Evocative, abandoned with the ghosts of activity very evident in the stone ruins of Farina, South Australia.
Farina is a classic example of boom, bust, rust and dust in the arid interior of South Australia. Optimistic farmers thought they would be able to grow wheat in the late 19th century. At its height Farina had over 600 people, a post office, a railway line and two hotels.
FARINA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA – WHAT IS THERE TO LOOK AT IN THE ABANDONED TOWN?
- Seasonally operated bakery
- Ruins of Transcontinental hotel as you enter the town
- Elevated water tank of the former railway
- Desert landscape which begs the question why on earth the farmers felt they had a shot at growing wheat
- Ruined stone houses and buildings
- Excellent signage describing the history of the town
A basic bush camp is maintained by the owners of the Farina cattle station. The town has had no permanent residents since 1967.
Farina Restoration Group was formed in 2008 and their heroic efforts enable visitors to wander through the ruins of the past. The past is not a forgotten territory in Farina.
WHERE IS FARINA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA?
Visiting pink salt infused Lake Eyre then Farina is an evocative stop. Farina is 26 km from Lyndhurst and 55 km from Marree where the Oodnadatta Track and Birdsville Track intersect.
WHAT TO DO NEARBY FARINA
- Farina is on the Oodnadatta track giving visitors a peek at the remote yet beautiful desert landscape.
- Travelling North from the coal mining town of Leigh Creek, Lyndhurst lies about 45Km further on. The Strzelecki track runs off to the right at Lyndhurst, while Farina is straight ahead to the North. The 26 km road to Farina and Marree from Lyndhurst has now been re-laid to bitumen all of the way. (source Farina Restoration Group).
- Visit Marree with its welcoming hut and the oldest mosque in Australia.
- From Port Augusta travel to Marree and on to William Creek. This is a very scenic route, travelling through the spectacular Ikara-Flinders Ranges and past the majestic Wilpena Pound. Roads are sealed until Marree.
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