Attraction
Flinders Ranges and Outback
Magnetic Hill
Flinders Ranges and Outback
Free
Attraction
The kids will love this one. Magnetic Hill is a quirky and well-known attraction near Orroroo where vehicles appear to roll uphill—something that really needs to be experienced to be believed.
Located along Pekina-Blackrock Road, about 3 km past Pekina and 7 km from Black Rock, it's a highlight of the 44 km Orroroo–Pekina–Magnetic Hill–Black Rock self-drive loop.
Here's how to try it:
Turn off your engine
Shift into neutral
Release the brakes and enjoy the ride
Despite the mystery, the explanation is simple—an optical illusion. Because the horizon is obscured by surrounding hills, your perception of slope is distorted, making a gentle downhill appear like an uphill climb.
The site has sparked plenty of stories over the years. One local tale recalls a farmer in the late 1960s who put his ute in neutral expecting to roll downhill with his sheep—only to drift the opposite way. Even a road grader operator was once fooled, accidentally shaping drainage in the wrong direction.
A large "magnet" symbol nearby adds to the fun, though it was installed purely for amusement.
Magnetic Hill is a light-hearted, mind-bending stop that continues to surprise and delight visitors of all ages.
Located along Pekina-Blackrock Road, about 3 km past Pekina and 7 km from Black Rock, it's a highlight of the 44 km Orroroo–Pekina–Magnetic Hill–Black Rock self-drive loop.
Here's how to try it:
Turn off your engine
Shift into neutral
Release the brakes and enjoy the ride
Despite the mystery, the explanation is simple—an optical illusion. Because the horizon is obscured by surrounding hills, your perception of slope is distorted, making a gentle downhill appear like an uphill climb.
The site has sparked plenty of stories over the years. One local tale recalls a farmer in the late 1960s who put his ute in neutral expecting to roll downhill with his sheep—only to drift the opposite way. Even a road grader operator was once fooled, accidentally shaping drainage in the wrong direction.
A large "magnet" symbol nearby adds to the fun, though it was installed purely for amusement.
Magnetic Hill is a light-hearted, mind-bending stop that continues to surprise and delight visitors of all ages.
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