A South Australian ‘ghost town’ is once again flickering into life as the annual pilgrimage of grey nomads and other experience-hungry volunteers clicks into top gear.
The restoration work being carried out at Farina on the Oodnadatta Track is yet again giving scores of travellers the chance to truly ‘give something back’, and to enjoy one of those unique and unforgettable Big Lap experiences.
This year, around 160 volunteers are expected to make the pilgrimage to the once bustling town that, in its heyday, had hundreds of residents and boasted shops, pubs, a hospital, a school … and a bakery.
However, years of drought and dust storms, the closing of the gold and silver mines nearby in 1927 and re-alignment of the Ghan railway line forced the eventual abandonment of the town … until now..
A restoration group was formed in 2008 and, during the winter months, grey nomads and other helpers now arrive to enjoy free camping and amazing camaraderie as they work to give other visitors a reminder of the once forgotten town’s glory days.
Until July 23, the old bakery will even be producing delicious pies and bread to astound casual visitors, and to raise funds for the restoration.
“It’s an 1870 bakery, and volunteers say: ‘I want to work on that’,” organiser Tom Harding told the ABC. “It’s fascinating for people to get a high-top loaf of bread halfway up the Oodnadatta Track and follow it up with a Ned Kelly pie … you could have some cream finger buns, or family pasties to take home.”
Mr Harding said people were happy to volunteer for the hard work of restoring buildings, as well as an old rail bridge and putting walking trails and signage around Farina.
“We can’t stop, otherwise all that we’ve put into the buildings will just be covered by grass and saltbush and the history will disappear again,” he said. “They can see the collective outcome and they feel part of it.”
Volunteers have restored the unique underground bakery which is used at fundraising events; restored the cemetery, and built a commemorative cairn for the Farina men that were lost during WWI and II.
There is a free bush camping ground with wood fired hot showers and flushing septic toilets for self-contained volunteers. Happy Hour kicks into gear at 5pm every day, and a Camp Roast Night is held one day a week.
Farina Station also operates another bush camp ground along a sheltered creek line next to the town site for travellers simply passing along the Oodnadatta Track.
Farina is 60 kilometres north of Leigh Creek and 55 kilometres south of Marree. Access is by sealed road to Lyndhurst then clay/gravel surface, which is accessible to all vehicles in dry weather.
It is a great place and the restoration is a great project. We have joined the group and are planning to attend next years volunteer working program.
what a great idea. when we travelled through SA saw numerous old buildings that were just falling apart, and thought what a shame it was too lose all that history’
The bush camping ground does have a fee, payable at the gate. Small price to pay for a lovely place to stay.
Hi , i would be interested in helping. I am a pretty handy DIY girl. When is the work done and how do I get involved.
Stretch
I don’t have “tradies” skills but I can push a barrow, stack bricks, stones, mix concrete/cement, handle a paint brush, a shovel, a pick/mattock. When does this occur??