We got up early this morning to get some pictures of sunrise
over the Flinders Ranges. Note, sunrise is around 7.30 am out here.
After breakfast we left the Ranges via the Brachina Gorge
which was a spectacular drive right through the gorge, amazing!
Once back at the highway we headed to Leigh Creek. First we passed
through Parachilna which wasn’t more than 4 buildings. Out here you are really
in the middle of nowhere. There aren’t many people who live here and it all
feels very, very remote.
Up next we took the detour via Beltana. First we past an old
Afghan well. In the early days there was a thriving community of Afghan (actually
many were Indian) camel breeders out here. The well was very much intact and
still had heaps of water in it.
Just a bit further was the Beltana Homestead; a working
cattle farm that also functions as a campsite, a museum and a restaurant. It
was a great experience to stop here. First we had a look at the museum, and
then we watched the alpaca’s being fed.
Afterwards we had coffee with scones. It was very tempting to stay here
for the night (they even had a little swimming pool!) but it was still that
early in the day that we decided to move on.
The historic town of Beltana was just down the road and we
had a look at the old buildings and relics from the past.
Via a dirt road we eventually made it back to the highway
and 15 minutes later we were in Leigh Creek. We didn’t have many expectations
but we were so relieved to find an actual supermarket in this tiny coal mine
town!!! As we were about to start the Oodnadatta track (one of Australia’s
greatest outback tracks) it was a welcome stop to stock up on food and drinks!
As this was the last place where we would have internet
access for the coming days, we decided to update our travel blog and get in touch with our family
before continuing our trip.
When we drove out of Leigh Creek we saw a glimpse of the
enormous coal mine in the distance. You cannot believe how big this open cut
mine is! Unfortunately we weren't allowed to see it up close.
In the little town of Lyndhurst we drove to ‘Talc Alf's Art Gallery' to have a look at the talc statues of this famous outback artist. Alf’s
art gallery was, let’s say’ a very interesting studio. Unfortunately Alf wasn't
home, although that might be our luck as Alf Is well known for talking just a
little bit too much if he can get his hands on innocent tourists…
Our final stop that day was Farina campgrounds which turned
out to be a little gem in the outback, a beautiful campspot in the middle of
nowhere. It’s a little green oasis with heaps of bird life.
In the evening we walked to the Farina Ruins to take
beautiful photos and to soak in the history of yesteryear’s life.
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