (2011 census) Postcode(s) 5434 Postal code 5434 | Established 1880 Elevation 315 m (1,033 ft) Local time Saturday 7:03 PM | |
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Location 365 km (227 mi) N of Adelaide LGA(s) Flinders Ranges Council Weather 31°C, Wind E at 13 km/h, 11% Humidity Points of interest Wilpena Pound, Jeff Morgan Gallery, Yourambulla Caves, Camel Treks Australia | ||
Hawker is a town in the Flinders Ranges area of South Australia, 365 kilometres (227 mi) north of Adelaide. It is in the Flinders Ranges Council, the state Electoral district of Stuart and the federal Division of Grey. At the 2006 census, Hawker had a population of 229.
Contents
Map of Hawker SA 5434, Australia
History
Hawker was a thriving railway town from the 1880s until 1956 as it was on the famous Ghan railway line, until the route was moved further west when the line was upgraded.
Heritage listings
Hawker has a number of heritage-listed sites, including:
Economy
The main economic activities in the area are tourism and pastoral runs of sheep and increasingly cattle. Due to the arid environment, the stocking rates are low, at about one sheep per three to four hectares. Hawker is 55 kilometres (34 mi) south of Wilpena Pound, a unique natural dish-shaped range of hills popular with tourists, as well as the spectacular scenery of the Flinders Ranges.
Tourism
Hawker Racing Club holds a once a year Thoroughbred horse racing meeting which includes the Hawker Cup in late May which attracts many people from around the area.
Climate
Hawker has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cool winters. Rainfall is very sparse throughout the year, but more reliable in the winter months.