The next part of the journey along the Barrier Highway, from Peterborough to Broken Hill, was a time consuming one as there were many stops. Thankfully we were travelling a relatively short distance, about 282 km. The highway is dotted with tiny towns, often no more than 50 to 60 km apart.
it was a fascinating journey, as we were also following the new Sydney to Perth railway line. We could also see some of the remnants of the old railway line to Broken Hill.
Normally we would have driven quickly through this section, as most people do, in our need to get to a place many more kilometres away. Australia is a vast country.
Other than the towns there are wide open spaces, sandy creek beds, and a barren landscape covered with salt and blue bush. Plus hundreds of wild goats, a few emus, and sadly many dead kangaroos on the side of the road.
These must have been desolate towns, and the people who lived there would have appreciated the trains that came through. They would have brought mail, newspapers, essential supplies and offered an opportunity to travel to regional centres such as Peterborough and Broken Hill.
But first a few early morning photographs taken in Peterborough, taken during my early morning walk with Piper.
The sunrise was quite spectacular, and there were people sitting on chairs, in 4 degree temperatures, waiting to see the sun rise over the hills.
The reflections on the pond were also quite stunning. Piper had to stay on the lead at this point of the walk, due to the large number of water birds there. She would have loved to have chased them, even into the water.
The first stop on the highway was Yunta, which is reasonably large, with two service stations, a hotel and a school.
Yunta township was established after the discovery of gold in 1886. Apparently 5000 miners passed through the township during this time. In the early 1890s Yunta became a busy railway town.
Freight carriages that are no longer in use.
I managed to photograph the end of a freight train on the new line.
The railway station has long gone, but there is a large car park there. The view along the edge of the railway line.
The hotel in Yunta, which seems to be doing well.
A view of the Barrier Ranges, I think. If you were to head north on one of the side roads you would end up in the northern Flinders. That is if one fancies driving on corrugated roads with no settlements. We saw a signpost at one point that stated Arkaroola (northern Flinders Ranges) was 300 km away.
The next stop was Manna Hill, with its impressive railway station still standing. The new railway line is in front of it, but of course trains no longer stop here. And there is a fence to stop people from being hit by a fast train in their attempt to cross the line for a look at the station.
The Manna Hill Hotel, constructed in 1889, which has been restored and now houses a small museum. There is also a small park next door for people to stay overnight in their caravans. The museum was closed when we were there.
At least the Manna Hill sign is still intact.
Now I wonder what was once behind the elaborate posts and wrought iron gates left standing on their own at Manna Hill.
The next stop was Olary, with its hotel, which looked as if it could open at times. I could not find much information about this town.
The important water tank for filling the steam engines was still standing there.
Plus many houses, mostly unoccupied, and falling into disrepair. However there was a fairly new community hall.
I loved this house, which was once painted a vibrant blue and green. It looked very sad. However I don't think I will make an offer and renovate it. I cannot imagine living in this isolated place. Perhaps someone will save it.
There are emus in this photograph, if you can find them. I stopped the car so they could cross the road safely. Thank goodness there were no trucks behind me, travelling at 110 kmh.
Our final stop was Cockburn (pronounced Coburn). The local hotel has used the phonetic spelling and is called Coburn Hotel. Cockburn is the last town in South Australia on the Barrier Highway and is just before the New South Wales border. The Cockburn Progress Association now runs the Coburn Hotel that also offers accommodation.
Cockburn was established in 1886 and was part of the railway link between Broken Hill and Adelaide.
We were going to stay for the night here, and perhaps eat dinner at the Coburn Hotel. Walter even paid $25 for a site, but when we looked at the camping ground we decided against it. The area was deserted, the hotel had a menu that consisted of frozen food that would be deep fried, and to be honest we were quite spooked by the place. The sort of place where you could be murdered in your bed! Our imaginations ran a bit wild at this point, compounded by a story I read of a local, with a shotgun, chasing people down the main street of Cockburn.
So I took a few photos and then we drove off quickly.
The view towards a hall, toilets and shower block.
The view south. There were lights and each site had power but ........
The main street of Cockburn with the hotel in the background.
Walter rang a campsite in Broken Hill and we managed to get the last site, beside the toilet dump point. But we were happy, although we had to pay another $55. Quite an expensive night for people in a caravan, total of $80 when you count the $25 we spent for the site in Cockburn.
So we spent the night surrounded by a caravans, and noise, with a dump point beside us. And no grass for Piper to pee on.
But at least there were no people running around with shot guns. However, I think that the incident might have been a Cockburn in another state or even country. But still you never know!
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