Things to do

Farina Springs Tour

Farina SpringsNear Farina SpringsFarina historyAfter the RainsWildlifeWide open spacesWild budgerigarsGidgee Skink
Surprise yourself! Drop down into rugged and ancient hills and visit a salt lake with springs so salty, that crystals form around their edge…and yet fish survive in them.

See and appreciate the delicate beauty of outback plants and animals that survive on rainfall less than 25mm in some years. How many native animals you can spot?

View ancient seabed’s with ripples, see the rich colours of ochre. There is an amazing diversity in country over a very small area.

This area is sought out by photographers and film crews. It has been featured in a number of Australian & international 4WD commercials.

Tour bookings can be made via phone or email. Please come to the homestead from  4-7pm to complete paperwork and pick up key and notes.

Farina Historic Town

Farina was once a thriving town that served a huge area, with mail runs reaching as far away as Innamincka and Cordillo Downs.

Thousands of cattle were droved down the Oodnadatta, Birdsville and Strzelecki Tracks to meet the trains, many belonging to the famed Sidney Kidman. Through World War 2 troop trains rushed through northwards taking soldiers through to Alice Springs before they went on to Darwin – all south bound traffic had to give way. The Overland Telegraph passed nearby with a spur line into the post office as it linked Australia to the rest of the world.

Farina was surveyed back in 1878 but there was already a small settlement called Government Gums here. A number of the old stone buildings have survived and are currently being stabilised by supervised groups of volunteers. Perhaps you would like to become involved?

Take a wander around the old town and re-live in your imagination how it once looked. You can walk through old rooms, as well as venture underground into the bakery. Imagine the smell of bread baking! Many of the sites are now named and there is an information shelter with stories and old photos. As you wander you will find foundations for the many other buildings and all sorts of bits and pieces – what were they once?

Walking Trail

1 to 2 hours of easy walking along a marked trail from the camp ground. The walk takes you a long an outback creek habitat to the old railway Red Bridge. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, whilst spotting the wildlife. Look for birds as well as kangaroos, lizards and a wide variety of native plants.

Bird Watching

More than 90 species of birds have been identified around Farina and a list is posted here on the website as well as in the camp ground on the shower block. See how many you can identify or perhaps you can add to our list? Some are not commonly seen!

Photography

Make sure you bring your camera as the area is a photographer’s paradise – the skies when the sun setting and rising or shining on the old stone buildings is stunning. Patience will reward with photos of wildlife and capture the unique scenery on the Farina Springs Tour.