Worumba Station
5th - 7th Nov '04

We arrived at Orroroo Caravan Park first and as it had been raining on and off all day we decided to rent a cabin for the night. Scott and Deb arrived next and also got a cabin, then Paul and Barb who opted for swags under the verandah. We strolled down for dinner at the hotel at 7pm. Paul said it was too far to walk and drove. After a very nice meal and lots of talking we made our way back and all met for drinks in our cabin.

The next day Dean, Deb, Chelsea and Kayleigh then Tony and Sandra joined us and we travelled up to Worumba Station.

When we arrived the owner Mary Clock-Clarke, who is an artist, invited us in to view her gallery. The colours and textures of the gum trees in her paintings were beautiful. Mary then shot off in her Suzuki with us following to show us the shearing shed and newly renovated shearers quarters. I nearly trod on a large brown snake, which moved off very quickly into some rocks after Dean screamed (Ned Flanders style). Mary showed us some campsites and we chose one by a dry creek bed with lots of gums and billions of burrs. We set up camp and had lunch, then went back to the homestead where we started the 4wd track.

We crossed numerous dry creek beds and as we got higher we had stunning views of the Elder Ranges, Rawnsley Bluff and the walls of Wilpena Pound.

Dean spotted a Tawney Frogmouth which sat still for a few photos before flying away. The drive lasted for about 3 1/2 hours. We made our way back to camp for Happy Hour and to make our tea.

The next day we packed up all our gear but left the tents up. We went to the homestead to meet Mary's husband Lindsay whose turn it was to get in the Suzuki and show us around the property, it was very pretty and also involved some 4 wheel driving. They have had some rain up there and we drove through tree studded paddocks carpeted in small pale blue coloured statice like flowers.

We got back and packed our vehicles and headed for Hammond. Along the way we gave constant radio warnings to each other about sleepy lizards crossing the roads. Paul pointed out a big Wedge-tailed Eagle feeding only a few metres away at the side of the road. At Hammond we took photos of the old buildings and gave Chelsea and Kayleigh a closer look at a sleepy lizard.

We headed onto Melrose for lunch. Paul and Barb were staying there the night so we said our goodbyes and headed off to do our own thing. Thanks everyone for a great weekend and some very entertaining conversation, but in particular to our trip leaders Paul and Barb for a well organised and informative weekend.

On our way up to Orroroo, Andrew and I tried Magnetic Hill, it was very funny and made you think. If ever you get a chance give it a go!

Trippers were:

Paul and Barb
Andrew and Sarah
Scott and Deb
Dean, Deb, Chelsea and Kayleigh
Tony and Sandra

by Andrew and Sarah

Disclaimer : please note