Tomkinson Ranges facts for kids

The Tomkinson Ranges are a group of mountains in the northwest part of South Australia. These ranges have hills made of sandstone and are surrounded by grassy areas with spinifex plants. You can also find many rock holes, which are natural pools of water, in and around the hills.

Exploring the Tomkinson Ranges

The Tomkinson Ranges were named after a person called Samuel Tomkinson (1851–1900). He was a politician, which means he helped make decisions for the government.

Early Explorers and Their Journeys

An explorer named William Gosse gave the mountains their name. He traveled through this area in the early 1870s. Soon after, another explorer, Ernest Giles, and his team arrived. They used the ranges as a base camp. From here, they explored the huge Gibson and Great Victoria Deserts.

People also went on many expeditions to the ranges until the 1930s. They were often prospecting, which means they were looking for valuable minerals like gold.

Home to the Pitjantjatjara People

The Tomkinson Ranges are very important to the Pitjantjatjara people. This area, along with the nearby Mann Ranges, is part of their traditional homeland. Two communities, Kalka and Pipalyatjara, are located right at the base of these mountains.