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Our Trip Continues
This is part two of our trip through some country towns of South Australia. We left our overnight spot at the back of the Farrell Flat hotel and headed into Burra where we parked next the river and had breakfast on a nice table and chairs in a park. Bacon and eggs with coffee a great way to start the day
Burra
Burra was a copper mining town and there are many sites to explore the towns past. In the morning we first went to the tourist information office where we were given a map of Burra and the surrounding district. Then it was off to get a bit of culture at the town art gallery followed by coffee and cake at a very nice cafe. At the cafe we looked at our information given to us at the Tourist Office and decided to head north before coming back to Burra to explore more of the sights.
Our Drive North of Burra
As the forcast was to be for hot weather we decided to go for a drive in the morning and explore Burra later. The first place we visited was the “Midnight Oil House”. The place has that name as it was on the cover of the Midnight Oil album cover of Diesel and Dust. It is supposed to be the most photographed abandoned building in Australia. It is located about 10 kilometres north of Burra. I think our photo turned out quiet well. [For those who don’t know who Midnight Oil are they are a rock band who came to prominence in the 80’s]
We continued north to the town of Hallett the road was quiet and interesting with old abandoned buildings , windmills and wagons etc.
Scenic Drive to Mt Bryant
We saw the sign “Scenic Drive” and we said why not. We had plenty of time and no destination in mind so we left the bitumen and drove on a dirt road to who know where! The drive took us to Dares Hill Summit with views across the dry valley.
We continued on passing abandoned houses and coming to the Mt Bryant Church and school. We stopped to have a better look at the school and found that the back door was open. Inside was a kitchen and sleeping areas along with a lounge area. The place has been converted to an overnight accommodation place for hikers who walk the Heysen Trail.
Further along the road we stopped where the road and the Heysen Trail converged and went for a walk to explore and stretch our legs. Our walk took us along a dry creek bed where you could see signs of when water must have raged through. Trees were brought down by the erosion caused by the water flow.
Back to Burra
After our scenic drive it was back onto the bitumen and time to explore some of the sights of Burra. After a very late lunch at another of Burra’s bakery we drove around Burra to it’s many historic and interesting places.
It was now late in the afternoon and time to check out the swimming pool at Burra. For a $2 entry fee we cooled off and took advantage of their showers. That night we stayed at the Bon Accord Hotel which allows campers to stay there if they purchase a meal. The meal was above average for a pub meal and we had a quiet stay next to the old stables which are being renovated into a living quarters.
In the morning we set off back home having enjoyed our small tour of South Australia. In April we are going further afield to the Flinders Ranges, we will keep you posted , cheers until next trip.
J+E
Enjoyed your blog as usual. A wonderful series of photos of country South Aus. It does look hot and dry out there, makes you wonder how our forefathers etched a living in such a harsh environment.
Did mean to comment on how good the new format looks, well done.