Magnetic Hill, South Australia: Where Cars Roll Uphill! Here’s Why
Magnetic Hill is one of those spots in the outback that makes you question if the laws of physics even apply anymore.
The sign details a strange phenomenon where gravity reverses… or so it seems! They claim it only works with steel cars, not with plastic or aluminium cars.
It clearly pushes for a place in the paranormal pantheon… But it also raises a few questions.
Which way would a hip-replacement recipient roll?
And, most importantly – what WAS our car really made of?
Table of Contents
Rolling uphill – are you ready?
Putting aside the real possibility of being beamed into another dimension, we followed the instructions carefully:
Turn off the ignition
Select neutral
Brakes off
And low and behold… the car started rolling uphill! What was going on?
The Mystery of Magnetic Hill solved
No, it’s not the giant magnet sign reversing gravity. Leave your sci-fi theories at home, because what’s really going on is all in your head!
The way the hills surround you at Magnetic Hill means you can’t see the horizon. Without that clear line, your brain gets tricked into thinking it’s an uphill slope, when it really isn’t – it’s all one big optical illusion.
So, while your eyes are telling you you’re rolling uphill, you’re actually going downhill!
And as for the “it only works on steel vehicles” thing – cars are not made of plastic or aluminium (at least not according to a quick Google search). But if you’re going, bring a Hot Wheels to test that theory just in case.
How to get to Magnetic Hill, SA
Magnetic Hill is on Orroroo, about 7 kilometres from Black Rock. It’s a 3-hour drive north east from Adelaide. You can check it out on your way to Flinders Ranges!
It’s a bit of a dirt track drive, but it’s all part of the experience. Once you spot the big magnet sign, you’ll know you’ve made it.
Top Tips
Download a spirit-level app on your phone before going, it’s the best way to see the actual incline and prove to yourself it’s an optical illusion!
The road is unsealed but well-kept, just make sure your car can handle it.
The best time to visit is during daylight. Trying to spot the illusion in the dark is a waste, and honestly, it’s a bit creepy out there after sunset.
Did you know?
The story goes that this spot was discovered a few decades ago, when a local farmer was herding sheep in his car.
He put the vehicle on neutral to follow the sheep, but it started rolling “uphill” – imagine his bewilderment!
This is not the only “magnetic hill” in Australia, though! There are several:
Bowen Mountain, in New South Wales
Holmes Road in Forrestfield, Western Australia
Moonbi Lookout, near Tamworth, New South Wales
Straws Lane, near Hanging Rock, Victoria
Spook Hill, in Brisbane, Queensland
FAQs
What is the magnetic hill effect?
The Magnetic Hill effect is an optical illusion where your car seems to roll uphill when it’s actually going downhill. This happens in areas where you can’t see the horizon, which tricks your eyes into thinking that it’s a downhill slope when it isn’t!
The bottom line
The Magnetic Hill in SA is one of those spots you’ve just got to see to believe.
The way your car “rolls” uphill against all logic is a quirky little secret that South Australia hides so well.
Just remember to bring your sense of adventure, keep an eye out for that big magnet sign, and enjoy the illusion!
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