(Yarnpana, meaning Purple Ochre)
Yarnpana / Dead Man’s Pass extends along the South Para River from the north-western edge of the ford that links Murray Street to Gawler South. It then extends upstream, parallel to Gawler Terrace, for about two kilometres. It ends near the first major left-hand bend of the river, closest to where Gawler Terrace meets One Tree Hill Road.
This area was a north-south trade route for Aboriginal people. During the Kaurna Cultural Mapping process, Kaurna Elders shared information of the purple ochre found in this area, highlighting that not only was it once traded, but it is still used today.
Tapa Pariara (the Gawler River Path) runs through this reserve and is utilised frequently by the local community and visitors alike. The area is also a haven for many native plants, birds, and animals.
To hear the pronunciation of Yarnpana click here
It is important to note that the Gawler branded signage displaying the Gawler logo and date est. 1839, is in reference to the establishment of the Town of Gawler itself. We acknowledge that the Adelaide Plains region, including the land that is now known as the Town of Gawler, has been occupied by the Kaurna people for many thousands of years.