Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, SA

The indigenous peoples of the Mutuntjarra and Antakirinja traditional groups have lived and hunted on these lands for thousands of years. Today jasper and silcrete stone tools can still be found in the area, of which holds cultural significance as a teaching place for young watis (men). As such the cultural story of the area remains closely guarded yet some aspects are known. The area prior to European settlement was called, Umoona, named after the local mulga tree, that means ‘long life’. The flat-topped mesas and rocky outcrops amongst the landscape represent in indigenous culture animals, that include the Ungkata (breaded dragon lizard) and Kalaya (emu). Tudu (red ochre) used for ceremonial body decoration is sourced in the Kanku, which is located about 30 kilometres north of Coober Pedy. These protected lands were once an inland sea, now home to about 60 native flora species and a variety of birds and wildlife including the fat-tailed dunnart and red kangaroo. The colours in the landscape are breathtaking and incredible to witness in person.

Wati the owner of the two dogs

Two dogs (papa) sitting - one yellow, one white

 “This is significant milestone as it legalises the relationship that the Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara people have had with their land for thousands of years,” Mr Rau said. “It is also a significant step for South Australia being the fifth determination of native title to take place in our State.” source May 2011

Dog Fence

The longest fence in the world, spanning 5,614 kilometres, was originally built in the 1880s to keep rabbits out of the south-eastern region of Australia, however, was updated in 1946 to exclude dingoes, after settlers who had started to use the area for grazing in 1941 experienced many sheep losses.  The fence starts at Nundroo near the Great Australian Bight and extends all the way through South Australia along the New South Wales border into Queensland, ending near Dalby in the Darling Downs. The ‘Dog Fence’ as it is commonly referred runs along the edge of the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, and we were able to drive along it on our way back to Coober Pedy.

Whilst staying at Ceduna we took a trip to see the ‘Dog Fence’ along the Googs Track at Yumbarra Conservation Park.  

The area known as Moon Plain