Why you should visit SA’s drought-affected regions

Help our farming towns by taking a holiday in SA.

By Jeremy Rochow
Published: Friday, November 16, 2018

Some South Australian farming areas are suffering through one of the driest periods in living memory, but there’s an easy way you can help these regions. Words: Jeremy Rochow

With about 15% of the state in the midst of drought – and a dry summer outlook – there’s never been a better reason to take a holiday close to home.

Why, you ask? An influx of tourists can boost a town’s economy as well as increase morale across drought-stricken communities.

We’ve listed a few South Australian regions that need your tourism dollars more than ever right now.

Percentage of SA in drought:

1. Eyre Peninsula

The grain-rich Eyre Peninsula is experiencing one of its driest years on record, but the area still has plenty to offer tourists.

Best known for its aquatic activities and crystal-blue waters, the Eyre Peninsula boasts fantastic fresh seafood and award-winning wines. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, shark diving or swimming with sea lions off the coast of Port Lincoln might be for you.

 

You can swim with sea lions on the Eyre Peninsula.

Don’t just visit the coastal towns while you’re on the western reaches of South Australia either – the Upper Eyre Peninsula has its own charm.

Head inland to Kimba, known as the town ‘halfway across Australia’, and get a snap of the brilliant silo art or giant galah, before enjoying a meal or coffee at Eileen’s Café.

2. Far North

The Far North – from Port Augusta to Broken Hill and north to the Northern Territory border – has a variety of attractions to entice every type of traveller.

If you’re looking for museums, Port Augusta’s Wadlata Outback Centre offers a ‘Tunnel of  Time’ experience. There, you’ll be transported back to when dinosaurs roamed the Flinders Ranges.

Take a quick detour if You’re driving to Broken Hill and visit Peterborough.

Travelling towards Broken Hill? Take a quick detour to the small wheat-farming town of Peterborough.

About 15km off the Barrier Hwy, Peterborough has plenty of attractions worth visiting, including the historical Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre.

No matter what direction you’re heading, try to stop in small towns along the way and grab a coffee or bite to eat – it all counts.

Port Augusta’s Wadlata Outback Centre offers a ‘Tunnel of Time’ will let you explore the Flinders throughout history.

3. Murray Mallee

If you’re driving from Adelaide towards the Riverland, north-west Victoria or New South Wales, take a break in Lameroo or Pinnaroo.

The area is renowned for grain-growing and sheep farming, but still has that exceptional country-style hospitality you come to expect when driving around regional South Australia.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, Pinnaroo’s 112-year-old Golden Grain Hotel sells delicious pub fare 7 days a week.

Originally known as the Land of Promise Hotel, the pub has endured countless droughts, and was even rebuilt in 1913 after being destroyed by fire.

Searching for something a little bit lighter? Both Lameroo and Pinnaroo have traditional country bakeries that serve some of the tastiest pastries you’ll ever eat.

If you’re looking for places to visit in the Mallee, why not check out the Pinnaroo Printing Museum which showcases old typesetting machines and letterpress printing machines.

You’ll also find a plethora of equipment relating to early farming in the Mallee if you visit the Pinnaroo showgrounds.

Want to help our farmers?

RAA can help organise a holiday in SA

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