In the undulating hills of the lower Flinders Ranges in South Australia, a signposted road leads to what is locally known as ‘Magnetic Hill’ where you can experience your vehicle seeming to roll uphill!

Admittedly, such a vision might well be hard to imagine, but here on a rural hillside near Peterborough you just won’t believe your eyes. But, as they say, seeing is believing — or is it? — and it even happens with a caravan hitched up.

No-one is quite sure how the magnetic powers of this hillside, or other forces at play here, were first discovered, but today there is a sign on the side of the road inviting travellers to stop, turn off your ignition, put your gear lever into neutral and take the brakes off. As you quietly sit in your vehicle, it will begin to roll up the hill! Well, in reality it is not quite a hill, but more of a gentle uphill slope — or at least that’s what it looks like.

The information sign and warning to anyone with joint replacements

Perhaps it has something to do with a giant magnet which has been erected inside a farmer’s fence 50m or so from the sign, or is it just some quirk of nature, or maybe simply an optical illusion? In any case, make sure you are stone cold sober when you visit so you can at least eliminate that as a possible explanation for what you see happening.

Whatever the truth may be, it is truly a fascinating experience. One word of warning, however, is to watch out for other traffic using the road, because while you are engrossed by what’s going on around you, your vehicle rolling under its own steam is building up speed to quite a fast walking pace. If you don’t quite believe, this somewhat eerie experience first time round try it again and you’ll find exactly the same thing will happen again!

Colin and Mitsy at Magnetic Hill

With your hand brake firmly engaged, get out, look at your vehicle and the slope of the road to  see if you can find an explanation. Perhaps it might all become clearer after a few happy hour drinks at the end of the day.

By the way, there is also a sign at the site warning visitors who might have hip or knee replacements to ‘Hold On’ — magnetic forces indeed. This is just something you have to experience for yourself.

The giant magnet

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

• It is important to remember, that with your engine switched off you may have limited brakes and steering.

• The turn off to Magnetic Hill is 12km south of Orroroo and 25km north-west of Peterborough at the small settlement of Black Rock. From here follow the Magnetic Hill signs approximately 11km towards Pekina. Look for the ‘Stop’ sign beside the road. Magnetic Hill is also signposted from the Pekina end of the road. This is a gravel road suitable to all vehicles.

• Magnetic Hill was formerly known as Bruff’s Hill, a name which originated from a 35-year-old James Bruff of Willunga who settled in Black Rock Plain in 1897.

• In truth, Magnetic Hill is all an optical illusion — but don’t tell anyone and spoil all the fun!!

• More info: Phone the District Council of Orroroo Carrieton on (08) 8658 1260, email council@orroroo.sa.gov.au or go to orroroo.sa.gov.au.

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Written: Sun 01 Nov 2020
Printed: November, 2020
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