Day 18 - Wonoka Station

Time to do the other 4WD track on Wonoka to The Bluff which overlooks this section of the Station.

On the way had a look at the ruins of the original homestead & a grave of Douglas Bruce who died in1873 when his horse fell.

Then up Wonoka Bluff to the towers.

No - Wouldn’t let Faye climb! Then down a little way to the other tower where we could see over our camp site…

Then a little way north to the Moralana Scenic Drive…

Had morning tea along the way. And then across to the Flinders Ranges Way and back to Hawker.

Had a lovely lunch at the General Store in Hawker and then back to Wonoka by 2.30.

Leaving here tomorrow & will the be at Beltana for 3 nights.

Day 17 - Wonoka Station

A very quiet night - Ken was up walking for sunrise (a very unusual event)…

Some photos of Wonoka Creek…

After breakfast the owner brought a mud map of 4WD’s tracks that we could drive. Had to pay $60 to drive 3 tracks. We did 2 today.

The first was to Mayo Gorge - very rough in many places but we did arrive - about an hour to go 12kms.

However, the drive was worth it - this is Mayo Gorge…

Of course Faye found some rocks (and a bigger one not in the photo).

Then back on the same track back to the homestead.

The next stop was to Mayo Hut which is a hut for walkers doing the Heysen Trail. At least it was an easier drive.

It was fairly windy today so the hut was a welcome place for drinks & lunch.

Then back to camp for a rest.

We both had a sleep this afternoon. Not a good sunset today - too much cloud cover.

Still here tomorrow.

Day 16 - Wonoka Station

A sad start to the day to learn that my cousin Rose Watson passed away early this morning. She lived at Speers Point.

Before we left Quorn had morning tea at Scruffy Fellow…

Then onto Hawker - went back into the Kanyaka Woolshed as yesterday Faye didn’t do the walk to the ruins but needed to do it as sheep are still in her blood!

Of course she found some stones to bring home…

Then onto Hawker to spend some time at the Jeff Morgan Gallery. We watched a video last night of his testimony as both he & his wife are Christians and have a wonderful story of how God has blessed them in his painting. We did have the opportunity to meet him. His paintings are famous & sold world wide. He also has 3 giant panoramas - the latest of a woolshed. Also has lots of other items on display. These are a small sample of his paintings etc.

Then onto Wonoka Station for the next 3 nights.

We have a lovely spot next to a picturesque creek.

Day 15 - Quorn

A good nights sleep & today did an 100km loop drive…

First up was Warren Gorge…went through the gorge & did a walk for 1km or so…

Then back to the gorge for morning tea.

Next up was the Buckaringa Scenic Drive to a lookout…

Next stop was the site of a town that was planned but didn’t eventuate due to the Govt changing the planned route of the Northern Rail Line. Many towns were established to service the new rail to Alice Springs.

The 2 buildings started to be built was the general store & a hotel. However, due to the route change they were never finished.

Next stop was at Death Rock & the Kanyaka Waterhole which is spring fed so water is permanent.

The disused northern rail line passed nearby. After Quorn the line was all removed. Photos 4 & 6 are of Death Rock.

The Kanyaka Homestead ruins were a couple of kms further down the road.

;

The old photo was taken in1862. The old woolshed was a km away…

All built with local stone. In 1864 40,000 sheep were shorn. The woolshed had provision for 24 shearers.

Then back to Quorn. Some other views over the day.

We have discovered that Quorn has a long & extensive rail history. We knew that the original Ghan line to NT went through here but also all east west trains to WA also went through here in the early days. In WW2 400,000 troops passed through here on trains & were fed here with the help of the CWA. The Army had built a special shed for that purpose. There were over 50 trains a day through Quorn.

Leaving here tomorrow & will spend the next 3 days on Wonoka Station north of Hawker. It is a wool growing property so Faye should feel at home.

Day 14 - Quorn

We planned our trip to the Flinders around today as it was the only time this month the Pichi Richi historic steam train ran.

Last night we watched the Silo Light Show…

And the train trip to Woolshed Flat where we spent an hour having morning tea and then back to Quorn. The train was booked out today - 263 people.

The driver invited Ken onto the engine at Woolshed Flat. Think he always wanted to be a train driver!.

The views along the way were great and also the scones/jam/cream…

We really did enjoy the trip. Doesn’t run very often now as they are struggling with getting volunteers. Most come from Adelaide.

Back at Quorn had late lunch at the Quandong Cafe - then a quick look around town.

Tomorrow doing a loop drive so will still be here tomorrow night.

Day 13 - Quorn

We have arrived in the Flinders Ranges - the main destination of this holiday!

The weather has vastly improved today - the bad weather went to Victoria.

Faye was active with the camera before we left Murray Town…

Then travelled 13kms to Melrose for morning tea…

Then onto Quorn where we are staying 3 nights.

The tree is right next to our caravan. Done the first clothes washing since we left home.

Having an early tea & then going to see the light show on the Quorn silos. Tomorrow we do the Pichi Richi rail trip. It is on part of the original central australian rail before it was diverted for modern trains.

Day 12 - Murray Town

Well the BOM forecast was right! Today has been VERY COLD, VERY WINDY & some rain thrown in.

We decided this morning to head towards Quorn slowly. But first went into Burra for morning tea & other stuff - picked the van up then & left around 11.30. Travel was slower than usual due to the wind - the van was being buffeted in the wind gusts.

The cow was in the Burra cafe. As you can see there are wind turbines everywhere in SA.

Had lunch at the bakery at Stone Hut - got there just before they closed.

In Wirrabara more painted silos.

At Murray Town (just a small town) came across a community campground with power for $20 so as it was raining pulled in. We are the only ones here.

Tomorrow to Quorn for 3 nights. Doing the Pichi Richi rail trip on Sunday.

Day 11 - Burra

A very windy night last night & continued today - with an icy winter blast…

Today we just had a look around town & had morning tea at a cute cafe.

Photo 3 is the Old Goal & 4 the ruins of an old miners settlement. Lots of houses - all connected from the early days.

Just followed the tourist trail…

1st photo is old miners dugouts.

Windows in St Mary’s Catholic church. And the old mine.

Next stop was the railway station which has been restored. 40 years since trains ran.

Did a quick trip to nearby Farrell Flat to have a look at it’s painted silos…

Then back to the warm van for a late lunch of pancakes, and a rest afternoon.

Not sure where we will be tomorrow night, possibly around Melrose. But - the weather forecast is terrible so may even stay here if the winds that are forecast eventuate.

We are booked into Quorn from Saturday & have now had to book ahead in the Flinders as we discovered it is getting booked out. Already missed out on one Station stay & the main camp near wilpena pound is only available for 2 nights.